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United States
California
Santa Cruz County

Seacliff

The best cycling routes around Seacliff

4.4

(72)

1,590

riders

96

rides

Touring cycling routes around Seacliff offer diverse landscapes, from coastal paths to inland loops through farmlands and forests. The region features sandy shorelines backed by bluffs, providing scenic views of the sea and Monterey Bay. Routes often include well-paved surfaces, with some extending into areas with significant elevation changes. This variety caters to different cycling preferences and fitness levels.

Best touring cycling routes around Seacliff

  • The most popular touring cycling route is Aptos Creek and Buzzard Lagoon Loop, a 31.4 miles (50.5 km) trail that takes 4 hours 31 minutes to complete. This difficult route features significant elevation gain through varied terrain.
  • Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Pleasure Point Beach โ€“ West Cliff Cycleway loop from Capitola, a moderate 21.1 miles (34.0 km) path. This route offers coastal scenery and ocean views along a paved cycleway.
  • Local touring cyclists also love the Pleasure Point Beach โ€“ Capitola Village loop from Capitola, a 6.5 miles (10.5 km) trail leading through coastal villages and along the beach, often completed in about 39 minutes.
  • Touring cycling around Seacliff is defined by coastal paths, bluffs, and inland routes through farmlands and forests. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy coastal rides to more challenging loops with significant climbs.
  • The routes in Seacliff are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.3 stars from more than 50 reviews. More than 1500 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Seacliff's varied terrain.

Last updated: June 24, 2026

29

riders

#1.

Aptos Creek and Buzzard Lagoon Loop

50.5km

04:32

1,070m

1,070m

Challenge yourself on the 31.4-mile Aptos Creek and Buzzard Lagoon Loop, a difficult touring cycling route through redwoods and orchards.

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Hard

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

Traveler
May 26, 2025, Dead surfers memorials overlooking Steamer Lane

While there are more formal memorials to the sport of surfing a little ways south at the Lighthouse and north at the official Surfer Memorial Sculpture, this spot is more personal. Here along West Cliff Drive is the famous surfing spot known as Steamer Lane. For all its fame and pleasure, surf conditions, accidents and bad luck exact a fatal toll. An informal memorial up on the cliff remembers surfers who have died.-It's next to a staircase leading down to the beach. The wooden plaques are all custom, hand-routed tributes by friends or family. The carved messages, lacking biographical details (because they are well-known locals?) are sometimes adorned with flower arrangements and small keepsakes along the fence. While these memorials of surfer deaths are also sad, there is a somewhat relaxed atmosphere at this spot. The surfers were doing what they loved, and knew the risks.

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Stunning Natural Bridge Beach is known for its natural arches made of fine clay or mud rock, carved by time, water, and wind. The beach is also known for being home to a colony of monarch butterflies, with over 150,000 coming to live here for the winter. If you're lucky, you might even spot whales!

Translated by Googleโ€ข

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A small but cozy beach along East Cliff Drive, featuring a lake and a park. Thereโ€™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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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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Moran Lake Beach is part of the 9.2-acre Moran Lake Park. The beach stretches about a mile long and is a popular surf spot. The park offers restrooms, picnic tables, and outdoor showers.

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AaronLavanchy
February 15, 2024, Schwan Lake

Schwan Lake is part of Twin Lakes State Park and was originally known as Schwan Lagoon when it connected to the ocean. Harbor construction restricted the flow of water from the ocean, transforming it into a freshwater lake.

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many touring cycling routes are available around Seacliff?

There are nearly 90 touring cycling routes around Seacliff, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 24 easy routes, 36 moderate routes, and 28 difficult routes.

What types of landscapes can I expect to see while touring cycling in Seacliff?

Touring cycling routes around Seacliff feature diverse landscapes, from scenic coastal paths and bluffs with views of Monterey Bay to inland loops through farmlands and forests. You'll find well-paved surfaces, and some routes extend into areas with significant elevation changes, including redwood and oak forests.

Are there any easy, family-friendly touring cycling routes in Seacliff?

Yes, Seacliff offers several easy, family-friendly options. The Pleasure Point Beach โ€“ Capitola Village loop from Capitola is a great choice, leading through coastal villages and along the beach. The paved promenade at Seacliff State Beach also provides a leisurely ride, and the Seascape Village via Valencia Road Loop is an easy 10.9-mile loop with well-paved surfaces and coastal scenery suitable for all fitness levels.

What are some notable attractions or landmarks I can see along the touring cycling routes?

Along your touring cycling routes, you can explore various attractions. The West Cliff Cycleway offers stunning ocean and cliff views. You might also pass by Pleasure Point Beach, Moran Lake Beach and Park, or the Santa Cruz Lighthouse. The historic SS Palo Alto, a concrete tanker, is an iconic landmark visible offshore at Seacliff State Beach.

Are there any challenging touring cycling routes for experienced riders?

Absolutely. For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the Aptos Creek and Buzzard Lagoon Loop is a difficult 31.4-mile route featuring significant elevation gain through varied terrain. The Eureka Canyon Road/Highland Way loop in the wider Santa Cruz area also offers a 41-mile route through redwood and oak forests with substantial elevation changes.

What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Seacliff?

The touring cycling routes in Seacliff are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse scenery, from coastal views to peaceful inland trails, and the variety of options available for different skill levels.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes in Seacliff?

Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Seacliff are designed as loops. For example, the Seacliff State Beach loop from Seacliff State Beach offers a moderate 22.6 km circular ride. Other loops like the Watsonville Loop and the Seascape Village via Valencia Road Loop also provide circular options for exploring the area.

Where can I find parking for touring cycling routes in Seacliff?

Parking is generally available at popular starting points for routes. For Seacliff State Beach, there are designated parking areas. For routes extending into areas like Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Wilder Ranch State Park, or Cotoni-Coast Dairies, specific parking lots are usually provided. It's advisable to check the details for your chosen route on komoot for precise parking information.

What is the best season for touring cycling in Seacliff?

Seacliff generally offers pleasant cycling conditions for much of the year. The mild coastal climate means that spring, summer, and fall are excellent for touring. Even winter can be suitable, though it's always wise to check local weather forecasts for rain or cooler temperatures, especially for routes with higher elevations.

Are there any routes that offer coastal views and ocean breezes?

Many routes in Seacliff provide fantastic coastal experiences. The Pleasure Point Beach โ€“ West Cliff Cycleway loop from Capitola is a moderate route specifically known for its coastal scenery and ocean views along a paved cycleway. The Seascape Village via Valencia Road Loop also offers beautiful coastal vistas.

Can I find places to eat or drink near the cycling routes?

Yes, the Seacliff area, particularly around Seacliff State Beach and nearby towns like Capitola, offers various cafes, pubs, and dining options. The Glenelg to Seacliff Coastal Walk in South Australia, for instance, is noted for its outdoor dining options. You'll often find establishments conveniently located near popular beaches and village centers along the routes.

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