Cliff Vista – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk loop from Capitola

Bike touring routes & trails

Cliff Vista – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk loop from Capitola

Hard

3.2

(15)

riders

Cliff Vista – Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk loop from Capitola

04:28

55.3km

640m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: October 9, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 7.59 km for 226 m

After 36.4 km for 176 m

After 48.8 km for 226 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

173 m

Capitola Village

Highlight • Settlement

Capitola Village is a quaint town in Santa Cruz County. The downtown area offers 90 shops, restaurants, and lodging right on the beach. It's also the oldest beach resort on the West Coast.

Tip by

5.82 km

Woods Creek Harbor ⛵ Harbor Dredge

Highlight • Structure

Great trails cross the Creek over Murray Bridge as well as follow it underneath the bridge.

Tip by

6.69 km

Seabright Beach

Beach

7.21 km

Cliff Vista

Highlight • Viewpoint

Sweeping views of the estuary and the Pacific beach

Tip by

8.58 km

There are 18 beach volleyball courts on the main beach in Santa Cruz. They are first come, first served, but also available for rent. These courts are frequented by both amateur and professional players.

Tip by

14.8 km

Wilder Ranch State Park

Highlight • Historical Site

Wilder Ranch State Park was formerly a dairy ranch with restored ranch buildings that now serve as a museum. It also offers an extensive trail network for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.

Tip by

18.9 km

Engelsman Loop Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This trail provides a pleasant, steady incline that meanders through Wilder Ranch State Park. The area boasts stunning wildflowers, and you'll encounter a pleasant mix of shade and open fields along the way.

Tip by

27.1 km

Wilder Ranch State Park

Nature Reserve

38.7 km

Wilder Beach Natural Preserve

Nature Reserve

39.1 km

Seacaves View

Viewpoint

41.0 km

Railroad gravel road and Old Cove Landing Trail

Highlight • Trail

An alternative to the busy Hwy 1 is to stay along the abandoned railway line. It is fairly decent smooth at the beginning, but then gets a bit courser gravel …

Tip by

48.3 km

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Highlight • Beach

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.

Tip by

55.3 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types