Taking a bike or scooter to Santa Monica provides a thrilling coastal experience. It offers a combination of freedom, the fresh air of the ocean, and the marvellous scenery of the Pacific Coast. Visitors start their tour from the beginning with its neighbouring neighbourhoods or Venice Beach, to the legendary Ocean Front Walk. Visitors experience the sea wind in their hair and enjoy the uninterrupted views of sandy beaches, palm-lined promenades, and the glittering Pacific. The ride is more than a scenic ride as it is flexible and stops at cafes, street performers or local shops on the way. Visitors get to the Santa Monica Pier, the area of the crowded boardwalk, and the colorful ferris wheel. The crowds of people give a vibrant feeling, and every pump of the throttle is a portion of an incredible experience along the coast. Bike and Scooter experience is hard to forget and is a mixture of exercise, sightseeing and the sheer happiness of being by the ocean.
While biking or scootering along the Santa Monica coastline is an exhilarating experience, there’s nothing like arriving in style. For those looking for comfort and luxury, Area limo service offers premium car and limo services that provide a relaxing and stylish way to explore Santa Monica and its surroundings. Whether you’re looking to reach the Santa Monica Pier or enjoy a comfortable ride along the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, our luxury cars are ready to take you there.
What are the Best Routes for a Bike or Scooter Ride to Santa Monica?
Here are the three best routes for a Bike or Scooter ride to Santa Monica:
- Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail (The Strand): This bike trail is one of the most extensive continuous coastal bike trails in Los Angeles and is situated between Torrance in the south and Pacific Palisades in the north. Riders have unbroken views of the oceans, sandy beaches, and visit Dockweiler State Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Venice Beach along the way. The road is largely tarmac and not shared with cars and bikes, which contributes to the fact that the route is perfect for families, amateur riders, and scooters. The trail has bike rentals and repair shops, plenty of cafes and picnic points to stop and have a break. The beach is gorgeous in the morning or in the evening as the sun optimises the ocean and palm trees.
- Ocean Front Walk (Venice Side): This is the most famous beachfront boardwalk and is vibrant, eclectic and energetic. The path is two miles long and covers the street performers, skate parks, street murals and booths selling art and souvenirs. Riders have the option of stopping to listen to live music, have a snack or watch skaters and street performers. The road is relatively level except on weekends when it is busy, drive at a low speed and be cautious. The Ocean Front Walk is a real experience of the Venice culture where people watch, art, and view the beach in a dynamic ride.
- Main Street Route: This route is the best choice for riders who like to explore the city and the sea at the same time. It begins in Venice or adjoining areas and trudges along the local streets, the Main Street in Santa Monica, past boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants and colourful murals. Riders stop to have coffee, brunch or even small gifts to take and get some vision of the ocean and the palm-lined streets. The road is not as busy as the beachfront roads and is more of a neighbourhood ride. It naturally finishes at the Santa Monica Pier, which helps the riders get a magnificent photo of the place and have access to the attractions, restaurants, and amusement rides the pier has to offer.
For those who prefer a more relaxing journey, skip the bike ride and choose our luxurious limo service to travel along the scenic routes. Enjoy the beautiful sights from the comfort of our top-of-the-line vehicles, offering privacy, comfort, and the opportunity to relax while soaking in the views.
What Bike & Scooter Rental Options are available near Santa Monica?
At the edge of Santa Monica, visitors find bike and scooter rentals to enjoy the coast at their own pace. In case of traditional bikes, the most common ones are Ride It Baby, The Bike Centre, Unlimited Biking, Joyride, Humble Bike Rentals, and Santa Monica Public Bike Rental. All these have various types of bikes, such as beach cruisers, e-bikes, and sell the helmets and baskets with the bikes for a perfect ride along the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail or along the beachfront. In case of faster or shorter commutes, there are shared electric scooters and e-bikes offered by Veo, Spin, Lyft, and Wheels. These vechicles unlocked through mobile apps and have specific parking areas throughout Santa Monica. In the vicinity of Venice Beach, rentals are also available at Celebrity Bikes, Boneshaker Electric Bikes, and Venice Boardwalk Bike Rental. All these provide the riders with access to long-haul routes along the coast to Santa Monica. For beachfront ride or a fast urban tour, these rentals give you the flexibility, convenience and scenic options to have fun on the Pacific coastline.
What are the Best Times to Ride to Santa Monica?
Early mornings and late afternoons are the most appropriate moments to ride a bike to Santa Monica. At that time, the temperatures are more pleasant, the sun is not as merciless, and the traffic is not as heavy, which makes the ride much safer and more enjoyable. The mornings and afternoons between 7-9 AM are an ideal time when the streets are quiet, the beachfront is serene, and the sunrise is breathtaking in the Pacific. It’s the best time for a photography or a leisurely ride through the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail. Between 4-6 PM in the afternoons, Venice Beach and the Santa Monica pier offer golden-hour lighting, the beach front is very active, and the vibe is alive but not as hot as in the middle of the day. Weekdays are not busy compared to weekends. Arranging rides during weekdays in the mornings or late evenings provides smoother paths and a much easier coastal experience.
What Can You See & Do Along the Ride?
