There aren’t many ways better for exploring Santa Monica than by cruising through this coastal town on a bike. With the sun in your face and the wind in your hair, you can take in all that the California coast has to offer.
Best of all, Santa Monica has several exciting bike paths for you to explore. It’s the perfect way to make a day of sightseeing and spending some time outdoors soaking up the sunshine.
Don’t worry if you don’t have your own wheels; there are adorable bike rentals available just steps away from the bike paths! Here are some spots that you don’t want to miss on your sightseeing adventure.
Visit The Marvin Braude Bike Trail
This 22-mile paved bike path is commonly referred to as “The Strand” by the locals. It starts just a few miles north of the Santa Monica Pier at Will Rogers State Beach. Marvin Braude winds through California’s coastal towns, including Venice Beach, Marina del Rey, and Playa del Rey. The trail ends at Torrance County Beach.
The Strand is a great way to explore Santa Monica and nearby beach towns. There are plenty of places to stop and take a bathroom break or have some lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Ride To The Santa Monica Pier
The Pier is one of the most iconic spots on the coast, and it’s a must-do for anyone who wants to snap an Instagram-worthy picture. Even better, it’s easily accessible by way of Santa Monica’s most famous bike path.
Just hop on The Strand, and you’ll be there in minutes. The path goes right underneath The Pier’s walkway, and there are plenty of bike racks to lock up your ride and take a stroll for some ice cream or check out the attractions.
Ride Down Main Street
For an easygoing cruise through town, you can check out Main St. There are plenty of bike lanes and parking if you want to hop off and check out any of the shops or restaurants. If you’re visiting on a Sunday, we recommend checking out the locally-renowned farmer’s market!
Ocean Avenue To Marina del Rey Bike Path
If The Strand isn’t really your scene, or you want to escape the crowds, you should check out Ocean Avenue. On this path, you’ll ride along the coastal bluffs to catch breathtaking views overlooking the ocean and the Santa Monica Pier.
If you stay in the bike lane on Ocean Avenue, you can head north to check out Palisades Park or stop in for a visit. Then, cruise all the way to Colorado Avenue, where you’ll be greeted by even better bike lanes and charming string lights running across the street overhead.
Head south, and you can cruise the coastline all the way to Venice Beach and Marina del Rey.
Cruise San Vicente Boulevard
This bike route is one of the most popular for the locals and visitors that want to see another side of Santa Monica. Taking a ride through local and residential streets is the perfect way to explore the most charming parts of the town. Plus, you can end the ride with a beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
The path starts near the Brentwood Country Club located at Bundy Drive. From there, you’ll ride along the median under the shade of trees lining the roadway. From there, you’ll see a marked bike path on San Vicente Blvd. off Wilshire Boulevard that you can ride all the way to Ocean Avenue.
Santa Monica Bike Path to Venice Beach
A short 15-to 20 minute ride will bring you to another iconic coastal town. Venice Beach is the perfect place to explore with your bike rental. You can check out the Venice Boardwalk, world-famous Muscle Beach, or check out the canals.
Before you hop on your bike to head back to Santa Monica, grab some lunch at one of the local restaurants – there are tons to choose from!
A Bike Rental Is A Great Way To Explore Santa Monica’s Bike Paths!
Santa Monica has so much to offer anyone who visits. It’s a vibrant coastal town packed with things to see. The best way to make the most of your day is to ditch the car and take in the fresh ocean air with a bike rental.
On Santa Monica’s many bike paths, you can take in the ocean views from above, ride along the beach, visit The Pier, enjoy the local charm, or take a short ride to other nearby towns and attractions. The best part is that no two days riding in Santa Monica are the same.