Marvin Braude Bike Path

The Strand Bike path in L.A.'s South Bay neighborhood

Location: Torrance Beach to Will Rogers Beach in the Los Angeles area
Distance: 22 miles each way

L.A.’s premiere attraction just happens to be completely free! A ride along the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as “The Strand” or the South Bay trail, is a long 22 mile journey through many of the most beautiful & diverse beach towns of Southern California. With never ending views of the Pacific, year-round perfect biking weather, and fun stops along the way, this is one ride you do not want to miss!

Whether taking a break to ride the famous Santa Monica pier roller coaster, watching a crazy street performer at Venice, joining in on a volleyball game at Hermosa/Redondo, or strolling the Manhattan Beach Pier, there is enough to do to easily make this a fun all day activity rather than simply a workout. Who can beat the fresh smell of the ocean, a light coastal breeze, sunny skies, access to all the best beach towns of LA, and an awesome workout all in one activity?!

A ride on The Strand is by far the best way to take in all the unique sights of L.A.’s beach culture with the added bonus of avoiding the parking and traffic hassles to get from one area to the next. For amazing coastal scenery, a fun-in-the-sun workout, and endless people watching, look no further than The Marvin Braude Path in Los Angeles’ beautiful South Bay region.

Tip: Start your ride at Torrance State Beach for easy parking.

Pa’Rus Trail at Zion National Park

Biking along the stunning Pa'rus trail at Zion National Park

Location: Right behind the Zion National Park Visitor’s Center
Distance: 1.75 miles each way

It’s short. It’s scenic. And best of all, it’s flat, fast & uncrowded. The Pa’Rus Trail is definitely a must-do when visiting gorgeous Zion National Park. One of the most underrated (and least crowded) trails in the park also offers some of the most peaceful scenery. It happens to be the only trail where biking is allowed, so take advantage of this rare opportunity to see the gorgeous rock formations without completing a strenuous hike.

Biking is a nice leisurely way to enjoy the Zion scenery without too long of a time commitment. The lack of crowds and easy terrain make it such a great spot for biking: in fact, the ride is so breezy you may just consider making the trek 2 or 3 times – really who can get enough of Zion’s majestic towering rock formations?

Tip: At the end of the maintained trail, you can continue on biking the Zion Canyon Scenic Drive. The views are absolutely amazing for the entire 6 mile length. However, you will have to share the space with buses and cars, so be careful!

The Virginia Beach Boardwalk Path

The beautiful Virginia Beach boardwalk path

Location: Right on Virginia Beach
Distance: 3 miles each way

The Virginia Beach boardwalk is one of the best beachfront recreational paths in the country for several reasons including the breathtaking views of the Atlantic, the convenient separation of the biking/walking path, & the easy, flat terrain. At just 3 miles, this laid-back path is great to incorporate into any vacation plans and would be considered more of a sightseeing activity. Plus, you can park your bike and relax at the beach right after your ride.

Sure, you will still get in a little workout, although you won’t be too exhausted to enjoy all the fun activities in Virginia Beach (check out the Virginia Beach Aquarium and plan a beachfront horseback riding trip!).

Tip: There are lots of great waterfront restaurants to check out including Shoreline Grill inside the Best Western Plus. However, for the ultimate breakfast treat, head just a block off the beach to Doc Taylor’s, a delicious local gem featuring great food & a breezy summer patio.

Bayshore Blvd.

Tampa's gorgeous Bayshore Blvd, the world's longest continuous sidewalk

Location: Downtown Tampa
Distance: 4.5 miles each way

Bayshore Blvd, a 4.5 mile path in downtown Tampa, claims the title of “world’s longest continuous sidewalk.” Taking a leisurely bike ride along this flat, scenic path is the perfect weekend alternative to a crowded beach. Not only will you get in your workout for the day, you’ll also enjoy fantastic views of the bay and skyline. The path is 10 feet wide and can easily accommodate all types of fitness buffs.

With palm trees everywhere, blue skies most often, and possible early morning dolphin sightings, you really can’t complain. Fun fitness stations along the way make the ride even more interesting for exercise enthusiasts. It would be silly not to take advantage of this free & fun way to explore one of Florida’s prettiest cities.

Tip: Continue on to the RiverWalk Path, a nice paved 2+ mile trail which passes by many of downtown’s top attractions like The Florida Aquarium.

Phoenix Bike Path

The woodsy Phoenix Bike Trail in Fairhaven, Massachusetts

Location: Fairhaven, a small town in Southeastern Massachusetts
Distance: 3.5 miles each way

The Phoenix Bike Path is a short & picturesque trail located in the beautiful Southeastern Massachusetts coastal town of Fairhaven. This trail is very woodsy and secluded, making it the perfect place to enjoy a solitary ride through nature. Forests, farms, & marshes comprise most of the scenery along the trail, however, as is the case in all of Massachusetts, you can’t finish without seeing at least one historical site (you will pass an eerie park which was once the site of Old Burying Ground in 1771).

Tip: Relax after your ride with a stroll along quaint West Island Town Beach.