Bicycling in Santa Barbara is one of the best ways to explore and take in the scene about town. Those who’ve been to SB know it as a “bike-friendly” town, and now with State Street closed to cars, Santa Barbara is even more welcoming to cyclists and casual bike riders than ever.
From winding mountain roads to beachside paths and plenty of bike lanes on city streets, Santa Barbara welcomes casual beach cruisers, cross-country bicyclists and about town e-bike riders all the same. As a bike friendly destination, travelers to Santa Barbara have plenty of options to rent or purchase a bike at one of the many local bicycle or e-bike retailers. You can also reserve one during your stay at one of our vacation rentals. We have a selection of Sondors e-bikes and beach cruisers for reserve (based on availability) during your stay so you can enjoy cycling in Santa Barbara as soon as you arrive.
<<Find a vacation rental home near the beach or Downtown Santa Barbara>>
Pärchen mit dem Fahrrad im Urlaub
Explore Santa Barbara by bike
Bicycling in Santa Barbara is a way of life for locals. The City of Santa Barbara even has a Bicycle Master Plan and the City’s official bike map shows existing routes. Over the last two decades The City has put in over 40 miles of bikeways. There are plenty of security locations to park your bike while you stop for a bite to eat, relax on the beach or do a bit of shopping.
State Street is closed to cars and open to pedestrians and cyclists to share. Patio dining lines the sidewalks and streets so ride up and down State Street and choose your outdoor dining destination. Pedal a bit further in the direction of the beach toward the Funk Zone, the artsy and alternative neighborhood buzzing with lively tasting rooms, craft breweries, galleries and restaurants. Ride and safely park your bike or e-bike and then meander around this part of town worth at least one long and sunny afternoon.
Santa Barbara is the best cycling destination
Cyclists, both e-bike and push-pedal have a variety of routes to choose from around Santa Barbara. Choose from easy bike trails to intermediate cycling trails and longer routes.
Popular Santa Barbara cycling routes include:
- Cabrillo Bike Path to Butterfly Beach is the most popular bike path in Santa Barbara.
- Ride up State Street to Old Mission Santa Barbara.
- Climb Shoreline Drive on the Mesa then ride down Cliff Drive to Hendry’s Beach.
- Visit Elings Park for a view that overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is home to more than nine miles of trails great for mountain biking.
Go car-free with an e-bike or traditional bike in Santa Barbara
Electric mobility is growing in popularity and Santa Barbara is primed for this explosion in green transportation. Riding an electric bike in Santa Barbara is one of the top ways to explore this incredibly bike-friendly city. Many electric bikes, like Sondors, are pedal-assist which are great for all day riding around the city.
Whether e-bike, mountain bike, beach cruiser or even tandem bike, Santa Barbara’s varied landscape offers a route for all cyclists and bike riding levels. Don’t want to bring your bike, or don’t have your own? No problem. Remember you can reserve an e-bike or beach cruiser along with your vacation rental home booking (subject to availability) or rent one from any number of locations around town.
Remember, it’s easy to go car-free during your stay in Santa Barbara. Simply choose a vacation rental home in one of our unbeatable locations at the center of the wagon wheel – with the beach, the harbor, activities, festivals, restaurants, bars, train station, State Street, and The Funk Zone within leisurely distance. No need for a car when you stay at one of our units, everything is a short walk or bike ride away!
<<Search cycling friendly rental properties in Santa Barbara>>
