Biking the gorgeous Bayshore Blvd path in Tampa, Florida

A leisurely bike ride is a fantastic activity to incorporate into any vacation itinerary as it allows you to check out the beautiful natural surroundings of the area while also getting in a fun little vacation workout (as opposed to a boring treadmill workout at a hotel gym, or worse skipping the fitness altogether).

I make it a point to travel places where I can enjoy nature, and biking one of my favorites ways to explore a new city or national park. I have come across more than one amazing bike path in my years of traveling from coast to coast.

In my guide, I will cover a few fantastic trails across the country. I have included both urban and more rustic options. The scenery on these trails is diverse including breathtaking views of the Chicago skyline, the gorgeous dense forests of Cape Cod, and relaxing views of the Pacific Coast.

The East Bay Bike Path

The East Bay Bike Path near Providence, Rhode Island

Location: Bristol-Providence, Rhode Island
Distance: 13.8 miles each way

My favorite thing to do while living in the Providence metro was biking along a beautiful path known as the East Bay. This scenic paved path follows a former railroad route from Independence Park in Bristol all the way to East Providence, providing 14 miles of easy, picturesque cycling. Along this waterfront trail, you will pass many attractive sights including the Providence skyline, a beautiful lighthouse, and several beautiful beaches and state parks. Best of all, tremendous views of Narragansett Bay accompany you for almost the entire journey.

It’s such a gorgeous ride with never ending views of the crystal blue water, at times surrounding you on both sides of trail! For a clean, well-maintained, easy, uncrowded, & most of all picturesque ride in Rhode Island, look no further than the East Bay. This is easily one of the most scenic trails I have ever discovered.

Learn more about this trail

Tip: Stop for a wonderful breakfast at Corner Cafe before your ride.

Boise Greenbelt

Mountain view on the Boise Greenbelt

Location: Begins near Barber Park in Boise. Easier access at Julia Davis Park.
Distance: 25 miles each way

I took many trips to Boise while living in a small town in the southern portion of the state called Idaho Falls. My favorite thing to do in the city was biking The Boise Greenbelt, a relaxing, easy, heavily treed course that follows the serene Boise River.

This path is over 25 miles in total, making it a nice choice for anyone seeking a longer route. With many fun city attractions along the way (Zoo Boise is a must-see), beautiful parks, and the occasional wildlife sightings (set off early in the morning and you are almost guaranteed to see some deer), riding the Greenbelt is always exciting.

The path is clean and never overrun with too many people. Plan your ride during the fall season for great leaf peeping, fewer crowds, and the perfect cool, dry weather. Even a midsummer ride is still enjoyable due to the majority of the path being shaded.

See more pics from this quaint trail

Tip: Stop for a break at the Anne Frank Memorial and Zoo Boise.

Minuteman Bikeway

Gorgeous fall foliage along the Minuteman Bike Path near Boston, Massachusetts

Location: Bedford to Cambridge, MA
Distance: 10.5 miles each way

The Minuteman Bikeway is a popular 10+ mile rail trail which follows the course of the old Lexington & West Cambridge Railroad. The journey is completely flat and lined with gorgeous leafy oak and maple trees. It’s clean, well-maintained, & well-marked. Bike, walk, or skate your way through 4 historic Massachusetts towns: Bedford, Lexington, Arlington, & Cambridge.

The best time to check out Massachusetts’ most popular commuter trail is, without a doubt, during the peak of fall. Come October, you will be treated to amazing golden, red, and orange colored leaves in every direction. This is by far my top place to leaf peep near Boston; I’ve never seen colors so gorgeous. Everything is just perfect during the autumn season for a nice long ride.

From the Minuteman, you can connect to many other trails including the scenic Charles River Path. With the path being really flat & fast, you may just considering extending your ride and soaking in more of the gorgeous New England scenery.

Tip: Stop for some quick refueling snacks at Trader Joe’s, conveniently located around mile 4.

