Bike, Beers, Shore Thing!

Bike then Beer at Redwood Shores on the Peninsula South Bay

06.26.2024
Woman taking a photo on a bike path

The coastal community of Redwood Shores may be known for its tech campuses, but this 8.5-mile bike loop explores the natural side of this beautiful peninsula. With a brew pub bonus!

(Some sections of the Bay Trail are unpaved, so a mountain or gravel bike is recommended.)

From the Oracle Parkway parking lot, head north on the Bay Trail. After passing through native flower gardens, cyclists can stop at the trailside viewing station that overlooks the Belmont Slough. Take a look in the tower viewers and see if you can spot the herons and egrets that call this waterway home.

Continue along the Bay Trail as it dips south to the Redwood Shores Branch Library. This section of trail is lined with public exercise stations, perfect for those who want to add an upper body workout or a good stretch to their ride.

The trail continues north, following the curve of the slough. After passing through Preserve Park, turn right to head toward the western tip of the peninsula. Here, the Belmont Slough and Bay Slough combine to create a perfect wetland for our Bay Area water birds. Turn left onto the viewing platform to overlook Bird Island. Avocets, stilts, and California clapper rails can often be spotted on the shore.

Return to the trail and turn left on the bridge to reach Radio Road. Follow the road until it passes Shore Dogs Park, then continue straight onto the Bay Trail. Turn right to follow the Bay Trail south, alongside Steinberger Slough. This gravel path features photo-worthy views of the bright blue water and Bair Island to the east. Colorful flower gardens and home orchards line the opposite side of the trail.

When the trail dead-ends at the Marriott hotel, turn right to merge onto Twin Dolphin Drive. Follow this to Marine Parkway, then cross the street to get an up-close view of the Oracle Team USA boat moored on the Oracle campus. Head south on Marine Parkway, and after the intersection with Oracle Parkway, turn right to hop back onto the Bay Trail and return to the parking lot.

The mid-peninsula is a hotspot for craft breweries, so before heading home, be sure to grab a refreshing pint! After a summertime bike ride, Heather recommends the fruity sour beers at Fieldwork Brewing Company in San Mateo.

Person overlooking the beer tasting options at Fieldwork Brewing

The Oracle Parkway parking lot is located at 501 Island Place in Redwood City. Map.

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

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories

  1. Bear Hug

    This 5.5-mile loop through Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park explores one of the newest segments of the acclaimed Bay Area Ridge Trail, one redolent with trees ranging from madrone and manzanita to buckeye and blue elderberry (with a bubbly post-hike bonus).

    View
  2. Field of Light at Sensorio in Paso Robles

    Light This Way

    Hidden in the bucolic hills of Paso Robles lies one of the greatest light shows on earth. The lighted art exhibition, Sensorio, is as if the rainbow magic of the aurora borealis was plucked from the sky and planted in the fields.

    View
  3. Bikers and walkers on the Bay Area Ridge Trail with the Golden Gate Bridge behind them

    National Park City Walk

    See San Francisco the way locals do by hiking the Presidio, a national park right in the city! Wooded trails, secluded beaches, and epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge feature on this 5.5-mile out-and-back on the Bay Area Ridge Trail. It’s a lovely slice of the City by the Bay.

    View

  4. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Sponsored

    Tram to Cool Treks

    Elevate your fun, getting whisked from palm trees to alpine wilderness on the world’s largest rotating tramcar. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway transports you up and away on a 2.5-mile scenic route from the desert floor to the refreshing wilderness of Mount San Jacinto State Park.

    View

  2. Coming Up Roses

    Looking to spice up your hiking life? Give your partner a rose—Mount Rose! The 10-mile out-and-back peak hike goes up to one of the grandest views in all of Lake Tahoe. Get ready f

    View
  3. A group of people clamored around the summit marker at Mission Peak in the Bay Area

    Your Mission Is Less Crowded

    Mission Peak is one of the Bay Area’s most popular mountains, with many hikers climbing every weekend. Skip the crowds with this 6-mile loop up the less-traveled southern route.

    View
  4. Vista Hermosa Park in Echo Park Los Angeles

    Vista Hermosa, Echo That!

    Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.

    View