Pick Your Path
Winter biking adventures in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties
Story and *photos by Adam Nuñez Simi Valley photos submitted
Ventura and Santa Barbara counties are a paradise for family-friendly bike rides. There are many miles of paths along the coast, through lush city parks, and under shaded tree canopies, all with incredible views and pleasant rest stops. Ventura County alone has 84 miles of Class 1 bike paths. These are fully separated bike and pedestrian paths with minimal to zero vehicle traffic. Class 1 rides will mostly be covered here. These can be enjoyed by elite athletes all the way down to toddlers learning to ride for the very first time.
Starting from east to west, there are four paths that are definitely worth a two-wheeled visit: the Arroyo Simi Bike Path, the Ventura Beach Promenade, the Ojai Valley Trail, and the Cabrillo Bike Path. All of these are 100 percent paved, and mostly flat.
The pleasant Arroyo Simi Path (aka The Arroyo Simi Greenway) is located in Simi Valley and runs approximately 17.5 miles out and back with only about 200 feet of elevation gain. Almost the entire way, you will follow the city’s creek. Don’t be put off by the water’s man-made concrete walls. Many places are teeming with amphibian and bird life, not to mention a plethora of vegetation.
There are multiple starting points, with a convenient one located right in the middle around Rancho Simi Community Park on the corner of Royal Ave. and Erringer Rd. You can start and end your ride here with views of the park, lake, and undulating walking paths. There are plenty of bench spaces and shaded areas to enjoy lunch. In fact, much of the bike path has long stretches of shade under peppercorn, oak, and willow trees. You can also start at the far west end at Arroyostow Park. There are numerous parks and dirt side trails to explore. You could make a whole day trip out of this or just spend an hour or two of leisurely riding.
Fun fact: The Arroyo Simi Path is part of the national Rails to Trails program, which converts old railroads into pedestrian and bike-friendly trails (the longest Rails to Trails path stretches 240 miles across almost the entire state of Missouri!).
Next is the Ventura Beach Promenade, stretching nearly 9 miles round trip. The official starting point is in a neighborhood at the north end of Pierpont Blvd. in Ventura. You can also do a Google search for San Buenaventura State Beach and you’ll be guided there. Except near the turnaround point, where there are a few small hills, this trail is nearly pancake flat. It hugs the coast the entire way, which offers some spectacular views.
You’ll want to stop every few minutes just to snap a some photos. If starting at San Buenaventura State Beach, you’ll almost immediately pass right by The Jolly Oyster, a small family-run outdoor restaurant. Stop here on your way back for a post-ride treat. Soon after this, you will ride under the Ventura Pier. Ride cautiously through here, since this is the heart of the Ventura Promenade full of pedestrians, cyclists, surfers, and some occasional vendors. Watch surfers catch some waves at the famous Surfer’s Point or take your time looking at the hundreds of painted rocks lining planter boxes. Painted rocks are a Ventura County tradition. There’s even a Facebook group dedicated to tracking down their locations!
Continue northward and you’ll pass right by the Ventura River Estuary where the Ventura River widens out and empties into the ocean. You can spot many birds wading and diving for fish. Or walk towards the ocean only a few feet away to gaze at the sweeping views south toward Oxnard or up to Santa Barbara. Just keep following the trail over the railroad tracks northward, then you’ll soon reach Emma Wood State Park – another great resting point, with grass, benches, and even some dirt trails to cruise your bike through. Continue on and the last mile will feel like you’re all alone in the world with nothing but your bike, the salty wind, and the picturesque ocean views to accompany you. After this, the Class 1 (fully separated bike path) ends. You can, however, continue all the way to Santa Barbara, but the path changes to a bike lane on the road, so you’ll need to be mindful of cars. If you turn around, simply follow the same route back and enjoy the views from a different angle!
Third trek is the grand Ojai Valley Trail, stretching a whopping 30 miles round trip if you start at the official beginning: The corner of Dubbers and Rex streets in Ventura (near the Avenue Skate Park). If you opt for a shorter version, you can drive to Foster Park about halfway between Ventura and Ojai and begin there. Almost the entire trail runs parallel to Highway 33, but most sections are far enough away that you won’t hear any noisy cars. From the corner of Dubbers and Rex streets to Foster Park, the trail is very flat. You’ll pass between steep rocky hills and ride right beside the Ventura River, which in the winter and spring is usually full and running briskly. You’ll arrive at Foster Park at about mile 8. Foster Park has been closed for a while; however, according to the Ventura County Government website, it will be open to pedestrians and cyclists on Jan. 3, 2026. This is an excellent turn around point. There are restrooms, benches, grassy fields, and a few places to lounge right beside the Ventura River.
From Foster Park to Ojai is about another 9 miles. Continuing onward you’ll be rewarded with shade from towering eucalyptus trees, but you’ll also encounter more hills. They are short, but a few are a bit steep. After each incline you’ll be rewarded with clear vistas of the Ventura River and mountains above Ojai. The trail continues at a slight incline all the way to Ojai. The path will eventually cross the street to the Rotary Community Park, marked by large metal horse sculptures. From, here the trail runs parallel to downtown Ojai through residential neighborhoods and into the oak tree-filled Libbey Park. Enjoy a peaceful lunch here or indulge in one of Ojai’s many restaurants. The way back is nearly all downhill. Be careful of your downhill speed and watch for pedestrians. Enjoy the canopy of trees and beautiful views all along the way.
Lastly, we come to the Cabrillo Bike Path in Santa Barbara. Many will recognize this path since it runs right past Stearns Wharf. It’s mostly flat except for a small hill near Shoreline Park. This is a true laid-back cruiser kind of path. It runs about 9 miles round trip, stretching from Shoreline Park in the west, down past the wharf, and all the way around Andreé Clark Bird Refuge, which is directly next to the Santa Barbara Zoo. Shoreline Park offers some wonderful views of the ocean and mountains. You will cruise down this toward Stearns Wharf. You can bike on this famous 2,300-foot-long wharf and check out some of its tasty restaurants, the Sea Center Aquarium, or the picture-perfect Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room. Continuing eastward you’ll ride under swaying palm trees with the beach just a stone’s throw away. If you ride on a Sunday afternoon, you’ll pass right by the arts and crafts vendor booths. Local artists display their paintings, pottery, photography, jewelry, and more. The booths are there every Sunday from 10 am to sundown, year-round. Continue riding and keep a lookout on your left — there’s a chance you’ll spot the zoo’s giraffes! The path then loops leisurely around the Andreé Clark Bird Refuge. From the path, you can see the lake’s plentiful bird species and mountains in the distance.
The Arroyo Simi Bike Path, the Ventura Beach Promenade, the Ojai Valley Trail, and the Cabrillo Bike Path are just four of the many bike paths in the region. Dust off your bike or even rent one. There are a few rental locations to note: Wheel Fun Rentals near the Ventura Pier, (805) 765-5795; the Ventura Bike Depot Inc. on West Main Street in Ventura, (805) 652-1114; or Wheels Fun Rentals on East Mason Street in Santa Barbara, (805) 652-1114.
Just, get out there and start making memories pedaling down these incredible trails!