Chicago Lakefront Trail

Great skyline views along the Chicago Lakefront trail

Location: Downtown Chicago on the lake
Distance: 18 miles each way

Chicago’s best attraction is free & scenic, not to mention a fabulous workout! I lived in the city for over 20 years, but just recently checked this trail out on a recent visit back home. I would say this path is perfect for fitness buffs, city lovers, & nature lovers combined. For 18 miles straight, you will take in never ending views of Lake Michigan on an easy, paved, clean course. Not only are the skyline views fabulous, but I love that you can get to popular city attractions easily.

Plan for stops at a Chicago Museum Campus (The Field & Shedd are the best), Lincoln Park Zoo (it’s free & beautiful), Buckingham Fountain, & Millennium Park (take some fun pics by the Cloud Gate “bean” reflective sculpture).

A ride along this urban gem doubles as both a fun fitness activity & an enjoyable way to take in the sights of the city in a short period of time. With easy detours to top attractions, plus great city and lake views, this lake trail really is the best attraction the city has to offer! It’s easy to skip the gym with incredible views like this!

See more pics from this fabulous bike path

Tip: For a shorter, more scenic ride start near Millennium Park. Also be sure to head out early in the morning, preferably on a weekday, for fewer crowds.

Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail

Lady Bird Hike & Bike Trail in downtown Austin, Texas

Location: Downtown Austin, Texas
Distance: 10 miles each way

In the center of Texas’s most unique city, you will find a popular recreational path which travels around gorgeous Lady Bird Lake. It’s definitely the place to be for all fitness buffs living in and visiting Austin. On our first visit to the city on a quick 2 night stay, this bike path is the first activity we checked out. We loved this scenery on this trail and it really gave us a great overall first impression of the city. I enjoyed the active nature of the city and the laid-back vibe.

The trail is about 10 miles each way and pretty much flat with the exception of a few small hills/inclines Relaxing views of the water, great overviews of the skyline, along with lots of pretty trees easily make this the best place to workout. Just be sure to get out there early in the summer as temps can soar above 100 degrees by the afternoon hours.

More details about this path

Tip: Stop by Mozart’s Coffee Roasters, conveniently located right on the path, for a relaxing & scenic coffee break. They have a beautiful patio facing the lake. What a treat to relax with a great cup of coffee and even better view after all that riding.

The Pinellas Trail

Bike ride along the Pinellas trail

Location: Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg on Florida’s Gulf Coast
Distance: Currently 38 miles each way with plans for expansion

The 75+ mile Pinellas trail, which stretches from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg, is often rated amongst the best rail trails in the country. It was named one of the Hall of Fame recipients by the Rails to Trails Conservancy. The trail follows an old railroad on a flat, paved course which passes a variety of interesting Gulf coast towns. While living in Tampa Bay, I used this trail frequently, both for biking and half marathon training.

Some portions of the path are conveniently separated into biking/walking paths, making it a bit less congested. Many portions are heavily shaded, making for a great ride even during the hot months. Points of interest along the way include scenic downtown Dunedin and easy detours to Honeymoon Island and the beaches of St. Pete/Clearwater.

Read more about this trail

Tip: Consider completing the 7 mile journey from Dunedin to Tarpon Springs, one of the most scenic and tree-lined sections of the path. This is a great way to explore the most beautiful portions of the trail without burning yourself out. Then, treat yourself to a nice lunch in downtown Dunedin!

Cape Cod Rail Trail

Biking along the gorgeous Cape Cod Rail Trail

Location: Starts in South Dennis, Massachusetts
Distance: 22 miles each way

What better activity to enjoy Cape Cod’s beauty than via a leisurely bike ride through the gorgeous dense forests, following by a relaxing break at one of the area’s most beautiful beaches? The Cape Cod Rail Trail is a relaxing fitness adventure through the tranquil forests of several quaint New England communities: South Dennis, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham and Wellfleet.

