Santa Monica and Venice Beach Bike Tour Preview

Unlimited Biking is located at 1431 Ocean Ave between Broadway and Santa Monica Boulevard. If you are experiencing any difficulty, you can return to this store. We are available by phone at 310-879-5656 and Whatsapp at 212-749-4444 and by email at sales@unlimitedbiking.com. Store Hours:

April - October: 9AM - 7PM

November - March: 9AM - 5PM

Welcome! This tour is intended for riders to go at their own pace. We have provided information for each stop along the route. For the best experience, please enable location alerts. This map is color coded, so you can choose your own adventure!

• The stops with black icons comprise the primary tour route. Each stop is a notable location in Santa Monica with a brief history and fun facts!
• The stops with red icons indicate locations from television and movies. See where iconic scenes with some of the biggest stars were filmed.
• The stops with green icons are notable for their beauty and photo appeal. Take a snapshot in this location and share with us on social media!
• The stops with orange icons indicate our top recommendations for food in and near the park.
• The stops with teal icons show where public restrooms are located in the park.

We are so happy you chose to ride with Unlimited Biking and hope you have a wonderful tour! If you have any questions, please call us at 310-879-5656.

Though there have been many piers in this location, the current consists of two separate piers built in 1909 and 1916. The first purpose of the pier was to facilitate a pipeline for treated sewage to be dumped in the ocean. This practice was discontinued in the 1920s. The 1909 pier was the first concrete pier on the US West Coast as conditions were too rough for wooden piers. It was a popular fishing venue. Early attractions include the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome building - which is on the of National Register of Historic Places–and houses a carousel built by the Philadelphia Toboggan Company, the Blue Streak Racer roller coaster, the Whip, a bowling and billiards building, and a funhouse. A third of the pier was destroyed during large storms in 1982 and 1983.

Olaf C Olsen, the inspiration for Popeye, utilized the pier for recreational fishing and fought to prevent commercial net fishing from overtaking the area. In 1934, the pier became home to the Santa Monica Yacht Harbor and a mooring was purchased by Charlie Chaplin. Preston Peterson, a famous lifeguard at Santa Monica Pier, developed the Peterson Tube, which is still the standard lifesaving tube used by lifeguards globally today.

The La Monica Ballroom, opened in 1924, was the largest dancehall on the West Coast before housing cars and a skating rink until its demolition in 1963. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium has been in operation since 1996. Other attractions include a trapeze school, a video arcade, and shops. Entertainers and outdoor concerts commonly take place and many still enjoy fishing off the pier. Notable frequenters of the pier include: Jane Fonda, Charles Bukowski, Spade Cooley, Joan Baez, and millions of surfers and paddle boarders.

The Santa Monica Pier has been featured in many movies and TV shows, notably: They Shoot Horses, Don’t They? (1969), Forrest Gump (1994), Iron Man (2008), South Park, Gilmore Girls, Modern Family, New Girl, and Charlie’s Angels. The pier is featured in video games Tony Hawk’s American Wasteland, Grand Theft Auto V, and Rush. It is also featured in many music videos.

The Club Casa del Mar opened on May 1, 1926 by brothers E.A. "Jack" Harter and T.D. "Til" Harter as a private beach club. The club, designed in the Italian Renaissance Revival style by architect Charles F Plummer, cost $2 million to complete (equivalent to $29 million today). The hotel, which opened during the height of Prohibition, had a hidden speakeasy and became a popular site for drinking and gambling. Slot machines were installed and the resort hosted a weekly Race and Sweepstakes Buffet where its approximately 2,000 members engaged in horse betting. The hotel was popular with celebrities and socialites in its first fifteen years. Famous guests of this historic hotel include Clark Gable, Marylin Monroe, and Greta Garbo.

In 1941, the building was taken over by the US Navy for World War II soldiers as a recreation facility. After shuttering in 1960, the building was reopened as a drug rehabilitation program in 1967 and then turned into a nutrition and health care facility from 1978 to 1997. In 1997, the Edward Thomas Hospitality Corporation invested $50 million dollars into restoring the property and converting it into the Hotel Casa del Mar, a luxury hotel that opened in 1999.

