Renting a bike is a fantastic way to truly get to know California. Cycling allows you to explore cities, the coastline, and national parks at your own pace. You can enjoy the fresh air and picturesque landscapes, making your journey active and eco-friendly. It’s certainly interesting to learn more about the best bike rental spots. More on la-future.
Choosing Your Rental Bike
When you decide to rent a bicycle, it’s important to know exactly what type you need for your adventure.
You can easily find a city bike—one of the most popular options in Los Angeles. A city bike is perfect for getting familiar with the local area. The rental price typically includes the bike, a quality helmet, a reflective safety vest, and a bike lock.
Next up is the gravel or road bike. This option is a fast, light, and efficient mode of transport, ideally suited for navigating city streets.
Another option is a mountain bike, which is designed for tackling challenging terrain. The rental package also includes a helmet, vest, and bike lock.
Modern city dwellers also love e-bikes (electric bikes) which provide an extra power boost. In addition to the bike, helmet, vest, and lock, the rental price for an e-bike includes a portable charger.
Coastal Rental Hotspots
In the summer of 2019, Kaité Deyoma thoroughly analyzed beach bike rental locations in Los Angeles. These spots can be roughly divided into six zones.
- Bike rentals in Los Angeles and Orange County. This includes spots in Santa Monica, which is ideal for bike rides thanks to its scenic boardwalk and vibrant atmosphere. Rental locations have varying rates and different qualities of bikes.
- Next up are Venice Beach and Marina del Rey. These areas are known for their bohemian vibe and lively street performances. Exploring Venice Beach by bike is a great way to experience the California spirit. Marina del Rey is usually chosen by cyclists who prefer a calm ride along the marina.
- The South Bay, which includes spots like Marina Bike Rentals, Hermosa Cyclery, and Funbunns. This network of beach towns offers diverse cycling routes. You can choose calm routes or more challenging paths that involve climbing and descending hills.
- Long Beach boasts a rich history and developed infrastructure, with many bike paths stretching along the beach and through city parks. A bike ride through Long Beach is a great choice for better exploring the city.
- Huntington Beach is a famous surfing resort loved by active lifestyle enthusiasts. The area features a long bike path along the beach and the pier.
- Newport Beach. This area has some of the best bike rental rates in Southern California, offering the lowest hourly and daily rates compared to most regions in Los Angeles County. While there are no dedicated beach bike paths, you can cycle on the streets or along the Pacific Coast Highway.
Bikes and Hikes LA
This company is an example of a rental service in Los Angeles that offers various rental spots along with all necessary safety gear. All bikes are sanitized before and after rides. Multi-day, weekly, or monthly rental options are available.
The Bikes and Hikes LA fleet includes over 200 bicycles and offers delivery or self-pickup at any location in the Los Angeles metro area. You may have heard of their signature Red Carpet Staging. This is a VIP setup—preparation and polishing of the bike on a red carpet for a premium rental experience—and expedited check-in for a quick start to your ride. Before setting off, you can take valuable Hollywood-style photos. Plus, a team of experts provides route recommendations.
The signature Red Carpet Staging is ideal for corporate events or private groups. It’s a fantastic way to add a bit of Hollywood glamor to your Los Angeles cycling adventure.
Northstar Bike Rentals
Northstar is Northern California’s largest mountain bike park, offering a variety of trails for cyclists of all skill levels. Visitors can rent full-suspension downhill bikes, which are perfect for extreme trails. Cross-country bikes for calmer routes are also available, as are comfortable cruiser bikes for casual rides.
The trails range from easy beginner routes to challenging tracks for experienced riders. By renting a bike, visitors can explore the resort at their own pace and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Los Angeles residents can enjoy the bike routes while staying in good physical shape. Moreover, cycling is not necessarily a solitary activity; it’s often chosen as a family leisure option.
Northstar bike rentals are available from June to September. This depends on weather conditions and the resort schedule. Some trails may be closed at the beginning of the season.
Bike Routes: Where to Begin Exploring Los Angeles?
It is worth exploring a few recommended spots for bike rides in Los Angeles.
- West Hollywood and Beverly Hills. This is a great route to admire luxurious celebrity homes and check out famous shops and restaurants. This ride offers a taste of glamor and luxury and provides excellent photo opportunities. This option will be appreciated by lovers of leisurely rides and architecture enthusiasts.
- Mulholland Drive Fitness Challenge. This route is for those who love an active workout. Just imagine steep climbs and descents paired with breathtaking views. Excellent physical fitness is required to complete this route. The reward is the incredible sense of accomplishment from the journey.
- Hollywood, Hollywood Boulevard. A bike ride here allows you to see the Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre, and other famous Los Angeles landmarks. This route is a must for anyone fascinated by the history of Hollywood.
- Griffith Park. Cycling through this large urban park is incredibly popular. Plus, you can ride up to the Hollywood sign and take stunning photos.
- Mountain Biking (Franklin Canyon Park, Nike Missile Bunker, Griffith Park). These trails are suitable for extreme sports enthusiasts.
Time to Ride!
Once you’ve chosen your bike rental location and the type of bicycle, you are ready to embark on your journey. It’s important for residents and guests of Los Angeles to prepare properly. For instance, before setting off, you should check the condition of the bike and make sure it is the right size for you.
When heading out on a bike ride, it’s essential not only to carefully choose your route but also to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat. It is also important to obey traffic rules and stay alert on the road. By doing so, you can safely enjoy the beauty of California and take unforgettable souvenir photos.
Los Angeles offers countless options for fun leisure activities, and bike rental and cycling is one of the best. Choosing this option allows you to spend time actively and enjoy a sense of freedom and independence.
