Have you ever dreamed of exploring new places on two wheels? If you love cycling and sightseeing, you’re in luck. There are many scenic cities for biking in the United States that offer stunning views, diverse landscapes, and bike-friendly amenities.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a thrilling adventure, there’s a city that suits your style and preferences.
Cycling is not only a fun and healthy way to travel, but also a green and sustainable one.
By choosing to bike instead of drive, you can reduce your carbon footprint, save money, and avoid traffic jams. Plus, you can enjoy the fresh air, the sunshine, and the scenery along the way.
In this article, I’ll share with you some of the best scenic cities for biking in the United States.
You’ll discover what makes each city unique and attractive for cyclists, as well as some of the best bike routes and trails to explore.
You’ll also learn about some of the attractions and landmarks that you can see while cycling in each city.
Are you ready to pedal your way through some of the most beautiful and bike-friendly cities in the country? Let’s get started!
Scenic Cities for Biking: key takeaways
- Cycling in scenic cities is a fun, healthy, green, and convenient way to travel and explore new places.
- The United States has many scenic cities for biking that offer stunning views, diverse landscapes, and bike-friendly amenities.
- Some of the best scenic cities for biking in the United States are Seattle, San Francisco, Miami, Portland, Houston, Boulder, and New York.
- Each city has its own unique and attractive features for cyclists, such as bike infrastructure, terrain, climate, culture, and attractions.
- Each city also has some of the best bike routes and trails to explore, where you can see the scenery, the landmarks, and the wildlife along the way.
- You can choose a scenic city for biking based on your preferences, skills, and budget and enjoy the experience on two wheels.
Seattle, Washington
It is a dream destination for cyclists who love nature and culture.
The city has a well-developed bike infrastructure, with over 200 miles of bike lanes, trails, and paths.
You can easily navigate the city by bike and enjoy the views of the Puget Sound, the Cascade Mountains, and the lush greenery.
One of the best bike routes in Seattle is the Burke-Gilman Trail, a 27-mile paved trail that follows the shorelines of Lake Washington and Lake Union.
You can start at the University of Washington and ride through scenic neighborhoods, parks, and bridges. Along the way, you can see the iconic Space Needle, the colorful Pike Place Market, and the majestic Mount Rainier.
Another great bike route in Seattle is the Alki Trail, a 5.5-mile paved trail that runs along the west side of the city. You can start from the Alki Point Lighthouse and ride along the beach, enjoying the views of the water and the skyline.
You can also stop by Alki Beach Park, where you can relax, picnic, or play volleyball.
If you’re looking for a more challenging ride, you can try the Lake Washington Loop, a 55-mile loop that circles the entire lake. You can start from any point and ride through diverse landscapes, such as forests, hills, and wetlands.
You can also cross the I-90 and the 520 bridges, which offer stunning views of the lake and the city.
Seattle is a scenic city for biking that offers something for everyone.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can find a bike route that suits your level and interests.
You can also discover the city’s rich culture, history, and attractions along the way. Seattle is a city that will make you fall in love with cycling.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California, is a scenic city for biking that offers a unique and diverse experience for cyclists. The city has hilly and varied terrain, which means you can enjoy both the challenge and the reward of cycling.
You can also admire the city’s iconic landmarks, architecture, and culture along the way.
One of the best bike routes in San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge, a 3-mile bridge that connects the city to Marin County.
You can start from the Fisherman’s Wharf and ride along the waterfront, passing by Fort Mason, Marina Green, and Crissy Field.
You can then cross the bridge, which offers spectacular views of the bay, the city, and Alcatraz Island. You can also continue to the Marin Headlands, where you can explore the hills, the beaches, and the lighthouse.
Another great bike route in San Francisco is the Embarcadero, a 4.5-mile boulevard that runs along the eastern edge of the city. You can start from the Ferry Building and ride along the bay, passing by Pier 39, the Coit Tower, and the Exploratorium.
You can also stop by the Embarcadero Center, where you can shop, dine, and relax.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous ride, you can try the Marin Headlands, a 15-mile loop that starts and ends at the Golden Gate Bridge. You can ride through the hills, the valleys, and the tunnels, enjoying the views of the ocean, the mountains, and the city.