It is paved, rarely every crowded, tree-lined the entire distance, and perfect for those who want to avoid any major hills. It’s basically a cyclist’s dream. There are many side trips to beaches and state parks available along the way. Just a mile or so past the ending of the trail, you can take a break at beautiful Marconi Beach, a hotspot for whale sightings. This is one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever come across; I am glad that I took the detour even though I was totally exhausted.

One of the unique aspects of this trail is that there are plenty of opportunities to stop and get a bite to eat/drink; check out Cobie’s, a delicious & top rated seafood/clam shack, and Hot Sparrow Chocolate, where you can treat yourself to an ice cream cone or a delicious piece of homemade chocolate.

Check out my guide to riding the CCRT

Peavine National Recreational Trail

The beautiful Peavine National Recreational Trail in Prescott, Arizona

Location: Prescott, Arizona
Distance: 5.5 miles each way

The Peavine is one of the last remaining rail trails in Arizona. Offering incredible views of Watson Lake & the towering Granite Dells rock formations for the entire 11 mile RT journey, it’s definitely one of the more scenic places to exercise in Arizona. While living in Flagstaff (about an hour and a half drive), we often daytripped to Prescott mainly to bike this awesome trail. I really love the lake scenery and low-key nature of this trail.

The mild 4 season climate means perfect biking conditions most of the year. So get out there soak up the desert sun, take in the rare sight of billion year old rocks, and enjoy the “rare for Arizona” water views.

More great views of Watson Lake from this great trail

Tip: After your ride, stop for a stroll and bite to eat in Prescott’s charming downtown. This cowboy themed destination features old-fashioned Victorian architecture, saloons, cowboy & western themed shops, and a variety of local restaurants. Rosa’s Pizzeria is a nice casual choice to refuel up on some comfort carbs.

Waccamaw Neck Bikeway

Waccamaw Neck Bikeway in Huntington Beach State Park near Murrells Inlet, South Carolina

Location: South Carolina coast near Myrtle Beach
Distance: 18.6 miles of unconnected trails

This completely flat 18 mile paved trail runs from beautiful Murrells Inlet to Huntington Beach State Park on the quiet coast of South Carolina. Plans are underway to expand the trail for another 27 miles. The most scenic route & easiest parking opportunities are found at Huntington State Park, where a beautiful 3 mile forested section crosses through. We stopped here for a quick ride on a recent vacation to nearby Myrtle Beach; while the beaches are beautiful, the tourists can be overwhelming.

The beautiful oak and pine trees and wetlands allow you to enjoy the natural side of Carolina away from the man made beach congestion. Overall, it’s definitely a great side trip if you are visiting the Myrtle Beach area: a welcome break from the rowdy beach crowds!

Learn more about Huntington Beach State Park

Tip: Bring with a few water bottles during the summer season: it can get really hot & humid!

Marvin Braude Bike Path

Marvin Braude bike path near Torrance, CA

Location: Torrance Beach to Will Rogers Beach in the Los Angeles area
Distance: 22 miles each way

L.A.’s premiere attraction just happens to be completely free! A ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as “The Strand” or the South Bay trail, is a long 22 mile journey through many of the most beautiful & diverse beach towns of Southern California. With never ending views of the Pacific, year-round perfect biking weather, and fun stops along the way, this is one ride you do not want to miss!

I love the people watching, the views, and the convenient access to so many iconic tourist attractions. You can ride the roller coaster at the Santa Monica pier, watch a crazy street performer at Venice, join in on a volleyball game at Hermosa/Redondo, or take a stroll on the historic Manhattan Beach Pier. It’s more than simply a workout destination, it can be an all day tourist activity. Who can beat the fresh smell of the ocean, a light coastal breeze, sunny skies, access to all the best beach towns of LA, and an awesome workout all in one activity?!

Another thing I like about this trail is that you only need to find parking once (which can be a complete hassle). It’s nice to enjoy the vibe of the various beach towns without driving to each one separately.

