Bikepacking LA to San Diego: 2 Days, 120 Miles, 0 Cars

Can you have an epic weekend getaway in Southern California without using a car? I set out on a 120-mile bike tour from Los Angeles to San Diego to find out, and take in the coast at the pace of bike..

This 2-day journey took me cruising down the scenic Pacific Coast Highway and dilly dallying along some of California's most beautiful coastline. Plus, it all ended with an epic Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train ride back home.

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - Intro the San Diego Classic Route
0:55 - Long Beach
4:00 - Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve (plus watersheds rant)
4:48 - Balboa Island
6:05 - Crystal Cove State Park
6:40 - Laguna Hills
7:30 - San Clemente
8:33 - Camp Night 1
9:50 - Interstate 5 and Oceanside
13:25 - THE BIG THREE
14:40 - Dilly Dallying (hardcore)
15:25 - San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Preserve
16:40 - San Diego
17:35 - Train Time

LOGISTICS:
• The Route: 120 miles from Downtown Long Beach to Downtown San Diego.
• Night 1: San Mateo campground
• Night 2: Palihouse San Diego
• Return: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Strava: / strava

GEAR:
• Breezer Doppler Pro
• Roadrunner Middle Earth Handlebar Bag
• Carradice Camper Longflap Saddle Bag
• Insta360 X4 Air
• DJI mini 3 pro
• iPhone 16

If you've ever felt trapped by LA traffic, this is your sign to try a multi-modal weekend getaway.