If youre lucky enough to live on a cul-de-sac or a street where car traffic is light, you and your kids can obviously ride there safely. Hours: 5:00 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Trails close at sunset. Parking: Free You can start off up north in the Pacific Palisades after stopping at Will Rogers State Beach. For several miles leading into the San Gabriel Mountains, this path is paved and twists around the ArroyoSecoas it heads toward Pasadena. Be very careful walking from the small dirt lot on Corral Canyon to the trailhead. Metro allows bikes on trains at no extra cost to the base fare currently $1.75. The trail runs east-west along the south side of Soledad . Off Road Trails. A Line - LARIO (Los Angeles River/Rio Hondo) Bike Trail. For our favorite bike paths, routes and parks, check out the list below. There are many trails and paved paths to explore. If you've got some tiny tots with you, it's very stroller-friendly throughout. Park Hours:Open daily from 8am-sunset Continue right or left, then turn toward the beach to get to the beach path. Based right here in Los Angeles, Ferla makes some of the best. Cross Jefferson Boulevard at the light. Set out on an adventure to the Bronson Caves or the Hollywood Signboth hikes start at Bronson Canyon. We believe the best memories are created when families do fun things together. Cross Fair at the signal, and enter the bike path which runs between Chandler Boulevard and the Metro parking lot. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Budding film buffs will also appreciate all the movies and television shows filmed here. Rose Valley Falls is an easy, short 1.1-mile hike that leads to an alluring waterfall. We live close to the B (Red) Line, so we ride the 3-mile-long Burbank Chandler Bikeway often. The trails at White Point Nature Preserve are stroller-friendly! Round the lighthouse, and continue westward along the L.A. River. Head to the front (east side) of the station. Griffith Park Los Angeles Park Hours: Open daily from 5am-10:30pm; trails close at sunset. Turn left/east at Riverside Drive. All Rights Reserved, Enter for a chance to win a Ferla Cargo Bike, Of all the major cities across the United States, Los Angeles is among the most bike-friendly. RELATED:Hikes with Kids: Lake Hollywood Perimeter Trail, The views in Griffith Park are mesmerizing. Directions Activity Difficulty Length Suitability More filters 1 Top trails ( 63) Moderate 4.5 (861) #1 - Temescal Canyon Viewpoint Trail Long Beach: With an ascent of 419 ft, Shoreline and Los Angeles River Bike Path has the most elevation gain of all of the kid friendly trails in the area. Burbank - Downtown Station. We ride on the sidewalk, which ends, then continue briefly carefully in the bike lane. Easy Hiking Trails. Accessible from the Santa Clarita Metrolink station, the Chuck Pontius Commuter Trail is a 5.5-mile paved, kid-friendly bike and walking path that offers a direct route for cyclists and other trail users through the neighborhoods of Santa Clarita just south of the Santa Clara River. While pedaling, feast your eyes on the majestic Pacific, the palm trees, volleyballers, craggy bluffs, sea-gulls, and glimpses of Catalina. Ah, Griffith Park. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. Stretching 21 miles from Torrance to Will Rogers State Beach, this long and winding road offers a well-maintained expanse of flat surface to ride that is perfect for new bikers but just as fun for more experienced ones as well. RELATED:Toddler-Friendly NatureWalks and Hikes in Los Angeles. Anyone from fitness enthusiasts to the eco-conscious can feel right at home in this part of Southern California. Difficulty: Moderate. 4. Hollywood Drive. Note that the water elevation on the creek crossings can vary, so it is recommended to check conditions before attempting the trail with small children. No problem: some of the trails below have bike rental options adjacent to the trail, and many bike shops around the city offer rentals of all styles and sizes. Some Tips for Newbie L.A. Cyclists, Metro Bike Share Launches In San Pedro And Wilmington, There are two short bike paths at the Watts Towers in total about a half-mile of path. The Giving Tree 38 Hiking Hollywood Hills Good for Kids "FIRST this hike is a bit tough for kids who don't workout lol my four year old struggles a it cuz." more 2. Near the end of Ballona, turn right on the Marvin Braude bike path through Marina Del Rey (and a short stretch of sidewalk on Washington Boulevard) to get onto the beach bike path in Venice. Kids can check