The Marvin Braude Bike Trail is a legendary Southern California coastal path stretching 22 miles through Venice, offering sweeping Pacific views, beach culture, and open-air recreation.
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, originally known as the South Bay Bicycle Trail, was developed over several decades as Los Angeles expanded its coastal parklands. It was renamed to honor Marvin Braude, a longtime Los Angeles City Council member who championed environmental and recreational causes along the coast.
The trail runs from Pacific Palisades in the north to Torrance County Beach in the south, passing through Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach. Each community adds its own character to the ride, but Venice remains one of the most vibrant and visually distinctive stretches, with its painted boardwalk culture just steps away.
Cyclists, inline skaters, joggers, and walkers all share the wide paved path, which stays largely flat and accessible throughout its length. Benches, water fountains, and beach access points appear at regular intervals, making it easy to pause and take in the view or step onto the sand.
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail offers a genuinely local experience of coastal Los Angeles, one that rewards a slow pace and an open eye for the details that make this stretch of California shoreline unlike anywhere else.
Visit during early morning on weekdays to enjoy the trail at its quietest and catch the light reflecting off the water before the crowds arrive.
Rent a cruiser or hybrid bike from one of the shops near Venice Beach for a relaxed, unhurried ride along the full southern stretch.
Bring sunscreen and a light layer, as the marine layer often keeps mornings cool before the afternoon sun burns through.
Stop at the Venice Beach section to watch the outdoor weight lifters at Muscle Beach, a long-standing local landmark right beside the trail.
Ride north toward Santa Monica Pier for a natural halfway point with restrooms, food vendors, and a lively atmosphere worth a short break.
Pedal the coast in comfort on a classic single-speed cruiser
Cruise the coast in comfort with 7 speeds and hand brakes
Cruise Santa Monica on a light, foldable Jax Rev e-bike
Ride a Valen Rev e-bike with a rear toddler seat option
Cruise Redondo Beach on a comfy single-speed bike
Cruise together on a tandem bike along the Redondo Beach Strand
Cruise Santa Monica's coast with pedal assist and throttle power
Cruise the coast with a 24-hour e-bike rental and overnight battery charger
Cruise the coast with 7 speeds, handbrakes, and a comfortable frame
Give young riders an easygoing way to cruise the Strand
Cruise Marina del Rey’s coast on a comfortable 7-speed beach bike
Cruise Marina del Rey and Venice Beach with easy electric power
Cruise Marina del Rey’s coastal paths with pedal assist or throttle power
Pedal LA’s beach paths on a comfortable classic cruiser
Give younger riders a comfortable way to explore Marina del Rey’s coastal paths