Bring your bike on Metrolink for a cycling adventure through the coastal hills to the blue Pacific and back. There are a number of riding trails that you can take from the Irvine Station including a long scenic loop through Laguna Canyon to Pacific Coast Highway and back via Newport Coast Road.
This hilly 27.8 mile loop is for cyclists not afraid of a hefty amount of elevation gain along with the reward of amazing ocean and canyon views. It is a wonderful workout with great places to stop for coffee or a meal spaced out along the way. Use this link or select the map to view the route in detail.
The canyon and ocean views are amazing and the stops along the way are great. Here are some key places on the route where you might want to get off your bike and stretch, drink or grab a bite.
Mile 1: Irvine Spectrum Center
If you’d like a cup of coffee before setting out on your ride take a quick detour to Irvine Spectrum Center. It’s before you hit mile 1 just off Alton Parkway.
Coffee spots include:
Starbucks
BLKdot Coffee
Mile II: Laguna Beach
At mile 11 you’ll arrive in Laguna Beach. There are plenty of places to stop for nourishment or you can simply take off your shoes and sink your feet into the sand at Main Beach. The Urth Caffe is always a favorite.
Mile 14: Crystal Cove Shopping Center
Another great spot to stop along PCH is Crystal Cove Shopping Center where you’ll find a great selection of restaurants and coffee spots.
Mile 18: Newport Coast Shopping Center
Between mile 18 and 19 is the Newport Coast Shopping Center with more restaurants and places to relax and recover from the steep hill climb from PCH!
Final stretch
The final 9 miles takes you along the trail system that weaves through the exclusive neighborhood of Shady Canyon and eventually into Irvine and back to the Metrolink Station.
The Irvine Station is located in the Spectrum area of Irvine and is the busiest station in Orange County, serving over a million commuters annually. The Irvine Station is currently served by Amtrak, Metrolink, as well as being a hub for express, local and rail-feeder bus services.
Yes, you can bring your bikes on Metrolink. We even have a special car dedicated to bike storage. It is typically the third passenger car and is clearly marked. Please review Metrolink’s bike guidelines.
We always suggest when planning your adventure to check the Metrolink train schedule to the Irvine Station. Both the Orange Line and Inland Empire-Orange County Line serves this station.