out Burbank's tiny homes on Chandler Ave., which give way to art murals in NoHo. The Ultimate Los Angeles Tour - Full Day LA Sightseeing Tour On Electric Bike 2023 Explore Los Angeles and beyond What's Included Meeting And Pickup What To Expect Additional Info Reviews Book online or call: (888) 651-9785 Home Things to do in USA Things to do in California Things to do in Los Angeles Los Angeles Tours Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises Parking:Free Parking: $2 per hour or $6 per day at the small parking lot on Jefferson Blvd, and at the top of the hill near the visitor center. Theclimb toHenningerFlatsis also doable, though much more strenuous. Dogs on leashes are allowed. South Bay Bicycle Trail. In addition to an education center, the Preserve offers 102 acres of restored land and miles of hiking areas. Exit the B Line at North Hollywood. Over 1,950 feet above sea level, San Vicente Peak was a NIKE missile control site during the Cold War. At the end of the path, take the sidewalk east one long block to Victory Boulevard. You can either turn back from the waterfall or continue along the Rising Sun Trails for spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains. Lake Hollywood is an artificial lake nestled in a neighborhood of pricey homes in the Hollywood Hills, with a few great views of the Hollywood sign and a lovely, easy paved path around the lake that locals largely have to themselves. Continue 8.5 miles downstream on the L.A. River path, then, carefully, ride sidewalks on North Figueroa and Avenue 26 to get to the Lincoln/Cypress L (Gold) Line Station. Parking: $5 an hour (with a maximum of $15 a day) at the Los Trancos parking lot, which is open year-round. Part 1 explained why this series is important. Bike riding with kids is one of the most fun activities you can do as a family in Los Angeles. However, keep an eye out for joggers, roller skaters and walker who also use the path. Dogs on leashes are allowed on trails. Exit one of several E Line Stations. Go southwest on the protected bike lane on Colorado Avenue. The city of Thousand Oaks opened the Conejo Creek Bike Path in Spring 2011 and it provides a nice and flat bicycle path alternative to the busy city streets. Park Hours:Open daily from 8am-4:30pm As long as there are kids and bicycles, a family bike ride will always be a hit. The refurbished wide, paved path that makes a loop around the center of the park is an ideal place to practice brand new bicycle skills. Exit the L Line at Lincoln/Cypress Station. Bike east on the sidewalk along the bus bays to Fair Avenue. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. Parking:$7on weekends and holidays, free on weekdays L.A. County wateway bikeways are closed during rainy weather. Joggers, rollerbladers, and walkers use it, too (and traffic gets heavy on the weekends), so beware of the varying speeds of your fellow users. 20th Century Fox owned a movie ranch there and Viva Zapata!, Love Me Tender, and Planet of the Apes were filmed at the park. Many paths experience some homelessness presence. This is your place. The Beach bike path is located about a half-mile from the E Line terminus in downtown Santa Monica. Add the fact that it's 605 acres and has five miles of trails to explore, and you get the idea. There are two paths, both relatively short, around the towersone to the north in the park and one to the west on Graham Ave. A post shared by Spoke Bicycle Cafe (@spokebicyclecafe). In the Shoreline/Aquarium area, the path can be pretty crowded with pedestrians. Hikes With Dogs. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Bikes on Bus Note: Metro BRT buses have less bike capacity than Metro rail. . These couple of miles of Chandler Boulevard in Burbank, stretching from Mariposa Street to the North Hollywood Metro stop, were first converted into a paved bikeway and sidewalk in 2004. We recommend either a removable canopy or bimini top to help shield your passengers from the blazing L.A. sun. Directions from La Cienega/Jefferson Station: Google Map. There's usually freeparking available here, and a foot lane to the bike path. Insider Tip: Seven miles can be a bit long so shorten the ride by starting at the Sawtelle Avenue or Centinela entrance. It does run parallel to a major highway, however, to try to avoid it during rush hour for a quieter (and less hazardous) ride. Parking: Free Parking Metro front racks hold typical child-size bikes (though very small training-wheel bikes are probably better brought on board.) When youre on a family beach day in Southern Los