Last Updated on Sep 15, 2025
The Manhattan Beach Bike Trail, part of the iconic Strand, offers a scenic and invigorating way to experience the best of Southern California’s coastline. One of the top reasons to ride this trail is the breathtaking ocean views that stretch for miles. Cyclists can enjoy the fresh ocean breeze, spot dolphins near the shore, and cruise past the Manhattan Beach Pier, one of the area’s most picturesque landmarks. The trail is ideal for riders of all skill levels, offering a smooth, well-maintained path that connects to other beach towns like Hermosa and Redondo. Along the way, you’ll pass charming cafes, beach volleyball courts, and surfer hotspots, making it easy to stop, explore, and soak up the vibrant beach culture. It’s a safe, fun, and eco-friendly way to travel, get some exercise, and enjoy some of the most beautiful real estate and beach scenery in California—all in one ride.
Renowned as Los Angeles' most popular bike path, the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, The Strand Bike Path, stretches 22 miles along the Santa Monica Bay shoreline. This scenic route offers cyclists views of vibrant piers, bustling beaches, and ocean panoramas, often unreachable by car. With most of its width spanning 14 feet, the trail accommodates cyclists, skaters, and pedestrians. While largely a Class I path with no automobile interference, sections near Marina Del Rey transition to Class II, requiring cautious navigation across streets. The trail connects with other bike paths, including the Ballona Creek Bike Path, offering even more exploration opportunities.
Beginning at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades, the bike path meanders through Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey, and down to Redondo Beach. Santa Monica boasts an 8.5-mile Class I path with views of the iconic Santa Monica Pier and ample parking for visitors. In Venice, cyclists experience a lively boardwalk scene before navigating Marina Del Rey's serene basins. The path then transitions to the South Bay Bike Trail, offering a mix of dunes, boardwalks, and bustling commercial areas, ultimately ending at Torrance Beach, framed by the dramatic Palos Verdes Peninsula hills.
Cyclists can easily access the Manhattan Beach Bike Path and Marvin Braude Bike Trail via public transit. Santa Monica’s E Line terminates at Downtown Santa Monica, offering direct access to the trail via bike-friendly streets. Culver CityBus line 7 conveniently drops riders off near Marina Del Rey at Fiji Way. Most local buses feature bike racks, and Metro light rail cars permit bicycles, making it easy to integrate public transit with biking for a seamless coastal adventure.
The 4.7-mile South Bay Bike Path section from Manhattan Beach to Redondo Beach is a favorite for cyclists, runners, and bird watchers. With its gentle terrain, the path offers a leisurely ride alongside the sparkling Pacific Ocean, passing vibrant piers, sandy beaches, and lively waterfront areas. Along the route, benches invite riders to pause, soak in the stunning views, and enjoy the vibrant beach culture. Open year-round and dog-friendly (on a leash), this stretch offers a perfect blend of exercise, relaxation, and scenic beauty.
Los Angeles Beaches by Bike
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