Los Angeles has a wealth of bike trails and paths that offer a variety of scenic routes for cyclists. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride or a more challenging workout, there is something for everyone.
One of the best options for a more moderate and enjoyable ride is to explore the LA coastline, which offers some of the most beautiful rides along the beach in Southern California. The bike paths along the beaches in Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan Beach, and Malibu provide stunning ocean views, cool sea breezes, and plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the beach.
These rides are generally flat and easy, making them perfect for beginner cyclists or anyone who just wants to enjoy a relaxing bike ride along the coast. So, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just looking for a fun way to enjoy the outdoors, the LA coastline is a great place to explore on two wheels. We’ve listed some of the top beaches and paths below.
Best Coastal Bike Paths in Los Angeles
1. Malibu Beach Bike Path
This bike path runs along the beach in Malibu for approximately 6 miles, from Las Tunas Beach in the east to the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Westward Beach Road in the west. The path offers stunning ocean views and is a great way to explore Malibu’s beaches.
2. Santa Monica Beach Bike Path
This bike path is one of the most popular in Los Angeles and stretches for 8.5 miles from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach. You can rent bikes from several vendors on the Santa Monica Pier and enjoy the beautiful ocean views as you ride.
3. Venice Beach Boardwalk
This iconic boardwalk is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. The bike path runs parallel to the boardwalk, offering stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. You can rent bikes from several vendors on the boardwalk or bring your own.
4. Dockweiler Beach Bike Path
This bike path runs for 3.7 miles along Dockweiler Beach in Playa Del Rey. It’s a quieter alternative to the busier paths in Santa Monica and Venice, but still offers beautiful views of the ocean and plenty of space to ride.
5. Ballona Creek Bike Path
This path runs for 7.4 miles along Ballona Creek from the Los Angeles River to the beach in Playa Del Rey. It’s a scenic ride that takes you through some of Los Angeles’ wetlands and wildlife areas.
6. Manhattan Beach Bike Path
This bike path runs for 2.1 miles along the beach in Manhattan Beach. It’s a great option for those who want a shorter ride or want to avoid the crowds on the busier paths. The path offers stunning views of the ocean and the Manhattan Beach Pier.
Benefits of Riding Bikes
Whether you are riding road bikes or electric bikes in Los Angeles, bike rides offer a variety of physical and mental benefits. Riding a bike is a great way to get exercise, burn calories, and improve cardiovascular health. It’s also a low-impact exercise that is easy on the joints, making it a good option for people with arthritis or other conditions that make high-impact exercises difficult.
Biking can also help improve balance and coordination, as well as build strength in the legs, core, and upper body. In addition to the physical benefits, bike rides can also have mental health benefits.
Riding a bike can be a great way to reduce stress and improve mood, as it allows you to get outdoors and enjoy nature while also getting exercise. It can also help improve focus and concentration, as well as boost self-esteem and confidence. Overall, bike rides offer a fun and effective way to stay active and healthy.
Finishing Up
Los Angeles offers a plethora of bike trails and paths for cyclists of all levels. From the scenic coastline to the rolling hills of the Santa Monica Mountains, there are plenty of options to suit every rider’s preference.
Whether you’re a local looking for a new route to explore or a visitor seeking to experience the beauty of Los Angeles on two wheels, there’s no shortage of bike trails and paths to choose from. So grab your bike, put on your helmet, and hit the road to discover all that LA’s coastline has to offer!