Best Biking Vacations

Destinations Great for Cycling

Whether you're a cycling enthusiast or just an active adventurer, seeing a destination by bike is one of the most exhilarating vacations you could experience. Cycling vacations let you set your own pace, plan your own adventure, and blaze your own trail. Get close to nature and feel the wind in your hair at some of bicycling's top "must-ride" vacation spots. Here are some of the best biking vacations around.

Cape Cod and surrounding areas, Massachusetts

This gorgeous seaside retreat is blessed with relatively flat or gently hilled terrain, making it ideal for bike trips. Race along the 14-mile loop beside the widest sea-level canal in the world, the Cape Cod Canal . The Shining Sea Bikeway offers stunning views of the ocean and the Nobska Lighthouse . Bikers know there's no flatter trails than former railroad beds, and the 25-mile Cape Cod Rail Trail doesn't disappoint. For those looking for more vigorous trails, the seven mileProvince Lands Trail is full of challenging terrain and wooded landscapes.

 

Crested Butte, Colorado

This mountain resort town is a mountain biker's paradise. Crested Butte is one of the birthplaces of American mountain biking and few destinations can compete with the town's trails. Catch up on your biking history at the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame before hitting the trails. Only experiencedriders should attempt Crested Butte's challenging-but-beautiful Trail 401 , a singletrack trail that's arguably the most famous mountain bike trail in Colorado.

Portland, Oregon

Who says the best biking vacations can't be in an urban setting? No other American city has embraced the bicycle as much as Portland. The city runs an extensive biking network, including plentiful on-road and off-road trails. Some of Portland's gorgeous vacation rentals even supply complimentary bikes for guest usage. Portland is chock full of secure bike parking and well-maintained bike lanes, making it one of the safest biking cities in the country. With well over 300 miles of bikeways, there's no better city in America to see by bike than Portland.

San Francisco, California

Biking is key to this city's transportation culture. The city boasts plenty of bike lanes and, surprisingly, plenty of off-roading trails for mountain bikers. One of two city-sponsored bike routes takes cyclists from Golden Gate Park to Lake Merced ; the other goes across the Golden Gate Bridge (though beware of pedestrians since these aren't bicyclist-only trails). Trek outside the city limits for trails at Skegg's Point or the Marin Headlands . However, most of the real mountain bike culture in San Francisco is found within the city, with biking enthusiasts carving their own trails in and around the city.

Napa or Sonoma Valley, California

Believe it or not, our own wine valleys are considered one of the best biking spots in the world by international cycling pros. Experience what foreign visitors already know and explore wine country from the seat of your bike. Relaxed riders will enjoy River Road or Silverado Trail ; athletic riders should try Oakville Grade or Spring Mountain . Better still, there's wine tasting around every bend.

Maui, Hawaii

Forget sunbathing: hardy cycling enthusiasts prefer to see Hawaii by bike. Maui's largely untouched landscapes offer some of the most breathtaking bike paths in the country. Mountain bikers flock tothe Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area , while others will find a smoother street ride onThompson Road . Other popular rides include seeing the sun rise on Haleakala . If the mountains look too steep for your fitness level, ride to the mountainside town of Makawao instead.

We hope you've enjoyed our guide to the best biking vacations.