The Newport Balboa Bike Trail is another in a series of wonderful bike paths along the water in Orange County. The ~3 mile path is located on the Balboa Peninsula in the Newport Beach area, starting at 36th St. & Seashore Drive, and extending south to E. Balboa Blvd. at E St. There are great beach views the whole way, and the water can be seen closer to high tide, as the beach is wide! Balboa Peninsula Park is sort of the center point of the island, where there’s parking, a historic pier, and lots of fun shops and restaurants.
The path is 2.9 miles one-way, but it’s also fun to run out the Newport Beach Pier (0.3 miles one-way) and the Balboa Pier (0.2) miles, which together would add 1 mile.
Balboa Pier
There are some good opportunities to extend the run. At Balboa Pier, head east up Main St. (lots of shops & restaurants) to the historic Balboa Pavillion, Arcade, and ferry. There’s a nice path along the water there for about 0.5 miles. You can also head further south, along E. Ocean Blvd., for another 0.5 miles to the end of the peninsula, where there’s a jetty you can enjoy and a great place to watch surfers on a good day.
The Newport Balboa Bike Trail is another in a series of wonderful bike paths along the water in Orange County. The ~3 mile path is located on the Balboa Peninsula in the Newport Beach area, starting at 36th St. & Seashore Drive, and extending south to E. Balboa Blvd. at E St. There are great beach views the whole way, and the water can be seen closer to high tide, as the beach is wide! Balboa Peninsula Park is sort of the center point of the island, where there’s parking, a historic pier, and lots of fun shops and restaurants.
The path is 2.9 miles one-way, but it’s also fun to run out the Newport Beach Pier (0.3 miles one-way) and the Balboa Pier (0.2) miles, which together would add 1 mile.
Balboa Pier
There are some good opportunities to extend the run. At Balboa Pier, head east up Main St. (lots of shops & restaurants) to the historic Balboa Pavillion, Arcade, and ferry. There’s a nice path along the water there for about 0.5 miles. You can also head further south, along E. Ocean Blvd., for another 0.5 miles to the end of the peninsula, where there’s a jetty you can enjoy and a great place to watch surfers on a good day.
The largest city in Orange County and home to Disneyland and a major convention center. Best spots in the immediate area are Mile Square Park, the Colony Historic District, and Anaheim Hills, which has gorgeous parks and pretty residential streets.
Pleasant, 475-acre park with several miles of trails nestled among a grove of heritage oak and sycamore trees. Best bets are 4-mile Equestrian Loop, 3 mile Horseshoe Loop Trail 1.3 mile Road Runner loop. Paved & dirt paths.
Tons of great running in the area. Campus highlight is Aldrich Park, a hilly, grassy expanse with great views. Within 1 mile of campus are Mason Park (2 mile trail), San Joaquin Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (11 miles of trails), and Newport Back Bay Loop.
Nature preserve connecting the Upper Newport Bay and Newport Harbor is a popular 10.5 mile loop. It's paved and relatively flat. Numerous access points and options to make it shorter. South part is prettiest.
A beach and a canyon all in one run! Fantastic state park has a 2.5+ mile paved coastal trail and 10+ miles of backcountry trails in Moro Canyon. The promenade has great water views. Canyon trails are moderate to challenging, with some serious hills.
Terrific trail along side San Clemente Beach, paralleling the train tracks. The path runs 2.6 miles one-way, combination paved, sand, boardwalk, and dirt.
One can put together 3-4 miles of trails in the Oso Viejo Community Park. The trails feature an Oak Grove, garden maze, butterfly garden, and a walkway made of recycled glass. For a longer run, the residential area east of the park is pleasant.
One of the most spectacular runs in southern California. A series of headlands and cliffs overlooking Dana Point and Strands Beach, with great views. One can put together a terrific run, with parks, trails, and paths along the harbor and marina.
30-mile recreational trail along the Santa Ana River between Huntington Beach and Riverside. Paths on both sides of the water. Several parks and other landmarks along the way.
A wonderful 2.5 mile dedicated pedestrian path, with great harbor views. Reachable by bridge, or quick ferry ride from the Balboa Peninsula. For a longer run, hop the ferry and do the 2.9 mile Newport Balboa bike trail.
This 670 acre park is one of the best spots to run near Anaheim/Disney. It's 1 mile along each side of the park. Or, enjoy some of the interior trails. There are lakes, golf courses, nature trails, recreational fields, and more.
Wide, paved bike path that goes 10.5 miles from Huntington Beach to Newport Beach. In parts, the trail is literally right next to the beach. Popular and festive on a nice day. We've included a map and table with segment distances.
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Essentials
2.9 miles one way. Newport Beach Pier is 0.3m, Balboa Pier is 0.2m.
Flat
Anywhere along path. North end: is 36th St. & Seashore Drive. South end: E. Balboa Blvd. at E St.
Numerous access points and parking along path. Municipal parking at Balboa Pier
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