Top 28 Kid-friendly bike trails in San Diego
Discover the joy of family-friendly cycling with kid-friendly bike trails in San Diego! This sunny city offers scenic and safe paths for both kids and adults to enjoy. San Diego's kid-friendly bike trails cater to various skill levels, ensuring a memorable biking experience for the entire family. Explore beautiful parks and picturesque waterfronts on these specially designed cycling routes. Get ready to create lasting memories on two wheels in America's Finest City!
- 1. Mission Trails Regional Park
- 2. Mission Bay Bike Path
- 3. Black Mountain Open Space Park
- 4. Rose Canyon Open Space Park
- 5. Mission Trails
- 6. Sweetwater Bike Park
- 7. Highland Valley Trail Head
- 8. Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center
- 9. Tecolote Canyon
- 10. Penasquitos Canyon trail-head (south-east)
- 11. Lopez Canyon Trail
- 12. Mission Trails Rim Trailhead
- 13. Switzer Canyon - East
- 14. Penasquitos Canyon Trail Head
- 15. Tecolote Canyon Trailhead
- 16. Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead
- 17. Otay Valley Regional Park
- 18. Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve
- 19. Twin Trails Park
- 20. Switzer Open Space
- 21. Cabrillo Canyon
- 22. Juniper Canyon
- 23. Normal Heights Open Space Park
- 24. Maple Canyon Open Space
- 25. Mission Trails Jump Park
- 26. Radio Canyon Open Space
- 27. San Diego River Bike Trail
- 28. OB Walk Bike Trail
1. Mission Trails Regional Park
Large park with scenic views

Mission Trails Regional Park is a great destination for families with children, offering a variety of trails that cater to different skill levels. One standout option is the Father Junipero Serra Trail, which is easy to navigate and features beautiful scenery. This 2-mile trail is paved, making it a smooth and comfortable ride for kids. It can be accessed from either the Old Mission Dam or the Visitor's Center, providing flexibility for families.
The Father Junipero Serra Trail is particularly well-suited for families looking for a casual and scenic bike ride. The trail's easy terrain is ideal for kids, and its length is manageable even for younger children. Whether you start at the Old Mission Dam or the Visitor's Center, you and your family are sure to enjoy the fresh air and natural beauty of this popular trail.
2. Mission Bay Bike Path
Connects to other bike paths

The Mission Bay Bike Path is a 11.57-mile loop around Mission Bay and Mission Bay Park in San Diego. The path is scenic and easy to navigate, making it suitable for children. It goes through Mission Bay Park, which has amenities such as bathrooms and playgrounds, and provides access to other parks and wildlife preserves, as well as SeaWorld San Diego. The trail is surrounded by palm trees and wildflowers, adding to its appeal.
Mission Bay Park is a 4,235-acre area that the bike path loops around. In addition to the amenities available at Mission Bay Park, the trail also leads to other parks and wildlife preserves. The path is heart-shaped and dotted with palm trees and wildflowers, making it a picturesque location for biking. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the Mission Bay Bike Path offers a relaxing and enjoyable way to take in the sights and sounds of San Diego's Mission Bay.
3. Black Mountain Open Space Park
Dog-friendly trails and dark night skies

Black Mountain is a prominent landmark in San Diego, easily visible from various locations throughout the city. It is located in the peaceful neighborhood of Rancho Penasquitos and features numerous hiking and biking trails that span the mountain's entirety. This makes it an ideal destination for a leisurely hike, offering expansive views of both established and developing neighborhoods.
The mountain has been a popular spot for years, known for its well-maintained open space. In addition to its beautiful scenery, Black Mountain provides a variety of kid-friendly trails, making it a great option for families. The area's combination of accessible trails and stunning views attracts many visitors, making it a worthwhile destination for those looking to explore the natural beauty of San Diego.
4. Rose Canyon Open Space Park
Coastal sage scrub habitats

Rose Canyon Open Space Park is a wonderful destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those who enjoy cycling. The park features a singletrack trail that eventually widens into a doubletrack, making it an ideal location for beginners, including children. The trail is easy to navigate and offers beautiful scenery, making it perfect for a family bike ride.
5. Mission Trails
Scenic views, historic sites

Mission Trails Regional Park is a beautiful destination for outdoor activities, catering to both children and pets. The park offers a range of bike trails suitable for riders of all skill levels, making it an ideal location for families to enjoy a day out.
The park's bike trails feature diverse terrain and stunning views, allowing riders to experience the beauty of nature while getting a workout. Many of the trails are accessible for children and beginners, while more experienced riders can challenge themselves on the park's advanced routes. Additionally, pets are welcome in the park, so visitors can bring their furry friends along for the ride.
6. Sweetwater Bike Park
First bike park in San Diego

