Which beach for biking?

Question

Looking for a place to stay at the beach for a few nights where we can use a bicycle? Which beach towns do you recommend?

Answer

If your goal is to stay near the beach in the Los Angeles area and enjoy biking, you have several excellent options. Southern California beach towns are generally very bike-friendly, with dedicated bike paths along the coast and plenty of bike rental options.

Top beach towns for biking in the LA area:

Santa Monica: Santa Monica is one of the best options for cycling. The city has an extensive network of bike lanes and easy access to the Marvin Braude Bike Trail (also called The Strand), which runs along the coast for miles. You can bike north toward Venice Beach or south toward Playa del Rey.
Venice Beach: Adjacent to Santa Monica, Venice Beach offers a vibrant boardwalk, flat paths, and plenty of bike rental shops. It’s ideal for casual biking, people-watching, and exploring local shops.
Manhattan Beach: Manhattan Beach is a quieter alternative with a scenic strand bike path, less crowded than Santa Monica, and perfect for a more relaxed ride along the beach. It also has a charming downtown with restaurants and cafes.
Hermosa Beach: Just south of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach offers a laid-back vibe with a wide bike path along the pier and beachfront. It’s very walkable and bike-friendly.
Redondo Beach: Redondo Beach connects with Hermosa Beach along the strand trail, providing a longer stretch for those who want extended rides along the coast. The marina area is also scenic for biking.

Additional tips for biking near LA beaches:

Most of the Strand bike path is flat and suitable for casual riders, families, and tourists.
Bike rentals are available almost everywhere along Santa Monica and Venice Beach, and many hotels also offer bikes.
Early morning or late afternoon rides are best to avoid crowds, especially in summer.
Consider a beachside hotel that offers easy access to the bike path, so you can start riding right from your accommodation.

Overall, Santa Monica and Venice Beach are the most convenient and lively areas to stay if your priority is biking, while Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo offer quieter, scenic alternatives. You can even mix and match by riding the strand trail that links multiple beach towns in one trip.

Which beach for biking?

More Los Angeles Travel Questions

The attractions mentioned in this question

Popular Destinations

Popular Travel Questions