The hotel features 129 guest rooms, a spa, fitness center, a pool, and a fine dining restaurant called Terrazza Lounge. The hotel was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. In 2019, it was also inducted into Historic Hotels of America, an official program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Originally named Linda Vista Park, this fourteen block area was established in 1892 when the city founders gifted a portion of the park to the City of Santa Monica. Due to the instability of the area and erosion of the area, it was deemed too unstable to support housing. A bust of Arcadia Bandini de Baker, the wife of Santa Monica’s founder and one of the park’s donors, is featured in the park. It was renamed the Palisades Park in 1915 and expanded through the early twentieth century. The park features more than 30 species of plants and trees, which were chosen specifically because of their strong roots to limit erosion. It was designated a historic landmark by the city in 2007.

The Idaho Gate has been standing since 1912. Other notable structures and features include a cannon from the Civil War, an Art Deco sculpture of Saint Monica of Hippo by Eugene Morahan, a Totem Pole, a wooden sculpture called Gestation III by Baile Oakes, and the sculpture Beacon Overlook by Jody Pinto.

The Venice Beach Boardwalk sees approximately 28 to 30 thousand visitors each day. The Boardwalk is the second most-visited destination in Southern California, with an average of over ten million visitors per year.

The Venice Beach Boardwalk stretches over two miles and along the way, you can see incredible performances from singers to break dancers, fire eaters, knife jugglers and more. Between the skate park and basketball courts, you can see the stunning graffiti pit. Though technically illegal until 2000, the walls were often used as canvases for graffiti artists. Since then, the renamed Venice Public Art Walls have become a world famous historic site for taggers.

In 2000, the City of Los Angeles curated the Venice Beach Poet’s Monument on the LAPD substation and three exterior restroom walls. The wall features poetry from Jim Morrison, Viggo Mortenson, Philomene Long, and others. One featured poem by Frank T. Rios reads: “I am a man who stands against the mountains and thinks of pebbles.”

Venice Beach has long been integral to the development of skateboarding as a sport and activity. In 1973, three entrepreneurs opened Jeff Ho Surfboards and Zephyr Productions to manufacture and sell surfboards. The shop team began recruiting young surfers in the area to represent their brand in competitions, forming the 12-person Zephyr Competition Team - also known as the Z-Boys. Mostly composed of young teens, the original Z-Boy members included Tony Alva, Jay Adams, Peggy Oki, and Stacy Peralta. When the 1975 Del Mar Nationals - a skateboarding competition - were announced, the Z-Boys shifted their focus toward skateboarding to join the competition. Their training differed from the established, gymnastics-style skateboarding tricks and was influenced by their surf background, low to the ground.

The Z-Boys practiced their new, innovative method of vertical skating in empty swimming pools and along Venice Beach. The Venice terrain and makeshift ramps and obstacles became a critical area for developing techniques still used to this day. A series of photos by Craig Stecyk in Skateboarder Magazine solidified the Z-Boys’ fame and the popularity of Venice Beach as a skateboarding mecca. Over the years, the area was utilized by amateur and professional skateboarders alike, including Eric Koston, Bob Burnquist, and Tony Hawk. “The Pit” at Venice Beach is featured as the fifth level in the video game Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (2000), as a hidden level in Tony Hawk’s Underground (2003), and as a career level in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater HD (2012).

The pit area was demolished in 2000 when the city of Los Angeles began renovation efforts with a plan to build an official skatepark. Championed by skateboarding legend Jesse Martinez, the park took nearly a decade to come to fruition. Martinez encourages the local youth to embrace skateboarding as an alternative to joining gangs. The 16,000 square foot public skatepark opened in 2009 with Jay Adams, Tony Alva, Jesse Martinez, and Geri Lewis in attendance.. The design includes two bowls, rails, ledges, and a snake run so skaters can explore various skating styles. At $2.4 million, it has been called the most expensive skatepark in the world.