A full guide to sights along The Strand

Tip: Start your ride at Torrance State Beach for easy parking.

Pa’Rus Trail at Zion National Park

Biking along the stunning Pa'rus trail at Zion National Park

Location: Right behind the Zion National Park Visitor’s Center
Distance: 1.75 miles each way

It’s short. It’s scenic. And best of all, it’s flat, fast & uncrowded. The Pa’Rus is definitely a must-do when visiting gorgeous Zion National Park. One of the most underrated (and least crowded) trails in the park also offers some of the most peaceful scenery. It happens to be the only trail where biking is allowed, so take advantage of this rare opportunity to see the gorgeous rock formations without completing a strenuous hike.

Biking is a nice leisurely way to enjoy the red rock scenery without too long of a time commitment. The lack of crowds and easy terrain make it such a great spot for biking: in fact, the ride is so breezy you may just consider making the trek 2 or 3 times. We biked this trail so many times as it was so easy and we couldn’t get enough of those jaw dropping views.

More pics of the stunning red rock views along the Pa’Rus

Tip: At the end of the maintained trail, you can continue on biking the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The views are absolutely amazing for the entire 6 mile length. However, you will have to share the space with buses and cars, so be careful!

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Path

The beautiful Virginia Beach boardwalk path

Location: Right on Virginia Beach
Distance: 3 miles each way

The Virginia Beach boardwalk is one of the best beachfront recreational paths in the country for several reasons. First off, the breathtaking views of the Atlantic. Number 2, I love the convenient separation of the biking/walking path. And number 3, it’s short and really flat.

It’s just 3 miles, so you can easily incorporate a walk or ride into your vacation plans. Plus, you can park your bike and relax at the beach right after your ride. This is without a doubt one of the cleanest and prettiest bike paths I have come across. I would visit Virginia Beach again just to enjoy this fabulous path.

Sure, you will still get in a little workout, although you won’t be too exhausted to enjoy all the fun activities in Virginia Beach (I recommend the Aquarium).

Enjoy more pics of the boardwalk both day & night

Tip: For the ultimate breakfast treat, head just a block off the beach to Doc Taylor’s, a delicious local gem featuring great food & a breezy summer patio.

Bayshore Blvd.

Biking the Bayshore Blvd path in Tampa

Location: Downtown Tampa
Distance: 4.5 miles each way

Bayshore Blvd, a 4.5 mile path in downtown Tampa, claims the title of “world’s longest continuous sidewalk.” Not only will you get in your workout for the day, you’ll also enjoy fantastic views of the bay and skyline. The path is 10 feet wide and can easily accommodate all types of fitness buffs. While living in the Bay, we often biked this trail as a nice break from the beach crowds. The scenery is so beautiful and tropical and you will still get in a nice workout.

With palm trees everywhere, blue skies more often than not, and a high possibility of early morning manatee/dolphin sightings, you really can’t complain. Fun fitness stations along the way make the ride even more interesting for exercise enthusiasts. I would say a ride here is one of the best ways to take in the views of one of Florida’s prettiest cities.

More beautiful pics of the Bay via this path

Tip: Continue on to the RiverWalk Path, a nice paved 2+ mile trail which passes by many of downtown’s top attractions like The Florida Aquarium.

Phoenix Bike Path

The woodsy Phoenix Bike Trail in Fairhaven, Massachusetts

Location: Fairhaven, a small town in Southeastern Massachusetts
Distance: 3.5 miles each way

The Phoenix Bike Path is a short & picturesque trail located in the beautiful Southeastern Massachusetts coastal town of Fairhaven. This trail is very woodsy and secluded, making it the perfect place to enjoy a solitary ride through nature. Forests, farms, & marshes comprise most of the scenery along the trail, however, as is the case in all of Massachusetts, you can’t finish without seeing at least one historical site (you will pass an eerie park which was once the site of Old Burying Ground in 1771).

