Newport Beach Bike Rentals Guide

Located in beautiful Orange County, California, Newport Beach is a picturesque seaside city known for its sandy beaches, scenic harbor views, luxury yachts, and stunning mansions. With near-perfect weather year-round, it’s no wonder Newport Beach is such a popular tourist destination and beloved hometown.

One of the best ways to take in the sights of Newport Beach is by bicycle. Riding along the paved beach boardwalks and oceanfront bike paths feels like you’re cycling straight into a postcard. The ocean breeze and glittering waters make for an unforgettable ride. Luckily, with plenty of bike rental shops conveniently located around town, renting a bike for a few hours or an entire day is quick and easy.

Where to Rent Bikes in Newport Beach

Newport Beach offers bike rentals at various locations, but the main hub is around Balboa Pier by the Fun Zone. In this area you’ll find stand-alone bike shops plus sports stores and hotels that also rent out bicycles. Some key bike rental spots include:

– The Bike Shop Newport Beach: Located right on the Balboa Boardwalk, this full-service bike store offers cruisers, mountain bikes, kids bikes, tandem bikes, surreys, and more. Friendly staff can outfit you with a bike and helmet so you can start exploring right away.

– Newport Fun Tours: Also based on the Balboa Boardwalk, this popular tour company rents out bikes in addition to offering guided electric bike tours showcasing Newport’s top sights. Standard bike rentals come with baskets and locks. Electric bike rentals have limited availability so reserve in advance if interested.

– Balboa Bicycle Center: Just steps from the beach along E. Coast Highway, this shop provides beach cruisers, racing bikes, kids bikes, and bike accessories for rent. You can also book bike tours, enroll in cycling classes, and purchase cycling gear here.

– The Bay Club at Newport Beach: This luxury athletic resort rents bikes for guests and for visitors who want to enjoy an invigorating coastal ride. Cruisers, road bikes, electric bikes, Surrey bikes, kids bikes, trailers, and bike gear are all available to rent.

Booking Your Bike Rental

Most bike shops prefer or require reservations, especially during the busy spring and summer seasons. You’ll typically book online or by phone, providing some basic contact details. Let them know the date, length of time, bike type, helmet sizes if needed, and any other gear requests. Often you can pay the full amount upfront to guarantee your rental.

Same-day rentals may be available but will be more limited. In this case, calling ahead is best to check bike and size availability at your desired rental location before showing up. Peak rental hours tend to be 10am to 4pm when demand is highest. Aim to start early or go later in the afternoon or evening to beat the crowds.

What to Expect & Bike Safety Tips

When you arrive to pick up your bike, the staff will fit you with a properly sized bike and helmet. Be prepared to show ID and possibly leave a deposit on a credit card in case of damages. Then you’ll receive a brief orientation on how to use the bike, rules of the road, and any provided locks or baskets.

As tempting as it is to set off immediately, take a few minutes to adjust the seat height, handlebar position, and other elements so you feel comfortable. Review the bike’s features and test the brakes, gears, and handling in the parking lot before hitting the road. This helps prevent issues once you’re already riding in traffic.

In terms of safety, stick to designated bike lanes, routes and trails whenever possible. Obey all traffic signs and signals as you would in a car. Use hand signals to indicate turns, and pulled off fully when stopping. Wear bright clothing, avoid headphones, stay alert, go at a sensible pace, and park securely when taking a break. These measures will ensure an enjoyable, hassle-free bike adventure around beautiful Newport Beach.

Top Bike Paths & Routes to Explore

With miles of stunning coastline and paths cutting through inland neighborhoods, Newport Beach offers diverse cycling adventures to suit all tastes. Must-try bike routes and trails include:

– Newport Beach Boardwalk (Balboa Peninsula): Perfect for leisurely spins, this paved oceanfront path runs along Balboa Peninsula between the piers. Postcard views of surfers, islands, and swaying palm trees unfurl around you. Stop at iconic sights like the Fun Zone, Balboa Pier and Balboa Island Ferry.

– Mariner’s Mile and Back Bay Loop: For longer rides, head inland along Newport Harbor’s Mariner’s Mile across to Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. Spot marine life in the estuary before looping back to the harborfront for a 15-20 mile round trip ride.

– Santa Ana River Trail: Following a river channel, this 20+ mile dedicated bike trail connects Huntington Beach to Costa Mesa through natural habitats. Newport Back Bay, Talbert Nature Preserve and other green spaces provide shady resting spots.

– Corona del Mar: Trade surf for cliffs with a ride along Ocean Blvd in ritzy Corona del Mar. Check out Lookout Point, Inspiration Point and Wayfarers Chapel as you climb and descend the undulating road hugging the Pacific edge.

Wherever your bike takes you through Newport, prepare to be wowed by glittering waters, sandy beaches, island-dotted harbors and lush nature preserves. With so many incredible sights, interesting neighborhoods and idyllic routes to uncover, you’re bound to quickly fall in love with cycling through this Southern California gem.