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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
California
Santa Cruz County

La Selva Beach

The best road cycling routes around La Selva Beach

4.6

(20)

733

riders

63

rides

Road cycling around La Selva Beach offers diverse landscapes, from tranquil coastal bluffs to rolling inland hills and farmlands. The region provides well-paved surfaces and varied terrain suitable for different fitness levels. Cyclists can explore routes with ocean views, river vistas, and significant elevation gains. This area in Santa Cruz County, California, is characterized by its blend of scenic coastal features and pastoral settings.

Best road cycling routes around La Selva Beach

  • The most popular road cycling route is Riverside…

Last updated: July 7, 2026

4.0

(1)

2

riders

#1.

Riverside Road Loop

76.3km

03:33

760m

760m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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Moderate

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard
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Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
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Popular around La Selva Beach

Hiking around La Selva Beach

Cycling around La Selva Beach

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Tips from the Community

David B. Davis
August 30, 2025, UC Santa Cruz Coastal Science Campus

Nice little lookout point well off the beaten parh.

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What's special about this path is that it takes you from Santa Cruz to the Wilder Ranch Park without using Route 1. Once there, you have multiple dirt path choices to ride around up into the park.

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A small but cozy beach along East Cliff Drive, featuring a lake and a park. There’s bike parking nearby and benches overlooking the water, making it a great spot to pause during your ride, enjoy the ocean views, or even take a refreshing dip. The beach is especially nice during low tide.

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Alex
February 19, 2024, Pleasure Point Beach

For cyclists exploring Santa Cruz, Pleasure Point Beach on 38th Avenue beckons with its beauty and recreational opportunities. Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, the beach offers a picturesque setting. It is accessible via a brief walk from the road.

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Will
February 19, 2024, Twin Lakes State Beach

Twin Lakes State Beach features a mile of sandy shoreline for swimming and picnicking, situated near the Santa Cruz Harbor. Adjacent Schwan Lake Park offers picturesque walking trails through oak preserves and coastal grasslands, ideal for dog-walking and bird watching. The day-use area operates from sunrise to sunset.

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The Seascape Village is a shopping center that offers a mix of boutique stores, eateries, and essential services. The shops are known for their blend of coastal charm and business.

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The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is California's oldest surviving amusement park. This 24-acre park was founded in 1907 and offers old-fashioned carnival games and food booths.

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Pleasure Point Beach is a popular surf spot and is part of Pleasure Point Park. The park also features restrooms, picnic tables, and offers great views.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around La Selva Beach?

There are over 55 road cycling routes around La Selva Beach, offering a wide variety of experiences for cyclists of all skill levels. These include 10 easy routes, 35 moderate routes, and 10 difficult routes.

Are there road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families in La Selva Beach?

Yes, La Selva Beach offers 10 easy road cycling routes, perfect for beginners or families looking for a more relaxed ride. These routes often feature well-paved surfaces and less challenging terrain, allowing for an enjoyable experience for all skill levels.

What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around La Selva Beach?

The region around La Selva Beach offers diverse terrain. You can expect routes along tranquil coastal bluffs with stunning ocean views, as well as inland rides through rolling hills and farmlands. Many routes feature well-paved surfaces, with some offering significant elevation gains for a more challenging experience.

Are there any challenging road cycling routes for experienced riders near La Selva Beach?

Yes, for experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 10 difficult road cycling routes around La Selva Beach. Routes like the Capitola Village – Santa Cruz Boardwalk loop from La Selva Beach, spanning over 81 kilometers with significant elevation, provide a demanding yet rewarding experience.

What are some scenic viewpoints or attractions along the road cycling routes?

Many routes offer stunning ocean vistas from coastal bluffs. You can also pass through charming coastal towns like Capitola Village, known for its shops and restaurants. Other notable spots include Pleasure Point Beach, a popular surf spot, and various points offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Monterey Bay.

Are there any road cycling routes that form a loop around La Selva Beach?

Yes, many road cycling routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Riverside Road Loop is a moderate 47.4-mile trail offering river views and rolling hills, providing a complete circular experience.

What do other road cyclists enjoy the most about road cycling in La Selva Beach?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 3.9 stars from over 20 reviews. Reviewers often praise the diverse landscapes, from tranquil coastal bluffs to rolling inland hills, and the well-paved surfaces that make for an enjoyable ride. The blend of scenic ocean views and pastoral settings is frequently highlighted.

Are there routes that pass through coastal towns or offer amenities like cafes?

Yes, several routes pass through or near charming coastal towns. The Santa Cruz Boardwalk – Pleasure Point Beach loop from Swift Halt, for instance, takes you through popular surf spots and coastal areas where you can find cafes and amenities. Capitola Village is another excellent stop for dining and shopping.

What is the best time of year to go road cycling in La Selva Beach?

La Selva Beach generally offers pleasant cycling conditions year-round due to its mild coastal climate. Spring and fall often provide ideal temperatures and fewer crowds. Even winter cycling is possible, though it's always wise to check local weather forecasts for rain or cooler temperatures.

Are there road cycling routes that offer river views?

Yes, the Riverside Road Loop is a notable route that offers scenic river views as it winds through rolling hills, providing a different kind of natural beauty compared to the coastal paths.

Can I find routes that combine coastal scenery with inland exploration?

Absolutely. Many routes around La Selva Beach transition from the immediate coastline, with its bluffs and ocean views, to inland areas featuring rolling hills, open pastures, and farmlands. This allows cyclists to experience the full diversity of the region's landscapes in a single ride.

Are there any routes that include state beaches?

Yes, you can find routes that incorporate the beautiful state beaches in the area. The Sunset State Beach – Manresa State Beach loop from Dunes Camp Overflow Parking is a moderate route that allows you to experience these scenic coastal destinations.

Most popular routes around La Selva Beach

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