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. Photo of the East Brother Light Station in the San Francisco Bay Area

    Oh, Brother!

    Spending the night on a tiny island in the Bay? Intriguing. Spending the night in a lighthouse perched on that island? Sound the foghorn! East Brother Light Station Bed & Breakfast sits on a small patch of land in the strait that separates San Francisco and San Pablo Bays.

    View

  2. Mill About Lakeside

    Bucks Lake Recreation Area near Quincy in Plumas County has plenty of beautiful hiking trails. For an easy hike with beautiful spots for sunning, swimming, and lounging on sand beaches or giant rock slabs, do the Mill Creek Trail.

    View
  3. Camping at Chewing Gum Lake Emigrant Wilderness

    High Sierra Lake Hop

    Situated just north of Yosemite is a High Sierra wonderland that gets a fraction of the crowds and is a fantastic destination for backpacking. The Emigrant Wilderness is 113,000 acres of granite ridges, wildflower-strewn meadows, and cobalt lakes.

    View

  4. The Secret Big Blue

    Set at 4,500 feet, surrounded by 52 miles of shoreline, and with sparkling sapphire hue, Lake Almanor is the other big blue. The secret one. This huge lake—idyllic in spring through fall for all kinds of water adventures—is a gem of Plumas County where you can relax without crowds.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories

  1. Hot As (Bumpass) Hell

    So you like going to all the hot spots when you visit places? Well, in Lassen Volcanic National Park there’s a place so hot it gets downright steamy. Bumpass Hell is the largest hydrothermal area in the park, with sputtering mud pots, sulfur vents, and boiling pools. It’s California’s Yellowstone.

    View

  2. Bucks Up!

    Come on in, the water is beautiful. Whether you like swimming, kayaking, stand-up paddling, or heading out on a bigger boat, Bucks Lake is a high mountain haven that’s easy to access, blissfully uncrowded, and surrounded by sandy beaches, picnic areas, pines, and aspens.

    View

  3. Starcrossed Stairway?

    Built into the hillside next to the Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood Heights delights with historic homes, steep and narrow (mostly carless) streets, and enchanting city views. Best of all, it features a network of walkways and staircases that makes it super fun to wander and explore.

    View

  4. Lunch at the Lakes

    Pack your own picnic and head for a lakeside lunch at Lassen Volcanic National Park. Then take your pick from a lovely trio of lakes accessed from the same trailhead. Follow it all up with a visit to Manzanita Lake on the other side of the park.

    View