Blue skies, golden sand, and the diverse characters of Venice Boardwalk are very much on the agenda today. To be seen from the saddle of hire bikes as we cycle the Santa Monica Cycle Path to Venice Boardwalk and, as it would turn out, beyond.
Day 15
Today we started in – Santa Monica
We finished in – Santa Monica
Miles travelled today – 15 (bike and foot only)
Miles so far this trip – 1484
Tonight we are staying at – Doubletree Hilton Santa Monica
But, firstly we had to part with $23 for batteries for Max’s camera, and sun cream. Both essential, although there is some debate between us and Max which is the most important.
We hire the bikes from Sea Mist Cycles. Max bolted behind me with his own saddle, handlebars and pedals. Suzanne with her own bike. This could go one of two ways. Either I spend all day towing around a 4 year old, or he helps with the pedalling and I get an easier day.
As it would turn out, it would be a little of both.
We set off down the dedicated cycle path. We pass an exercise area. Simple metal poles support swings and hoops. These entertain fun lovers and serious exercise buffs at the same time.
As we coast, with relative ease, along the path, I notice that every third or fourth person seems to be exercising. My every third or fourth thought is “How can we move here?”
Not for the exercising that’s for sure, but for the climate, the vibe, and the beach. An impossible dream I know. Jobs, Schools and Family ties would assure that.
Santa Monica Cycle Path to Venice Boardwalk Rest Stop
The variety of exotic trees flutter in the gentle breeze and against the blue skies. Even the planes are declaring their love for this amazing place, leaving vapour trail kisses in the sky.
18 to 80 year olds work out alone. Couples holding hands walk their dogs. While others are more casually stroll by, with no real agenda obvious.
We have cycled less than one mile, and have stumbled upon two beach cafes. Both of which we could have stopped at and sat for hours. Soaking up the sun and the atmosphere in equal amounts.
After a refreshing drink, we set off to experience Venice Boardwalk.
There is a true mix of characters along the Boardwalk. Health freaks that are shirtless, or with mid-rifts showing. Locals, seemingly knowing everyone.
And, sadly, homeless people. Some making an effort for a better life by crafting and selling cheap looking yet impressive works of art.
In front of them is a makeshift table with their goods on display. Behind them their worldly possessions and a sleeping bag. No doubt home for the night.
Others that are apparently less creative unashamedly eat from bins.
An 80 year old looking toothless drummer enthusiastically takes centre stage, alongside a couple guitarists half his age.
Venice Boardwalk
We try to sum up what we have seen so far in a few words
Suzanne – Busy and characterful
Max – Fun, painted and pretty
Me – Calming yet chaotic. Eclectic and diverse. The diversity no more apparent than the well dressed tourist negotiating with the grubby, tattered stall holder.
We carry on…Food stalls and shops. Churros and Burgers seem to be the main food source. The posher shops spilling out onto the boardwalk. Offering tables and chairs for their customers not wanting to miss out on the entertainment that is all around.
We buy lunch from Jody Maroni’s Sausage Kingdom that sells Fries, Burgers, Salads. And as the name suggests, Hot Dogs.
We have one each, and settle for the Basic, Chicago and Boardwalk. The shops and stalls end here, so we mount up and cycle, aiming for the Venice Canals.
The Venice Canals
A peaceful, tranquil place with small houses and smaller yards. Gates open out onto their own little jetty type water access area.
The peace and tranquility somewhat shattered by all the tourists. Like us.
I guess if you live somewhere as beautiful as this, then you have to accept others will come and visit it.
We spent sometime here, wandering along looking at the houses. Wooden structured, some with balconies. Some run down, other meticulously maintained. All in an enviable location.
We pop out the other side and a short road cycle ride takes us to Marina Del Ray.
A marina, of course, housing many boats for those lucky enough to own one. It also has its own little beach, with its own play park.
Perfect for the kids. In fact, it has something for everyone, as looking over the beach is the Cheesecake factory. Now, some might say that is a kids thing, but if you love cheesecake like me, then its an adult thing too!
Add to this, the adjoining restaurant and bar, and yes…I can safely say it has something for everyone.
Time was getting on, so it was back on the bikes and daring a mile or so on a busy road, we found the beach.
The designated ‘cycle’ path was infested with walkers and motor scooters. They either couldn’t read the multitude of ‘Cycle Only’ signs, or they chose to ignore them.
Rest time – Santa Monica Cycle Path to Venice Boardwalk
We made it back to Santa Monica Pier after one more walk along the entertaining Venice Boardwalk. One last chance to soak up the vibes that you can only feel here.
As we approached the pier, we decided to keep going up the coast. Determined to find Back on the Beach Cafe, the bar we had enjoyed a drink over 5 years ago.
Again, walkers and scooters hogged the cycle path. We kept going, puzzled as we didn’t recall it being this far north.
There were several kiosks dotted along the path, selling drinks and ice cream. Most of them were Perry’s who seem to have the monopoly along this stretch of the Pacific Coast.
One vendor gave us hope we were not imagining the bar, thinking it was ‘a bit further’ along.
Eventually we find it. Closed.
Hot and tired, and after a quick rest, we saddle up and set off on the 1.5 mile ride back to drop the bikes of at the pier.
The mild breeze behind us making the ride back a little easier. Before we know it, we are dropping the bikes off and heading up to Seaside on the Pier.
A bar restaurant with a roof top terrace, where we can sit, unwind and cool down with a cold drink and perfect views.
Dinner Time after we cycled the Santa Monica Cycle Path to Venice Boardwalk…and back
After a couple of drinks, our thirst quenched, attention turned to dinner.
We enjoyed Blue Plate Taco during our last visit, and we saw no reason not to try it again. Even the hour wait didn’t deter us.
While waiting at the bar, and gradually realising we should try somewhere else, we got speaking to Nicole from Red O.
She was on a break, but assured us we could get a table straight away. We headed out to tell the greeter girls we could wait. Keen to keep us there, they explained if we could squeeze onto a table for two, we could eat now.
We enjoyed a yummy, if not cosy meal, before heading back to the beach to get some night time shots of the pier.
The photo shoot was short lived, driven away by the homeless man shouting at us about Syria. A walk back to the hotel, and after the 11 mile bike ride, we were definately ready for our bed.
See Full Itinerary of our trip here
