Is The Strand Worth It? Route, Distance, What You’ll See, and How to Plan Your Walk or Bike Ride

If you’re deciding whether to walk or bike The Strand in Los Angeles, here’s the short answer:

Yes—it’s worth it. But not all 22 miles, and not every section.

The Strand (officially the Marvin Braude Bike Trail) runs about 22 miles (35 km) from Santa Monica to Redondo Beach. You can do the full route, but most people get a better experience by choosing a shorter, more active section and turning back.

The full 22-mile Strand runs from Santa Monica to Torrance. Most visitors use the Manhattan Beach to Hermosa Beach section for walking, or extend to Redondo Beach when biking.

Where the Route Actually Goes

From north to south:

• Santa Monica → Venice Beach: crowded, boardwalk-style activity

• Venice → Marina del Rey → El Segundo: quieter, with short transitions through marina paths and occasional street sections

• Manhattan Beach → Hermosa Beach: continuous beachfront path, easiest to follow

• Hermosa Beach → Redondo Beach: continues south but shifts briefly inland around the harbor before reconnecting near the marina

Near Marina del Rey and Redondo, expect short breaks where the path moves off the sand and onto adjacent streets or harbor walkways.

What You’ll See Along the South Bay Section

Between Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach, the setting is consistent:

• ocean on one side, beach access throughout

• rows of oceanfront homes directly along the path

• volleyball courts, especially near Manhattan Beach

• cafés and restaurants concentrated near the piers

• steady foot and bike traffic throughout the day

• marina views as you approach Redondo Beach

Activity increases near Manhattan Beach Pier and Hermosa Beach Pier, then spreads out toward Redondo.

How Much of The Strand Should You Do?

• Walking: plan for 2–4 miles total. A reliable route is Manhattan Beach Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier and back (~4 miles round trip).

• Biking: you can cover 8–15+ miles. There are bathrooms along the way as well as cafes. Plan to carry a bike lock and key.

Trying to walk long distances along the path tends to feel similar after a while. Biking works better for longer routes.

Where to Start

• Santa Monica: easiest access, multiple parking structures, plenty of bike rentals

• Manhattan Beach: less crowded, direct beachfront path, slightly harder parking but cleaner overall experience

If this is your first time in Los Angeles, Santa Monica is more convenient. If you want a calmer setting, start in Manhattan Beach.

Bike Rentals (If You Don’t Have One)

• Perry's Cafe and Beach Rentals – multiple locations, good starting point for the full route

• Hermosa Cyclery – right by the path in South Bay

• Fun Bunns Beach Rentals – close to Manhattan Beach Pier

Expect around $10–$15/hour or $30–$50/day. Standard cruisers are fine; e-bikes help if you plan to go longer distances.

When to Go

• Morning: easier to move, fewer people

• Late afternoon to sunset: best mix of light and activity

Midday is straightforward but crowded and less varied. Maybe hot!

How to Plan It

Pick a starting point, choose a distance, and turn back once the scenery starts to feel the same.

• Walk Manhattan Beach → Hermosa Beach

• Bike Manhattan → Redondo → return

• Or start in Santa Monica and ride south as far as you want