California’s landscape is perfect for cycling. From rolling vineyards to mountain trails, the state offers a variety of bike tours that can turn a simple ride into a memorable experience. The combination of mild weather, diverse terrain, and stunning scenery makes California a top destination for bike enthusiasts. Whether you’re after a leisurely cruise through wine country or a rugged mountain ride, there’s something for every cyclist here. We’ve rounded up the best bike tours, each with its own unique appeal, to help you plan your next adventure.
Some tours focus on wine and olive tastings, blending scenic riding with culinary delights. Others cater to mountain bikers, offering adrenaline-pumping descents and technical trails. For more relaxed explorations along California’s coast, there are guided rides that combine sightseeing with a bit of exercise. Whatever your skill level or interests, these options deliver a taste of California’s diverse beauty, comfort, and fun.
Quick Overview
Our list features four top-rated bike tours in California, each with different flavors and experiences. The Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour from Solvang takes you through Santa Barbara’s lush vineyards and olive groves with a small group vibe. For a longer and more relaxed experience, the Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour lets you explore Santa Barbara’s rolling hills and vineyards without breaking a sweat. Mountain biking fans will appreciate the Cheeseboro Electric Mountain Biking Tour in Agoura, which offers a fun intermediate trail with electric bikes. Lastly, if coastal scenery is more your style, the E Bike Guided Tour in Lawndale provides a leisurely ride along LA’s famous beaches.
1. Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour from Solvang
For around $155, this half-day bike tour offers a perfect introduction to Santa Barbara’s wine country, with an emphasis on olive oils and local produce. The tour starts in the quiet town of Ballard, where your guide will fit you with the right bike and gear. From there, you’ll pedal into the scenery of Los Olivos, passing orchards, vineyards, and cattle ranches, with opportunities to detour along scenic roads like Figueroa Mountain Road.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on small groups—limited to 15—which creates an intimate atmosphere. The highlight is the stop at Olive Hill Farm, where you’ll sample locally produced olive oils and infused vinegars. The ride is relatively gentle, making it accessible even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist. Reviews praise the friendly guides and the well-organized experience, with one rider remarking, “Neil was full of great knowledge of the area and made it a fun day.”
Bottom line: This tour offers a delightful mix of scenery, local flavors, and personalized attention. It’s best suited for those who want a relaxed ride with a focus on food and wine, and small-group camaraderie.
2. Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour – w/o Lunch
For around $180, the Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour extends over roughly 6.5 hours, making it a great choice if you want a more comprehensive experience. The use of electric bikes takes the effort out of riding, allowing you to focus on the views and conversation. This tour includes stops at Los Olivos, a charming village perfect for wandering, and at Beckmen Vineyards, where you can enjoy a wine tasting of Rhone varietals.
The highlight is the ride along Figueroa Mountain Road, offering panoramic views of San Rafael Mountains and ranch lands. The tour also features a stop at Olive Hill Farm for olive oil tasting, similar to the half-day option, but with more time to savor each experience. Guides share insights about the area’s wine industry and history, adding depth to the ride.
Reviews mention Jim, the guide, as fun and knowledgeable, with one saying, “Will do the tour again.” The combination of scenery, tastings, and comfortable e-biking makes this a top choice for those seeking a relaxed yet engaging day.
Bottom line: This tour balances leisurely riding with educational tastings, perfect for wine and food lovers who prefer less physical exertion.
3. Cheeseboro Electric Mountain Biking Tour Agoura (Intermediate)
For about $169, the Cheeseboro Electric Mountain Biking Tour offers a two-hour ride through Triunfo Park’s rugged trails. Designed for intermediate riders, it’s ideal for those wanting a bit of adrenaline without technical difficulty. The use of premium electric bikes (Ducati, Specialized, Husqvarna, Haibike) ensures smooth performance on climbs and descents.
The experience begins with a pickup in Thousand Oaks and takes you up fire roads to the summit of the local canyons. Once there, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views before descending on single-track trails that twist through the hills. The trail isn’t overly technical but provides enough challenge to keep experienced riders engaged. Riders have the option to try jumps and berms if they’re feeling adventurous.
Reviews are scarce but enthusiastic, with one noting the “beautiful scenery and well-maintained bikes.” The tour is a fantastic choice for riders who want more than a paved path but aren’t ready for full-on mountain adventure.
Bottom line: If mountain biking with a confidence boost and some technical fun appeals to you, this guided electric ride hits the sweet spot.
4. E Bike Guided Tour in Lawndale California
At $117, this coastal e-bike tour offers a laid-back ride through LA’s South Bay beaches. While it currently has no reviews, its itinerary promises a scenic exploration of Redondo Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach. With about 3 to 4 hours of riding, it’s suitable for those seeking a casual, scenic outing rather than a strenuous workout.
The trip includes time for wandering along piers and enjoying the beachfront vibe, with opportunities for photo stops and local snacks like smoothies or acai bowls. The use of electric bikes makes it accessible to riders of varying fitness levels, and the route along the coast offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
This tour is ideal if you want to combine a gentle ride with time to relax and explore beachfront towns. Since it’s less focused on tasting or challenging trails, it’s best suited for families or those who want a lightweight outdoor activity.
Bottom line: A relaxed coastal ride that’s perfect for a leisurely day at the beach, ideal for those new to biking or seeking a scenic stroll with minimal effort.
How to Choose
Selecting the best bike tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and available time. If you’re after a short, food-focused experience, the Wine Country Half-Day Bike Tour from Solvang offers a perfect blend of scenery and tastings. For a more comprehensive day with wine and olive oil tastings, the Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour provides a relaxed, longer experience. Mountain biking enthusiasts will appreciate the Cheeseboro Electric Mountain Biking Tour, especially if they want some technical fun with minimal physical strain. Finally, those looking for a coastal escape should consider the E Bike Guided Tour in Lawndale, which offers a gentle ride along California’s famous beaches.
Think about your budget, time constraints, and whether you prefer food, wine, mountain riding, or coastlines. For larger groups, the small-group setting of the Solvang tour is fantastic, while the longer e-bike tour is great if you want a slow, immersive experience. Mountain bikers or adventure seekers should look at Cheeseboro’s rugged trails.
Booking early is advised, especially in peak seasons, to secure spots and preferred times. Consider the best times to go—spring and early fall typically offer excellent weather for outdoor cycling.
Final Thoughts
California’s bike tours offer a wonderful way to see the state’s diverse landscapes, from rolling vineyards to sandy beaches. If you want a short taste of wine country, the Solvang half-day ride is perfect. For a more relaxed, wine-focused day, the e-bike tour delivers comfort and variety. Mountain biking fans will enjoy the technical challenge and scenic views of Cheeseboro, while coastal explorers can soak in LA’s iconic beaches with minimal effort.
No matter which option you pick, each offers a unique way to experience California’s natural beauty and local flavors. Book early, prepare your legs, and enjoy the ride. Happy cycling!