3. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand)

One of the greatest appeals of The Strand is that it provides a completely car-free environment to explore the coastline. Starting in the Pacific Palisades to the north and passing right through the heart of Santa Monica Beach, the paved path is wide and relatively flat, making it accessible for cyclists, rollerbladers, skateboarders, and joggers of all skill levels.

Because the path runs directly on the beach, separated from the Pacific Coast Highway and city streets, it offers a safe, peaceful, and immersive coastal experience. You can hear the crashing waves, smell the salt air, and feel the sunshine without the interruption of traffic.

The Santa Monica portion of The Strand is arguably the most vibrant section of the entire 22-mile route. As you ride, you'll pass iconic landmarks like the Annenberg Community Beach House, the bustling Santa Monica Pier, and the historic Muscle Beach. It's an excellent way to sightsee, allowing you to cover more ground than walking while still enjoying the outdoors.

Many visitors use The Strand to travel between Santa Monica and neighboring Venice Beach. The ride to Venice is short, flat, and incredibly scenic. As you cross the city border, you'll notice a distinct shift in the vibe, from the refined elegance of Santa Monica to the eclectic, bohemian energy of the Venice Boardwalk.

You don't need to bring your own bike to enjoy The Strand. Santa Monica is incredibly bike-friendly, and there are numerous rental shops located right on the beach and near the Pier. You can rent classic beach cruisers, which are perfect for a leisurely pace, as well as tandem bikes, kids' bikes, and modern e-bikes for those who want a little extra power.

For families or groups, renting a surrey—a four-wheeled, canopy-covered pedal cart—is a popular and fun way to navigate the path together. The path is well-marked with lanes for both cyclists and pedestrians, ensuring a smooth and safe flow of traffic even on busy weekends.

Riding The Strand is more than just transportation; it's a full-day activity. You can start your morning with a ride up to the northern end near Will Rogers State Beach for a quieter, more natural setting. Then, cruise south back into Santa Monica for lunch at a beachfront cafe.

In the afternoon, continue south to Venice Beach to watch the skateboarders and street performers. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even ride all the way down to Marina del Rey or Manhattan Beach. The beauty of The Strand is that you can make your journey as long or as short as you like, with endless opportunities to stop, rest on the sand, or grab a snack along the way.

How long is the Marvin Braude Bike Trail?

The entire trail is 22 miles long, starting at Will Rogers State Beach in the north (just past Santa Monica) and ending at Torrance County Beach in the south.

Are e-bikes allowed on The Strand?

Yes, e-bikes are generally allowed, but riders must adhere to the posted speed limits (usually 8 mph in congested areas) and ride safely. It's a shared path, so pedestrians and slower cyclists have the right of way.

Can I walk on the bike path?

There is usually a separate, parallel path designated for pedestrians. Where the path is shared, pedestrians should stay to the side and be mindful of cyclists passing. Always look both ways before crossing the bike path to get to the sand.

Where can I rent a bike?

There are several bike rental kiosks located directly on the beach path near the Santa Monica Pier, as well as standalone bike shops along Ocean Avenue and in Downtown Santa Monica.