Santa Monica to Venice Beach

Question

Going to LA area for 7 days and set aside one day for Santa Monica with family of four (kids 11 & 13 . We’re planning on going to the pier and maybe walking or renting bikes to get to Venice Beach, But not sure what to do with the bikes if we just want to walk around Venice beach ? What’s the best way to get to Venice Beach and back to Santa Monica.

Answer

Santa Monica and Venice Beach are very close to each other—roughly 2–3 miles apart along the iconic Pacific Coast Highway and the beachfront bike path. For a family with kids ages 11 and 13, biking or walking is a great way to experience the coastline, but it’s important to plan logistics for both activities.

Getting from Santa Monica to Venice Beach:

Biking: Renting bikes in Santa Monica is easy, with options near the Santa Monica Pier. You can take the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, which runs along the beach and is a mostly flat, scenic route all the way to Venice Beach. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes at a moderate pace.
Walking: Walking along the same path is feasible but will take around 45–60 minutes. This can be fun if you want to stop along the way for photos, snacks, or small beachside attractions.
Rideshare or Car: If you prefer not to bike or walk, a quick rideshare or short drive is possible, but parking in Venice Beach can be limited and expensive.

What to do with the bikes once at Venice Beach:

There are public bike racks along the Venice Boardwalk where you can safely lock your bikes.
Some bike rental shops may offer a “drop-off” option in Venice Beach, or allow you to keep the bikes secured at their shop while you explore on foot.
If you bring your own locks, the boardwalk areas near popular attractions usually have multiple bike racks, but be sure to use a sturdy lock as a precaution.

Exploring Venice Beach:

Walk the Venice Boardwalk to see street performers, shops, and local art.
Check out Muscle Beach, skate parks, and the canals if you want a quieter, scenic walk.
Grab a snack or lunch at one of the beachside cafes or food trucks.

Returning to Santa Monica:

If you biked, simply ride back along the bike path.
If you locked the bikes, retrieve them and return via the same route.
Alternatively, you could use rideshare if the kids are tired and want a faster return.

Overall, for a family day, renting bikes for the round trip is the most fun way to experience the coastline, and Venice Beach offers plenty of places to safely park the bikes while exploring on foot.