San Diego Motorcycle Rides
California has an immense amount of beautiful country. But, around my office in Solana Beach, North to Oceanside, and South to San Diego are some of the most beautiful stretches for riding a motorcycle in America. All of Southern California is a biker's dream. A year round continental paradise offering ocean views, twisty roads through canyons and mountain passes, or straight, smooth highways, San Diego County offers any avid biker a chance at his or her dream ride.
Here are five exceptional options for any biker in search of scenic, memorable San Diego rides, accompanied by special recommendations for places to eat, drink, and service your machine along the way: PCH 101, Coronado, Highway 94, Sunrise Highway, Murrieta to Carlsbad.
Enjoy The Amazing Views of PCH 101
The Ride
One of the most popular routes in the state, Highway 101 should be on every biker's "Essential California Rides" bucket list. Winding from Oceanside to La Jolla, US Route 101, aka the Pacific Coast Highway offers stunning scenic views and is a great way to experience an authentic SoCal lifestyle. Extending down the Pacific coast, bikers will welcome the cool ocean breeze and scenic views all year.
Food
For a refreshing and delicious pit stop, visit the famous Pizza Port in Solana Beach. Established in 1987 by sister and brother duo Gina and Vince Marsaglia, Pizza Port has served up iconic pizzas and in-house brewed craft beers to Solana Beach and Del Mar residents for over 30 years. Now with five locations throughout San Diego, the original Solana Beach Pizza Port is the stuff of local legend and a must for any hungry biker looking to refuel.
Music
Looking to keep the party going? Look no further than the Kraken, recent winner of City Beat's "Best Bar in North County" award. A popular stop for bikers as they cruise down the 101, the Kraken offers great live music nearly every night and a deep selection of beers and spirits.
Coronado
The Ride
This quick ride is a must for any biker traveling through San Diego. You will marvel at the bay views while crossing the legendary Coronado Bridge from the mainland into the charming island community/Naval Base of Coronado. Be sure to check out the Hotel Del Coronado, one of the nation's most iconic hotels, and the location of many famous movies, including the 1959 Marilyn Monroe classic, Some Like it Hot.
Food
Head to 1st Street between Orange Avenue and C Avenue to fuel up on classic American BBQ at Lil' Piggy's Bar-B-Q. You'll find Lil' Piggy's on the ferry landing near Candela's and the Village Pizzeria. This spot is a perfect place to hang out near the ferry landing, listen to live music and enjoy a good, hearty meal. Recommended Lunch: Ribs with BBQ sauce and curly fries.
Music
McP's Irish Pub is a Coronado favorite for locals and tourists alike. Owned by an ex-Navy Seal, this pub is military friendly, while also offering live music and a pleasant, conversational pub atmosphere. Pro-tip: Head to the patio and kick back while enjoying the Coronado sunshine and ocean breeze.
Need A Tune Up?
You'll need to head back over the bridge if you're having any mechanical issues with your ride. SD Moto Repair opened in 2012 and has received rave reviews for their service ever since. SD Moto Repair has repaired Harley-Davidsons, Hondas, BMWs, Triumphs and many more.
Highway 94
The Ride
Starting your ride in East County, Highway 94 will take bikers into the desert habitats of San Diego County and offers a complimentary contrast to the more populous or coastal routes. Stark, surreal, and eerily beautiful, this route winds bikers through canyons and creek beds, and explores the border towns of Southern California, at one point taking bikers only two miles from Mexico. Generally well paved and free from traffic, Highway 94 is a great route for any biker looking to let his/her hair down and enjoy the rustic scenery, crisp air and psychedelic sunrises.
The Food
To truly soak up the history and experience of Highway 94, a hungry biker must stop at the Barrett Junction Cafe and Mercantile. A historical cornerstone of Barrett Junction, this establishment has existed since the 1800s, when stage coach passengers, not motorcyclists, were its patrons. Famous for its "all you can eat" fish-fry, Barrett Junction Cafe and Mercantile is decorated with wild game and quirky antiques. A motorcycle ride along Highway 94 would not be complete without a stop at the Barrett Junction Cafe and Mercantile.
