Biking along the coast is one of the most enjoyable ways to take in the sights, feel the ocean breeze, and experience Santa Monica like a local. Scenic trails, lively piers, and quiet beachfront spots are all connected by the city’s bike-friendly paths, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Have you ever wondered how much more of Santa Monica you could discover on a bike in just a few hours?
A bike allows you to see more of the coastline in a single trip, and there are plenty of things to do on a bike ride to Santa Monica Beach.
For travelers, renting a bike is an easy and convenient way to enjoy Santa Monica’s bike-friendly paths without the hassle of walking long distances or paying for rides that get stuck in beach traffic. It’s a simple way to make your beach day active, fun, and memorable.
Enjoy the Coastal Ride Along The Strand
One of the best parts of biking to Santa Monica Beach is the ride itself. You’ll be cruising along the mostly flat, oceanfront path that locals and visitors love. The bike route is officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, and as you ride you’ll experience:
- Uninterrupted ocean views stretching from Venice Beach to Santa Monica, with waves on one side and palm trees on the other.
- Classic SoCal scenes, like surfers heading into the water, beach volleyball games, and locals skating or jogging alongside the path
- A relaxed, beginner-friendly route, perfect if you’re not used to city biking or just want an easy coastal cruise
- Multiple scenic stopping points where you can pull over, snap photos, or just enjoy the breeze.
For journeys like this, an e-bike is perfect for cruising longer distances without breaking a sweat, especially if you want to focus on the views instead of the effort. It’s why many riders choose to rent an e-bike from Beachside Bikes and enjoy the coast at an easy, relaxed pace.
Stop at the Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a natural stopping point on your bike ride and one of those places where almost everyone ends up hopping off and exploring on foot. As you roll in, you’ll notice dedicated bike parking areas near the pier, making it easy to lock up your bike and take your time walking around.
The pier offers many things to do on a bike ride to Santa Monica Beach. You can soak in the classic beach atmosphere, watch street performers, or grab a quick bite from one of the nearby food stands. If you’re in the mood for extra fun, head into Pacific Park to play any of the boardwalk style games and win a fun prize or take a spin on the ferris wheel for a sweeping look over the coastline.
You’ll also spot locals fishing off the edge of the pier, a laid-back scene that’s been part of Santa Monica for decades. The pier is also where historic Route 66 officially ends, making it a popular photo stop for travelers marking the final stretch of the famous cross-country highway. It’s the perfect place to pause, people-watch, and enjoy the energy before continuing your ride.
Explore the Santa Monica Beach and Oceanfront
After the pier, it’s easy to slow things down and spend some time along Santa Monica Beach itself. You can roll your bike a little farther, lock it up, and relax on the sand or take a casual walk along the shoreline while watching the waves roll in.
Feeling tempted to cool off with a quick swim or dip your feet in the ocean before hopping back on your bike?
One local spot worth stopping at is Original Muscle Beach Santa Monica, where you’ll see locals training, stretching, and lifting with the ocean as their backdrop. It’s a unique part of the beach culture and always interesting to watch. You’ll also catch surfers heading in and out of the water, especially on calmer mornings, making this oceanfront stretch a natural pause on your coastal bike ride.
Ride Up to Palisades Park for Ocean Views
Just north of the beach, Palisades Park offers a rewarding stop that feels like a peaceful escape from the busier boardwalk. The ride includes a short uphill stretch, but it’s very manageable, especially if you’re on an e-bike, and well worth the effort once you reach the top.
- Clifftop Pacific Views: From here, you’ll look out over the Pacific Ocean with panoramic views of the coastline, the Santa Monica Pier, and surfers far below. It’s one of those spots where riders naturally slow down and take photos.
- Shaded Walking Paths: The park’s palm-lined paths and benches make it easy to hop off your bike, stretch your legs, and enjoy a break in the shade before continuing your ride.
- Local Sunset Favorite: Locals often come here at the end of the day to watch the sunset, making it a trusted, well-loved stop.
Grab Food or a Coffee Near the Beach
After soaking in the views at Palisades Park, it’s easy to continue your ride toward Downtown Santa Monica and the nearby Third Street Promenade, both just a short ride from the coast. This lively area gives you plenty of options to grab a bite or a drink without straying far from your beach ride.
You’ll find plenty of go-to spots near the Third Street Promenade—Sidecar Doughnus & Coffee Dogtown Coffee if you need a quick caffeine boost, or an easy, satisfying meal at Sweetgreen and for great Mexican food try Papi Tacos & Churros. It’s a convenient place to lock up your bike, grab a bite, and soak in the energy of downtown Santa Monica before heading back toward the coast.
Once you’re ready, it’s simple to hop back on your bike and continue along the beachfront or loop back toward Santa Monica Pier.
Renting an e-bike makes these quick stops even easier, so you can explore at your own pace while staying energized for the ride ahead. With a comfortable ride from Beachside Bikes, you can easily discover hidden corners, beachside cafes, and scenic stretches without any rush.
Continue the Ride or Head Back Along the Coast
Once you’ve explored all the things to do on a bike ride to Santa Monica Beach, you have a few options for continuing your ride. You can head south along the coast toward Venice Beach, enjoying more of the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail and the lively beachfront atmosphere.
If you’re up for a longer adventure, you can ride north toward Pacific Palisades, where the trail offers slightly more challenging terrain and beautiful cliffside views. Many visitors turn this ride into a half-day adventure, taking their time to stop, explore, and enjoy the sights along the way.
No matter which direction you choose, the coastal path makes it easy to plan your own pace. With a smooth bike, you can experience Santa Monica and its surrounding beaches fully, making the most of your visit while soaking in the ocean views and local vibe.
Why Biking Is the Best Way to Experience Santa Monica
Biking along the coast gives you a perspective you just can’t get from a car. Here are some reasons why it’s the perfect way to explore:
- No Parking Stress: You can skip the hassle of finding parking and enjoy the ride at your own pace.
- Up-Close Coastal Views: Feel the ocean breeze and take in panoramic views along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.
- Flexible Pace: Stop, explore, and take photos whenever you want without worrying about schedules.
- Accessible for All Riders: E-bikes make longer rides easy, even if you’re not used to biking long distances.
- Easy Rentals Nearby: Renting locally means you can pick up a bike and start your adventure without bringing your own.
Biking lets you fully experience the charm of Santa Monica if you want a quick ride along the beach or you’re looking for a half-day adventure. With the freedom to explore at your own speed, you can discover hidden spots, enjoy local cafés, and soak in the coastal lifestyle.
Many visitors start their journey with Beachside Bikes, where it’s simple to get a bike that fits your ride and enjoy Santa Monica from the best seat in the house—the bike seat.
Make the Most of Your Santa Monica Bike Ride
To get the most out of your ride, plan your route ahead of time and consider which stops you want to enjoy along the coast. Santa Monica is incredibly bike-friendly, with dedicated paths, scenic trails, and plenty of spots to pause and take in the views.
Starting your adventure with a bike from Beachside Bikes makes it easy to enjoy a smooth, memorable ride, whether you choose a classic cruiser or an e-bike for longer stretches. With a reliable bike in hand, you can explore the beaches, pier, and local neighborhoods at your own pace.
Ready to hit the coast?
Reserve your bike today and start your Santa Monica adventure!