When temperatures and temperaments are down, it’s also the right time to go down… to the southernmost point in the lower 48 – Key West, Florida.
What do you do in Los Angeles if you have a day to ride around? Most people would go to Hollywood, shop in Santa Monica, or go to Universal Studio. But not us motorcycle riders. Give us two wheels and let us loose, we will find canyons and ocean views and solitude just miles away from the tourist crowds of this majestic city.
We put together this short list of local day rides around Los Angeles. There are iconic roads, less known roads, and locals' favorites. Los Angeles is hugged by mountain ranges and meets the ocean for amazing sunset views. Let's take a look at the best routes to experience what we consider to be one of the most fun cities to live and work in.
If you’re itching for a ride out-of-town but are a bit short on time, this list will introduce you to new destinations or show you old favorites, all within three hours of the city.
Malibu: Tuna Canyon Rd
There are numerous canyons in Malibu and you can combine them in so many ways that this can easily be a full day of riding. Tuna Canyon Road is one of the biggest highlights when it comes to motorcycle riding just 20 miles away from our rental location.
Malibu: Stunt Road + Latigo Canyon + Neptune's Net
This ride will take you on a wild, twisting journey. The top of the canyon features one of the best lookout spots in Malibu, before reaching Pacific Coast Highway and ending your ride with a well-deserved stop at yet another favorite spot for Angelinos, Neptune’s Net.
Malibu: Deer Creek + Little Sycamore Canyon
Our final Malibu mention here is a combination of several canyon roads that we really enjoy. You ride further up the coast before turning into the hills of Santa Monica Mountains. Once you begin to leave the ocean behind, the vistas and the riding will offer the much-needed fun time.
Our final word on Malibu is about bicyclists, and there are plenty. They don't all keep their lane, so please be mindful of going into turns, there may be someone slowly climbing the hill pedaling away and not leaving you much space.
Angeles Crest Highway
If you ask an Angeleno about the best ride around Los Angeles, most of the time you'll hear this one first. About 66 miles of curves, great views, and changing landscape as you get closer to Big Pines will be your highlight of the day.
Little Tujunga Canyon Rd
Near Angeles Crest Highway is a mountain road similar to the canyons of Malibu. It's called Little Tujunga Canyon Road. It's an amazingly peaceful ride. You can make your way to the top and stop at the forest firehouse, take a break for picnic and lunch, and ride all the way to come out of the canyon to the highway that will take you back to our location.
Ortega HWY AKA "The 74" + Tenaja Canyon
A fun, easy day trip; this road takes you through the Cleveland National Forest, Lake Elsinore, CA and along the coast to Laguna Beach. A great combination of sweeping twisties and coast riding. This truly is a favorite in southern California.
Lake Arrowhead + Big Bear
Looking for a good ride through the mountains? Head to Highway 38 through the San Bernardino Forest and pass through Lake Arrowhead before heading to Big Bear Lake. Clean roads and beautiful country and views make for the perfect break from the busy city.
Idyllwild + HWY 243
Between Los Angeles and Palm Springs, the San Jacinto mountains gracefully stare at us with the snowcapped tops. This is a seasonal ride and may get a fair share of snow and ice in the winter months. But when the weather gets warm again, you're in for a treat!
Whether you're coming up or down on Highway 243, stop in Idyllwild for a meal or an overnight stay, and then make your way back to Los Angeles, there will be numerous times when you feel as one with nature and the machine you're on. This ride is a treat to feed your solitude crave.
Rent or Join the Club
In Los Angeles, we have one of our largest selections of motorcycles for rent starting from $69 per day. Whether you want to try a different model or have a passenger and need a comfortable option, you can always find a ride with us.
In Los Angeles, we have one of our largest selections of motorcycles for rent starting from $69 per day. Whether you want to try a different model or have a passenger and need a comfortable option, you can always find a ride with us.
To give you a taste of variety, here is what we have available in Los Angeles:
If you enjoy traveling quite a bit and would love to have "a motorcycle in your suitcase," then explore our annual membership called Club EagleRider. There are three plans to choose from, significant savings, and priority service. Most of our members use their Club credits while traveling, doing one-way rides, or accumulating credits for longer trips. If all this sounds intriguing, take a look at more info about the Club.
What Else to Do In LA?
It's always a good idea to visit a few iconic places in Los Angeles, such as Griffith Observatory, Getty Center, Santa Monica, and Venice Beach, Hollywood, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Queen Mary. For more ideas on trips starting in Los Angeles, take a look at our article about the points of interest and routes between LA, San Francisco, and Las Vegas.
For bonus inspiration, we will leave you with a one-way trip diary from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This is an easy 3-day ride that takes you through ocean cliffs of Big Sur and California coast. This trip made it on our list of top 30 3-5 day rides in America.
