While the coronavirus has forced many of us to avoid gathering places and events, we still need to get fresh air and exercise. A great way to do this is to go for a bike ride. Being on a bicycle gives you distance from others, and it’s a lot of fun for the whole family. Here are some great bike paths in the Bay Area for all levels. Note: Restrooms along bike trails may not have places to wash hands so bring hand sanitizer.
East Bay
Crown Memorial State Beach – Along 2.5 miles of beach is a paved bike path great for bicyclists of all ages. Families can enjoy the rolling sand dunes and beaches calm enough for swimming. At the east end of the harbor is the Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary with aquatic birds and other salt marsh creatures. The Crab Cove Visitor Center, located on McKay Avenue, has exhibits and aquaria highlighting flora and fauna of San Francisco Bay and other marine areas. Eighth Street and Otis Drive, Alameda. $5 parking fee. 510-544-3175.
Lake Chabot – The bicycle loop covers 12.42 miles via the Live Oak Trail and 14.41 miles via the Honker Bay Trail. Along the way, you can enjoy scenic views of the lake, wildlife and picnic areas. 17600 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley. $5 parking fee. 888-327-2757.
Marin
Lake Lagunitas – This reservoir in Marin County is a perfect place for beginners. It’s also a great place to have a picnic. Lagunitas Dam Road, Fairfax. 415-945-1180.
Tennessee Valley – This trail is popular with both hikers and mountain bicyclists for good reason. It’s an easy ride for young cyclists and it has dramatic views and a spectacular beach at the end of the trail. It’s a 3.4-mile ride round-trip out to Tennessee Cove and back. Tennessee Valley Road near Mill Valley.
Peninsula
Coyote Point Recreation Area Trails – In addition to paved bike paths perfect for learners, this park features the Magic Mountain Playground with its dragon and castle slides and the CuriOdyssey science and nature museum. 1701 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo. 650-573-2592.
Sawyer Camp Trail – Part of the Crystal Springs Regional Trail, this paved path marked for two-way traffic is great for young bicyclists. The trail has sweeping views of the Crystal Springs Reservoir, picnic areas and restrooms on both its northern and southern access points. It extends from Hillcrest Boulevard on the north to Crystal Springs Road on the south. 650-363-4000.
San Francisco
Crissy Field – Enjoy iconic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay as you ride on the flat bike trail that winds through Crissy Field between Marina Green and Fort Point. Along the way, you will find picnic tables, beaches and a tidal marsh overlook. At the west end, the Warming Hut offers snacks and park gear, and on the east end of the park the Crissy Field Center serves as a multicultural urban environmental education center for youth. Park in beachfront lots west of the Marina gate. Warming Hut Park Store and Café, 983 Marina Drive. 415-561-3040.
Golden Gate Park – This San Francisco treasure offers plenty of bike trails for young riders and along the way there is so much to see including museums, playgrounds, gardens, lakes, monuments and more. The safest time to ride through the park is Sundays and holidays when John F. Kennedy Drive is closed to car traffic from Stanyan Street, where the Panhandle starts, to 20th Avenue. There are several places to rent bicycles throughout the park as well as tours. 501 Stanyan St. 415-831-2700.
Silicon Valley
Calabazas BMX Park – This free public BMX park is divided into three sections so kids and adults of all abilities are able to enjoy the park. Open from sunrise to an hour after sunset. Rainbow Drive and Blaney Avenue, San Jose. 408-793-5510.
Los Alamitos Creek Trail – This trail offers a leisurely ride along a creek with plenty of shade. The 4.7-mile trail begins at Almaden Lake Park and connects to the Almaden Creek Trail. 6602 Camden Ave., San Jose. 408-535-3500.
Teresa Mills-Faraudo is an associate editor at Bay Area Parent.