Best Motorcycle Rides in Ventura

Southern California is known for having one of the best climates in the country for motorcycling and presents a wide range of rides for enthusiasts. Whether you want long, sandy stretches of beach or winding mountain roads, the landscape of SoCal has something for you close by. These motorcycle rides are some of the best in Ventura County, so if you live in the area or are considering visiting, make sure to check them out.

Mulholland Drive

Starting with a famous one, Mulholland Drive is a 21-mile stretch of road in LA County that winds through the heart of the city and into the mountains on the outskirts of the city. In one short section of this drive known as “the Snake,” there are 21 consecutive, dizzying turns. Mulholland Drive has some wonderful picturesque views, such as the Jerome C. Daniel Overlook situated above the Hollywood Bowl. The shorter ride can be completed in a single afternoon in less than an hour, making it great for a nice, relaxing day trip.

Pacific Coast Highway

The Pacific Coast Highway, or California State Route 1, is a 1600-mile stretch that starts down in San Diego and cuts through both LA and Ventura Counties following the coast. In Ventura County, the PCH cuts through both Leo Carrillo State Park and Point Mugu, giving a great scenic view with the coast on one side and the parks on the other. The PCH continues through the city of Ventura and continues to follow the coast up through La Conchita and beyond. The sheer length of the PCH means you can pick virtually any section and cut it up into smaller, more manageable trips.

Ventura-Santa Barbara Loop

The Ventura-Santa Barbara loop is a multi-road affair that takes you all around Ventura County and loops around the scenic Los Padres National Forest. You can start the loop heading north from Ventura City to Ojai and take the 33 up and around until it intersects with the 166. Once you hit Santa Maria, you can follow the 101 south all the way back around through Santa Barbara on the coast and into northern Ventura County. The loop has some stunning scenes, but the 33 is a bit windy, so take caution.

When Is the Best Time for Long Motorcycle Rides in SoCal?

All other things being equal, the ideal motorcycle season in SoCal is between spring and the early fall. Spring and fall provide extremely temperate weather and a lower chance of rain. Riding in the summer does maximize daylight, but the summer heat in SoCal can get fairly tiring quickly if you don’t stop to take breaks. Spring and early fall typically see less traffic, so you will have a more open stretch of the road, especially if you ride away from major metro areas.

Tips for Longer Motorcycle Rides in SoCal

Below are some additional tips to make your SoCal rides as enjoyable and safe as possible.

•  Stay hydrated. Make sure you bring some water and take frequent breaks to hydrate, especially if you are riding during the summer when temperatures are the hottest,
• California helmet laws. California requires all motorcycle riders, regardless of age, to wear a helmet while on their bikes, so don’t leave home without your helmet and proper attire, like gloves, goggles, and protective/reflective clothing.
• Check the weather. Double-check the weather and plan your routes around it. Specifically, SoCal might be foggy during the spring and fall mornings when riding is ideal.
• Be mindful of traffic. SoCal has several dense metro areas, so plan for traffic around them.
• Lane splitting. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal, so make sure you understand the rules and techniques for splitting traffic.

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