Marvin Braude Bike Trail: The Ultimate Coastal Ride
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, better known as The Strand, is as iconic to Los Angeles as its palm trees and endless sunshine. This 22-mile coastal bike path offers one of the most scenic and enjoyable rides in Southern California, weaving through some of LA’s most famous beach communities. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider looking for an unforgettable day along the Pacific, The Strand delivers a blend of ocean views, urban charm, and laid-back beach culture.
Trail Overview: Where It Begins and Ends
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail stretches 22 miles along the coast, beginning at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades (north of Santa Monica) and ending at Torrance County Beach (just south of Redondo Beach). The trail is fully paved and mostly flat, making it an easy ride for cyclists of all skill levels.
Key Trail Information:
- Length: 22 miles (one way)
- Start: Will Rogers State Beach (Pacific Palisades)
- End: Torrance County Beach
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate (mostly flat but can be crowded in some sections)
- Surface: Paved, multi-use path
- Best Time to Ride: Early mornings or weekdays for lighter crowds
Landmarks & Sights Along the Way
1. Will Rogers State Beach (Mile 0)
- Starting at Will Rogers State Beach, you’ll enjoy a quiet stretch of coastline with wide sandy shores. This area is ideal for a warm-up ride before heading south.
2. Santa Monica Pier (Mile 5)
- One of LA’s most famous landmarks, the Santa Monica Pier features the Pacific Park Ferris wheel, restaurants, and stunning ocean views. It’s a great place to snap a photo or take a quick detour for a snack.
3. Venice Beach Boardwalk (Mile 7)
- Known for its eclectic energy, the Venice Beach area is filled with street performers, murals, skate parks, and Muscle Beach Gym. The path can get crowded here, so cyclists should proceed with caution.
4. Marina del Rey & Ballona Creek (Mile 10)
- The trail cuts inland slightly through Marina del Rey, home to one of the largest man-made marinas in the world. Cyclists will cross Ballona Creek Bridge before heading back toward the coastline.
5. Dockweiler State Beach (Mile 12)
- This section is known for its wide sandy beach, scenic picnic areas, and views of planes departing from LAX. The area is less crowded than Venice, making it great for relaxed cycling.
6. Manhattan Beach (Mile 16)
- One of LA’s most picturesque beach towns, Manhattan Beach features a charming downtown area, oceanfront homes, and the historic Manhattan Beach Pier. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch or a coffee.
7. Hermosa Beach (Mile 18)
- With a laid-back surf town vibe, Hermosa Beach is home to lively bars, boutique shops, and beach volleyball courts. The Hermosa Beach Pier offers beautiful views of the coastline.
8. Redondo Beach (Mile 20)
- The Redondo Beach segment takes you past King Harbor and the Redondo Beach Pier, where fresh seafood and oceanfront dining await.
9. Torrance County Beach (Mile 22 – Trail End)
- The ride concludes at Torrance County Beach, a peaceful and less crowded area with beautiful ocean views. This is a great spot to unwind before heading back or exploring the surrounding South Bay area.
Riding The Strand: What to Expect
Level of Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly: The trail is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for cyclists of all experience levels.
- Traffic conditions: While the ride itself is easy, some areas (Venice Beach, Santa Monica) get very crowded, requiring caution when navigating pedestrians and slower cyclists.
- Wind Conditions: Expect occasional strong ocean breezes, which can make certain stretches more challenging.
Enhancing the Experience with an E-Bike
- Effortless Long-Distance Riding: The full 22-mile ride (44 miles round trip) can be tiring, but an electric bike helps conserve energy, especially on the way back.
- Easier Navigation Through Crowded Areas: With an e-bike’s pedal assist, you can smoothly adjust your speed in high-traffic spots like Venice Beach and Santa Monica.
- Tackling Headwinds with Ease: The ocean breeze can create resistance, but a motorized boost makes riding against the wind much easier.
- More Time for Exploring: Instead of feeling fatigued, an e-bike allows you to ride longer and explore more of the beaches, piers, and coastal cafes along the way.
Essential Tips for the Ride
Parking & Accessibility
- Start of Trail: Will Rogers State Beach offers paid parking ($5–$15 depending on the season). Arrive early to secure a spot.
- End of Trail: Torrance County Beach has several parking lots, though spaces fill quickly on weekends.
- Public Transit: Cyclists can take the Metro Expo Line to Santa Monica and join the trail from there.
Amenities Along the Route
- Bike Rentals: Available in Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and Manhattan Beach.
- Restrooms & Water Fountains: Found at most major beach access points along the route.
- Food Stops: Plenty of cafes, restaurants, and snack vendors throughout the ride. Popular spots include:
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- The Albright (Santa Monica Pier) – Seafood and casual bites
- The Venice Whaler (Venice Beach) – Beachfront drinks and tacos
- Uncle Bill’s Pancake House (Manhattan Beach) – A local breakfast favorite
- Captain Kidd’s (Redondo Beach) – Famous seafood market and eatery
Final Thoughts: A Must-Do Ride for Any Cyclist
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is more than just a cycling route—it’s an iconic California experience. Whether you’re riding the full 22 miles or just a section, the mix of breathtaking coastal views, lively beach towns, and cultural landmarks makes it one of the best bike trails in the U.S.. With accessible paths, rental options, and plenty of spots to relax, The Strand is a ride that caters to both adventure seekers and leisure cyclists alike.
For those who want to maximize their ride, an e-bike is a fantastic way to cover more distance with less effort, making it easy to enjoy the full beauty of LA’s legendary coastline. So grab your bike, hit the trail, and soak up the sun, surf, and scenery of the Southern California coast. 🚴♂️🌊