Bike, Beach, Craft Brew

Bike from Watsonville to Sunset State Beach in Santa Cruz County

08.02.2023

Escape the summer heat with the wind in your hair and your toes in the sand! This 12-mile (round-trip) gravel trail leads cyclists from Watsonville to the sandy shores of Sunset State Beach.

From the Riverside Road trailhead, head southwest on the Pajaro River Levee Trail. After a mile of quaint homes and cactus gardens, the buildings give way to huge stretches of farmland, including sweet-smelling strawberry fields and colorful rows of cabbage.

At the intersection with the Watsonville Wastewater Plant, break to enjoy the shaded picnic areas. (Tip: Those looking for a shorter ride can use this location as a starting point for a kid-friendly 6-mile round-trip pedal.) 

Cyclists interested in bird watching can continue along the trail until it dead-ends at the scenic wetlands, where ibis, kingfishers, and plovers can be spotted. But those interested in sunbathing at the beach should turn right at the intersection with Thurwachter Road, then left on Beach Street. Soak up the salty air as you pedal the last 1.5 miles to Sunset State Beach. Cyclists are admitted for free, and there is a bike rack located next to the bath house.

Climb the sandy hill to reach beautiful Palm Beach, perfect for a refreshing dip in the waves after a long ride. Visitors can make use of the picnic areas and bonfire pits before retracing their route back to Riverside Road.

BONUS: Looking for a post-ride meal? Head over to Fruition Brewing, a local brewhouse that sources their ingredients from the Watsonville farmlands. Enjoy live entertainment while sampling their selection of beer, cider, and gourmet bar snacks. (Heather recommends the Guava Punch Buzz and Grilled Cheese Deluxe.) Fruition Brewing is located at 918 E. Lake Avenue, in Watsonville.

The Riverside Road trailhead is located at the intersection of Bridge St. and Riverside Rd. in Watsonville. From US 101, exit onto CA-152/Hecker Pass. After 17.5 miles, turn left onto Blackburn St. in Watsonville. Park in the public lot or for free on Bridge St. Gravel or mountain bikes are recommended for this trail.

Story and photos by Heather Werner, heath.er.wer.ner

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Walk on the Wise Side

    A wise man once said, “Walk it off.” And San Francisco has just the place for a colorful walk via a 2.7-mile loop along Philosopher’s Way Trail in the 318-acre John McLaren Park (S

    View
  2. Hiker on the SCA trail in Marin Headlands with view of the Golden Gate Bridge

    Headlands Over Heels

    People come from all over the world to get a glimpse of the Golden Gate Bridge. Get a dramatic and novel view of the bridge without all the people on this moderate 6-mile hike in the Marin Headlands.

    View

  3. Greater by the Dozen

    This hike is anything but a dime a dozen. The all-new "Golden Gate Dozen Trail" links 12 National Park sites on a spectacular 13-mile journey across San Francisco's coastline.

    View

  4. Cheers to Chimney

    If you’re looking for all that Point Reyes has to offer in spring, Chimney Rock is the place to be. The 1.75-mile (round-trip) hike to Chimney may be short, but it packs a visual punch, quadrupling the viewing thrills during spring.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Reno Mountain High

    Take your vacation to new heights with some of the season’s most original events, and plenty of outdoors to explore. Fall for it all in Reno Tahoe.

    View

  2. The Big Chill

    In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.

    View

  3. Holcomb We Haven't Camped Here?

    Holcomb Valley Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest has 19 pine-shaded sites, all of them first-come, first-served.

    View

  4. 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