15 Peaceful Waterfront Bike Paths
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Biking has become my favorite weekend pastime. It’s a great way to get out of the house, enjoy a leisurely workout, and take in some fresh air, all while having a great time. Unlike more vigorous workouts like running & tennis, biking can be considered a more laid-back alternative, especially if you pick a flatter trail. Add in great scenery, and it’s easy to look forward to biking as a fun weekend activity rather than a grueling, boring workout. A low-key bike ride is one of my favorite things to do on any vacation.
Although you may not feel like you are working hard, biking is still one of the best cardio activities around. Plus, it’s always better to do something active rather than sit in the house watching TV all weekend! Soak in that vitamin D, enjoy the beautiful scenery, and get in a healthy workout on one of these scenic waterfront bike paths featured in my guide.
1. The Strand Bike Path
- Location: South Bay L.A. beaches (Torrance to Pacific Palisades)
- Where to start: Torrance Beach (387 Paseo de la Playa). Parking lots and side street available.
- Highlight: Amazing coastal views throughout
This beachfront path is so L.A.! It’s the iconic place locals and tourists have been using since the late 80’s to soak up some California sunshine, whether by way of biking, walking, jogging, or rollerskating. You have probably seen this path featured in dozens of movies and TV shows. The route is a lengthy 22 miles each way, however, it feels like a breeze as you pass by the South Bay’s most renowned beach towns.
From volleyball games, to iconic Muscle Beach where Arnold Schwarzenegger once trained, to the famous roller coaster at the Santa Monica pier, you will get to enjoy a L.A.’s most recognizable sights along the way. In a city with so much traffic, this bike path serves as a less congested means of transportation in between beach cities! Start your ride in Torrance, taking in the quiet beauty of this underappreciated beach. Proceed to ride alongside the waves until your journey culminates at Will Rogers, the beach which made Baywatch famous.
2. Indian Bend Greenbelt
- Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
- Where to start: Eldorado Park (2311 N Miller Rd)
- Highlight: Beautiful greenery & lake views in the middle of the desert
Water in Arizona? Much to many non resident’s surprise, there are several large lakes in Southern Arizona, plus numerous man-made ponds. The Scottsdale Greenbelt is the premier place to workout in the Phoenix region. Not only do you get to take in wonderful views of several lakes, but you also get to enjoy so much beautiful greenery, a rarity in the desert.
The trail passes by many golf courses, parks, and lakes. It’s so beautiful – for a while you will forget that you are in a dry desert with all the greenery surrounding you. The entire Phoenix area does such a magnificent job with the landscaping, and really this trail highlights the gorgeous plant life in the area. This trail is 11 miles in total and pretty easy in intensity due to the mostly flat nature.
More info on the Scottsdale Greenbelt
3. East Bay bike path
- Location: Providence, Rhode Island
- Where to start: Independence park (419-459 Thames St in Bristol)
- Highlight: Lined with water on both sides
One of the most scenic New England trails is the 14.5 mile long East Bay bike path in the Providence metro region. Although there is not much hype surrounding this trail, it’s a must-do for anyone who loves fitness and pretty nature scenery. The majority of the 14 mile path follows the course of the water, beginning in India Point Park in Providence and finishing in Independence Park in Bristol. It truly is one of the most relaxing and beautiful bike paths you will ever come across, and fortunately, rarely overcrowded.
Beautiful water scenery is not the only picturesque sight you will come across along this incredible pathway. The pretty Providence skyline and even a historic lighthouse make appearances along the way. Lush greenery lines the entirety of the route. Quick detours to a number of parks offer even more fitness opportunities for those who want to take up their workout a notch. Nothing says summer in New England quite like a great bike ride. The weather and scenery are just perfect this time of year for doing so.
More info on the East Bay bike path
4. Cape Cod Canal trail
- Location: Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod area Massachusetts
- Where to start: South Dennis (428 East-West Dennis Rd)
- Highlight: Seeing the tall ships travel between Cape Cod & Buzzards Bay
The Cape Cod Canal trail is another waterfront beauty in the New England region. This one is a bit tougher due to the oftentimes windy conditions. Fortunately, the trail is just 7 miles out-and-back, and you can turn around at any point if the wind becomes too much. It’s always a great idea to check the forecast before heading out.
The invigorating Cape Cod canal scenery will motivate you to complete the entire trail as there never is a dull view in sight. The fresh smell of salt in the air, grand ships traveling by, and ample bird watching. Really, this is New England at its’ best. At the end of the path you will find a great beach which is popular for sea glass collecting and beach combing.
More info on the Cape Cod Canal path
5. Schuylkill River trail
- Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Where to start: Fairmount Park (Kelly Drive and Martin Luther King Drives)
- Highlight: Riverfront & skyline views
Philadelphia’s riverside bike path was recently rated as the best urban bike trail in the country by USA Today. The picturesque trail runs over 60 miles in total and features tranquil views of the Schuylkill river. It’s the best place to escape the city congestion without traveling very far. While there are a number of great parks and preserves in Philly, biking is the best way to cover a lot of ground in a short period of time.
The most scenic portion of this trail is the 9 mile long Kelly loop which follows the river for the entirety of its’ course. Featuring skyline views and plenty of greenery, it’s the premier route, especially during the beautiful spring months. Time your ride near cherry blossom season (Late March/early April) for even more incredible scenery. This part of the trail can get quite crowded on weekends, so it’s best to arrive early in the morning to ensure parking.
