Last Mile Biking

Sometimes vacations turn into epic to-do lists driving around to see every sight. We challenged our family to vacation without a car: slow down, be present, and live like locals.

We talk more about staying in the San Diego Mission Beach neighborhood and a bike ride to La Jolla in Part 1 of the series post here.

Bike Ride from Mission Beach to Fiesta Island

Our second bike adventure was a 17-mile round-trip ride from Mission Beach to Fiesta Island. We took the Mission Beach Bayside path north and continued around the bay toward Crown Point Beach then Crown Point Park. Eventually, the path connects with Pacific Beach Drive which is relatively quiet and well-marked for bikers.

Once you get to Campland on the Bay, there is a bike path that continues straight, fenced in sections on both sides. Even though it has a slight industrial feel, there were plenty of other bikers. Right before you get to N. Mission Bay drive, there is a nice car-free water crossing that makes it hard to believe you are in the middle of the city.

It’s a short distance on N. Mission Bay Drive until rejoining the Bayside Bikeway at De Anza Cove Park. This section is noisy due to the proximity to the Freeway, but is relatively short. There is also a modern and convenient stop for coffee, juice, or basic sandwiches at Superbloom Coffee and Juice. For something more substantial, San Diego Mission Bay Resort, has full-service food options with a outdoor patio deck.

At the end of the Bayside Bikeway, you will turn right onto Fiesta Island Drive. With the signs and cars, you can’t miss it. Fiesta Island has one-way traffic so you can do a full loop or cut it short with other pass throughs. There are a few trails throughout the island with packed sand which are quite beautiful. When we visited, there was an amazing display of daisies.

Fiesta Island was quiet on a weekday morning, but it is likely a popular hangout spot with more traffic on the weekend. It’s te perfect vacation getaway from pavement and city noise.