Long Beach Bike Trails
Explore the best Long Beach bike trails for epic coastal adventures, scenic valley rides, family outings, and challenging singletrack. Use this guide to find where to ride in Long Beach and discover the trails that match your style.
Long Beach is Southern California's hidden gem for cycling. With over 60 miles of dedicated bike paths, protected lanes, and scenic coastal routes, the city has earned its reputation as one of the most bike-friendly cities in America. Whether you're cruising the iconic Marvin Braude Bike Path along the shoreline, exploring the tranquil San Gabriel River Trail, or navigating the charming canals of Naples Island, Long Beach offers something for every type of rider.
From leisurely beach cruiser rides to fast-paced road training loops, our trail guide covers the best routes, insider tips, and everything you need to know to make the most of cycling in Long Beach. The city's flat terrain, year-round sunshine, and stunning ocean views make it a paradise for commuters, families, and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Best Bike Trails in Long Beach
Best Bike Trails in Long Beach for Every Ride Style
For Beach Cruisers & Casual Riders
The Marvin Braude Bike Path is the crown jewel of Long Beach cycling. This 6.8-mile paved path runs along the beach from Shoreline Village to the Long Beach Marina, offering stunning ocean views and a relaxed riding experience. It's perfect for beach cruisers, families, and anyone who wants to soak in the coastal vibe.
For Road Cyclists & Training Rides
The San Gabriel River Trail offers a smooth, paved 38-mile route that connects Long Beach to the San Gabriel Mountains. Road cyclists love this trail for its consistent surface, minimal traffic crossings, and the ability to build serious mileage. Start at the Long Beach end and ride north for a flat, fast out-and-back.
For Commuters
The LA River Bike Path provides a direct, traffic-free connection from Long Beach to downtown Los Angeles. Combined with Long Beach's extensive network of protected bike lanes on Broadway, 3rd Street, and Pine Avenue, it's never been easier to commute by bike.
For Families
El Dorado Park and the Colorado Lagoon loop offer safe, scenic rides for families with children. These routes feature minimal traffic, smooth surfaces, and plenty of places to stop for a picnic or play break.
Types of Long Beach Bike Trails to Explore
Safety Tips
Long Beach has an excellent safety record for cyclists, but coastal riding comes with unique considerations. Always wear a helmet, use lights at night, and be aware of pedestrians on shared paths. The Marvin Braude Bike Path has separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians — stay in your lane. Watch for sand on beach-adjacent paths after windy days, and be cautious at the many pier and boardwalk crossings. Long Beach law requires bikes to have front and rear lights after dark.
Weather Considerations
Long Beach enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, making it ideal for cycling year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, while winters are mild at 55-70°F. Morning marine layer (June Gloom) is common from May through July — it usually burns off by midday. Bring sunscreen and water on all rides, as the coastal sun can be intense even on overcast days. Afternoon winds can pick up along the waterfront, so plan headwinds on southbound coastal rides.
Terrain Type
Long Beach is famously flat — most trails have minimal elevation gain, making them accessible to riders of all fitness levels. The coastal paths are fully paved and well-maintained. The San Gabriel River Trail and LA River Bike Path are also paved with occasional gentle grades. For those seeking any elevation, the northern end of the San Gabriel River Trail offers gentle climbing as you approach the foothills. There are no true mountain bike trails within Long Beach city limits, but El Dorado Park has some unpaved paths for light off-road riding.
What to Know Before Riding in Long Beach
Trail Etiquette
Long Beach's bike paths are shared spaces. On the Marvin Braude Bike Path, keep right except to pass, and always announce passes with a bell or "on your left." The path can get crowded on weekends, especially near the Pike and Belmont Shore — ride at a controlled speed and be prepared to stop.
Parking & Trail Access
Free and metered parking is available at several trail access points. Shoreline Village offers paid parking near the start of the Marvin Braude Bike Path. Belmont Shore has street parking along Ocean Boulevard. For the San Gabriel River Trail, parking is available at the trailhead near the Long Beach Marina. Arrive early on weekends, as parking fills up fast.
