Plenty of people see the beach as a place to relax, kick back on a blanket, and take in the sun. Not me. I get restless if I sit around for too long, which is why I find Los Angeles to be such a perfect beach destination. Of LA's many excellent beaches, Santa Monica stands out as a favorite for active types thanks to its wonderful bike path. The South Bay Bicycle trail is the perfect way to enjoy the very best of the beach, stretching 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach in the north to Torrance County Beach in the south. The trail is perhaps best approached from Santa Monica State Beach, which has bike rental shops where you can pick up a mountain bike, beach cruiser, or even a cushy recumbent bike, which allows you to sit back and enjoy the scenery as you cruise along the seashore.
Then, where you go depends on what you're into. Head up to Malibu to see the natural beauty of the California coastline and some of the more expensive homes in the country, or roll on down to Venice Beach, the eclectic inspiration for everyone from Tony Alva of Dogtown and Z-Boys fame to the Big Lebowski to scores of magicians, mimes, singers, dancers, jugglers and our editor, Carly. Stop for a snack at the many outdoor cafes (ed. note, the lemonade at Hot Dog on a Stick next to the Santa Monica Pier is worth the stop) or continue chugging along all the way to Marina del Rey. Wherever you wind up, you'll be getting a great workout, taking in some California sunshine (don't forget the sunblock), and experiencing the entire range of beach eye candy. The Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica Hotel is located four blocks above the Santa Monica shoreline, just steps from your two-wheeled California adventure.
