Family Bike Ride Routes Around Long Beach: Safe, Scenic Trails Perfect for a Weekend Outing
There’s something about a family bike ride that just feels nostalgic.
The breeze in your hair, the sound of your kids’ laughter as they race each other, and that unspoken joy of moving together as a family: it’s the stuff that makes you want to bottle up a Saturday afternoon and keep it forever.
Here in Long Beach, we’re lucky. We’ve got sunshine (most of the time), an ocean that practically begs you to be near it, and trails that make riding bikes with kids not just possible but magical.
If you’ve been looking for safe, scenic places to hop on your bikes, pack a few snacks, and spend a couple of hours outdoors, here are some local favorites worth checking out.
1. Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path
Let’s start with the most iconic route. The Shoreline Pedestrian Bike Path stretches about 4 miles along the beach, from Shoreline Village all the way to Rosie’s Dog Beach. It’s flat (so super kid-friendly), paved, and offers an uninterrupted view of the ocean the whole way.
If your little ones are still getting the hang of riding, you can stick to a shorter section and stop for ice cream or smoothies along the way. Bonus: there are plenty of bathrooms and water fountains, which is always a win when riding with kids.
This one feels like a hidden gem, especially if you want a ride with more trees and less sand. El Dorado East Regional Park has about 4 miles of paved bike paths that wind through lakes, picnic areas, and open green space. It’s perfect for younger riders because there are no cars to worry about and lots of spots to pull over for a snack.
3. The L.A. River Bike Path (Long Beach Section)
This might not sound like a “family ride” at first, but hear us out. The section of the L.A. River Bike Path that runs through Long Beach is smooth, wide, and surprisingly peaceful. On one side, you’ve got the river; on the other, the city skyline in the distance.
You can hop on near Long Beach Civic Center or near Wrigley and head toward the ocean. Just be mindful of sharing the path since there are often joggers and other cyclists here.
Heartwell Park’s bike path is short and sweet, making it a great option for kids who can only ride so far before asking for snacks. It loops around a lake and has plenty of grass for a mid-ride break.
5. Bayshore & Naples Island Loop
If your family is up for a ride with a mix of beach views and charming neighborhood streets, this one’s a treat. Start near Bayshore Beach, ride along the sand, and then head across the bridges into Naples Island. You’ll pass canals lined with beautiful homes, and the slower neighborhood traffic makes it a pretty safe ride.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before You Ride:
- Safety first – Helmets for everyone, no matter how short the ride.
- Snacks and water – Kids ride longer (and complain less) when they’re fed and hydrated.
- Know your route – Some paths have limited entry/exit points, so plan your turnaround spots in advance.
- Early mornings are magic – Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures, and softer light make for a much more pleasant ride.
Whether your family rides every weekend or you’re dusting off bikes that have been sitting in the garage since last summer, Long Beach has so many ways to make a bike ride a little adventure, right in your own backyard.
So pump up those tires, grab your helmets, and pick a path. The ocean, the parks, and the sunshine are waiting.