What to Bring
- Water — There are drinking fountains along the coastal path, but bring extra on hot days
- Sunscreen — Coastal sun is deceptively strong, even with marine layer
- Lock — If you plan to stop at shops or restaurants along the route
- Repair kit — Tube, pump, and basic tools for longer rides on the river trails
Bike Rentals
Don't have a bike? Long Beach has several excellent rental shops along the waterfront. Check out our Long Beach bike shops guide for rental locations near the trails.
How to Choose the Right Long Beach Bike Trail
Match the Trail to Your Skill Level
Long Beach trails are generally beginner-friendly thanks to the flat terrain, but some routes are better suited to certain skill levels. Beginners should start with the Colorado Lagoon loop or El Dorado Park — both offer short, safe rides with no traffic. Intermediate riders will enjoy the full Marvin Braude Bike Path or the Naples Island loop. Advanced cyclists looking for distance should tackle the San Gabriel River Trail or the LA River Bike Path for serious mileage.
Consider Your Bike Type
Most Long Beach trails are paved and suitable for any bike — road bikes, hybrids, cruisers, and even e-bikes all work well. If you're riding a road bike with thin tires, stick to the paved paths. Beach cruisers are perfect for the coastal path but less ideal for longer river trail rides due to their weight and single-speed gearing. E-bikes are welcome on all Long Beach bike paths.
Think About Distance & Time
Plan your ride based on available time. The Marvin Braude Bike Path is about 7 miles end-to-end (30-45 minutes each way at a casual pace). The Naples Island loop is a quick 3-mile ride (15-20 minutes). The San Gabriel River Trail is a commitment — 38 miles one way — so plan for a half-day or full-day adventure, or ride a portion and turn back.
Check the Crowd Factor
Weekends bring crowds to the coastal path, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM. For a quieter ride, go early morning or on weekdays. The river trails are generally less crowded than the beach path, making them great for training rides any time of day.
Other LongBeach.Bike Resources
Find Bike Shops Near Trails
Need to rent a mountain bike, get a quick repair, or grab gear? Check out our guide to the best bike shops in Long Beach.
Join a Group Ride
Want to explore trails with other cyclists? Connect with local riders through our Long Beach mountain bike group rides directory.
Plan Your Next Route
Use our AI-powered Route Planner to map your perfect coastal ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bike trail in Long Beach for beginners?
The Colorado Lagoon loop and El Dorado Park trails are the best options for beginners. Both offer flat, paved surfaces with minimal traffic and beautiful scenery. The Marvin Braude Bike Path is also beginner-friendly, though it can get crowded on weekends. For your first ride, try the Colorado Lagoon loop — it's a short 3-mile ride with no street crossings.
Are Long Beach bike trails paved?
Yes, the vast majority of Long Beach's bike trails are fully paved. The Marvin Braude Bike Path, San Gabriel River Trail, and LA River Bike Path all feature smooth asphalt surfaces suitable for road bikes, hybrids, and beach cruisers. El Dorado Park has some unpaved paths for those who prefer a light off-road experience.
Can I rent a bike near the Long Beach bike trails?
Yes! Long Beach has several bike rental shops along the waterfront and near major trail access points. You can find rentals at Shoreline Village, Belmont Shore, and near the Long Beach Marina. Check out our Long Beach bike shops guide for a complete list of rental locations, pricing, and bike types available.
How long is the Marvin Braude Bike Path?
The Marvin Braude Bike Path is approximately 6.8 miles long, running from Shoreline Village in the north to the Long Beach Marina in the south. At a casual pace, it takes about 30-45 minutes to ride one way. The path is fully paved and separated from pedestrian traffic, making it one of the most popular cycling routes in Southern California.
Is Long Beach a good city for bike commuting?
Long Beach is one of the most bike-friendly cities in California for commuting. The city has an extensive network of protected bike lanes, particularly in downtown and along major corridors like Broadway, 3rd Street, and Pine Avenue. The LA River Bike Path also provides a traffic-free route to downtown LA. With flat terrain and year-round good weather, Long Beach is ideal for bike commuters.
What should I bring for a long ride on the San Gabriel River Trail?
For rides on the San Gabriel River Trail, bring plenty of water (there are limited fountains), sunscreen, a basic repair kit with a spare tube and pump, snacks, and a phone for navigation. The trail is 38 miles one way, so plan your turnaround point based on your fitness level. Morning rides are recommended to avoid afternoon heat, especially in summer months.