Let’s Ride: A West L.A. Bike Tour
An Nguyen, Diana Nguyen / 5-Minute Read / Sharing Spaces
November 20, 2020
Illustrative map of Climate Action LAb x Retrospec's West LA Bike Tour, with locations from Santa Monica to Palms.
Getting outside is one of our favorite ways to recharge and find inspiration for our activism. Whether you’re in the city or along the coast, it’s not hard to find spaces in Los Angeles that demonstrate sustainability and community resilience. Climate Action LAb teamed up with Retrospec, an LA-based outdoor gear company committed to a no-barrier entry to the outdoors, to curate this cozy West LA Bike Tour and share our favorite community spaces.
From parks to community gardens, space is being held for Angelenos to come together and make positive changes for people and the planet. This tour is perfect solo or with friends and family for a cozy Sunday ride.
Read about each location and its empowering presence in the community below!
Heal the Bay Aquarium
1600 Ocean Front Walk, Santa Monica, CA 90401
The Heal the Bay Aquarium sits under the Santa Monica Pier.
Image courtesy of Visit California
Start your bike tour along the coast! Located under the Santa Monica Pier, the Heal the Bay Aquarium is the perfect place to immerse yourself in marine science without getting your feet wet. Learn about more than 100 species of animals that call the Bay home through hands-on activities and educational programs.
Tongva Park
1615 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
A path along the park highlights vibrant tree canopy and waterworks.
Image courtesy of James Corner Field Operation
Once an asphalt parking lot and now a 6-acre urban oasis, explore rolling hills and braided paths of native and locally appropriate sustainable plants. The park’s name celebrates the rich culture and traditions of the Indigenous Tongva people who have called this region home for thousands of years. Their deep connection to the original arroyos, native landscape, springs, and ‘breath of ocean’ are symbolically represented in this park for all to enjoy.
Santa Monica Community Garden
2224 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
A garden plot at the Santa Monica Community Garden baths in sunshine.
Image courtesy of Emily Hubbard
Admire the fruits and vegetables of the labor of local gardeners at the largest community garden in Santa Monica. Urban agriculture is beneficial for the environment, and to the health and wellbeing of community members Check out more than 73 unique plots to get inspiration for your own.
Main Street Farmers Market
2640 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Cadoro Bakery, one of the many vendors at the Sunday Main Street Farmers Market, display their freshly baked breads.
Image courtesy of Cadoro Bakery
Spend your Sunday morning from 8:30am-1:30pm perusing local goods at this gem set between the historic Victorian House and the California Heritage Museum. This farmers market is filled with delicious food, fresh produce, and artisan goods. Buying local food supports your community and is better for the environment than shopping at general grocery stores!
Safe Place for Youth’s Community Garden
681 Venice Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
Kiss the Ground and Safe Place for Youth's Community Garden in Venice, CA.
Image courtesy of NRDC
Stop by and smell the flowers, kale, corn, etc. at SPY’s community garden where houseless youth are provided with a safe and engaging outdoor environment that highlights food justice, community building, and healing. By witnessing the full cycle of food growth, youth experiencing and/or at-risk of houselessness are offered meaningful work opportunities that highlight their resilience, creativity, and ingenuity through internships and educational workshops.
Mar Vista Farmers Market
12198 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066
Signs directs visitors of the many vendors at the Mar Vista Farmers Market
Image courtesy of Mar Vista Farmers Market
Rain or shine, get your foodie fix on every Sunday (9am-2pm) at this farmers market in Mar Vista, it’s a local favorite for fresh produce, baked goods, fish, and meats. Not only does choosing local, seasonal, and organic produce reduce greenhouse gas emissions, oftentimes the food you find at the farmers market is more nutritious and taste better anyways!
Ocean View Farms
3304 S Centinela Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90066
The sun sets over garden beds at Ocean View Farms
Image courtesy of David Bullock
Take a peep at this six-acre organic, community garden that overlooks the Pacific Ocean. Ocean View Farms is a private nonprofit operating under an agreement with the City of LA Department of Recreation and Parks. Ocean View Farms promotes activities that minimize waste generation like reusing, reclaiming, and recycling all possible materials to ensure a minimal impact on the environment.