Sweetwater Bike Park is a community park in Bonita, specially designed for bike enthusiasts of all levels. The park offers a variety of features, including three progressive jump lines suited for beginners, intermediate, and expert riders, a small kid's section, three pump tracks, a perimeter trail, and a skills zone with wooden features and rock gardens. This diverse range of facilities makes the park accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from young children on strider bikes to adults looking to improve their skills or just have a good time.
Remarkably, the city of Bonita has taken the initiative to create this community bike park, providing a dedicated space for cyclists to practice and enjoy their sport. During a visit to the park, it was heartening to see people of all ages and abilities coming together to share their passion for biking. For instance, I had a conversation with someone who appeared to be in his 70s, still hitting jumps on the expert line, exemplifying the inclusivity and joy that Sweetwater Bike Park fosters.
7. Highland Valley Trail Head

8. Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center
Dark night skies for stargazing

Tecolote Canyon Natural Park is a wonderful destination for those looking to enjoy a nature hike and explore various medicinal and edible plants. The park's trails are easy to navigate, making it an ideal location for families with children. Many visitors bring their bikes and enjoy a leisurely ride through the park's scenic paths.
During a visit to Tecolote Canyon Natural Park, families can expect to find trails that are perfect for biking and exploring with kids. The park's beautiful scenery and abundance of plant life make it a great spot for nature lovers of all ages. Visitors often enjoy studying and photographing the park's many medicinal and edible plants, making it an educational experience as well. Overall, Tecolote Canyon Natural Park is an excellent choice for a family outing, offering plenty of opportunities for fun and learning.
9. Tecolote Canyon

Embrace nature in the heart of the city with the Tecolote Canyon Trail. This scenic route traverses a quiet canyon and offers a shady escape for runners looking for a quiet environment. The flat terrain suits runners of all levels, perfectly balancing fitness and serenity.
10. Penasquitos Canyon trail-head (south-east)
Dog-friendly and popular for hiking and trail running

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is a kid-friendly hiking trail located in Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve. With a 4.5 star rating from over 3,500 reviews on AllTrails.com, it is a popular choice for families looking for an enjoyable and accessible hike. The trail is 6.8 mi long with an elevation gain of 157 ft, making it a relatively easy hike for kids.
One reviewer shared their experience of hiking the trail with their two 8-year olds, taking the South rim portion of the trail and connecting to the map trail to see some friends. They described the trail as kid-friendly, but noted that it can get hot in the summer, especially for those who are not acclimated. The reviewer recommended starting the hike earlier in the day during the summer months to avoid the heat.
11. Lopez Canyon Trail
Partially shaded, easy to moderate hiking trail

Lopez Canyon Trail is an ideal spot for various outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, and walking. It is generally considered an easy route, making it a great option for families with children. The trail features a wide, steep, and rutted climb, which can be challenging to ascend but exhilarating to descend, especially when entering through the Penasquitos Canyon and Sorrento Valley connector.
Suitable for kids and families, Lopez Canyon Trail offers a fun and accessible outdoor experience. Whether you prefer an uphill climb or a downhill ride, the trail provides a scenic and engaging journey through the Penasquitos Canyon and Sorrento Valley connector. Its gentle gradient and spacious path make it an enjoyable and manageable activity for people of all ages and skill levels.
12. Mission Trails Rim Trailhead
Scenic vistas, diverse plant life

Lake Murray Trail is a well-maintained paved trail with picturesque views of the lake. The trail is perfect for biking, skating, and taking a leisurely walk with your furry friends. There is no shortage of parking, and restrooms and trash cans are readily available. Visitors can also boat and fish in the lake, but a license is required. For those with young children, the visitor center and museum offer kid-friendly crafts.
The Visitor Center Loop is a dog-friendly trail with easy terrain. The visitor center and museum are located on this trail, providing educational opportunities for children and families. The loop offers a peaceful and scenic walk or bike ride, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an easy and enjoyable activity. With its dog-friendly policy and accessible path, the Visitor Center Loop is a great option for families and individuals alike.
13. Switzer Canyon - East

14. Penasquitos Canyon Trail Head
Historic equestrian bridge

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is a popular destination for families with children, offering well-maintained trails and beautiful scenery. The trail is mostly wide and flat, making it ideal for biking with kids. Families can be seen biking together and stopping at various spots to enjoy the surroundings.
The trail is a great place for kids to learn how to bike or improve their skills. They will enjoy the opportunity to ride in a safe and scenic environment. In addition to biking, visitors can also hike, picnic, and bird watch. The trail is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and hawks. With so much to see and do, Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is a perfect destination for families looking to spend time outdoors together.
15. Tecolote Canyon Trailhead