The Venice Beach Basketball Courts are comprised of four pieces of asphalt established in the early 1980s. The area is open to the public and you can regularly see people from all walks of life playing Street Ball. The summertime Venice Basketball League organizes the Veniceball tournaments at the courts, one of the most publicized summer leagues in the world due to the high number of visitors, tourists, and journalists to the area. The area was featured in the film American History X.

Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach began as a children’s playground in the 1920s. The Works Progress Administration installed exercise equipment near the Santa Monica Pier in 1933-34. The area was intended to be used as a public park for chess games, family activities, and recreational exercise. Following the 1929 stock market crash, Americans had fewer options for affordable entertainment as they struggled through the Great Depression. Word spread about the gymnastic, wrestling, and circus exhibitions occurring in Santa Monica. These free performances were a great source of entertainment for locals and visitors, gaining popularity throughout the decade. The area’s recognition was bolstered by the newly emerging movie industry. Hollywood hopefuls flocked to Los Angeles, frequenting Muscle Beach as a place to see and be seen while demonstrating their talents as gymnasts, actors, beauty contestants, and stunt people.

The beach was christened Muscle Beach in the 1940s due to its growing notoriety as a destination for bodybuilders and athletes. Though equipment was available on other beaches, Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach quickly became more famous than any other internationally, drawing top athletes from around the world. Famous bodybuilders used the workout area, including Vic Tanny, Jack LaLanne, and Joe Gold –the founder of Gold’s Gym and World Gym.

The post-war social climate turned conservative and the city of Santa Monica wanted to dissuade the free exhibitions of bodies on display. By the 1950s, Muscle Beach was globally recognized and is seen as the birthplace of the physical fitness boom. Despite this success and its tourist appeal, the city bulldozed the beach following an incident where four weightlifters were arrested for partying with underage girls in a nearby apartment. The city did not officially reinstate Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach until 1989.

With the decline of Santa Monica’s Muscle Beach, Venice’s relatively small facilities called “The Pen” or “Venice Weight Pen” began to gain relevance. Though the bodybuilders who made Santa Monica famous for exercise still used the original site with their own equipment, locals and tourists began to accept Venice as the new Muscle Beach. To distinguish itself from the original site, weightlifters successfully petitioned the city’s parks and recreation department to name this Muscle Beach Venice. Arnold Schwarzenegger and former “Mr. USA” Armand Tanny supported the name change and the allocation of additional city funds for new equipment. Both Muscle Beach Santa Monica and Muscle Beach Venice have had a profound impact on the development and expansion of bodybuilding and gym culture which persists today internationally.

The Venice Canals were the idea of developer and tobacco millionaire Abbot Kinney (1850 - 1920) in his attempt to create the Venice of America. The original seven canals conceived by Kinney covered around two miles and opened in 1905. The excavation for the area was accomplished with mules and steam shovels. Since the automobile was a relatively new invention, tourists and homeowners traveled on the footpaths or by boat. Gondolier services could be purchased to transport tourists while serenading them in Italian. The lots surrounding the canals sold well to locals and summer tourists, contributing to Kinney’s real estate successes.

With the popularity and success of Kinney’s original canals, a group of investors built six additional canals, opened in 1910. While the Venice Canal area did flourish for the first decade, they began to decline in the 1920s. Due to the canals’ lack of circulation, the water became polluted and the canal infrastructure was not prepared to accommodate the widespread use of automobiles.

After a legal battle with Venice residents who wanted to retain the appeal of the canals, the city filled in and paved the original seven canals to create roads. The six canals that were not part of Kinney’s original plan were not paved in because there were fewer residents in that neighborhood. They cover approximately one and a half miles in length and are about fifty feet wide, laid in a grid. Carroll, Linnie, Howland, and Sherman Canals run in an east to west direction, Eastern and Grand run north and south. The remaining canals fell into disrepair and the funds could not be raised to renovate the area for decades until 1993. The improvements to the area included replacing sidewalks, rebuilding foot bridges, and replacing soil. The Canals are listed on the National and City of Los Angeles Registry of Historical Places. Please be aware: biking and skateboarding are not permitted on the sidewalks of the Venice Canals.

