Caffeine Achievers
Ride to coffee shops and other delightful spots
along the coast
Enjoying these short winter days with their cool temperatures?
It’s off-season here in Newport Beach and the crowds are gone, so get on your bike, buck the trend and take this coastal ride from the Crystal Cove Promenade to the peninsula. Winter skies cause me to reach for a cup of java and on this ride you’ll enjoy all the coffee and caffeine you can handle.
Not a coffee drinker? Then how about one of the original date shakes at the Shake Shack. Rose’s Donuts in Corona del Mar is a cyclist’s haven; you’ll want to linger here before pressing on to Balboa Island and a ferry ride to the peninsula.
Start here at Pacific Whey Bakery
in Crystal Cove
Park at Crystal Cove along Coast Hwy then choose between Pacific Whey or Starbucks for the first espresso. Pedal away exiting the parking lot via Reef Point Drive crossing Coast Hwy into Crystal Cove State Park.
It's a rare rainy day, so why not treat yourself
to a date shake at the Shake Shack
Follow the bike path west to the Shake Shack, a local landmark for sandwiches and the original date shake; enjoy the super view while you munch away. Continue on the bike path up the short hill and continue to enjoy the park; as you exit at Pelican Point Drive you’ll cross Coast Hwy and turn left for the sprint into Corona del Mar.
Your destination: super cozy Alta Coffee on the peninsula
Enjoy riding along Newport Beach’s first Sharrows on Bayside Drive. Turn onto the bridge at Marine Ave and pedal onto Balboa Island. Take your time, this is a fabulous neighborhood for exploring the many little shops and restaurants. When you’ve had enough, turn towards the ferry and cross onto the Balboa peninsula. Here you’ll find the beach boardwalk which will take you to the Newport pier and beyond. Continue past the pier turning on 32nd Street crossing Balboa and Newport Blvd’s on your way to Alta Coffee and the end of this route.
Credits: A tip of the hat to the original caffeine achiever, Charlie Gandy.
Download the map into Google Earth. Find other rides at bikeNewportBeach.
Distance: 9.75 miles, one way
