During Sustainable Transportation Month, we're encouraging Bruins to get active and experience the health benefits of physical activity. Go out and enjoy the cooler fall weather with these best places to walk and bike in LA.
Best Places to Walk
- Beaches - LA County beaches are open for most activities including sunbathing, cycling, and walking. Venice Beach is one of the most popular beaches with almost three miles lined with vendors and street performers, and home to the legendary Muscle Beach. The Santa Monica Pier is also a great place to take a walk with a 1.8 mile round trip that starts at City Hall and takes you on to the historic pier.
- Lakes and Reservoirs - Tranquil bodies of water such as a lake or reservoir are great places to take a stroll. The Lake Hollywood Trail takes you on a 3.3 mile loop around the Hollywood Reservoir where you'll have views of the Hollywood sign and 1920s LA architecture. Echo Park Lake has a one mile loop where you can view its famous paddle boats, wildlife such as ducks, turtles, and geese, and beautiful lotus plants and blossoms during the spring. (H/T: We Like L.A.)
- Gardens - Take in some greenery on your walk by visiting one of Southern California's scenic gardens. Descanso Gardens is located in La Cañada Flintridge and features a 5-acre Rose Garden with more than 1,600 roses. The LA County Arboretum in Arcadia features botanical collections from all over the world, and the Huntington Library in San Marino has a sprawling 120 acres including 16 themed gardens.
Best Places to Bike
- Marvin Braude Bike Trail - Also known as "The Strand", this popular path runs from Will Rogers State Beach down to Pacific Palisades. The 22-mile route will take you through the scenic beaches of Santa Monica, Venice, and the South Bay.
- Ballona Creek Bike Path - This trail runs for seven miles connecting Culver City with the coast, offering breathtaking views of the Ballona Wetlands, Baldwin Hills, and the Santa Monica Mountains. If you don't want to ride the entire route, you can start or end at one of the dozen gates along the path.
- Metro Orange Line Bike Path - For those in the Valley, this path parallels the Metro Orange Line bus route from North Hollywood to Chatsworth. Stretching for 18 miles, you'll ride past decorative art murals while enjoying the greenery lining the streets.
- Palos Verdes Donut Loop - For more of a challenge, this 24-mile loop follows Palos Verdes Drive along the hills of Palos Verdes Peninsula with beautiful ocean views. Named for the donut shop where the trail originally started, it's one of the oldest loops in LA dating all the way back to the late 1960’s.
Don't forget to pledge below to try sustainable transportation for a chance to win a gift card from ASUCLA, Alfred Coffee, Bluestone Lane, Primo's Donuts, and other retailers!
Photo Credit: Getty Images