Named after millionaire developer and conservationist Abbot Kinney (1850-1920), this boulevard was called the “Coolest Block in America” by GQ. It features boutique shops, galleries, clubs, and stores. The area has a greater gay population than 99.5% of America and real estate prices are higher than 99.3% of American homes. Notable residents throughout the years include: Robert Downey Jr., Julia Roberts, Nicolas Cage, and Kate Beckinsale.

The boulevard features many outdoor murals, including Jonas Never’s famous “Touch of Venice” mural by Danny’s Deli. The area is home to The Other Venice Film Festival, awarding and showcasing movies, documentaries, short films, and music videos that embody the spirit and diversity of the area.

When Abbot Kinney was a teenager, he traveled to Europe to study and during his time there, toured Venice and the Italian Riviera. After a stint in the tobacco industry, he moved to California where he was appointed as the chairman of the California Board of Forestry. He advocated for the indigenous people of California and established the first forestry station in the nation. Eventually, he established the Venice recreation area, known as the “Coney Island of the Pacific” with Venetian-style businesses and an amusement pier. Though Kinney’s work has been mostly demolished in the years since his death, some of his Venetian-style arches and buildings remain.

Being a central area in Santa Monica, Third Street has been integral to the local business community since the city’s inception. In 1965, three blocks of the street were converted into a pedestrian mall called the Santa Monica Mall. The area was redesigned in the late-1970s into Santa Monica Place, an outdoor shopping mall with three levels and Nordstrom as the anchor store. The Promenade is privately owned by a non-profit named Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Currently, there are plans to convert the former Bloomingdale’s and Arclight into an immersive Art Museum.

The Third Street Promenade features entertainers and art installations. The most famous of these is the Dinosaurs of Santa Monica, created by Les Lalanne. These six topiary statues are made of steel, copper, and plants. Stroll or bike through the Promenade to see stunning murals from local and international artists. The Santa Monica History Museum features an interactive photo station and exciting exhibits.

This Art Deco-style hotel opened in 1933 and has been an iconic symbol of the city ever since. The established hotelier Rosamond Borde commissioned M. Eugene Durfee to create a stylish resort on the California coast. Durfee, a notable architect, also designed the Grand Theatre in Douglas, AZ, Westlake Hotel in Seattle, WA, and the St, James Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia.

The Georgian Hotel was frequented by the rich and famous in the first half of the twentieth century. During Prohibition, the Georgian Hotel had one of LA’s first speakeasies. The hotel has undergone many renovations over the years, but has retained its turquoise blue exterior. Notable guests include: Clark Gable, Rose Kennedy, Bugsy Siegel, Al Capone, Carole Lombard, and Charlie Chaplin. The 8-story building is designated a Santa Monica Historic landmark.

This Italian spot is a perfect place to carbo load on your bike ride. We recommend the artichoke pizza for couples and families.

This Mexican place always hits the spot. Try out the Carnitas tacos or, if you're looking for something lighter, the veggie taco with goat cheese is incredible.

Hinano Cafe has been a staple of Venice since 1969. The 21+ venue is an exciting stop for a quick bite. The burgers are called World Famous for a reason, but we also recommend the Cheese Steak Sandwich!

This California chain is a well-established vegan hotspot. The delicious meals are bursting with flavor. For a lighter meal, we recommend the I Am Intuitive risotto bowl

Thai food is a perfect meal to top off a fun bike ride! For fans of spice, we recommend the incredible Massaman Curry, but if you prefer a milder dish, the Pad Woon Sen is a great option!

This reasonably priced Caribbean-style chicken joint is a great option for families! We recommend the Mulato Cubano Sandwich. If you're traveling on a Saturday or Sunday, the brunch options are delicious as well.

