Whether on electric bike or regular, San Diego on wheels is a treat. Here’s the best way to pedal through La Jolla.
With stunning coastal views and year-round perfect weather, La Jolla is a prime San Diego neighborhood for cycling. The approximately seven miles of coastline claimed by La Jolla is full of jagged bluffs, wildflowers and scenic ocean vistas, ideal to experience on two wheels with the breeze in your face.
If seeing La Jolla by bicycle is in your wheelhouse, check out our guide to the best bike rentals La Jolla offers, along with top cycling routes, booking information, safety tips and more. Ride on!
Types of bike rentals in La Jolla
La Jolla bike rentals offer the traditional beach cruiser: Enjoy the simplicity of your own power as you coast through La Jolla on an ultra light, colorful and stylish cruiser that locals and tourists both love for comfortable, relaxed exploration of scenic routes.
Electric bike rentals in La Jolla
Those wanting a little assistance as they ride will enjoy seeing La Jolla via an electric bike, or e-bike. La Jolla’s hills and routes with longer distances are made easier with the help of electric power, which increases the ease of pedaling. E-bikes, then, are a great choice for any fitness level.
Consider the battery life of an e-bike when renting – you don’t want to be caught with a dead battery towards the end of a long ride.
Also note that some places, like the La Jolla bike path, prohibit motorized bikes and other vehicles. Pedal pushers only!
Top La Jolla bike rental companies
1. Bike & Kayak Tours
- 2158 Avenida De La Playa. Open daily; hours vary depending on season and weather conditions.
- Bike selection: Beach cruisers; $19 for 90 minutes, $29 for three hours, $39 for the day. Rental fee includes helmet, lock and customized, illustrated map.
- Tours are also offered on e-bikes.
2. La Jolla Ebike & Skate
- 7444 Girard Ave. Open 10 am to 5:30 pm Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 10 am to 5 pm Saturdays and 10 am to 4 pm Sundays.
- Bike selection: A large selection of California-based e-bike brands; $25 per hour for most, with discounts for extended times.Â
- Electric skateboards are also available.
3. Pedego Electric Bikes La Jolla
- 5702 La Jolla Blvd. Open 10 am to 7 pm weekdays; 9 am to 6 pm Saturdays and 10 am to 6 pm Sundays.
- Bike selection: A variety of Pedego e-bikes.
- Pedego also sells e-bikes.
4. San Diego Tours & Rentals
- 7742 Herschel Ave, Suite D. Open 9 am to 5 pm daily by appointment only.
- Bike selection: Performance Bosch E-Bikes; $65 for 3.5 hours or $95 for 6 hours. Rental fee includes helmet, lock, water, snack, printed map and online GPS self-guided tour map.
- Several guided tours are also available.
Best La Jolla cycling routes and destinations, from coastal routes to neighborhood exploration
La Jolla Cove to Scripps Pier
Experience the La Jolla Underwater Park from above and the best of La Jolla’s views as you engage in cycle-therapy from La Jolla Cove north. You’ll see the towering bluffs above the seven sea caves and miles of that gorgeous shoreline. As you descend into La Jolla Shores, you’ll roll through the vibrancy of the dining district and those making the most of seaside living. Head up the hill to the majesty of the vistas from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography campus and the pier. Along this route, you’ll be treated to amazing wildlife and native plants, so take your time!
La Jolla Village historic district
Called the La Jolla Park Coastal Historic District, this shoreline area of The Village encompasses eight acres of coastal land from Coast Walk south to the end of Coast Boulevard. For a chain reaction of breathtaking geographical spots including The Cove, the Children’s Pool and Whale View Point combined with iconic structures from La Jolla’s history such as the Casa de Mañana retirement community and Red Roost and Red Rest cottages. Take in the vast Scripps Park, the statuesque La Valencia Hotel, the beloved Cave Store and so much more.Â
Prospect Street shopping and dining
For a peek at life a block away from the sand, shift gears and head onto Prospect Street to wind your way through La Jolla’s premier shopping and dining district. This is where visitors and residents shop, eat and enjoy the La Jolla lifestyle by wheel. You’ll browse the best San Diego art galleries along Prospect and its adjacent streets, public art pieces by the dozen, popular restaurants to dine for and stores aplenty, from the upscale to the quirky and adorable.
Windansea Beach artistic community
For a quieter ride on your La Jolla bike rental, cruise through the Windansea neighborhood, where surf culture and sunset worship mingle with artistic endeavors. Cycle up and down Belvedere and Nautilus streets and weave your way around the streets perpendicular to Neptune Place and onto Camino de la Costa to view the best of beach bungalows, dreamy mansions and more.
Bird Rock
Bird Rock is where community happens, so pedal to this southern La Jolla neighborhood for the pretty streets, close-knit neighbors and merchants and seaside charm. You’ll see so many spots beckoning you to browse, sit and relax, so plan to be in Bird Rock for a while.
Challenging La Jolla routes for experienced cyclists
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Pedego Electric Bikes La Jolla
If a hike through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is on your itinerary, the experienced cyclist may want to add this to their La Jolla bike rental route. While bicycles are not allowed on reserve trails, they are allowed on the paved road going uphill to the reserve and as always on North Torrey Pines Road between Del Mar and La Jolla, where the views are worth the strenuous climb.Â
Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial
High above much of La Jolla is the Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial, set within a city of San Diego park known regionally for its 360-degree panoramas of San Diego. Getting to this prominent landmark by bicycle isn’t easy, but it’s rewarding beyond measure. Accessible from the steep inclines of Soledad Mountain Road, Via Capri, Nautilus Street, Cardeno Drive and La Jolla Scenic Drive South, Mount Soledad’s views are a terrific payout for the workout.
Safety tips for cycling in La Jolla
Traffic rules and bike laws
In San Diego, bicycle regulations require cyclists to obey all traffic laws, including stopping at stop signs and red lights, and using hand signals for turns. Use the bike lanes where available. Helmets are not required for those over 18, but they are highly recommended. Remember pedestrians always have the right of way.Â
La Jolla route safety considerations
Check with your La Jolla bike rental company for areas to avoid, and use caution at all intersections. Monitor weather forecasts for rain, as precipitation can mean slick road conditions.
Making the most of your La Jolla bike rental
Whether your bike rental experience is an add-on to your La Jolla beach day, museum tour, Birch Aquarium visit, toast to sunset or other local adventure, be sure to check out our Explore page for the best La Jolla restaurants for a replenishing meal.
Happy riding!
