Cycling day trip from La Jolla to San Diego

Ready for a beautiful SoCal coastal ride? This route takes you from the laidback vibes of La Jolla all the way to lively downtown San Diego. You’ll start by rolling out from La Jolla, famous for its rugged cliffs, sea lions sunning on the rocks, boutique shops, and stunning Pacific views.

The ride is just over 38 kilometers (around 24 miles), mostly on quiet roads and dedicated cycleways—plenty of room to soak in the scenery without dodging heavy traffic. While there’s a bit of ascent and descent (about 280 meters each way), the max elevation tops out at just 71 meters. You’ll cruise along a mix of paved, concrete, and asphalt surfaces, mostly well cared-for, though you may hit the occasional missing patch—keep your eyes peeled!

As you near San Diego, you’ll pass through various neighborhoods and, if you time it right, you can catch the buzz of the city as you finish. Once downtown, grab a well-earned coffee or bite—San Diego’s food scene won’t disappoint! All in all, it’s a great way to experience the best of coastline and city, SoCal style.