If you're looking for a high-end dinner spot, this surf and turf steakhouse is the perfect option. The lobster tail and filet mignon combo is one of the best meals you'll ever have!

Restroom available in Tongva Park

Restroom at Santa Monica Pier

Restroom and Showers on Santa Monica beach

Restroom at 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Restroom at Hotchkiss Park

Restroom at 2400 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Restroom at 2701 Barnard Way Parking lot 5 south, Santa Monica, CA 90405

Restroom on Venice Beach

Restroom at 828 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Restroom at the Venice Beach Recreation Center

1725 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

This famous Art Deco sculpture was completed in 1935 by Eugene Morahan. It depicts Santa Monica's namesake, Saint Monica of Hippo.

Snap a photo with the eclectic fish or a photo in front of this funky exterior!

Tongva Park is one of a kind, with plenty of spots for amazing photos! If you have younger children, explore the fun playgrounds!

Live out your Baywatch dreams posing in front of one of the teal lifeguard towers on Santa Monica Beach

This Totem Pole by the Chilkat Thlinger Native Americans of Sitka, Alaska features a wolf, bear, fish, and raven.

This lifeguard tower is a symbol for Venice Pride, unveiled in 2017.

This local landmark celebrates the city of Venice.

This public mural features sixteen celebrated thinkers: Albert Einstein, Alan Watts, Baruch Spinoza, Terence McKenna, Carl Jung, Carl Sagan, Emily Dickinson, Nikola Tesla, Friedrich Nietzsche, Ralph Waldo Emerson, W.E.B. Du Bois, Henry David Thoreau, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Rumi, Adi Shankara, and Lao Tzu

This historic landmark is a beautiful spot for photos, but make sure to lock your bikes up before starting the climb!

This gorgeous tile structure was made for perfect photo opportunities.

1992's White Men Can't Jump starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson had several filming locations in Santa Monica and Venice.

Tim Burton's 1985 directorial debut brought Paul Reuben's Pee-Wee Herman to the big screen! In an important scene, the titular character's bike is stolen on the ThirdStreet Promenade while he is on a shopping spree.

Cameron Crowe's cult classic Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982) was filmed all around Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Place exterior served as the film's Ridgemont Mall

Though sadly now closed, Swingers was the location used in the 2007 film Knocked Up for the main character's post-hookup breakfast.

In the 2001 cult classic Donnie Darko, Jake Gyllenhaal's character sits at the Aero Theater watching The Evil Dead (1981). This theater was also utilized in Get Shorty (1995) as John Travolta's character watches Touch of Evil (1958).

Rae's Restaurant is seen in the Detroit-based film True Romance (1993) from writer Quentin Terantino and director Tony Scott. The iconic diner is also featured in Win a Date with Tad Hamilton (2004), Bowfinger (1999), and Lords of Dogtown (2005)

This bridge across the Linnie Canal is featured in the horror classic Nightmare on Elm Street (1984) when final girl Nancy discusses the Balinese way of dreaming with her boyfriend Glen (played by Heather Langenkamp and Johnny Depp, respectively). This exact same bridge can be seen in 1994's The Little Rascals when Alfalfa seranades Darla and in 1991's biopic The Doors.

Director Greta Gerwig's 2023 mega-hit Barbie takes place in both Barbieland and Los Angeles. The scene depicting Margot Robbie's Barbie and Ryan Gosling's Ken rollerblading was filmed around Venice Beach and its bike paths.

Though the hit TV show Three's Company, which ran for eight seasons between 1976 and 1984, was primarily filmed on a soundstage, the roommates' apartment is featured in the opening credits. This house is still standing and still drawing fans of the show to the area.

Unlimited Biking is excited to partner with Big Bus to offer an exclusive discount to our app users. Follow this link to receive a 15% discount on your Big Bus ticket purchase. Big Bus is the largest operator of open-top sightseeing bus tours. Explore Los Angeles from the top deck!