Relax With Games
On your way back into town, make a pit stop with your friends at Bolt Brewery in La Mesa to celebrate your journey. With a warm and welcoming vibe, Bolt features a number of different beer styles sure to satisfy even the pickiest of beer drinkers. Head to the patio to play corn hole, cards, and board games.
Need A Tune Up?
Make sure your motorcycle is in working order before heading out on your Highway 94 ride. There aren't many options for service once you pass through Jamul. In case of emergency, call 511 for the Freeway Service Patrol to come to your assistance.
Sunrise Highway
The Ride
For a short and sweet route, look no further than the picturesque Sunrise Highway Loop, which takes the motorcyclist on a 115 mile, two-hour loop, but sees over 5,000 feet in elevation changes as it flows from the I-8 through Cleveland National Forest, Julian, Wynola, Ramona, Lakeside and Santee, before eventually returning to the I-8. At the halfway point, be sure to stop in Julian. An old mining town famous for its pies, apple cider and fresh bread, Julian is a biker favorite, and a great excuse to bring a few pies home for the family.
The Food
It wouldn't be a trip through Julian without stopping at the Julian Pie Company! Famous throughout Southern California for baking exceptional pies year round (apple especially), many SoCal natives drive hours to visit this pie shop. It's a must for all bikers to stop here and grab a little slice of heaven before returning to the road. For a more well-rounded meal, stop by Soups and Such Cafe on Main Street for a hearty burger and fries.
Relax With Music
For the best country-western honky tonk bar in the San Diego area, stop at Renegade Country Bar off the I-8 on your way back into town. This bar is low key and caters to a mature, local crowd who love music, dancing and socializing. Karaoke night is every Tuesday with live bands on Friday and Saturday. Bring your dancing shoes!
Need A Tune Up?
Similar to Highway 94, there are not a lot of maintenance options the further east you travel. However, if you can make it back to El Cajon, Performance Choppers, just off the I-8, you'll be in the hands of some of the best mechanics of East County. This is a full service machine shop. Dyno tuning, repairs, customization – this place does it all.
Murrieta to Carlsbad
The Ride
For a truly Southern California experience, Murrieta to Carlsbad is an essential motorcycle ride. With this route, a biker can experience snow on the mountains and toes in the ocean, in the very same day. Impressively scenic, this route extends from the Cleveland Forest down through winding orchards and ranches before taking you through Fallbrook and then through the hilly, winding roads of Carlsbad before you reach the ocean. Be sure to ride this route with leisure and take in the truly unique change of scenery and altitude only found in San Diego.
The Food
Stop for a quick lunch at The Chef's Grille in Murrieta at mid-day for exceptional dishes at this fun, fast-paced eatery. Chef Martin Corso brings his culinary creativity to offer dazzling dishes in a gourmet casual atmosphere. The service is warm, attentive and friendly, and every dish is hearty and full of flavor. The Chef's Grille is the perfect place pit stop for bikers, with premium food served in a casual atmosphere with no formal dress code necessary.
Relax With Music
After dipping your toes in the Pacific Ocean, suit up and head over to The Coyote Bar and Grill, just a short walk from the beach. With an eclectic mix of live music ranging from classic golden oldies to more modern tunes, this is a place you can enjoy with your loved ones or friends. Let your hair down after a long ride and enjoy the wonderful music and relax by the fire pits.
Need A Tune Up?
When in Murrieta, stop by Arney's Motorcycle Garage. Arney's is a professional motorcycle repair operation. Offering diagnostic tune ups to full rebuilds, If you find yourself in need of service when close to the coast, there are several excelent motorcycle shops in Solana Beach and you can hang on the beach while you wait.
Here's some links to even more popular rides where you can get information. Choose your destination and have fun.
- San Diego County Rides
- California Motorocycle Rides
- Motorcycle Tours In San Diego
- 36 Motorcycle Rides in S. California
- California Motorcycle Rides - Angeles Crest Loop, Idyllwild,
- Oceanside to Sea World Ride
We've Got Your Back
If you ever do get injured in a motorcycle accident, you will want Attorney Dean Goetz on your side. Call Dean at 858-481-8844 and speak to him personally. Get a free consultation and get your questions answered NOW. You can reach him anytime. If he doesn't answer on a weekend or evening, leave a message and you will get a prompt return call from Dean Goetz himself.