For those of you who don’t know, there is a beautiful 22 mile scenic paved trail that cuts through the sands of the Southern California coast and stretches from Pacific Palisades to Palos Verdes. This path is perfect for bicycling, but also employs pedestrians, sunbathers, artists, vendors, skateboarders, skateboarders, and the occasional passerby. To see the southern California coast, there really is no better way.
The trail begins in Pacific Palisades at its northernmost point. Pass the sweltering Santa Monica exclusive beach clubs with their paddle tennis courts, mixed drinks and play structures on the sand, and plunge under the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park. Start by renting a bike here at the top and plan to take it all the way. There are a wide variety of bikes available, from traditional to the more relaxed bi, tri and even dragster. There is plenty of food and drink along the way, so just bring your wallet; no need to pack a lunch. After perusing the beach clubs from afar, take a quick dip and cool off at Annenberg Beach House. This is the only beach club open to the public and offers a tremendously satisfying pool and snack counter.
Then, he goes under the pier. Again, a quick ride either inside the aquarium, located below the pier and great for young children, or to the top of the pier at Pacific Park, where you can ride the world’s greenest Ferris wheel. The Ferris wheels were redesigned in 2008 with energy-saving light bulbs and a solar power source. It is the greenest Ferris wheel that exists.
Continue on the bike path past the Santa Monica hotels, through Venice Beach. Venice Beach is world-renowned for not only its laid-back hippie vibe, but also its muscle-bound beach where you can linger and enjoy some of the best physiques on the planet. When you’ve enjoyed your share of visual appeal, stop by and explore one of the many licensed independent vendors on the Venice Boardwalk. Enjoy a street performance by crazy performers that will blow your mind and take a peek inside the fun house.
You may be hungry, but get on your bike one more time for a quick half-mile jaunt south. In Marina Del Rey, you will find a multitude of excellent beach restaurants; a perfect place for lunch. Full tank; you will need it for the next section of the trip. After Marina Del Rey, the road becomes much less populated as it dips into Playa Del Rey and Redondo Beach. You’ll even pass a working oil refinery that looks like something out of Mad Max. And it will travel directly under the planes at LAX. Keep an eye out for the world’s largest aircraft landing here, the Airbus A380.
Your long drive will pay off at your southernmost destination; manhattan beach Here you will find bars to quench your thirst and prepare for your long journey home. Going north is always more difficult than traveling south. Although the elevation doesn’t change much, moving north means you’re moving against the wind, which makes pedaling more difficult. But a long enough visit to the bars of Manhattan Beach will prepare you for your trip north. Just be sure to leave plenty of time to catch the sunset with your toes on the sandy ground, in Pacific Palisades, before it gets dark. As beautiful as the great beach trail is during the day, it is not a friendly or safe place to be at night.