The Best Bike Paths in Los Angeles for Every Type of Rider

Los Angeles has a reputation as a car city, but spend a Saturday morning on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail and that reputation starts to crumble. Thousands of cyclists, runners, and skaters use LA's expanding network of bike paths every day, and the infrastructure keeps getting better. Whether you want a flat coastal cruise, a riverside commute route, or a family-friendly loop, LA has a path for you.

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand)

The Strand is the crown jewel of LA bike paths. Running 22 miles from Pacific Palisades to Torrance Beach, it follows the coast through some of the most iconic scenery in California. You will pass through Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach — each section with its own character and energy.

The path is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible to riders of all abilities. The catch is that it gets crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Pedestrians, rollerbladers, scooters, and other cyclists all share the path, so patience and awareness are required. Early mornings before 9am offer the best combination of good light and thin crowds.

For a full out-and-back, the Strand delivers nearly 44 miles of riding — a solid workout with ocean views the entire way. Plenty of cafes, restaurants, and water fountains are accessible along the route if you need to refuel.

LA River Bike Path

The LA River bike path is the backbone of cycling through the urban core. The longest continuous section runs about 12 miles from Griffith Park south through Atwater Village, Silver Lake adjacent areas, and eventually into downtown. Additional sections extend south through Vernon, South Gate, and eventually to Long Beach, though connectivity between sections varies.

The river path is flatter and more utilitarian than the Strand — it is a genuine transportation corridor used by commuters, not just recreational riders. The surface is smooth concrete, and there are minimal cross streets for most of the route, which means you can maintain a steady pace without constantly stopping.

Glendale Narrows, near Griffith Park, is the most scenic section. The river runs with actual water here instead of concrete, and the surrounding vegetation makes you forget you are in the middle of a major city. Herons, egrets, and other birds are common sights.

Ballona Creek Bike Path

Ballona Creek runs from the Baldwin Hills area west to Marina del Rey, where it connects to the Strand. The path is about seven miles and follows the channelized creek through Culver City and Playa del Rey. It is a popular commuter route for Westside workers and serves as a useful connector between inland neighborhoods and the coast.

The path is flat, paved, and generally less crowded than the Strand. It is not the most scenic ride — much of it runs alongside a concrete channel — but it is efficient and safe. The connection to the Strand at the western end makes it easy to extend your ride along the coast.

Chandler Bikeway

The Chandler Bikeway runs through the heart of the San Fernando Valley, following the route of the old Pacific Electric Railway from Burbank to North Hollywood. It is a flat, shaded path that is perfect for commuting or casual riding. The path connects to the Orange Line bike path, which continues west toward Warner Center.

For Valley residents, the Chandler Bikeway is a lifeline. It provides a safe, off-street route through an area that is otherwise dominated by wide, fast-moving arterials. The path passes through several small parks and residential neighborhoods, giving it a mellow, community feel.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

For riders looking for a bit of climbing and nature without leaving the city, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area offers paved paths that wind through hilly terrain near Baldwin Hills. The park sits on an elevated area with views of downtown LA, the Hollywood sign, and on clear days, the ocean. The paths are shorter — you will not get a 20-mile ride here — but the hills provide a workout and the views are worth the effort.

Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River Trails

East of downtown, the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River trails provide some of the longest uninterrupted riding in LA County. The San Gabriel River trail runs nearly 40 miles from the San Gabriel Mountains to the ocean at Seal Beach. The path is flat, paved, and surprisingly peaceful for a route that cuts through dense suburban development.

These trails are favorites among fitness riders and long-distance commuters. You can easily rack up 50 or more miles in a single ride without dealing with traffic, stop signs, or intersections. The southern sections near the coast are particularly pleasant, with wetland areas and bird habitat along the river channel.

Expo Line Bike Path

Running parallel to the Metro E Line from downtown to Santa Monica, the Expo bike path is one of the most useful commuter routes in the city. It provides a mostly off-street corridor through Mid-City, Palms, and West LA — neighborhoods where the street grid is not particularly bike-friendly. The path is well-maintained and increasingly popular as more people discover it.

Los Angeles is building something real when it comes to cycling infrastructure. These paths are the foundation, and every year the network gets a little bigger, a little more connected, and a little more useful. Get out and ride them while the weather is perfect — which, in LA, is almost always.

Find the perfect bike for your favorite LA path at mybike.la.