Ocean Front: Venice Pier to Will Rogers State Beach
Gliding through the soft sands of Venice, Santa Monica, and Will Rogers State Beach, this bike route will surely leave the rider drenched in sunshine and cool ocean breezes. Winding in some parts and straight as an arrow down long stretches of beach, the Ocean Front Bike Path is perfectly flat, free of vehicle traffic, and ideal for any experience level. Rent a bike at J's Rentals on the boardwalk and zoom down to the Venice Pier to your starting point. For more detailed information, see Bike Paths below.
Bike Path:
If you want to eat before you start your adventure, sit down for a great meal at the Venice Whaler Bar & Grill, located right at the end of the Venice Pier on the boardwalk. After filling up, jump on the Ocean Front Bike Path and head north, passing a long row of beach homes and a grassy buffer that separates you from the pedestrian walk way. The path will become winding as you pass through the Venice Recreation Center. Be cautious here: lots of people will be crossing the bike path to get to the beach and skate park. If you wish to take a break in this bustling area, lock your bike up and check out Small World Books, a great independent book store on the boardwalk.
Carry on northward. Eventually the exciting Santa Monica Pier will come into view. As you come closer, you may notice a set of traveling rings on your right. Beach goers spend hours playing around in this recreational area. Take a rest stop and fling yourself onto the ring sets. You wont be disappointed!
Leap back on your bike. The bike path will shortly pass underneath the Santa Monica pier and then curve around a large parking lot. The crowds will soon dissipate again and you will be left with a clear, mostly straight stretch through Santa Monica Beach. You will enter Will Rogers State Beach shortly where you can enjoy your quiet ride along these pristine stretches. The bike path will end at a lot for beach parking. Turn around here and head south back to Venice Pier.
STARTING POINT
Begin at the end of Washington Ave. at Ocean Front Walk.
DIRECTIONS TO THE START
Transit: From the Temple and Spring St. stop in Downtown LA take the Commuter Express 437 towards Washington & Pacific. Disembark at Washington and Pacific.
Car: From the 10 Freeway West merge onto the 405 Freeway South toward LAX/Long Beach. After about 4 miles merge onto the 90 Freeway West. After 3 miles turn right onto Lincoln Blvd. Then after a 0.5 miles turn left onto Washington Blvd. After about 1 miles you will reach the end of Washington Blvd.