Seeking an escape from the urban hustle of Los Angeles? Look no further than the Ballona Creek Bike Path. This hidden gem stretches approximately 7 miles from Syd Kronenthal Park in Culver City all the way to the Pacific Ocean, connecting to the Coast Bike Path along the beach. This guide will detail the various access points to this scenic trail, helping you plan your next cycling adventure or leisurely stroll.
Exploring the Entrances of Ballona Creek Bike Path
The Ballona Creek Bike Path offers numerous entry points, making it easily accessible from various locations. Whether you’re starting near Culver City or closer to Marina del Rey, you’ll find convenient access to this revitalized urban trail. Most entrances offer free street parking nearby, with the exceptions of Lincoln Blvd and Marina del Rey, where parking may be more limited or require paid lots.
The map above illustrates the thirteen main entrances, beginning at National Blvd (#1) and culminating at the Pacific Avenue bridge (#13). An additional entrance (#1A) at Higuera St is planned, further enhancing access to the path. It’s important to note that during periods of heavy rain or anticipated storms, the bike path entrances may be closed due to the creek’s potential to become fast-flowing and dangerous, possibly submerging sections of the path. Always check local conditions before heading out after rainfall.
Detailed Entrance Guide: From East to West
Let’s explore each entrance in detail, starting from the easternmost point at Syd Kronenthal Park and moving westward towards the Pacific Ocean:
1. Terminus at Syd Kronenthal Park
(Accessibility: Not handicap accessible)
Located at 3459 McManus Avenue, Culver City, Syd Kronenthal Park marks the eastern starting point of the Ballona Creek Bike Path. Find the entrance behind the park’s baseball field backstop. A steep ramp leads down to the path, requiring a U-turn to enter. Before descending, take a moment to admire the vibrant mural adorning the retaining wall behind the backstop. This point also serves as a connection to the Exposition Line light rail bike path, situated at street level parallel to the train tracks.
2. Duquesne Avenue
(Accessibility: Steep ramp, not handicap accessible)
Easily approached from both Culver and Jefferson Boulevards, the Duquesne Avenue entrance is situated on the downstream (west) side of the creek, opposite Culver City’s Transportation Facility. The entrance ramp is hard to miss, adorned with the Ballona Creek Renaissance’s (BCR) “Rivers of the World” mural. Across the creek, the giant urn sculpture serves as another landmark for this well-used access point.
3. Overland Avenue
(Accessibility: ADA Accessible on west side)
Approachable from Culver or Jefferson Boulevards, the Overland Avenue entrance is located on the west side, adjacent to the Culver City Julian Dixon Library. As you enter the bike path here, you’ll see BCR’s “Postcards From Ballona” mural on the parking lot retaining wall behind the library. A second entrance is available on the east side of Overland Avenue. Street parking is limited in this area. Notably, the section of the bike path between Overland Ave. and Sepulveda Blvd (#5) is flat and handicap accessible.
4. Ocean Drive and Pedestrian Bridge
(Accessibility: Handicap accessible)
This entrance is situated on Ocean Drive, south of the creek and west of Overland Avenue. Access the bike path by crossing the creek via the pedestrian bridge. This entrance is handicap accessible, offering ease of access for all users.
5. Sepulveda Boulevard
(Accessibility: Mixed accessibility – east side flat, west side steep ramp)
Bike path entrances are available on both sides of Sepulveda Boulevard, on the north side of the creek. The east-side entrance provides flat access all the way to Overland Avenue, ideal for those seeking a level entry. The west side entrance starts flat but quickly transitions to a steep ramp.
6. Sawtelle Blvd
(Accessibility: Steep ramp)
Find this entrance on Culver Drive, a small street on the north side of the creek at Purdue Avenue, one block west of Sawtelle Boulevard. This entrance features a steep ramp, so be prepared for a slightly challenging entry.
7. Slauson Avenue
(Accessibility: Short but steep access ramp)
This entrance is located where Slauson Avenue dead-ends into the creek on the north side. The access ramp passes through a charming little community garden, adding a touch of greenery to your entry. The ramp itself is short but steep.
8. Inglewood Boulevard
(Accessibility: Flat access ramp)
The Inglewood Boulevard entrance is situated on the east side of Inglewood Boulevard and offers a flat access ramp, making it convenient for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
9. Centinela Avenue
(Accessibility: Flat access ramp)
Two entrances are available at Centinela Avenue. The west side entrance provides some off-street parking space. The east side entrance is located a short distance down Culver Drive, a small side street. Both entrances feature flat access ramps, with the east side also offering benches and a drinking fountain – perfect for a休憩.
10. McConnell Avenue
(Accessibility: Steep but short ramp)
Accessible from Culver Boulevard or Braddock Avenue, the McConnell Avenue entrance is located at the north side of the creek where McConnell Avenue terminates. Expect a steep but short ramp at this entry point.
11. Lincoln Boulevard
(Accessibility: Entrances on both sides, no parking)
Entrances are available on both sides of Lincoln Boulevard, but parking is not provided directly at these entrances. To the north, Lincoln Boulevard is currently not very bike-friendly. However, to the south, bike lanes connect Ballona Creek with Loyola Marymount University (though this uphill route is not recommended for young children).
12. Marina del Rey (Fiji Way)
(Accessibility: Flat and handicap accessible)
To access the Ballona Creek Bike Path at the Marina del Rey end, park at Fisherman’s Village (paid parking lot) and find the entrance at the end of Fiji Way. Fiji Way also connects to a bike path that meanders through Marina del Rey and out to Washington Boulevard. This entrance is flat and handicap accessible.
13. Pacific Avenue bridge to Beach Bikepath
(Accessibility: Flat and accessible)
At the westernmost point of Ballona Creek, the bike path crosses the Pacific Avenue bridge over the creek. It then jogs right and connects seamlessly with the beach bike path, which extends southward to Redondo Beach. This final entrance is flat and accessible, providing a smooth transition to coastal cycling.
Safety and Enjoyment on the Ballona Creek Bike Path
Originally a service road alongside the channelized Ballona Creek in the 1930s, the concrete berm has transformed into a popular recreational path for cyclists, joggers, walkers, and skaters. Recent improvements, including native landscaping, artist-designed gates, benches, drinking fountains, and murals – thanks to public agencies and organizations like BCR – have significantly enhanced the experience. These ongoing projects are creating a welcoming and pleasant space for recreation, commuting, and family outings.
While the Ballona Creek Bike Path is generally a safe and enjoyable place for exercise and commuting, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings. Visibility can be limited under freeway underpasses, and entrances and exits are somewhat spaced out. Staying alert is key. Cell phones are valuable for quickly reporting any hazards, debris, graffiti, pollution, or suspicious activity.
Exercise extra caution, especially around underpasses and ramps where cyclists may be traveling at higher speeds.
Emergency Contact Information:
- Culver City Police Department Non-Emergency Line: 310-837-1221
- LAPD Non-Emergency Line: 310-202-4502
- Culver City Graffiti Hotline: 310-253-5555
Accessibility for All
Most of the Ballona Creek Bike Path is flat and accessible to individuals with disabilities and those using wheelchairs (both manual and motorized). However, some entrance gates have steep ramps that are not ADA compliant. Ramps also exist where the bike path goes under major streets approximately every half-mile to mile. Be cautious on steeper ramps as cyclists may be moving quickly in both directions.
Plan your visit to the Ballona Creek Bike Path today and discover this urban oasis in the heart of Los Angeles!