Tip: Relax after your ride with a stroll along quaint West Island Town Beach.

Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail

The gorgeous Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail at Gulf Coast State park in Alabama

Location: Gulf Shores & Orange, Alabama
Distance:  15 miles across 7 trails

The Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is a series of paved paths which run through Gulf Shores & Orange Alabama including a particularly scenic section through Gulf Coast State Park. There are 15 miles (7 connecting trails) of nature loaded trails to enjoy: a fantastic break from the beach, malls, and other crowded tourist attractions. This park was relatively quiet; on an early morning ride, we didn’t see many other bikers or walkers.

The landscapes change through the miles and vary from swamps, creeks, wetlands, and dunes. Seeing an alligator, deer, and more birds than you can count is common. This isn’t a trail to rush through, rather an enjoyable ride through the beautiful natural scenery of Alabama. One of the most scenic portions is the 2.75 mile trek through Gulf Coast State Park.

Tip: For easy access, park at Gulf Coast State Park.

Myles Standish State Forest Biking Trails

A beautiful fall bike ride at Myles Standish State Forest in Plymouth, Massachusetts

Location: Plymouth County, Massachusetts
Distance: 15 miles of trails are available

Myles Standish is a massive 14,000+ acre forest in Southeast Massachusetts: the most amazing place for recreation in the state. 15 miles of biking trails of varying difficulty provide options for both beginning and avid cyclists to enjoy the gorgeous pine forest. There are several intense trails which are perfect for those who want a more challenging hilly workout.

Beautiful ponds, cranberry bogs, and a (mostly) pine forest will comprise most of the scenic views during your ride. Fall is a nice time to plan a visit as you can usually spot a bit of bright foliage on the maples near the ponds. Typically quiet with an eerie haunted feeling, Myles Standish is known to be one of the more haunted sites in the state: legend says that an old mental institution lies somewhere deep within the forest! Despite the spooky factor, this is one scenic destination for a bike ride! While living in the Providence metro, we used this park all the time for both hiking and biking. It’s one of my favorite places anywhere.

Tip: Fill up post-ride with a hearty Italian lunch at Mamma Mia’s with locations in both Plymouth & Carver.

Shoreline Pedestrian Path

The Shoreline Pedestrian path in Long Beach, California

Location: Long Beach, California
Distance: 3.1 miles each way

Long Beach is known to be one of the most bike friendly cities in the country, with dedicated roadways for bikers and several paved pedestrian paths. After living here for a short 7 month stint, I can say that I agree. Almost daily, I biked the beautiful 3 mile Shoreline Pedestrian path, a super picturesque course which runs along a concrete sidewalk right next to the beach! It’s a real breeze: an easy ride with absolutely no hills. The biking path is separate from the walking path which leads to less congestion.

Along the way, you will pass several interesting sights of interest including: a beautiful lighthouse, the gorgeous Long Beach marina, and the Queen Mary. Fun stops include waterfront dining and shopping in Shoreline Village, a tour of the Queen Mary, & a visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific. Overall, this path is just fantastic with the only negative being that it is much too short!

My guide to free fun in Long Beach

Tip: Plan for lunch in beautiful Shoreline Village, home to an abundance of waterfront restaurants.

Lake Baldwin Trail

The scenic Lake Baldwin Trail in Winter Park, Florida

Location: Orlando, Florida
Distance: 2.6 mile loop

Here’s an opportunity to explore the natural beauty of Orlando outside of the crazy theme parks. At just 2.6 miles in length, it’s much too short, yet still a beautiful place for an enjoyable bike ride or stroll. Pretty green trees and views of the lake provide a nice change of scenery from the parks. You’ll see lots of runners and walkers enjoying the Florida sun, so plan your ride early in the morning for less foot traffic. As a resident of Florida for many years, I always sought out hidden gems like this on days I didn’t want to deal with the tourists. There are a lot of beautiful places which aren’t overrun with strip malls if you know where to look!

