🏖️ Discover 8 easy coastal bike rides

It’s been 10 years since I last visited British Columbia—time really flies! Early on, I spent a winter coaching skiing in Vancouver after university.

During that trip, my now wife and I stayed downtown Vancouver during the last part of the trip. One afternoon, we rented bikes to explore.

Our plan? Enjoy ocean views from Stanley Park to Granville Island, stopping for lunch along the way.

Inspired by that ride, I’ve put together a group of 8 easy coastal destinations—including Vancouver’s seaside trail—that invite you to take in beautiful views without worrying about the biking.

This week’s list covers east, west, north, and south—Something for everyone across the U.S. and Canada.

— Adam

💡 These are just jumping-off points—run any of them through the Assistant to build your perfect ride, walk, or weekend.

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🌅 East Coast Adventures (PEI & Coastal Maine)

1. PEI: Confederation Trail – Charlottetown Loop
🚴 Flat, crushed-stone rail trail—perfect for families
🏞️ Ride or walk along the Victoria Park boardwalk with ocean views
🍦 Snack: Stop at Receiver Coffee or Cow’s Ice Cream downtown
🏘️ Stay & play: Charlottetown is charming and very walkable

2. Maine: Ogunquit Marginal Way + Beach Path
🚶‍♀️ Paved coastal path with benches and ocean lookouts
🏖️ Start at Perkins Cove and walk to Ogunquit Beach
☕ Snack: Barnacle Billy’s — lobster rolls, ice cream, ocean deck seating
🏘️ Explore: Ogunquit’s boutiques and galleries

🌲 West Coast Wonders (California & Oregon)

3. California: Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
🚲 Paved 18-mile seaside trail—ideal for short family loops near Cannery Row
🐠 Ride past Monterey Bay Aquarium and tidepool spots
🥪 Snack: Crepes of Brittany or El Cantaro vegan tacos
🌅 Relax: Pacific Grove’s beaches and shops

4. Oregon: Yachats 804 Trail
🚶‍♂️ Stunning oceanfront path with tidepools, waves, and driftwood
🧺 Pack a picnic or grab snacks at Luna Sea Fish House
🏘️ Chill in the artsy village of Yachats

❄️ North Coast Highlights (BC & Alaska)

5. British Columbia: Seaside Greenway – Vancouver
🚴 Paved multi-use path from Coal Harbour to Kits Beach
🌊 Views of Burrard Inlet and tidepools near Stanley Park
☕ Snack stop: Cactus Club Cafe or Delany’s Coffee House
🏙️ Explore: Kitsilano neighborhood or Granville Island markets

6. Alaska: Tony Knowles Coastal Trail – Anchorage
🚶‍♀️ 11-mile Paved path with optional short loops perfect for families
🏞️ Scenic bluffs, tideflats, and occasional moose sightings
🥯 Grab a bite at Snow City Café — hearty breakfast and pastries
🏘️ Chill: Downtown Anchorage is walkable and museum-rich

7. Florida: Sanibel Island Shared-Use Paths
🚴 Over 25 miles of flat, shaded, sea-breezy paths
🐚 Ride to Lighthouse Beach or Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge
🍧 Snack: Pinocchio’s Ice Cream or Lighthouse Café
🏝️ Relax: Enjoy Sanibel’s laid-back small-town island vibe

8. Gulf Coast: Fairhope Eastern Shore Trail (Alabama)
🚶 Family-friendly waterfront path with scenic views of Mobile Bay
🍩 Grab: Warehouse Bakery & Donuts or Sunset Pointe for fresh seafood
🏘️ Stroll: Explore Fairhope’s charming shops, gardens, and pier

Whether you’re chasing ocean views, tidepool strolls, or a cozy spot to grab snacks and relax after a ride — the GTMTB Assistant makes trip planning easy.

Use it to:

🏞️ Find coastal rides or walks by vibe — beaches, boardwalks, seaside trails, or hidden coves
🏨 Discover nearby stays — from beachside inns to family-friendly lodges
🍽️ Add food stops that fit your crew — casual cafés, ice cream shops, or scenic picnic spots
🚶‍♀️ Tack on extras — like short walks, local markets, or peaceful ocean lookouts

📍Try this prompt:
“easy coastal bike ride + snack stops + place to stay near [your location]”

You’ll get personalized picks for your area—because great coastal adventures don’t have to be far away.

👉 Click here to open GTMTB the Assistant. 

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