The route
Start in Newport Beach and head south on Pacific Coast Highway through Corona del Mar. The road rolls past Crystal Cove State Park with ocean views on your right, then drops into Laguna Beach. Turn around in Laguna, or keep going south if you have the legs.
Warm up on the Back Bay
Coming from inland? Ride the Back Bay first. The 10.5-mile loop around Upper Newport Bay brings you out at Newport Dunes and PCH, a natural start for the coast ride. Back Bay Dr is shared with walkers and has a 15 mph limit.
Sources: Newport Bay Conservancy: things to do · Newport Beach Municipal Code ch. 12.55
Add a climb: Newport Coast Drive
On the way back north, turn up Newport Coast Drive from PCH. To Pelican Hill Rd is about 1.5 miles at roughly 5.8%, steady enough to ride at tempo. Many riders loop back toward the coast or inland from the top.
Sources: bikeclimbs.com: Newport Coast Drive to Pelican Hill Rd
Laguna climbs, if you want more
From Laguna, Park Ave to Top of the World is about 2 miles at a 9.2% average, one of the steepest paved climbs in the county. Laguna Canyon Rd (SR-133) is the inland route out of town; in August 2026 a 1-mile stretch between El Toro Rd and the 73 got new bike lanes, but the rest is still narrow and busy.
Sources: bikeclimbs.com: Park Ave, Glenneyre to top · Daily Pilot (LA Times), Aug 7, 2026: Laguna Canyon Road makeover
Riding PCH well
- Go early. Weekend traffic and beach parking make late mornings much busier.
- Be visible. Front and rear lights, even in daylight.
- Watch for doors and parking cars in Corona del Mar and Laguna.
- Ride single file when traffic is heavy and the shoulder narrows.
Salt-air bike care
Coastal rides are hard on bikes. Salt speeds up corrosion on chains, cables, bolts and bearings. After a PCH ride, wipe the bike down, clean and re-lube the chain, and don't store it wet. If shifting starts to feel gritty, it's time for a tune-up with a full drivetrain clean.
Quick answers
How long is the ride from Newport Beach to Laguna Beach on PCH?
It depends on where you start. As a rough guide, the Newport Beach Civic Center and Laguna Beach City Hall are about 7 miles apart in a straight line (computed from map coordinates), and the road distance along PCH is longer.
Is there a bike lane on PCH?
Parts of PCH have bike lanes or shoulders and parts don't. Expect to share the road, especially through Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach.
Road and trail conditions change. Check closures before you ride, and ride within your limits.