Ballona Beach Hopper

Bike the Ballona Creek Path to Beaches and Piers in Los Angeles County

07.05.2023

This easygoing bike escape is proof that you don't have to drive for hours to feel the vast benefits of nature. The Ballona Creek Bike Path is part of the “Park to Playa Regional Trail,” a 13-mile network connecting parks and open spaces from Baldwin Hills to the Pacific Ocean.

Feel the cool ocean breeze, see some local flora and fauna, soak in coastline views at beaches, and feel transported to the edge of the world on the Marina Del Rey jetty ... this Ballona beach hopping bike ride is bountiful.

Starting in West LA’s Culver City and ending in Playa Del Rey, the path runs about 7 miles (one way). Early on you’ll see the Ballona wetlands, a habitat for plentiful wildlife, including nearly 260 bird species. (You can now access a short walking trail Wednesdays to Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

There's also the option for a Del Rey Lagoon stopover (right after Ballona Creek Bridge and on your left side off of Pacific Avenue). Here you’ll be treated to a serene and peaceful oasis frequented by ducks and several other birds. It’s a hidden gem for strolling around the water. There’s also a picnic area and playground on the side closest to the beach.

Del Rey Lagoon

Beach Hopping Bonus: From Playa Del Rey Beach, if you continue riding south down the path you’ll be on a roll. The trail connects Dockweiler Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach.

Tip: Between the Manhattan Beach rocks (in front of the El Segundo power plant and before the Manhattan Beach Pier) you can detour off the bike path and go up two blocks to the historical park of Bruce's Beach (Here's the location from the bike path.)

The route in this story for Ballona Creek Bike Path starts in West LA’s Culver City, and ends in Playa Del Rey, but there are several access points. From Playa Del Rey Beach, the trail turns into the beach bike path that you can take all the way south to Manhattan Beach Pier (for an extra 5.5 miles), Hermosa Beach Pier (an extra 7.3 miles), and Redondo Beach Pier (an extra 9.5 miles). Dog-friendly!  

Justin "Justrock" Rimon founder of Just Trek in Southern California

 Story and photos by Justin "Justroc" Rimon (@just.trek), founder of Just Trek (check it out!).

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Keough's Hot Springs

    Soaking Up History

    When you slide into the soothing water of Keough’s Hot Springs, you’re bathing in a piece of Owens Valley history.

    View
  2. woman hiking Buck Gulch Falls Novato

    Buck Wild!

    Tucked back beyond the residential ranch-style homes and golf courses of Novato in the North Bay is a wild and wondrous 30-foot waterfall that springs to life in the rainy season. Buck Gulch Falls in Novato’s Ignacio Valley Preserve is in peak flow right now, and it’s a short and Middle-earthy hike to reach it.

    View
  3. Grover Hot Springs

    State Park Soaker

    Set in an alpine meadow at 6,000 feet and surrounded by the 10,000-foot granite peaks of the Sierra, Grover Hot Springs State Park—just outside the town of Markleeville—has its very own hot springs.

    View
  4. Redding Ironman Whiskeytown lake
    Sponsored

    New Year, New Goal: IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California

    2026 is off and running! And swimming. And biking. Don't get left behind! Commit to one of the upcoming year’s most exciting endurance events—IRONMAN 70.3 Northern California in Redding.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. A woman stands at Dante's View in Death Valley, looking out to Telescope Peak and Manly Lake, Badwater Basin below.

    Sunset Hike at Dante's View

    It’s one of the world’s best places to watch a sunset. Dante’s View is a 5,476-foot vantage of the whole southern basin of Death Valley from the top of the Black Mountains. Right now there's a banner and bonus view of a rare lake formation that appears only after big rains.

    View

  2. Hot, Wet, and Wild!

    At Wild Willy’s Hot Springs, you can soak up a primeval landscape that’s amazingly close to Mammoth Lakes and Highway 395—it just feels a few geological epochs away.

    View
  3. Woman swimming in Carson Hotsprings natural thermal pool

    Hot Springs, Naturally

    Thermal spring waters are famous for their curative, relaxing elements, and Reno Tahoe is filled with them! Sink into these amazing thermal respites for a wellness super soak.

    View
  4. Hikers sitting on a large rock slab next to Three Sisters Falls in Cleveland National Forest Southern California near Julian

    Three Sisters

    Good things come in threes at this hike to a lovely trio-tiered waterfall in Cleveland National Forest. The 4.25-mile out-and-back hike rambles among rolling hills, with rocky mountain views as switchbacks take you down to a lush canyon and the falls.

    View