The best traffic-free bike rides around Long Beach

There are 6 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Long Beach featured in this guide. These routes are designed to offer a peaceful cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.

All 6 routes listed in this guide are rated as easy, making them suitable for a wide range of cyclists. They feature minimal elevation gain, with the highest ascent on any single route being just over 43 meters, ensuring a comfortable ride for touring cyclists.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in Long Beach are ideal for families. The coastal paths, such as the Beautiful Beach Bike Path loop from Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, offer flat, smoothly paved terrain with continuous oceanfront scenery. Additionally, routes through parks like El Dorado East Regional Park provide car-free environments with lakes and picnic areas, perfect for a family outing.

Long Beach's no-traffic routes offer diverse landscapes. You'll find iconic coastal paths with ocean views, sandy beaches, and swaying palm trees, like the Beautiful Beach Bike Path – Long Beach City Beach loop. There are also peaceful river trails, such as the San Gabriel River Trail loop from California State University, Long Beach, which wind through green spaces and parks, providing a natural setting away from the city bustle.

Many routes offer views of prominent Long Beach attractions. Along the coastal paths, you can spot the Queen Mary, the Aquarium of the Pacific, and Shoreline Village. You might also pass by Alamitos Beach and the Lone Sailor Memorial Long Beach. Routes near El Dorado Park may offer glimpses of El Dorado East Regional Park itself, with its lakes and natural features.

Yes, several routes in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. Examples include the Beautiful Beach Bike Path – Long Beach City Beach loop and the El Dorado East Regional Park – San Gabriel River Trail loop, providing convenient touring experiences.

Long Beach benefits from year-round sunshine, making it an excellent destination for cycling almost any time. The mild climate ensures comfortable riding conditions throughout the year. However, spring and fall often offer the most pleasant temperatures with fewer crowds compared to peak summer months.

Long Beach has a comprehensive public transport system, including buses, that can help you reach various points near the bike paths. Many routes, especially those along the coast or near major parks, are accessible from public transport stops. It's advisable to check local transit schedules and bike-on-bus policies for specific routes.

Parking is available at various points near the no-traffic cycling routes. For coastal paths, you can often find parking near Shoreline Village, Belmont Shore, or public beach parking lots. For routes like the San Gabriel River Trail loop, parking is typically available at adjacent parks such as El Dorado Regional Park or College Estates Park.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the smooth, dedicated bike paths that offer continuous ocean views and a peaceful, car-free environment. The accessibility to various attractions and the flat terrain suitable for all skill levels are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, particularly on the river trails and routes through parks. The San Gabriel River Bike Trail and paths within El Dorado Regional Park offer opportunities to spot local wildlife, including various bird species and ducks around ponds and green spaces, providing a serene natural experience.

While the routes in this guide are generally shorter and easy, Long Beach's extensive network of bike paths, including the San Gabriel River Bike Trail (28 miles) and the Los Angeles River Bikeway (29.1 miles), allows for longer, car-free touring experiences by connecting different sections. These can be combined for extended rides.