The best road cycling routes in Virginia Beach city

Virginia Beach offers a comprehensive network of bikeways and trails, with over 200 to 300 miles of cycling infrastructure. On komoot, you'll find over 50 curated road cycling routes, catering to various preferences and skill levels.

Road cycling in Virginia Beach is characterized by generally flat terrain, making it accessible for many. Routes often traverse diverse ecosystems, including coastal paths, protected maritime forests, wetlands, and tranquil agricultural districts. While most routes are paved, some sections, like parts of the Cape Henry Trail in First Landing State Park, may include gravel surfaces.

Yes, Virginia Beach offers numerous easy road cycling routes. Over 30 routes on komoot are rated as easy. The Virginia Beach Boardwalk – Virginia Beach loop is a popular easy option, offering stunning ocean views. Mount Trashmore Park also features a paved 1.95-mile trail that is family-friendly. For more options, consider routes within First Landing State Park, such as the Virginia Beach and First Landing State Park loop, which explores diverse ecosystems on an easy 27.9-mile path.

Virginia Beach's road cycling routes offer a variety of scenic views. The iconic Virginia Beach Boardwalk provides expansive Atlantic Ocean vistas. Routes through Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge offer serene views of wetlands, dunes, and forests, ideal for wildlife observation. First Landing State Park features protected maritime forests and bald cypress swamps. The Pungo Loop showcases picturesque farms, vineyards, and strawberry fields in the rural agricultural district.

Yes, Virginia Beach has several longer road cycling routes. The Virginia Beach – Virginia Beach Boardwalk loop is a substantial 69.2-mile (111.3 km) route. Another option is the Virginia Beach to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge loop, which covers 46.5 miles (74.9 km) and offers views of scenic wetlands and dunes.

The road cycling experience in Virginia Beach is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 20 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's diverse landscapes, from coastal paths and maritime forests to tranquil agricultural areas, and the extensive network of well-maintained trails suitable for various skill levels.

Many of the road cycling routes in Virginia Beach are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Virginia Beach to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge loop and the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve loop. The Pungo Loop is also a well-known 20-mile circular route through rural landscapes.

Yes, several routes pass by notable landmarks and attractions. Along the Virginia Beach Boardwalk, you can see the King Neptune Statue and the Fishing Pier. Routes near First Landing State Park might bring you close to Pleasure House Point Natural Area. The Virginia Beach to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge loop takes you through the refuge itself, a significant natural monument.

Virginia Beach offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. Spring and fall generally provide the most comfortable temperatures and less humidity, making them ideal for longer rides. Summer can be warm, but coastal breezes can offer some relief, especially during morning rides. Winter cycling is also possible, though cooler temperatures and occasional wind should be expected.

For a more serene experience, consider routes that venture away from the immediate beachfront. The Virginia Beach to Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge loop and the North Landing River Natural Area Preserve loop offer tranquil paths through natural areas. The Pungo Loop, winding through rural agricultural districts, also provides a quieter alternative to more urban routes.

Many parks and trailheads in Virginia Beach offer designated parking areas. For example, Mount Trashmore Park has ample parking. For routes within First Landing State Park, parking is available at the park's entrances. When planning your route on komoot, you can often find details about starting points and nearby parking facilities in the tour descriptions or by checking the map for parking icons. For general information on bikeways and trails, you can also consult the official Virginia Beach Parks & Recreation website: virginiabeach.gov.