Cycling 100 Miles to San Diego

The Star of India is docked at the Embarcadero in San Diego
Objective: Cycling 100 Miles to San Diego, Pacific Coast, California, USA
Distance: 100 miles (one-way)
Elevation Gain: 3,000′
Trip Length: 1 day

Cycling 100 miles to San Diego may be one of the best ways to see the SoCal coastline. Whether you cruise past beach cities or crank through rolling terrain, the Pacific Ocean will always be on your right.

The century ride starts in Irvine and ends in San Diego. You can do this in a single day. Or break it up into two days and camp at San Onofre for the night. Either way, you can take the train and celebrate on the ride home.

Beach Cities | Final Stretch | Directions | Plan Your Visit | Red Tape | Gear
Cycling to San Diego: charming, laid-back surf spot
At San Clemente, you’re almost halfway there

Beach Cities

The ride starts at the Irvine Amtrak station, heads to PCH, and passes through the artistic enclave of Laguna Beach. Roll past the charm of San Clemente’s laid-back surf town vibes. For those who want to ride over two days, you can set up camp near the beach in San Onofre.

After the San Onofre nuclear plant, ride through the Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base. The ride continues past the active Oceanside marina, and progresses past a scenic stretch between Carlsbad and Del Mar.

Cycling to San Diego: Torrey Pines Road is steep
Before the Torrey Pines Road climb

Final Stretch

When you reach Torrey Pines Road, shift into granny gear, and rise out of the saddle. The climb is steep, but once it is over, you can pretty much cruise into San Diego.

Directions

From the 5 S, take the Alton Pkwy exit and turn right onto Alton Pkwy. After 0.4 miles, turn left onto Ada. Make a right onto Barranca Pkwy. Turn left into Irvine Station. Ride to the Old Town Station in San Diego. Take the Amtrak train back to Irvine.

Plan Your Visit

Make a reservation for the train ride on: Amtrak

There is a fee for bringing your bicycle on the train.

Red Tape

You need permission to ride through the 9-mile section passing through Camp Pendleton. US citizens can pre-enroll for a DBIDS visitor pass, which requires a criminal history background check, digital fingerprinting, and photographing. You must bring ID and the visitor pass to the visitor’s center. Cyclists ride north to south from Las Pulgas Gate to the Main Gate (Stuart Mesa Road to Vandegrift Boulevard). The alternative is riding on the emergency lane of the I-5.

Gear

Personal: Helmet, water, food
Group: Arrange a support vehicle to haul repair kits and medical gear.