More hidden gems in Orlando

Tip: Go early in the morning to avoid crowds as well as the harsh summer sun! There isn’t much shade on this trail, so bring plenty of water!

Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail

Pretty views along the Erie & Ohio Canal Towpath Trail near Cleveland, Ohio

Location: Northeastern Ohio
Distance: 90+ plus miles

The Towpath Trail is a gorgeous 90 mile trail which travels through several counties in Northeastern Ohio: Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas. The Towpath follows the historic route of the old Erie & Ohio canal where mules once pulled boats from 1827-1913.

The views are beautiful and the trail is easy. At any given time, you can look to your side and see water or a gorgeous park. The fall season is a particularly spectacular time to visit as striking foliage lines both sides of the trail.

One unique aspect of this trail is a “Bike Aboard!” program offered by the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad. For just a few bucks, you can access the train and enjoy a scenic ride back to the start, giving your legs a much needed break after all that biking.

Tip: Consider embarking on the 20 mile portion of the trail through Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Also be sure to check out the Brandywine Gorge Trail, home to 65 foot tall Brandywine Falls. 

Flagstaff Urban Trail System

The 2 mile loop around Buffalo Park in Flagstaff

Location: Flagstaff, Arizona
Distance: 50+ miles

Flagstaff is a small Northern Arizona city, popular with athletes due to the high altitude (at 7000 feet, exercise is a challenge). The Flagstaff Urban Trail System, known as the FUTS, is a network of over 50 miles of paved & unpaved trails spread throughout the city. As a resident for several years, I made good use of all the gorgeous ponderosa pine lined trails throughout town. It was a lot easier to train for a marathon with beautiful scenery in every direction.

Two of the most scenic options are the 2 mile loop around Buffalo Park, the city’s most popular trail due to the panoramic views of the mountains, and a 6 mile trail at Fort Tuthill County Park, which is much quieter and provides never ending views of the ponderosa forest. Summer is the best time to plan a ride, due to the warmer temps (most of the year is much too cold & windy!), although you need to watch the forecast as monsoons occur frequently during this time.

FUTS maps

Tip: Take it easy if coming from a low elevation area & keep hydrated with plenty of extra water.

Flatwoods Loop Trail

Beautiful pines lining the Flatwoods Loop bike path in Tampa, Florida

Location: Flatwoods Park in Thonotosassa, FL (Tampa area)
Distance: 7 mile loop

In the very congested New Tampa suburb of Tampa, you will find a wonderful paved 7 mile loop trail known as the Flatwoods Loop. Biking or running this trail is a great opportunity to get into the fresh air for some healthy exercise far away from the man-made suburban clutter dominating the region. While living in this suburb, we biked here frequently to get away from all the traffic and strip malls. It’s a beautiful place to disconnect for a bit.

Green trees line both sides of the trail for a (mostly) shady, natural escape away from the city. The path is very easy, thus also making it a popular running trail. Exercising here is a fantastic break from the dull suburbia. Even better, armadillos and gopher tortoises can often be spotted from the trail! Note – do not bike this one during the hot & humid summer season (or any other trail in Tampa for the matter).

Tip: If you start at Bruce B. Downs, you will add an extra 4 miles or so to your ride for a total distance of around 11 miles. Park at New Tampa Nature Park for free easy trail access.

Huntington Beach Bike Path

Fantastic views of the coastline for the entire ride!

Location: Huntington Beach, California
Distance: 7.5 miles each way

Nothing says Southern California quite like a ride down the Huntington Beach Bike Path. With endless views of the Pacific, surfers, volleyball games in action, and fitness buffs of all sorts using the 7.5 mile trail, it really is the perfect summery California setting. With near perfect temps year-round, a fresh ocean breeze, and sunny skies, it sure feels like summertime no matter when your visit falls.

