Before You Go, Trick out Your Ride at San Diego Car Stereo
Does the magnificent beauty brought on by recent rain make you want to jump on your motorcycle and take a leisurely ride through San Diego County? Do you ever want to “get away from it all” and feel the wind in your hair (under your helmet, of course)? We can relate!
Fortunately, local motorcycle enthusiasts of all riding experience have an abundance of scenic routes to choose from in southern California that get you out of the city of San Diego and onto more peaceful locales and fun destinations.
Want some inspiration for where to ride next? Take a look at the best places to cruise on your Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Triumph, Ducati, or Honda motorcycle in San Diego County - after you upgrade your motorcycle stereo system at San Diego Car Stereo, of course.
Blare Your Motorcycle Stereo Down Sunrise Highway
One of the most popular and perhaps most rewarding motorcycle routes in San Diego County is the scenic 34-mile, two-lane highway that snakes through the Laguna Mountains. There are plenty of places to pull over and enjoy the spectacular view of the desert basin to the east.
To get there, start at the Sunrise Highway exit off the I-8, and turn north to wind up the mountains. When you hit SR-79, you can either turn right and head into Julian (where we recommend you take a pitstop to enjoy a slice of pie), or turn left to loop past Lake Cuyamaca and back to the freeway.
Highway 94 is Perfect for San Diego Area Motorcycle Rides
While many people assume the 94 freeway ends in Rancho San Diego, it actually continues on through Jamul and out past rural outposts like Dulzura, Potrero, Campo, and Boulevard, which are nestled among scenic canyons and wide-open plains, along the Mexico border.
You can even take a detour down to Tecate - yes, the same Tecate where the popular Mexican beer is produced, and take a brewery tour. Just don’t forget to bring your passport. If you choose this route, consider stopping at the historic Barrett Junction Cafe for a bite; we heartily recommend their fried fish. Motorcyclists have sworn by it for years. (Just be sure to check their operating hours, which may have changed due to COVID-19.)
Get on Your Bike and Cruise Through San Ysabel and Julian
If nothing else, Julian’s famous apple pie at Julian Pie Shop and sweets and gifts from Dudley’s Bakery in San Ysabel should be enough to motivate you to take this route. It starts at the 67 freeway in Lakeside before running into the 78 and winding through the gorgeous backcountry.
There’s typically a bit more traffic than other scenic routes, considering this one takes you through Ramona, but it’s still a great motorcycle ride and worth the trip, especially if you stop for some pie. (We promise that we actually like riding motorcycles and aren’t just using them as a means to get delicious pie.)
Bike Through Montezuma Grade
An alternate option for the previous route is to turn north on the 79 in San Ysabel instead of continuing up the 78 to Julian. If you veer east past Ranchita, you’ll reach the Montezuma Grade, a twisty mountain road that drops 3,000 feet down into the desert. It’s the perfect ride to practice your more advanced technical riding skills.
The sharp curves are challenging, but the endless panoramic views can’t be beat! Once you hit the quaint desert town of Borrego Springs, be sure to hit up one of the several restaurants and watering holes that have sprung up in recent years, like Coyote Steakhouse or Red Ocotillo. Enjoy ice cream and fudge for the road at The Fudge Factory.
Take a Scenic Ride Through Palomar Mountain Loop
If you’re craving diverse scenery a little closer to San Diego proper, check out this route that loops through Palomar Mountain State Park. The ride features dense forests, rocky ledges, and wide-angle views from the Lake Henshaw Overlook.
Starting off Highway 76 east (exit from I-15), the winding stretches of smooth asphalt provide a comfortable motorcycle ride, even for beginners. And if all that scenery builds up an appetite, stop for a bite at Mother’s Kitchen, a popular restaurant that offers everything from breakfast favorites to classic comfort food - and all vegetarian.
Explore Old Highway 80 on Your Motorcycle
Technically, Old Highway 80 starts in Savannah, Georgia, but the portion in the San Diego County area is just 176 miles long and absolutely full of fun touristy and historic attractions. Think of it as San Diego’s own piece of Route 66.
Be sure to stop at the Wisteria Candy Cottage in Boulevard, and the Tryyn Gallery in Guatay. And if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, make a reservation at the Live Oak Springs Resort Cabins, also in Boulevard, which very much resembles the Cozy Cone Motel in Disney’s first Cars movie.
Enhance Your Relaxing Weekend Ride with a Motorcycle Sound System
For some people the rumble of a motorcycle engine is the only soundtrack they need to enjoy the tranquility of the open road. But for others, there’s nothing like the perfect playlist to enhance a leisurely motorcycle ride through San Diego County.
If your machine is in need of a motorcycle stereo system upgrade to include the latest technology, San Diego Car Stereo can help. We stock premium motorcycle stereo brands, including Harley-Davidson OEM stereo systems, and offer expert installation at our shop at 4220 Convoy Street in San Diego. You might even want a motorcycle stereo with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto so you can use your smartphone hands-free; we have those, too.
Feel the freedom of exploring San Diego and its surrounding rural areas on two wheels when you come see the motorcycle stereo pros at San Diego Car Stereo. Give us a call at 858-569-0777 to learn more.