Pedal Through L.A.'s Past and Present on These 8 Breezy Bike Trails

Pedal Through L.A.'s Past and Present on These 8 Breezy Bike Trails - Griffith Park: Pedal to the Observatory for Iconic LA Views

With over 4,300 acres of rugged chaparral-covered terrain, Griffith Park is one of the largest urban parks in North America. Nestled in the eastern Santa Monica Mountains, this sprawling green space offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation, but one of the best ways to experience its natural beauty is on two wheels. Pedaling along the park’s winding roads and trails rewards cyclists with stunning vistas of the Los Angeles basin and San Gabriel Mountains.

One of the top rides is the route up to the iconic Griffith Observatory perched high above the city. While you can drive up to this famous landmark, riding a bike allows you to earn those panoramic views of the Hollywood sign, downtown LA skyline, and Pacific Ocean. Along the way, you’ll pass spots like the Greek Theatre and Mt. Hollywood Trailhead. Once at the observatory, you can take a break to wander the fascinating space and science exhibits inside. Don’t miss the Samuel Oschin Planetarium for an immersive theater experience that makes you feel like you’re traveling through space and time.

Travel blogger Dariece of Goats on the Road raves about the ride up to Griffith Observatory, calling it “one of the top things to do in LA.” She says, “Not only are you getting an amazing workout in, but the views are spectacular!” Dariece recommends starting the ride early to avoid crowds and heat. The 4.8-mile route gains over 800 feet in elevation. While the climb is steep in parts, Dariece assures it’s “doable for casual riders.” She suggests taking breaks to appreciate the scenery when you need to catch your breath.

Frequent visitor Josh McNair is also a big fan of pedaling to the Griffith Observatory. “It's one of my favorite rides in LA because you get those picture-perfect views out over the city that you just can't get anywhere else,” he gushes. McNair says the ride up is worth it just for the coastline panorama at the top. “It's like you're standing on top of LA. You really get a sense of the massive sprawl.” While McNair warns the climb is tough, he says the grade is steady. “Just pace yourself and you'll make it. The view at the top is 100% worth every bead of sweat.”

Pedal Through L.A.'s Past and Present on These 8 Breezy Bike Trails - Ballona Creek: Ride Alongside the City's Main Water Artery

Starting at the eastern end of Culver City, the Ballona Creek Bike Path traces the channelized Ballona Creek for nearly 8 miles to the Pacific Ocean. Paralleling the busy corridor of Culver, Jefferson, and Lincoln Boulevards, this paved path whisks cyclists past neighborhoods, businesses, and attractions without having to worry about cars. It's one of the most popular dedicated bike trails in the LA area.

Riding the Ballona Creek path allows you to see a different side of Los Angeles as you pedal past gritty urban landscapes. The graffiti-covered concrete walls of the utilitarian flood control channel starkly contrast with palm tree-lined streets and green parks. As David Meyers of The Trust for Public Land told the LA Times, the Ballona Creek trail shows "the real Los Angeles...both the beautiful parts and the ugly parts."

While not as scenic as beachside routes, the Ballona Creek trail has the advantage of being completely flat and car-free. This makes it a favorite for recreational riders and bike commuters alike. The path is busiest on weekends when locals flock to it to get in some easy miles. During the week, you’re more likely to see bike commuters rushing to jobs in Culver City and beyond.

Yelper Peter P. says the Ballona Creek trail is "the perfect place to ride without having to worry about crazy LA drivers. You can just relax and enjoy the ride." Fellow Yelper Alicia M. recommends it for new cyclists "looking to increase their range and ride length." She says, "It's flat, wide, and you can make it as long or short as you want."

The western end of the trail delivers riders right to the beach. Yelper Bryan K. says his favorite part of the ride is "emerging from the concrete channel onto the beautiful bike path that hugs the sand in Marina del Rey." The coastal stretch boasts ocean breezes and views of the marina's picturesque waterways before connecting with the popular South Bay and Santa Monica beach bike paths.

Pedal Through L.A.'s Past and Present on These 8 Breezy Bike Trails - Malibu Bluffs: Ocean Vistas Meet Steep Climbs

Rising dramatically above the Pacific Coast Highway, the rugged bluffs of Malibu provide a challenging but rewarding ride for cyclists seeking stunning ocean vistas. While the towering cliffs block some views of the ocean, they also offer the chance to earn panoramic lookouts with hard-earned elevation gain. Prepare for quad-burning climbs followed by exhilarating descents along steep switchbacks.

The popular Rock Store loop traverses some of the most breathtaking bluffs between Ventura and Santa Monica. Starting at the legendary biker hangout, the route travels along Mulholland Highway with its namesake’s famous “Twenty-Mile Parkway” vision of keeping the Santa Monica Mountains open to all. After passing Ladyface Mountain, it switchbacks up to Latigo Canyon Road. This 5-mile stretch ascends over 1,300 feet, earning you sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean when you reach the top. From here, you can extend the ride by continuing on to Corral Canyon Road or head back downhill via Encinal Canyon Road.

For Joshua L., the challenging Latigo Canyon climb is “the crème de la crème” of LA rides. He admits it’s a thigh-burning ascent, but says the views make it worthwhile. “Once you reach the top, you feel like you're on top of the world. On a clear day, you can see for miles in every direction – ocean, mountains, canyons, everything that makes Malibu magical.”

Fellow rider Jennifer C. describes the sensation of cresting the coastal cliffs after the arduous climb: “When you finally emerge from the canyon onto that first ocean vista, it literally takes your breath away. You feel a sense of achievement and awe all at once.” She calls the descents along the cliffside roads “equally incredible,” with the ocean scenery whizzing by. However, Jennifer warns the curvy downhills require technical skill.

Pedal Through L.A.'s Past and Present on These 8 Breezy Bike Trails - Long Beach Shoreline: Beachfront Biking with Sea Breezes

Hugging the coastline from the LA River to Belmont Shore, the paved Long Beach Shoreline bike path treats cyclists to refreshing ocean breezes as they pedal along wide beaches and popular piers. The scenic route connects shoreside neighborhoods like Belmont Shore and Naples Island with attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific via a dedicated bike trail separate from traffic.

Yelper Dan G. describes the Long Beach Shoreline path as the perfect beachfront ride: “Where else can you ride a bike for miles along the sand with the blue Pacific on one side and charming beach cottages on the other?” For Dan, highlights include passing the historic art deco lifeguard towers, attractions like the retired Queen Mary ocean liner, and funky Belmont Shore with its eclectic shops and dining.

Fellow Yelper Michelle P. also raves about the Shoreline path's beachfront views: “Whether you start down by the port and ride to Belmont Shore or the other direction, you get beautiful water vistas the whole way.” She loves extending her ride over the picturesque bridges of Naples Island to explore the quaint waterfront community.

Yelper Ashley S. recommends the Shoreline path for family cycling, especially on weekdays when it’s less crowded. “It's flat, wide, and easy for all ages to ride together.” Her kids enjoy stopping at the playground next to the bike path. For a longer adventure, Ashley suggests connecting over to the San Gabriel River trail via the paths hugging Alamitos Bay.

The coastal route also appeals to Yelper Tony D.: “You get that great beach vibe as you ride past the sand, surfers, volleyball games, and parks along the water.” Tony asserts there's no more relaxing LA bike ride than gliding along the waterfront taking in the ocean scenery. His favorite time to ride is Saturday mornings when the path is bustling with fellow cyclists and beachgoers recreating.