You can also visit the Muir Woods National Monument, where you can see the giant redwood trees.
Also Read : Benefits of Electric Mountain Bike
Miami, Florida
Miami, Florida, is a scenic city for biking that offers a sunny and tropical experience for cyclists. The city has a warm and humid climate, which means you can cycle year-round and enjoy the breeze and the shade. You can also admire the city’s vibrant and colorful culture, architecture, and nightlife along the way.
One of the best bike routes in Miami is South Beach, a 4-mile stretch of sand and surf that runs along the east side of the city. You can start from South Pointe Park and ride along the beach, passing by the Art Deco District, the Lincoln Road Mall, and Ocean Drive.
You can also stop by the South Beach Park, where you can swim, sunbathe, or party.
Another great bike route in Miami is Key Biscayne, a 15-mile island that lies south of the city.
You can start from the Rickenbacker Causeway and ride across the bridge, enjoying the views of the bay and the skyline.
You can also explore the island, where you can visit Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, the Crandon Park, and the Miami Seaquarium.
If you’re looking for a more natural and wild ride, you can try the Everglades National Park, a 15-mile loop that starts and ends at the Shark Valley Visitor Center.
You can ride through the wetlands, the prairies, and the forests, enjoying the views of the wildlife, the plants, and the water.
You can also see the Observation Tower, where you can get a panoramic view of the park.
Portland, Oregon
It is a scenic city for biking that offers a progressive and eco-friendly experience for cyclists. The city has a strong bike culture, with over 350 miles of bike lanes, trails, and paths. You can easily get around the city by bike and enjoy the views of the Willamette River, Mount Hood, and the urban greenery.
One of the best bike routes in Portland is the Springwater Corridor, a 21-mile paved trail that follows the former railway line. You can start from downtown and ride along the river, passing by the Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge, the Sellwood Riverfront Park, and the Gresham Main City Park.
Along the way, you can see the wildlife, the wetlands, and the farms.
Another great bike route in Portland is Forest Park, a 5,200-acre park that is the largest urban forest in the country.
You can start from Lower Macleay Park and ride through the woods, passing by the Pittock Mansion, the Stone House, and the Audubon Society.
You can also explore the park’s 80 miles of trails, where you can see the trees, the flowers, and the birds.
If you’re looking for a more scenic and historic ride, you can try the Columbia River Gorge, a 40-mile loop that starts and ends at Troutdale. You can ride along the river, passing by Vista House, Multnomah Falls, and Bonneville Dam.
You can also visit the Historic Columbia River Highway, where you can see the bridges, the tunnels, and the waterfalls.
Portland is a scenic city for biking that offers a lot of culture and nature for cyclists.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can find a bike route that suits your passion and curiosity.
You can also discover the city’s rich history, culture, and attractions along the way. Portland is a city that will make you feel green on two wheels.
Houston, Texas
Houston, Texas, is a scenic city for biking that offers a flat and expansive experience for cyclists. The city has a large and diverse landscape, which means you can cycle through different environments and terrains.
You can also admire the city’s modern and historic culture, architecture, and attractions along the way.
One of the best bike routes in Houston is the Buffalo Bayou, a 15-mile waterway that runs through the heart of the city.
You can start from downtown and ride along the bayou, passing by the Sabine Promenade, the Eleanor Tinsley Park, and the Terry Hershey Park. Along the way, you can see the skyline, the bridges, and the art installations.
Another great bike route in Houston is Terry Hershey Park, a 12.5-mile park that runs along the west side of the city.
You can start from the Dairy Ashford Road and ride through the park, passing by George Bush Park, the Barker Reservoir, and the Addicks Dam. You can also explore the park’s 10 miles of trails, where you can see the wildlife, the ponds, and the trees.
If you’re looking for a more adventurous and educational ride, you can try Brazos Bend State Park, a 25-mile loop that starts and ends at the George Observatory.
You can ride through the park, passing by Creekfield Lake, Elm Lake, and Hale Lake. You can also visit the observatory, where you can see the stars, the planets, and the moon.
Houston is a scenic city for biking that offers a lot of variety and opportunity for cyclists. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you can find a bike route that suits your speed and interests.
