Wheelin' the Love

Half Moon Bay can't help it: it's romantic pretty much any way you slice it. The small coastal town known for pumpkin festivals and big-wave surfing is also a casual biker's coastal playground. So throw on a fleece and let the fun begin by cruising 5 miles of oceanfront trail. Start your ride from Magellan Road (follow the signs to Miramar Beach Restaurant). Roll south along the paved trail, across old wooden bridges; along the way you'll pass frisky jack rabbits—those Casanovas of the brush—and several picnic-worthy beaches. Spread a quilt on the sands, or if you prefer, just south of Francis Beach you'll find lots of bluff-side benches for wave watching.

TIP: For a romantic splurge, top things off with wine and chocolate tasting at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay's Conservatory Lounge; generous ocean views included. No reservations necessary, and no jack rabbits allowed.

The trail is a part of Half Moon Bay State Beach. If you'd rather walk than bike it, we recommend starting at Francis Beach rather than Magellan Rd. These beaches are dog-friendly.

Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, One Miramontes Point Rd., Half Moon Bay; 650-712-7000.