Explore the best cycling and bike touring routes in Raleigh, from scenic greenways to wooded trails and smooth city rides—perfect for a vacation on two wheels.
BEST CYCLING AND BIKE TOURING ROUTES IN LOS ANGELES
Thinking about bringing your bike to L.A.? Great choice. Los Angeles isn’t just about traffic and movie stars — it's a paradise for bike lovers if you know where to ride. From laid-back beach paths to thrilling canyon climbs and scenic urban greenways, this guide has the top cycling routes to explore the real L.A. Whether you're a relaxed cruiser or an ambitious adventurer, we’ve mapped out the perfect places to ride on your bike tour of the City of Angels.
Cruise the Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Beachfront bliss from Pacific Palisades to Torrance
Known locally as “The Strand,” this iconic 22-mile paved path runs nearly the full length of L.A.’s coastline. Starting in Will Rogers State Beach and ending in Torrance County Beach, it offers a flat, scenic ride with ocean views, funky beach towns, and all the salty air you can handle.
This route is ideal for vacationers—no crazy climbs, just smooth sailing through Venice Beach, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa. There’s no shortage of stops either: think beachside taco stands, coffee shops, and quirky street performers.
You can rent a cruiser if you didn’t bring your bike, or go full tour mode with panniers and a plan. Early morning and weekdays are best to avoid pedestrian traffic, especially in Venice.
Length: 22 miles one way
Surface: Paved, beach path
Scenery: Beaches, boardwalks, ocean
Best for: Casual rides, ocean lovers
Stops: Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach
This is one of the most scenic and relaxed bike rides in all of Southern California. If you're here for sun, surf, and selfie spots, this route is your golden ticket.
Explore Griffith Park and the L.A. River
Mountains, museums, and hidden riverside gems
Griffith Park is L.A.'s answer to Central Park—except with way more elevation, way more wildlife, and better views of the Hollywood Sign. With over 50 miles of roads and trails, cyclists can customize a route to match their energy level. You can climb up to the Griffith Observatory, loop around the golf course, or take a chill ride past the Los Angeles Zoo.
From the park, connect to the L.A. River Bike Path. The Elysian Valley section (a.k.a. Frogtown) is paved, easy to follow, and runs parallel to an increasingly green section of the once-concrete river. Expect murals, birds, and a growing number of riverside cafes and taco joints.
You can make a full-day tour out of this loop: start in Griffith, cruise down the river, and grab lunch at Spoke Bicycle Cafe. Ideal for cyclists who want nature, culture, and cool neighborhoods all in one ride.
Length: 15–30 miles depending on route
Surface: Paved, some moderate hills
Scenery: Parks, city skyline, river art
Best for: Intermediate riders, local explorers
Stops: Griffith Observatory, Frogtown, Spoke Cafe
This ride captures two sides of L.A.—the wild hills and the reborn riverfront. It’s perfect for travelers who want more than just a beach photo op and love discovering hidden urban nature.
Ride through downtown and beyond
Urban rides with big flavor and skyline drama
Yes, downtown L.A. is bikeable—and more fun than you’d expect. Start your route in the Arts District, where warehouses have turned into murals and microbreweries. From there, hit the 7th Street bike lane, pass through Pershing Square, and climb up to Grand Avenue for views of Walt Disney Concert Hall and The Broad museum.
Want a longer ride? Connect through Echo Park and Silver Lake for some hipster hillside vibes, or cruise south to Exposition Park, home to the Natural History Museum and the Rose Garden.
Bike L.A.’s growing grid of protected lanes and greenways gives you a real look at city life, far beyond the tourist traps. Bring lights and be alert—city traffic is still real—but most routes are manageable for savvy cyclists.
Length: 10–25 miles depending on detours
Surface: Urban streets, painted lanes
Scenery: Murals, museums, downtown buzz
Best for: City riders, cultural tours
Stops: Arts District, Echo Park, Exposition Park
This ride is pure L.A.—creative, chaotic, colorful. If you're into food, art, and a little urban grit with your gears, this route is your backstage pass to downtown’s energy.
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