You can also discover the city’s rich history, culture, and attractions along the way. Houston is a city that will make you feel the space on two wheels.
Boulder, Colorado
Boulder, Colorado, is a scenic city for biking that offers a mountainous and adventurous experience for cyclists.
The city has high altitude and rocky terrain, which means you can enjoy both the challenge and the reward of cycling.
You can also admire the city’s natural and cultural beauty, architecture, and attractions along the way.
One of the best bike routes in Boulder is the Boulder Creek Path, a 7-mile paved trail that follows the creek through the city.
You can start from downtown and ride along the creek, passing by Central Park, the University of Colorado, and Eben G. Fine Park. Along the way, you can see the Flatirons, the rocky formations that overlook the city.
Another great bike route in Boulder is the Betasso Preserve, a 7.4-mile loop that starts and ends at Four Mile Canyon Drive. You can ride through the preserve, passing by the Betasso Link Trail, the Canyon Loop Trail, and the Benjamin Loop Trail. You can also explore the preserve’s 1,100 acres of forests, meadows, and wildlife.
If you’re looking for a more thrilling and challenging ride, you can try the Valmont Bike Park, a 42-acre park that features various bike tracks and courses.
You can start from Valmont Road and ride through the park, passing by the pump tracks, the dirt jumps, and the slopestyle courses. You can also test your skills and have fun at the park’s different levels of difficulty and terrain.
New York
New York, New York, is a scenic city for biking that offers an urban and vibrant experience for cyclists. The city has a busy and diverse atmosphere, which means you can cycle through different neighborhoods and cultures.
You can also admire the city’s iconic landmarks, architecture, and attractions along the way.
One of the best bike routes in New York is the Central Park Loop, a 6.1-mile loop that circles the park.
You can start from any point and ride along the park, passing by the Bethesda Fountain, the Belvedere Castle, and the Strawberry Fields.
Along the way, you can see the skyline, the lakes, and the statues.
Another great bike route in New York is the Brooklyn Bridge, a 1.3-mile bridge that connects the boroughs of Manhattan and Brooklyn. You can start at City Hall and ride across the bridge, enjoying the views of the river and the city.
You can also explore the Brooklyn side, where you can visit the Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Dumbo, and the Brooklyn Heights.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing and scenic ride, you can try the Hudson River Greenway, an 11-mile path that runs along the west side of the city.
You can start from Battery Park and ride along the river, passing by the Chelsea Piers, the Intrepid Sea, the Air & Space Museum, and Riverside Park. You can also see the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and Times Square.
FAQS
What are the benefits of cycling in scenic cities?
Cycling in scenic cities can improve your physical and mental health, reduce your environmental impact, save you money, and enhance your travel experience.
How do I choose a scenic city for biking?
You can choose a scenic city for biking based on your preferences, skills, and budget. You can also do research online, read reviews, or ask for recommendations from other cyclists.
What are the best seasons for cycling in scenic cities?
The best seasons for cycling in scenic cities depend on the climate and the attractions of each city. Generally, spring and autumn are ideal for cycling, as they offer mild weather and beautiful scenery.
What are the essential items to pack for a cycling trip in scenic cities?
The essential items to pack for a cycling trip in scenic cities include a bike, a helmet, a lock, a repair kit, a water bottle, a map, a phone, a camera, sunscreen, a raincoat, and some snacks.
What are the safety tips for cycling in scenic cities?
The safety tips for cycling in scenic cities include following the traffic rules, wearing a helmet, using lights and reflectors, avoiding distractions, staying alert, and respecting other road users.
Conclusion
In this article, I’ve shown you some of the best scenic cities for biking in the United States.
You’ve learned what makes each city unique and attractive for cyclists and what some of the best bike routes and trails are to explore.
You’ve also seen some of the attractions and landmarks that you can see while cycling in each city.
Cycling is a great way to discover new places, enjoy the scenery, and have fun. It’s also a healthy, green, and convenient way to travel. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a thrilling adventure, there’s a scenic city for biking that matches your style and preferences.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your bike and helmet, and hit the road. You’ll be amazed by what you can see and experience on two wheels. And don’t forget to share your stories and photos with me. I’d love to hear from you.
Happy cycling!
