San Diego Road Cycling Tour: Torrey Pines & Coastal Ride

Summary

Guided Road Bike Adventure Along San Diego’s Coastline

If you love real road cycling and want to see San Diego beyond postcards, this ride is for you. You’ll tackle famous climbs, roll past surf towns, and get local tips from guides who actually ride these roads every week.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air felt a bit salty as we rolled out from UC Cyclery, bikes freshly tuned and water bottles topped up. There’s always a little buzz at the shop—someone fiddling with their cleats, another double-checking tire pressure. Before hitting the coast, we looped through UCSD campus. I’d seen photos of that wild Geisel Library before, but seeing it up close—those sharp angles against the sky—was something else.

Once we hit Highway 1, the Pacific Coast Highway, things opened up fast. Our guide pointed out Torrey Pines Golf Course on our left—honestly, I never realized how close it sits to the ocean until I saw it myself. The descent down toward Torrey Pines beach was smooth and quick; you could hear the waves before you even spotted them. There’s this faint eucalyptus smell in the air around here that always reminds me I’m in Southern California.

The climb into Del Mar isn’t too harsh—maybe 5 or 6 percent—but you’ll feel it if you’re not warmed up. We passed by locals walking dogs and a couple of surfers loading boards onto their trucks. Del Mar itself is all small-town charm: coffee shops with chalkboard menus, people chatting outside bakeries. If you’re into people-watching, this is your spot.

Solana Beach came next, with its Design District full of quirky home stores and murals tucked between buildings. It’s quieter than Del Mar but has its own vibe—more laid-back, maybe a bit artsy.

By the time we reached Cardiff and Encinitas (about 15 miles in), my legs were humming but in a good way. Swamis Beach was busy with surfers even mid-morning; there’s always someone waxing a board or stretching on the grass nearby.

We stopped at a local café for coffee—a real one, not just drip—and I grabbed a muffin still warm from the oven. Our guide didn’t rush us; he gets that sometimes you just want to soak it all in for a minute or two. Heading back south meant ocean views on our right almost the whole way.

The last big push was climbing back through Torrey Pines Reserve—the same hill we cruised down earlier. It’s a test for sure, but honestly? The view at the top makes every pedal stroke worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Diego Coastal Bike Ride

• Meet at UC Cyclery for bike tune-up
• Loop inside UCSD campus, see iconic library
• Ride north on Pacific Coast Highway
• Pass Torrey Pines golf course and beach
• Ride through Del Mar village
• Pass Solana Beach Design District
• Ride through Cardiff & Encinitas beach towns
• Coffee break with ocean views
• Climb through Torrey Pines Reserve

Top questions

How challenging is this cycling tour?

This route is designed for experienced road cyclists with moderate fitness. Expect some climbs (up to 6%) and about 30 miles total distance.

Can I bring my own pedals or shoes?

Yes! Shimano and Look pedals are available, but you're welcome to bring your own pedals and bike shoes if you prefer.

Is there an age limit?

The minimum age is 18 years old due to safety and skill requirements for road cycling on open roads.

What happens if I need to stop or take photos?

No problem at all! The guide will stop for breaks or photo ops whenever needed—just let them know during the ride.

What’s included

Your ride includes a quality road bike (with helmet and pedals), bottled water for refueling along the way, plus expert local guidance from cyclists who know every turn of these coastal roads.