16. Los Penasquitos Canyon Trailhead
Popular spot for hiking, jogging, and horseback riding

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is a popular spot for families to go biking. The trail is well-maintained and easy to navigate, with wide and flat paths that are perfect for kids and beginners. Families can be seen biking together and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
17. Otay Valley Regional Park
Connects to San Diego River Trail

Otay Valley Regional Park features predominantly wide pathways, with a smaller section of singletrack, making it suitable for novice explorers and families. The trails consist of gravel, packed dirt, and occasionally mud after rain. The park is home to numerous bridges, ponds, and abundant wildlife, particularly birds.
Spanning southern San Diego County, Otay Valley Regional Park connects South Bay with the lower Otay Lake Reservoir, offering a significant open space area. The park provides diverse recreational options such as playing fields, picnic spots, and trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding, catering to both locals and visitors seeking various activities to enjoy in this expansive area.
18. Los Penasquitos Canyon County Preserve
Historic adobe ranch house

Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail is an excellent option for those looking for a easy and scenic hike. The trail is located in a canyon, providing plenty of shade and beautiful views. It is 6.8 miles long and has an elevation gain of 157 feet, making it a relatively flat and easy hike. The trail is suitable for beginners, families, and anyone looking to enjoy a peaceful walk in nature. With over 3,553 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, it's a popular choice for hikers of all levels.
For those looking for a more challenging hike, there are plenty of options to explore off the main canyon. The trail connects to several other trails, offering the opportunity to extend your hike and explore more of the surrounding area. However, if you choose to venture off the main trail, be prepared for more rugged terrain and steeper inclines. It's important to bring plenty of water and supplies, as the additional distance and difficulty may require more preparation.
19. Twin Trails Park
Stunning views of San Diego

Twin Trails Park offers a range of bike paths that are suitable for children, making it an ideal destination for a family outing. The park's easy trails and scenic beauty make for an enjoyable and engaging experience for kids.
During an afternoon at Twin Trails Park, families can enjoy leisurely bike rides while taking in the surrounding natural beauty. The park's child-friendly paths provide a safe and entertaining environment for children to learn and improve their biking skills. Overall, Twin Trails Park is a fantastic location for families looking to spend quality time together while enjoying the great outdoors.
20. Switzer Open Space
Scenic views of the city

Switzer Canyon is an excellent destination for families looking for a kid-friendly biking experience. The area boasts natural vegetation and easy trails that are perfect for young bikers. As an oasis in the city, Switzer Canyon provides a safe and enjoyable environment for children to learn and practice biking.
The trails at Switzer Canyon are well-maintained and scenic, making them a great option for a family outing. The area's natural beauty and easy-to-navigate trails make it a favorite among parents and children alike. Whether you're looking for a fun outdoor activity or a way to enjoy nature with your family, Switzer Canyon is an excellent choice.
21. Cabrillo Canyon

22. Juniper Canyon
Family-friendly outdoor destination

San Diego offers numerous kid-friendly trails that are perfect for family adventures. These trails come with hand-curated trail maps, driving directions, and reviews from fellow nature enthusiasts. The trails cater to various skill levels, from easy biking trails for beginners to pump tracks and dirt trails for advanced riders. The terrain includes both flat, simple paths located in local parks and more challenging trails for experienced cyclists.
Specifically for bike enthusiasts, San Diego boasts an array of family-friendly bike trails to suit different preferences. Young cyclists can enjoy the smoothness of training wheel-friendly trails, while more experienced riders can test their skills on tracks with twists and turns. These trails not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also encourage family bonding through the joy of outdoor exploration.
23. Normal Heights Open Space Park

24. Maple Canyon Open Space
Dog-friendly hiking trails

The location offered stunning views of numerous beautiful homes overlooking Maple Canyon. Unfortunately, the area did not provide a strong sense of immersion in nature. Despite this, it presents an excellent destination for families with children due to its scenic walking paths and well-maintained surroundings.
The Maple Canyon Trail, situated in Olive Park, is a short and delightful hike that features picturesque bridges and overlooks showcasing the canyon and adjacent homes. Classified as an easy route, it is suitable for children and casual hikers. During the spring season, visitors can enjoy the added beauty of wildflowers and butterflies that enrich the trail experience.
25. Mission Trails Jump Park
26. Radio Canyon Open Space
27. San Diego River Bike Trail

28. OB Walk Bike Trail