Angeles, why not take time to ride along the waters edge? El Monte - San Gabriel River Bicycle Path The grandfather of all bike trails, this 60-mile path in El Monte gives you a tour of many scenic areas throughout Los Angeles County. Go one block east on 103rd, then right two blocks on Graham Avenue. Online: californiathroughmylens.com/hollywood-reservoir-biking, A post shared by Marisa TenCate (@tencatestravel). Ride southeast on the sidewalk on the north side of National. Located in a California black walnut and oak woodland above the San Fernando Valley in Sherman Oaks, Dixie Canyon Park is a shadedtwenty-acre open-space preserve donated to the Conservancy by actor Warren Beatty (yes, that Warren Beatty) in 1986. Continue west to the Golden Shore Marine Biological Reserve (wetlands). Thanks for subscribing! Go west on the sidewalk on Avenue 26. Directions Activity Difficulty Length Suitability More filters 1 Top trails ( 4600) Moderate 4.6 (9338) #1 - Eaton Canyon Trail The good news is that it's stroller-friendly because it winds its way up the mountain ridge on dirt fire roads. Parking:Free parking alongside the road outside the Rose Valley Campground; $10 day use fee if you park in the Rose Valley Campground Its very flat, with few crossings, and it connects directly to the Metro North Hollywood Station. Within the next six months we received over 100 requests and have fulfilled 80 of them.". Directions from E Line: Google Map. As the city comes to life and places are reopening, one of the best and safest activities to do with your kids is biking. To get to the paths, there are often a few blocks of sidewalk riding which is often the most dangerous part of a family ride. For something similar thats much more easy-going, head over to the Ballona Creek Trail in Culver City. There's also free parking near the north entrance on Mulholland. Exit any G Line station between Valley College and Chatsworth. ends in PalosVerdes) and head to the gate at the very end of Crenshaw. These paths arent just for kids theyre great for car-free excursions for adult cyclists, too. 323.666.5046. Some of the trails in Elysian Park are stroller-friendly, but most are not, so we find it easiest to leave the strollers at home. This moderate five-mile loop brings you to a cavernous space where stagecoach robbers actually hid out and stashed their goods years ago; burn marks from their fires are still visible. Pasadena, CA 91107. You can park on Corral Canyon Rd., but be sure you're pulled fully off the road. Paid metered parking on Jefferson Blvd. Creek crossings can be slippery, so wear waterproof shoes with good traction, and bring an extra change of clothes, especially extra socks and shoes, in case your feet get wet. Photo by Roberta Brown. Hiking in LA means stunning vistas, hidden trails, babbling brooks, and wonderful wildlife all year. Other lots are open Monday-Friday from October 1 to April 30 and charge the same rates. Beyond the gate, follow the fire road. Bike trails extend past the missile control site, and limited parking is available at the base. And although it runs through a very busy beach, youll be happy to know that this city works extra hard to keep it clear of sand. Biking Trails Hiking Trails. One of the treasures of the Conejo Valley is Wildwood Regional Park in Thousand Oaks. Follow signs for Rio Hondo Trail. At the third stop sign, turn right onto the sidewalk to get to the ramp down to the Rio Hondo path. Go right, then right again (at the Metro Bike Hub) and ride 700 feet west on the small access road. Bike Trails for Kids and Families in Los Angeles Expo Bike Path to Santa Monica West Los Angeles, CA The Bike path along the Expo train line from Overland Avenue to Santa Monica is a paved trail that can be great for families. Photo by AlexanderBermudez, courtesy of hikingproject.com. Exit the Expo Line at La Cienega/Jefferson and take the Ballona Path. Debs Lake is a peaceful place for relaxation with hiking trails leading in every direction. Part 2 looked at the car capacity enhancement proposals. Los Alamitos Creek Bike Trail, San Jose. When my daughter first learned to ride, some of the minor downhills (including crossing under bridges on the L.A. River path) could spook her when she got going too fast downhill. Before Peeling Out: There are bathrooms located near the baseball fields and tennis . There are even specially marked lanes for walking and biking, helping you feel even safer no matter the time of day. After about a mile, you'll reach the Roberts Ranch House ruins, which are fascinating for children to