The Strand (Marvin Braude Bike Trail) Guide

Overview

The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, which almost everyone calls The Strand, is the beach path that runs along most of the Los Angeles County coast. LA County Beaches & Harbors describes it as a 22-mile path from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades to Torrance Beach. Along the way it passes Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Playa del Rey, Dockweiler, Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo Beach. It is flat, iconic and the easiest way to see the LA coast by bike.

The route in plain words

Starting at Will Rogers State Beach, the path heads south past the Santa Monica Pier and through Venice Beach. At Marina del Rey, the path leaves the sand and follows short on-street and channel-side sections around the harbor before rejoining the beach at Playa del Rey. It continues past Dockweiler State Beach and the end of the LAX runways to Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach. Around King Harbor in Redondo Beach there is another short on-street section before the path finishes at Torrance Beach, at the foot of the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Pick a section that fits your goal: the South Bay end, from Manhattan Beach to Torrance, is usually calmer than the busy Santa Monica and Venice stretch. Many riders combine The Strand with a climb onto the Palos Verdes Peninsula at the south end.

Distance and elevation

LA County Beaches & Harbors gives the length as 22 miles. It is flat. A full out-and-back is about 44 miles. Shorter segments, such as Manhattan Beach to Redondo Beach or Santa Monica to Venice, make easy rides.

Best time to ride

Weekday mornings are best. Weekends, summer afternoons and holidays are crowded with walkers, skaters and rental bikes, especially around Santa Monica and Venice. Winter often brings the clearest, calmest days.

Morning marine layer is common in late spring and early summer; it usually burns off by late morning, when the crowds also arrive. In winter, the light and the views toward Palos Verdes and Malibu are at their best.

Water and coffee stops

Restrooms, water and food are easy to find along the beach, especially at the piers in Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach. Each beach town has cafés a block or two inland.

Safety notes

The Strand is shared with pedestrians, skaters, rental bikes and e-bikes. Ride at a moderate pace, use a bell, and slow down in crowded areas. Sand can drift onto the path. Take care on the on-street sections around Marina del Rey and King Harbor. Bike theft is a risk at beach stops; carry a lock if you plan to leave the bike.

Which bike and setup

Any bike works. Wider tires (32 mm or more) and a gravel bike handle sand drifts better. Serious training efforts belong elsewhere; the Strand is for enjoying the view.

Before you go

Visiting LA and want your own bike? Ship it to Veloaded in Santa Ana; we build it, check it and get it ready. Call (714) 760-4908.

Quick facts

County: Los Angeles County
Start: Will Rogers State Beach, Pacific Palisades; or Torrance Beach
Distance: 22 miles one way (Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach)
Climbing: Flat
Surface: Paved beach path with short on-street sections
Difficulty: Easy

Pair it with

At the south end, climb onto the peninsula for the Palos Verdes Donut. At the north end, Will Rogers State Beach is a short ride from the Malibu canyons, including Latigo Canyon.

Frequently asked questions

How long is The Strand bike path?

22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance Beach, per LA County Beaches & Harbors.

Is The Strand continuous?

Mostly. There are short on-street sections around Marina del Rey and King Harbor in Redondo Beach.

Sources

Distances and climbing are from the published sources listed above and are approximate; roads, closures and conditions change. Check current conditions before you ride.

More Los Angeles County ride guides

All guides: Southern California ride guides. Veloaded Cyclery has one location, at 3420 W MacArthur Blvd Suite B, Santa Ana, CA 92704: service menu, bike fitting.