This popular Orange County path tends to get crowded as bikers, skaters, walkers, and runners all share the same path, nonetheless it is worth any hassle for the great views & fun beachy atmosphere. Along the way, you will find waterfront restaurants, snack stands, restrooms, and of course, direct access to the beach. On one negative note, this trail is often super hard due to the strong winds. Remember you have to come back as this is an out-and-back. While living in nearby Long Beach, we often came here to challenge our legs to a massive workout.

Tip: Visit on weekdays for a less congested biking experience.

Cape Cod Canal Path

Gorgeous views along the Cape Cod Canal Path in Massachusetts

Location: Buzzard’s Bay in Cape Cod
Distance: 7 miles each way

This scenic 7 mile path in beautiful Buzzard’s Bay passes through the towns of Bourne and Sagamore and features fantastic views of the canal and the Sagamore Bridge.  For a free & fun summer activity in the Cape Cod area, it doesn’t get much better than this. The path is flat and easy, however, it can get really windy here, thus making the ride seem a bit tougher (your legs will get a great workout pushing through that wind!). To date, one of the hardest bike paths I’ve ridden due to the intense winds.

The best part of all is that the path ends at gorgeous Scusset State Beach, a known photography and seaglass hotspot. Take a break and stroll the shores of this quiet beach for a nice break before turning around.

Enjoy more pics of the beautiful canal

Tip: Plan your ride in the summer. This path can be quite chilly in the spring/fall season, whereas the cool breeze is much appreciated on 80+ degree summer days.

Starkey Park/Suncoast Trail

The beautiful tree-lined bike trail at Jay B. Starkey Park in New Port Richey, Florida

Location: Hillsborough-Hernando County, Florida
Distance: 42 miles (Suncoast) + 6.7 (Starkey) one way miles

The Suncoast Trail is a 42 mile long trail on Florida’s Gulf Coast, running from Hillsborough to Hernando County. A relaxing, heavily treed, 6.7 mile portion of this trail passes through Jay B. Starkey Wilderness park in New Port Richey. The Nature Coast region tends to get less overcrowded with tourists than Pinellas County, so I would say a great pick if you are looking for something more laid-back.

This trail is a nice quiet natural escape from the suburban congestion. It’s flat and fast making it a great weekend leisure activity; you can sneak in a great workout without feeling like you overdid it. Wildlife can easily be seen on most days – watch for armadillos and turtles!

Tip: You can extend your ride outside of the park by continuing to follow the Suncoast trail.

Mission Bay Bike Path

Picturesque views of Fiesta Island from the Mission Bay bike path in San Diego CA

Location: San Diego, California
Distance: 12 miles for the full loop

San Diego’s Mission Bay Bike Path is a gorgeous trail lined with water views and lush greenery. The full loop is about 12 miles and there are several trail extensions if you would like to make your ride longer. Detours to Mission/Pacific Beach, Seaworld, and Belmont Amusement Park can make this a fun all day activity. The ride is totally flat and smooth with only a few road crossings the further you continue past Mission Bay Park (home to an easy 4 mile section of the trail).

Lots of palms, green leafy trees, beaches, parks, and water views make this one scenic ride: a perfect sightseeing course! I really loved the low-key nature of this trail and the pretty scenery along the course.

Tip: Add the Fiesta Island side trip, a quick, easy, & scenic ride around Mission Bay’s undeveloped island.

Tips for a great bike ride

I always wear a fitness watch while biking just in case the trail isn’t marked and also just to track the time and pace of the ride.

A hydration backpack works great for longer rides when you need a lot of water. These can hold several Liters of water and have extra pockets to store essentials so your pockets are not overloaded with junk.

Plan your ride earlier in the morning to take advantage of fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

I always eat before my ride and also store some extra snacks in my backpack just in case I need additional fuel. A coffee and pastry as opposed to a full meal usually provides the right amount of energy.

Stretch well after your ride before driving home. It’s tempting to just jump in the car when you are exhausted after intense exercise. Be sure to stretch if only for a few minutes! Also use the dry sauna at your gym if you have one available.