explore, and learn about the building's history. When it comes to bike paths in LA, theres none more famous or picturesque than the one that runs along the Pacific Ocean. Popular paths can sometimes be crowded with other riders, pedestrians, skaters, runners, etc. W ith year-round perfect riding weather and a topography that allows both bike commuters to enjoy pedaling without too much strain and experienced riders to explore the nearby mountains and. Most of the way to the beach path is easy and convenient to bike, via Santa Monicas protected bike lane on Colorado Avenue. A favorite fun and doable family walk here is the Dripping Cave. Long Beach. City and nature meet in the middle at Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. 300+ of the Very Best Jokes for Kids (& Parents! Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Combining the Burbank Chandler and L.A. River paths: A longish about 15 miles ride that my daughter and I enjoy combines the Burbank-Chandler path with the L.A. River path. Good for Kids 1. Outdoors. It's a popular spot for cyclists, runners, and walkers and provides stunning views of the cityscape along the way. What's more, there are trails lots of them. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA. Hop on your bike and ride along the waters edge on the main beach from Alamitos Bay to Shoreline Village. Each of our bikes can carry up to three or four people, depending on what you choose. Park Hours:Open daily from sunrise to sunset Folding bikes can be brought on board buses. An early evening ride offers stunning sunset views and the opportunity to see the Queen Mary light up. We've compiled a list of some of the best hiking trails in Los Angeles for you and your little ones (though if you're pushing someone up that mountain, you may want the stroller-friendly hikes in Los Angeles post). Some names change between adjacent segments. Go to the south end of the parking lot, then turn left/east on the sidewalk on Del Amo Boulevard. Once you reach the top, you'll get to take in sweeping views of the west sideand might even be able to see the Hollywood Sign on a clear day. Explore the most popular kid friendly trails near Los Angeles with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. Lake Hollywood would be a great addition to this list. So you can feel completely safe if you want to avoid the crowds and go super early or super late. The area known as Frogtown. The trail is narrow and can be muddy. You won't get so close that you can climb onto the big wooden letters, but you can get some pretty incredible photo ops. Arriving by car can be a challenge, especially in 2020 when beach parking has been closed for much of the season; it can be better toride the metro to the end and be totally car-free. Filed Under: A Line (Blue Line), Bike Walk Paths, E Line (Expo Line), G (Orange) Line, L (Gold) Line, streetsr4families, Earlier today, the Metro Board of Directors approved the project list for Metros Call for Projects. Much of Ballona Creek is concrete, but closer to the mouth there are wetland areas good for bird-watching. Yes, the tall metal fences and highway dividers can usually protect you from potential accidents. Feeling energetic? Ernest E. Debs Regional Parkis one of LA's more underrated parks, located just about halfway between Downtown LA and Pasadena. If you'd rather not dodge the foot traffic on the bike path, ride the Manhattan Beach portion of the path. And the best photo op? Train cars hold plenty of bikes (Ive seen a dozen or so on some CicLAvia days) but its important to not block other riders, so keep bikes in the designated areas. To get to the trailhead: TakePCHto Winding Way in Malibu. Park Hours:Open daily from8am-sunset Because of its popularity, the path bustles with bikers and joggers cruising at all speeds; heads-up. For groups of more than three cyclists, it is generally not possible to ride the bus together. Itcan also get too hot for your canine companions. Go downstairs to the east end of the station, at Washington Boulevard. Additional reporting by Matt Matasci and Gina Ragland. Insider Tip: Bikes are not permitted on the outer loop (walking path) of Lacy Park and even bikes on the inner loop are not permitted to zoom around at top speeds. "The funds we are seeking will cover the cost of a freight container to store the bikes, parts, tools and supplies we need to successfully make this part of our regular programming. Open in Google Maps 751 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026 (213) 847-0929 Visit Website Shutterstock. There's