Here are the six best things to see on a bike or Scooter ride to Santa Monica:
- Venice Beach Boardwalk: The boardwalk is nearly two and a half miles of beachfront, but it is a busy place. It is full of people and riders able to see street performers, live music and local vendors selling art, souvenirs and snacks. The path is adorned with colourful murals and quirky installations, which make it the best place to take photos and make quick stops in the eclectic Venice atmosphere.
- Muscle Beach: Muscle Beach is the famous outdoor gym that is visited by people who like fitness, bodybuilders or acrobats. It’s the best place for those who demonstrate their exercises in front of the visitors. The vigour and power it shows is an energising and distinct touch to the ride, and the sand. The palm trees around it make it look like a typical Southern California setting.
- Venice Skate Park: The skate park is a popular resort for both professional and amateur skaters at the beach. Riders stop and watch high-flying tricks, ramps, and artistic skating styles, which are accompanied by a dramatic background of the ocean. It seems to be an entertaining and visually impressive stop.
- Palisades Views: The cliffs of Pacific Palisades along the road provide stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, Malibu coastline, and the Santa Monica Bay. These are ideal lookout spots to have rest breaks, take pictures or just relax and have a calm contrast to the crowded boardwalk below. Riders stop and enjoy the view with the use of benches and shaded areas.
- Santa Monica Pier: The pier is one of the key elements of the ride and a combination of fun, culture and food. There are Ferris wheels, arcade games, restaurants and a small aquarium. The riders enjoy a lively background provided by the street performers and musicians. The Santa Monica Pier is an easy destination for those who wish to go out to shops, take photographs, or just have a rest along the waterway.
- Must-Stop Spots: On bike or Scooter ride to Santa Monica rides stop at cafes and brunches, ice cream and smoothie stands, benches with a view, and art pieces. These sections give the riders a chance to take a break, drink lots of water or have a bite. At the same time, the riders enjoy the ocean breezes and the coastal atmosphere in all its colourful hues and make the ride worth experiencing.
What are the Food & Refreshment Stops Along the Way?
On the bike and scooter way to Santa Monica, the riders have an extensive choice of food, beverages, and fast food. In the area of Venice Beach and Ocean Front Walk, visitors visit Sidewalk Café for breakfast and coffee, Venice Ale House for craft beers and casual food, and Great White Venice for brunch and healthy food. Visitors also visit local boardwalk snack bars, which sell ice cream, smoothies and fresh fruit. On the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail, Manhattan Beach, Dockweiler and Santa Monica are some places to stop and have a sandwich, salad or cold drink, and beverages. Boutique cafes and restaurants offering coffee, pastries, smoothies, and light meals dominate the Main Street route. It is very easy to have a short break without leaving the seaside atmosphere. The majority of the stops are bike and scooter accommodating with outdoor seating, bike racks or grab and go meals, but are always rushed.
Bike vs Scooter: Which Is Better for Santa Monica?
Here is the best way to ride to Santa Monica:
- Bike: Biking to Santa Monica is the best option when a person wants to have a more active and scenic ride. Electric or traditional bikes are the best to use on long distances, such as the Marvin Braude Coastal Bike Trail and provide some stability, comfort, and bag or purchase storage. Bikes enable the rider to ride at a steady speed along beachfront routes, have an ocean view, and visit cafes, murals, or lookout points. Bikes are best for the family, leisure riders, and those who wish to explore sightseeing as well as exercising.
- Electric Scooter: Electric scooters are used to make quick, versatile journeys or by riders who want to enjoy a more urban-style experience. Scooters are used in a tight boardwalk, traffic-filled streets and narrow paths between the Venice boardwalk and the Santa Monica Pier. Scooters need the least effort and are used on hot days, on short rides or when the riders wish to travel a greater distance within a shorter time. Scooters are not stable on rough roads and have limited storage capacities. Scooters are only suitable for individual riders or to take a short sightseeing visit, but not to go on a long sightseeing trip around the coast.
While bikes and scooters offer a fun, adventurous way to explore Santa Monica, they aren’t for everyone. If you’re someone who prefers a comfortable, stress-free experience while taking in the beautiful scenery, our luxury car and limo services are the perfect choice. Travel in style, with ample space and the option to stop at your favorite local cafes or attractions without any hassle.
Is a Bike or Scooter Ride to Santa Monica Worth It?
Yes, riding a bike or a scooter to Santa Monica is worth it to everyone who wants to experience a bit of adventure, stunning views and culture at the same time. The visitors have the Pacific coastline at their fingertips, riding along the beachfront paths, using a traditional bike or e-bike and electric scooter. It offers the visitors eye-catching views of the ocean, the prominence of palm trees and colourful street life that is not achievable with a car. The trip is a pleasure in itself, with the ability to sightsee places such as Venice Beach Boardwalk, Muscle Beach, and the Santa Monica Pier. The riders shop at local cafes, murals and local shops during the trip. For active travellers, biking brings with it exercise and the ability to travel farther on scenic paths. A scooter is more fun and effortless, with the ability to travel in crammed places or take shorter rides. Bike and Scooter ride in Santa Monica is a mixture of flexibility, sightseeing and pleasure.
