Waterfall Hikes
Last Updated on Mar 26, 2025
Los Angeles boasts some of the most scenic beach bike paths, offering breathtaking ocean views and fresh sea breezes. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand) stretches 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades to Torrance Beach, passing through Santa Monica, Venice, Manhattan, and Hermosa Beach. Santa Monica Beach Bike Path is a popular section of The Strand with iconic views of the pier and vibrant surroundings. Venice Beach Bike Path offers a lively ride past street performers, Muscle Beach, and colorful murals. Dockweiler Beach Bike Path features a quieter ride along a pristine shoreline, perfect for a relaxed cruise. Hermosa Beach Greenbelt offers a scenic detour from the coast with shaded pathways. Long Beach Shoreline Bike Path provides smooth, paved riding past the Queen Mary and Rainbow Harbor. Ballona Creek Bike Path connects Culver City to the beach, offering a mix of urban and coastal scenery. San Gabriel River Bike Trail leads from the San Gabriel Mountains to Seal Beach. Newport Balboa Bike Path in Orange County offers a classic SoCal beachfront experience. Huntington Beach Bike Trail is perfect for a sunset ride along Surf City’s famous coastline.
Embarking on a bike ride along the Santa Monica bike trail is a quintessential Southern California experience, inviting enthusiasts to immerse themselves in coastal splendor and embrace the vibrant bike-rider culture that defines the area. Stretching from just south of Chautauqua Blvd at the North end to Marine Avenue, the Santa Monica portion of the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, known as The Strand, offers a breathtaking 21-mile journey. As cyclists pedal along this picturesque route, they not only enjoy the stunning views but also traverse through a cinematic landscape. The iconic Santa Monica Pier, a celebrated landmark along the trail, has served as the backdrop for countless movies, music videos, and TV shows. Movie buffs will recognize the pier from memorable scenes in classics like "The Sting," "Forrest Gump," "Hancock," "Titanic," "Iron Man," and "A Night at the Roxbury," solidifying its status as one of the most-filmed locations in Los Angeles and weaving the magic of Hollywood into the fabric of this sun-soaked coastal paradise.
The Venice Beach Bike Path, winding along the iconic Venice Beach and Boardwalk, offers a unique and cinematic experience for visitors. Starting at Navy Street and stretching south to the Venice Pier at Washington Blvd, the path is a gateway to the vibrant atmosphere that defines Southern California's Venice. As you ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, you'll not only enjoy the scenic beauty and the cool ocean breeze but also traverse through the cinematic history of Venice Beach. Since the early 20th century, this picturesque location has been a favorite backdrop for filmmakers, with "Never Again," featuring Mary Pickford and Billy Quirk, shot here in 1910. From silent films capturing the whimsical amusements and romantic beaches to contemporary productions like "Barbie," "Three's Company," "Baywatch," "The Doors," "American Gigolo," "Xanadu," and "The Jazz Singer," the Venice Beach Bike Path is not just a route for recreation but also a journey through the cinematic tapestry of this iconic locale.
Cycling along the Marina del Rey section of the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, is an immersive experience in the picturesque beauty of Southern California. Beginning where Washington Blvd meets the Venice Beach Pier, this 22-mile trail offers a perfect blend of coastal serenity and iconic landmarks. As cyclists enjoy the refreshing breeze and the scenic path, they pedal through a setting that has not only been a haven for outdoor enthusiasts but also a sought-after location for the film industry. Marina Del Rey, just a short drive from Hollywood, has served as the backdrop for numerous film and television productions, commercials, and photo shoots. The list of movies filmed in this coastal haven includes notable titles such as "Dexter," "The Office," "American Sniper," "Overboard," "The Lincoln Lawyer," "Nip/Tuck," "ChiPs," "Knots Landing," and "The Jazz Singer," making Marina Del Rey a versatile and cinematic destination for both leisurely bike rides and Hollywood storytelling.
Discover the epitome of beach bicycling along The Strand in Manhattan Beach, also known as the Marvin Braude Bike Path. This paved bicycle path starts at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades and extends 22 miles south to Torrance County Beach, offering a scenic journey through the coastal beauty of Southern California. The Manhattan Beach section of the bike path, commencing at 45th Street, provides cyclists with a picturesque route adorned with volleyball nets and the soothing sounds of ocean surf. This 17-mile ride along the smooth concrete beach path, from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach, offers not only a physical adventure but also a cinematic one. Just 15 miles from Hollywood, the South Bay has been a preferred location for numerous movies and TV shows. The Strand itself has graced the screens of television shows, commercials, and movies, with standout appearances in "The Avengers," "Avatar 2," "The Mandalorian," "Point Break," "Captain America," "Thor," "Jerry Maguire," and "Against All Odds," showcasing Manhattan Beach as a versatile and iconic backdrop in the realm of Hollywood productions.
Embark on a delightful exploration of Los Angeles beaches along the Hermosa Beach Strand, a charming pedestrian walkway and bike path catering to bikers, runners, and skaters. Beginning at 35th Street and extending from the end of Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach Pier, this scenic route continues all the way through to Venice Beach Boardwalk, offering a captivating 12.6-mile strand bike ride. The city of Angels, renowned for its cinematic allure, has been featured in countless movies and television shows. Notably, Hermosa Beach has played a significant role in the film industry, with scenes from the iconic La La Land capturing the vibrant atmosphere of this coastal locale. The Hermosa Beach Pier and Ocean Diner served as the backdrop for Westworld, creating a distinctive cinematic ambiance. Other notable movies filmed at this location include "Beverly Hills 90210," "Against All Odds," "Carrie," "Creature from the Black Lagoon," and "Age of Summer," further solidifying Hermosa Beach's status as a timeless and versatile setting in the world of filmmaking.