The Best Cycling Destinations Around Santa Barbara, CA

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Gibraltar Road - Cycling

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East Camino Cielo Road - Cycling

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Santa Barbara Loop - Cycling

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Los Olivos and Solvang - Cycling

About Santa Barbara Cycling

For years, the Santa Barbara area and the scenic Santa Ynez Valley just inland have served as a mecca of sorts for cyclists of all levels. Whether it’s steep climbs or easy afternoon pleasure rides, Santa Barbara has you covered. Mountain pass roads like Gibraltar and Old San Marcos Pass will test the mettle of even the most fit rider, while typically flat and scenic rides like the Goleta bike path or a tour of Solvang and Los Olivos will make you forget you are exercising as you take in the sights and sounds of the South Coast. More ambitious yet equally scenic routes include riding from San Louis Obispo south to Santa Barbara or the Santa Barbara to Lake Casitas loop.

There is also the annual visit from the Amgen Tour of California, America’s version of a Tour de France. Typically held in May, the race usually features at least one stop in Santa Barbara. Over the years this has included everything from a time trial through the streets of Solvang to a stage finish line along Cabrillo Boulevard in the heart of Santa Barbara’s downtown.

More Resources:

Groups: Santa Barbara Bicycle Coalition Echelon Santa Barbara Goleta Valley Cycling Club

Races: Amgen Tour of California.com Santa Barbara Century

Retailers: Bicycle Bob's Hazard's Cyclesport Open Air Bicycles

Total Experiences

11 reviews

More Santa Barbara Activities

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Displaying all 11 results within 100 miles

Cabrillo Beach Bike Path

A flat bike path along the waterfront in the downtown area.

Difficulty

1 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

1.1 miles

Duration

1 hour +/-
East Camino Cielo Road - Cycling

The road in the clouds with views of both sides of the mountains.

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

8.7 miles

Duration
Santa Barbara to Ventura - Cycling

A classic ride with amazing views of the ocean and surrounding hillsides.

Difficulty

2 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

1.0 miles

Duration

4 - 6 hours
Santa Barbara Loop - Cycling

This 13-mile urban route takes cyclists on a moderately difficult tour of some of Santa Barbara's most beautiful neighborhoods.

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

1.2 miles

Duration

1 - 2 hours
San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara - Cycling

The rolling scenery you'll encounter on this 100-mile route through the central coast of California is certainly worth experiencing.

Difficulty

5 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

0.5 miles

Duration

6 - 8 hours
Santa Barbara to Lake Casitas Loop - Cycling

This 65-mile route to the beautiful Lake Casitas is an absolute must-do for Santa Barbara cyclists. Enjoy the subtle beauty of the central coast's rolling hillsides and picturesque pastures.

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

20.9 miles

Duration

4 - 6 hours
Sideways Ride - Cycling

This 50-mile route takes you through some of the scenic wine country that was on display in the popular film, Sideways.

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

27.8 miles

Duration

3 - 5 hours
Old San Marcos Pass to Painted Cave Road - Cycling

Old San Marcos Pass offers a tough but stellar cycling climb with winding mountain roads and panoramic views.

Difficulty

4 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

5.6 miles

Duration
Goleta Bike Path (Obern Trail) - Cycling

This 21-mile bike path is flat, paved, and perfect for a nice beachside ride.

Difficulty

2 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

7.4 miles

Duration

30 min - 3 hours
Los Olivos and Solvang - Cycling

Enjoy a lovely ride through some of California's most picturesque wine country.

Difficulty

3 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

29.2 miles

Duration

2 - 5 hours depending on how much you want to explore
Gibraltar Road - Cycling

A world-class cycling climb only minutes from downtown. Definitely worth the effort!

Difficulty

4 of 5 diamonds

From Downtown

5.6 miles

Duration

1-2 hours