All Ride, Albany!

Bike from Berkeley to Albany Bulb on the Bay Trail

08.12.2020
Bike from Berkeley to Albany Bulb on the Bay Trail

Bike a new section of the Bay Trail on a pedal from Berkeley to Albany Bulb for gorgeous waterside vistas, colorful outdoor art, and a short hike detour to a labyrinth. All in, it's a 5-mile (round-trip) bike ride from Berkeley’s Aquatic Park to Albany Bulb with a 1.6-mile hike tacked on, and it's summer loaded with scenery!

A little housekeeping to get you on the right path: Start your pedal near the north end of Aquatic Park in Berkeley by taking the overpass over Highway 80. Take a left on the trail to bike past Seabreez, then cross University Avenue and continue on the trail towards Albany. This section of the Bay Trail has nice views of McLaughlin Eastshore State Seashore. After passing Tom Bates Regional Sports Complex, ride out towards the bay and pedal the newly completed section of Bay Trail, which includes an off-street paved path with a gradual climb past Golden Gate Fields.

The cliffside trail has unrivaled views of the San Francisco Bay, along with park benches where you can pause to look at the Golden Gate Bridge. Continue down the trail and park your bike near the restrooms (locks required). Head out to the end of the bulb and follow this map for panoramic views of the bay, beautiful flowers, and a few landmarks that you just shouldn’t miss.

Stop 1: a bird's-eye view of Mad Marc’s Castle and a rubble field filled with graffiti ... an Instagrammer’s delight! Stop 2: Albany Bulb’s labyrinth with wildflowers along the way. Stop 3: a variety of interesting sculptures, including a dragon and human-like figures. You get nice views of the beach, too.

If you are planning to skip the bike ride, parking is limited along Buchanan Street and at Albany Bulb. Both the Bay Trail and Albany Bulb are dog-friendly! Map.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Muir Woods Night Tour

    Thousands of people flock to Muir Woods every year, yet only a few see it at night, when this beloved park is experienced in a whole new light. The Muir Woods Night Tour happens on the last Friday of every month through October.

    View
  2. Slide Ranch Marin

    Slide On Over

    Marin's Slide Ranch has a popular neighbor in the Muir Beach Overlook. But don’t overlook Slide! This open-to-the-public nonprofit organization sits on 134 acres of coastline and is filled with animals, Pacific scenery, and an adjacent hiking trail.

    View
  3. Sponsored

    Take the Exit to the Best of the San Francisco Peninsula

    The San Francisco Peninsula is proof that some of Northern California’s greatest surprises are hiding just off Highway 101. All you have to do is take the exit.

    View

  4. Hello, Sur!

    Big Sur is home to numerous fantastic beaches and coves, so which one do you choose? Go for the beach that's quintessential Big Sur (and dog-friendly!). Pfeiffer Beach in Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. Its signature lilac-colored sand is waiting for your feet!

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Waterfall Hunter

    If you ask a local in Reno about one of the best hiking trails in town, odds are high they’ll point you to Hunter Creek Falls. It’s a year-round favorite, but it absolutely shines in spring, when desert peach wildflowers make a splash—and so does the marquee waterfall.

    View

  2. Wapama Wows

    Hetch Hetchy can be overlooked in Yosemite National Park because of its more remote location and limited facilities. But this is where you’ll also find one of the best day hikes in the park: Wapama Falls.

    View
  3. Bike the Coastal Trail to Pillar Point Harbor in Half Moon Bay

    Ride and Seek

    Oceanside breezes, beautiful beaches, a car-free pathway for biking, and beer at the end: You’re on a roll! The San Mateo Coast was made for beach hopping and beer tasting … and it all goes down smooth as part of an 8-mile out-and-back bike ride.

    View

  4. Tamtastic Sunset

    Sure, the East Peak of Mount Tam is absolutely spectacular at sunset, but some magic-hour enthusiasts are onto a fresh perspective in getting a little more personal space for their panoramic viewings.

    View