even a disc golf course. Overflow parkingalongPCHis free, but read the signs carefully. What once was a set of old railroad tracks is now a splendid five-and-a-half-mile bike path right in the middle of Burbank. Though paths everywhere from Canoga Park to the Port of L.A. are perfectly pleasant, youll find the most bike-centric activity alongthe Glendale Narrows/Elysian Valley Bicycle Path, which cuts through the increasingly cafe and restaurant-filled Frogtown. (It's about 3 miles each way.) Exit the E Line at Downtown Santa Monica Station. Not to mention that a front-loading bike can easily tip over if you turn too fast. Fern Canyon Trail is not stroller-friendly. The Orange Line bike path is flat, well landscaped, pleasant, though has at-grade crossings at lots of big streets. RELATED:Waterfall Hikes in Los Angeles Every Family Should Know, Trek past fields of gold and creeks to a waterfall on the Escondido Canyon trail. Exit the A Line at Wardlow Station. on any of these amazing Los Angeles trails. 626.398.5420. Sign up for our mailing list to receive new product alerts, special offers, and updates about Ferla Cargo Bikes. As part of Streetsblog L.A.s occasional #streetsr4families coverage, weve compiled thirteen transit-accessible family-friendly places to bike. Every couple of years, Metro makes the call and communities submit applications for projects that are supposed to improve mobility and air quality. Dogs on leashes are allowed. So why not take your. 714.973.6835 It also links up with the Sepulveda Dam Bike Path. Start your day at the Spoke Bicycle Cafe where you can fuel up on their breakfast buna griddled soft bun filled with asoft-scrambled egg, bacon or tempeh, cheese, caramelized onions, and their special sauce. Bikers get their own path, as do walkers (and their dogs), soeveryone's happy. So pump up the tires and pop on a helmet to enjoy one of these Los Angeles bike rides. Right in the middle of Culver City, you'll find a free naturewonderland perfect for a quick urban trek amid a busy day. 3. Seventeen miles of hiking trails through 2,400 acres of native wilderness? The trail also connects toCulver City Park where kids can enjoya playground, skate park, and a plethora of sports fields. 6. Bring your own bikes, or rent some fromWheel Fun Rentalsat Irvine Park Railroad, and tool around the park at your own pace (your kids might delight in the 4-wheeled Quad Sport or 3-wheeled Chopper). As an added bonus, it's also very well-lit at night time. Park open 7 days, sunrise to sunset, reservations are required to access trails. Park Hours:Open daily from sunrise to sunset Best hiking trails kid friendly near me in Los Angeles, CA Sort:Recommended Price 1. So get your helmet, pack a few snacks and start pedaling along these routes, the best bike trails in Los Angeles. You can also park on the side of the road, if permissible. The kind folks at the Path Bike Shop recommend this spot. After all the heavy rains, on 1/22/2017 I found the gate closed." more 2. Extending from the base of the San Gabriel Mountains all the way to the Pacific Ocean, the paved pathway connects to several others, as well as scenic protected areas . and chart your own route along the creek. Explore the most popular kid friendly trails in California with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you. If youre not a San Marino resident, entrance to the park is $5 on weekends. We immediately started collecting and repairing used bicycles. We especially love Santa Monica Pier, where you and the kids can have lots of fun at the nearby amusement park and the local markets. Exit the A Line at Del Amo Station. The system should be useful for Port tourists, though may face challenges. Two-wheeler culture is alive and very well in the City of Angeles where a variety of views. Lots of dips and turns, and ample views of the creek and its burgeoning wildlife (and, unfortunately, some inevitable LA litter). This part of Compton Creek (an L.A. River tributary) has an earthen bottom, so is a pretty good place to see ducks and other birds. Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Its the perfect place for when you want to spend the day enjoying the outdoors and gaze across the glittering landscape. Make sure to check the weather in winter months; the at-river-level route can quickly become flooded and is locked up during heavy rains. Aliso Creek Riding and Hiking Trail Aliso and Wood Canyon Wilderness Park 28373 Alicia Parkway Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 (949) 923-2200 ocparks.com Stretching 18 miles from Laguna Niguel to Whiting. Its easy to forget youre still in Los Angeles as you trek through the mix of native chaparral and landscaped paths that cover Griffith Park. By far the most efficient way to cover the parks 4,310 wild acres is by bike. Privacy Policy, By signing up to Tinybeans newsletters you agree to our Terms and Ballona Creek Bike Path If you're looking for a bike trail that's not too hard and leads you to lots of cool places, then try the one near Ballona Creek. I havent renamed the bikeways (Expo and Orange Line) that run along a couple of these lines as, for now, these bike path names remain the vernacular. Why not take the chance to enjoy the oceanside town of Marina Del Rey? While it's not the prettiest entry on this list, the three-mile-long loop still makes for an easy workout spot. Privacy Policy, two-wheelings tots have maxed out on riding around the block? Though youll have to share parts of the path with pedestrians, the large majority is bikes only. Go right/south on the Fair sidewalk. At the top of the overlook, you'll find public restrooms. Lake Balboa is a 80-acre park with a 27-acre lake filled with water reclaimed from the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. The bike path entrance is in about 300 feet. You'll start off at Syd Kronenthal Park, where the kids can either play ball or go on the swing set. With epically clean bathrooms, this is a wonderful place to spend the whole day. This designated bike path stretches from N. Victory Blvd. ), To view bike facilities on the Google Maps links below, you may need to click on Menu, then on Bicycling.. On the south side of Duarte Road across from the Metro Station, there is an unmarked open gate. You and your family deserve the best outdoor experience possible, from the right location to the right equipment. Directions from the L Line: Exit the L Line at Chinatown Station. The dedicated path ends right near where York Boulevard turns into Pasadena Avenue, but if youre okay with pedaling along some residential streets, you can make your way all the way up to the Rose Bowl, where youll find a loop of protected lanes. You can visit some of the local shops, admire the docked boats, and even head to the beach for some relaxation. After a good rain, the water is generally gushingat Escondido Falls, the highest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains. Parking:Free parking lot The park is huge and certainly less crowded than more famous green spaces in the city, like Griffith Park and Kenneth Hahn, so you'll feel even more like you're in a wild oasis in the center of the city. Park Hours:Open daily from 8am-6pm My 6-year-old daughter and I have field tested nearly all of these. Disclaimer:MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Dog Friendly Trails. Hollywood. Ive tried to use the most common names, which are not always the official names. Note: Be sure to stop at all stop signs in the park, to avoid unpleasant surprises (tickets) in the mail a few weeks later! Turn left/south on North Figueroa Street (or alternately, carefully cut through the McDonalds parking lot to get to Figueroa). Los Angeles County has dozens of trails, some perfect for hiking (whether strenuous or family-friendly), going for a run, mountain biking, equestrian activities, and some are even dog-friendly.They've got a great website with information on all the trails, including a super handy way to sort the trails by level of ease or difficulty - just look under the "Explore" tab, or browse by . And whether you want a fun beach day, some time to work out, or just a simple outing, there are plenty of great places to ride bikes with your family. Map. At 38 miles, the San Gabriel River Bike Trail is a powerhouse north-south route loosely paralleling I-605 along the eastern outskirts of Los Angeles. Be mindful, careful, and ride in ways that are most visible to drivers. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Bask in the breezes of the black cottonwoods, willows, and sycamores, and catch a glimpse of the many birds and waterfowl. Its a popular spot so best to go early in the day. And if someone in the family is a newbie, we have some tips forteaching a kid to ride a bike without training wheels. From USC to Santa Monica along the E Line, there is a nearly continuous bikeway consisting of bike path, bike lanes, and sharrowed bike route. Gradually build up to a longer bike ride that theyre more likely to enjoy. Though most installations have been removed, signs provide a fun history lesson that comes with a moderately challenging hike.