Guidebook for Los Angeles
Parks & Nature
Biking on the strand really embodies Southern California. I can’t think of anything better than biking next to the sand and waves. I like starting at Playa del Rey Beach and riding south because the parking is easy, and this stretch of the path is much less crowded than in Venice and Santa Monica. It’s super serene.
If you ride south 9 miles, you run right into the Redondo Beach Pier, which is a good stopping point. My favorite seafood shack there is Quality Seafood. They’ll shuck oysters and steam crab legs for you right on the spot. It’s a great place to hang out before heading back.
53 locals recommend
Playa Del Rey Beach
7313-7351 S Marine AveBiking on the strand really embodies Southern California. I can’t think of anything better than biking next to the sand and waves. I like starting at Playa del Rey Beach and riding south because the parking is easy, and this stretch of the path is much less crowded than in Venice and Santa Monica. It’s super serene.
If you ride south 9 miles, you run right into the Redondo Beach Pier, which is a good stopping point. My favorite seafood shack there is Quality Seafood. They’ll shuck oysters and steam crab legs for you right on the spot. It’s a great place to hang out before heading back.
There’s so much to do in Venice, it’s the kind of place where you’ll hop off your bike a lot. And it is really best visited by bike. I like to start by grabbing Gjelina’s takeout pizza, riding along Abbott Kinney and into the neighborhoods. Then I hop into beach path to people watch and see skaters shred the bowl.
Wind down your biking day in Venice back at the beach. On weekend afternoon and evenings, you’ll hear drumming. Follow the sound, and at the end of Brooks Avenue, you’ll see dozens of strangers beating on drums, pots, pans, whatever—and dancing on the beach. It’s super communal, and anyone can join in.
1387 locals recommend
Venice Beach
1900 Ocean Front WalkThere’s so much to do in Venice, it’s the kind of place where you’ll hop off your bike a lot. And it is really best visited by bike. I like to start by grabbing Gjelina’s takeout pizza, riding along Abbott Kinney and into the neighborhoods. Then I hop into beach path to people watch and see skaters shred the bowl.
Wind down your biking day in Venice back at the beach. On weekend afternoon and evenings, you’ll hear drumming. Follow the sound, and at the end of Brooks Avenue, you’ll see dozens of strangers beating on drums, pots, pans, whatever—and dancing on the beach. It’s super communal, and anyone can join in.
A bike path starts here and runs seven miles alongside Ballona Creek, a channel of water from Culver City to the beach in Playa del Rey. It’s pretty—there are trees and birds—and it feels secluded because you’re separated from traffic, biking under bridges and through tunnels. Toward the end, you’ll pass through Marina del Rey, where you can check out all the boats.
Locals know this path as a great way to go to the beach without dealing with traffic and parking. This comes in especially handy on weekend afternoons, when beach traffic is at its peak.
7 locals recommend
Syd Kronenthal Park
3459 McManus AveA bike path starts here and runs seven miles alongside Ballona Creek, a channel of water from Culver City to the beach in Playa del Rey. It’s pretty—there are trees and birds—and it feels secluded because you’re separated from traffic, biking under bridges and through tunnels. Toward the end, you’ll pass through Marina del Rey, where you can check out all the boats.
Locals know this path as a great way to go to the beach without dealing with traffic and parking. This comes in especially handy on weekend afternoons, when beach traffic is at its peak.
Sightseeing
Downtown LA is becoming a great place to discover by bike using the new Metro Bike system and new bike lanes. Downtown is one of the only parts of town where you can visit cultural hubs, like the Historic Plaza District, historic icons, like Union Station, and newly emerging areas like the Arts District. It’s a flat and bustling path, with lots of potential stops, that gives you a glimpse into the city’s diversity.
If you want a detour, stop by the The Wheelhouse, a bike/coffee shop. The owners, Chase and Tami, know the area well and can recommend some spots for urban exploration.
737 locals recommend
Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown LA is becoming a great place to discover by bike using the new Metro Bike system and new bike lanes. Downtown is one of the only parts of town where you can visit cultural hubs, like the Historic Plaza District, historic icons, like Union Station, and newly emerging areas like the Arts District. It’s a flat and bustling path, with lots of potential stops, that gives you a glimpse into the city’s diversity.
If you want a detour, stop by the The Wheelhouse, a bike/coffee shop. The owners, Chase and Tami, know the area well and can recommend some spots for urban exploration.