Santa Barbara's Mesa loop

Want lunch at the beach?

Try this easy loop ride and you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous views and great food & beverage!

The Ride

Your destination is Boathouse on Hendry’s Beach. There’s lots of bike parking here, a repair station and a pump, too. Refill your water bottle before you depart. After lunch explore the new observatory – stairs behind the restaurant take you to a beautiful lookout.

Experience Level

Every experienced cyclist can enjoy this ride up and over the Mesa. Follow the route clockwise – the climb up Shoreline Drive is the most gradual way to ascend onto the Mesa.

The Route

Start from the Dolphin Fountain at Stearns Wharf, heading west on the beach bike path. Beautiful views to your left appear as you climb gradually to Shoreline Park. A left at Cliff drive sends you down to your destination, Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach.

After lunch refill your water bottle then turn onto Las Positas Road at the roundabout then right onto Modoc Road. Once on the westside your route is well signed – you’re on the Crosstown Route. Ride through quiet westside neighborhoods as you make your way to the W. Anapamu Street bike/ped bridge over the 101 Fwy.

Cut over to Victoria Street where several restaurants and bars have popped up in the shadow of the Arlington Theatre. Lastly, turn right onto the State Street bike lane, which will lead you back to the Stearns Wharf.