Marvin Braude Bike Trail (The Strand)

This quintessential trail next to the Santa Monica shoreline is a must-do for any cyclist. With the white sandy beach and crash ocean waves next to you, you will feel as if you are cruising down one of the most iconic places in Southern California (and yes you are!). The trail starts next to the cliff houses of Pacific Palisades and travels past Will Rogers State Beach to Santa Monica Beach. You will see the iconic Santa Monica Pier as well as Venice and Muscle Beaches, which are dotted with sunbathers and bodybuilders. The trail continues inland around Marina del Rey and past across Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach before ending at Torrance Beach. You can make the 20-mile one-way journey or loop back to where you started for a good 40-mile workout.