The 2 Best Bike Tours in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz stands out not just for its legendary surf breaks but also for its beautiful coastline, historic spots, and lively waterfront. What better way to experience the city’s natural beauty and quirky charm than on a bike? Whether you’re zooming along West Cliff Drive, riding past tidepools at Natural Bridges, or exploring downtown’s lively streets, Santa Cruz offers a variety of bike tours tailored for different interests and fitness levels. These guided eBike tours stand out for their insight, ease, and access to some of the most iconic sights.
In this guide, we’ll compare two top-rated Santa Cruz bike tours—both priced at $110 per person and lasting about two hours—to help you decide which suits your style. Each offers unique highlights, from natural parks to world-famous surf spots, ensuring you’ll leave with a memorable experience.
Quick Overview
This list features two guided eBike tours in Santa Cruz, both rated 5.0/5. and priced at $110 per person. The first is the Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour, known for its comprehensive sights and relaxed pace. The second is the Santa Cruz 2-Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups, which emphasizes a more intimate experience with smaller groups. Both tours include visits to Natural Bridges State Beach and iconic coastal routes, but differ slightly in focus and group size. Now, let’s dive into what each has to offer.
1. Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour
At number one, this comprehensive guided eBike tour is ideal if you want to see Santa Cruz’s most iconic sights with minimal effort. You’ll pedal along scenic routes to Natural Bridges State Beach, famous for its giant rock arch and abundant wildlife, including migrating whales and seals. The tour includes stops at West Cliff Drive, home to Steamer Lane, where you can watch surfers tackling legendary waves.
What makes this tour stand out is its balanced mix of scenic beauty and historic highlights. The guide shares fun facts about local landmarks, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The 2-hour ride is perfect for individuals, couples, or groups who want a relaxed but active way to explore. People love that it offers breathtaking views and insider tips; one review mentions, “Great tour guide and very knowledgeable and informative. We saw way more of Santa Cruz than if we had been driving around.”
The tour’s pedal-assist eBikes make hills feel effortless, so even casual riders can keep up. The price includes all equipment, and with a high rating of 5.0/5 from 23 reviews, it’s clear that many find it delivers excellent value. This tour is particularly good for those who want a comprehensive, fun overview of Santa Cruz in a short amount of time.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a lively yet relaxed tour that covers Santa Cruz’s highlights with expert guidance and easy biking.
2. Santa Cruz 2-Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups
Second on our list is the small-group version of the Santa Cruz eBike tour, designed for more intimate experiences. Also priced at $110 per person, this 2-hour guided ride offers a more personalized touch, ideal for adult groups or families who appreciate a quieter, more focused outing.
This tour hits the same major sights: the Natural Bridges State Beach, where you can spot migrating whales and otters, and West Cliff Drive, famous for its surf and panoramic ocean views. The small-group format means fewer people, more attention from the guide, and a chance to ask detailed questions about the area. It’s perfect if you prefer a bit more space and a less crowded vibe. Given that the tour has only four reviews but maintains a perfect 5-star rating, those who have booked this ride praise its fun, friendly atmosphere and spectacular scenery.
Like the first tour, it includes pedal-assist eBikes that make riding along Santa Cruz’s hills a breeze. The focus here is on quality over quantity—a quieter, more tailored experience. This tour is well-suited for groups of friends, couples, and adult travelers who want a more exclusive feel and the chance to connect more deeply with the landscape.
Bottom Line: Best for small groups seeking a relaxed, personal ride with flexible pacing and a less crowded feel.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two Santa Cruz bike tours, consider your group size, interest in personalized attention, and how much scenery you want to cover. If you prefer a more extensive overview of Santa Cruz’s highlights and enjoy sharing the experience with larger groups, the Santa Cruz Guided eBike Ride & Most Fun Bike e-Bike Tour is a solid choice. On the other hand, if you’re traveling with a small group or family and want a quieter, more customized experience, the Santa Cruz 2-Hour Guided eBike Tour for Small E-Bike Groups is perfect.
Think about your fitness level and interest in specific sights. Both tours include visits to Natural Bridges State Beach—great for tidepool exploration—and the iconic West Cliff Drive, ideal for surfing fans and coastal scenery lovers. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to ensure availability.
Final Recommendations
Both Santa Cruz bike tours offer fantastic ways to explore California’s coast without breaking a sweat. If you want a comprehensive tour packed with sightseeing, the first option is the way to go. For travelers who prefer a more intimate and flexible experience, the small-group tour offers a quieter, more personalized adventure.
For active explorers who enjoy learning about local landmarks and wildlife, these guided eBike tours provide a comfortable, fun way to cover Santa Cruz’s best spots. Remember to book early—especially if you’re visiting during peak season—to secure your spot. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, these tours promise to deliver a memorable taste of Santa Cruz’s natural beauty and lively surf culture.