The best cycling routes around Manhattan Beach

This Venice Beach Bike Path Marina del Rey loop from El Segundo offers a vibrant touring cycling experience, showcasing the best of Los Angeles's iconic coastline. You'll glide along mostly flat, paved paths, enjoying uninterrupted ocean views and the lively atmosphere of the Venice Boardwalk, complete with street performers and the famous Muscle Beach. The route then transitions to the serene Marina del Rey, where you can admire countless boats in the world's largest man-made small craft harbor, before heading back south.

Planning your visit is straightforward, though you should aim for weekdays or early weekend mornings to avoid the busiest times on this popular route. Parking is available near the El Segundo trailhead, but it's wise to arrive early. While the path is generally easy, the moderate rating comes from navigating crowds and a brief on-road section in Marina del Rey where you'll share space with car traffic.

This route is part of the much longer Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, a 22-mile coastal artery connecting numerous Los Angeles beach communities. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, urban culture, and the opportunity for bird-watching in the nearby Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve. It's an excellent choice for family friendly cycling, providing scenic stops and cafes along Venice Beach Bike Path Marina del Rey.

This Redondo Beach Torrance Beach bike loop offers a diverse touring cycling experience, contrasting the flat, scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail with more challenging urban climbs. You will pedal past lively beaches, the iconic Redondo Beach Pier, and marinas, all while enjoying expansive ocean views. The route covers 27.3 miles (43.9 km) with a substantial 2126 feet (648 metres) of elevation gain, making it a difficult ride that demands very good fitness.

To tackle this advanced cycling Redondo Beach Torrance Beach loop, plan for a ride lasting approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes. The starting point at Redondo Union High School provides a convenient access point. Remember to dismount and walk your bike through the designated zone near the Redondo Beach Pier to comply with local regulations. Numerous cafes and restaurants are available along the route for breaks.

This particular loop stands out from a simple beach cruise due to its significant elevation gain, extending beyond the immediate coastline into more varied terrain. It connects several prominent South Bay beach cities, offering a comprehensive tour of the area's coastal charm and urban landscapes. The route is a notable part of the renowned Marvin Braude Bike Trail, providing a continuous and scenic link for cyclists.

The El Segundo Beach loop offers a delightful touring cycling experience, immersing you in the vibrant atmosphere of Southern California's coastline. As you pedal along the paved Marvin Braude Bike Trail, you'll be treated to continuous views of the Pacific Ocean, with surfers catching waves and beachgoers enjoying the sun. The route is predominantly flat, making for a smooth and comfortable ride, and you'll even catch glimpses of planes taking off from LAX, adding a unique local flavor to the scenery.

This easy 9.0-mile (14.5 km) loop, with only 168 feet (51 metres) of elevation gain, is perfect for a quick outing, typically taking around 51 minutes to complete. Amenities like restrooms and places to eat are readily available along the path, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable trip. The constant ocean breeze makes it a pleasant ride at any time, though mornings can be particularly serene.

What makes this route truly stand out is its integration into the popular Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as "The Strand." This extensive coastal path connects you to other iconic beach communities like Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Venice Beach, offering endless possibilities for longer rides and diverse explorations. It's a quintessential Southern California seaside experience, ideal for anyone looking for a relaxed and scenic bike tour.