One of the very first things I did when I visited Los Angeles for the first time was rent a bike and ride through Venice and Santa Monica.
I still remember how different everything felt from Europe; the palm trees, the ocean air, the boardwalk energy, the golden light right before sunset. There was something so freeing about discovering the city on two wheels instead of from a car.
And somehow, the bikes I kept noticing everywhere were always Linus.
Linus has always felt like such a staple of the LA bike scene to me. Effortless, timeless, retro and nostalgic in the best possible way; the kind of bike that instantly makes you want to slow down and enjoy where you are. Years later, living on the Westside, riding my own Linus has become part of my everyday routine here.
These are a few of my favorite Santa Monica stops lately; the places I keep riding back to over and over again.
Slow Mornings on Montana Avenue
Most mornings start somewhere along Montana Avenue. It’s one of the few places in Los Angeles that still feels like a real neighborhood street: locals walking their dogs, cafés opening their doors, and people actually taking their time. I love stopping at La La Land Kind Cafe for an iced coffee or matcha.
Layla Bagels
The Bagel Stop Worth the Ride
When I want to skip a long brunch but still treat myself, I usually bike down Ocean Park Boulevard and stop at Layla Bagels for a bagel. The line is usually part of the experience at this point, but somehow it still feels worth it. And if the wait is too long, I’ll head next door to Jyan Isaac Bread instead.
Brentwood Country Mart Afternoons
Another favorite ride is up toward Brentwood Country Mart. It still feels like old California to me; relaxed, charming, and slightly nostalgic. I’ll usually wander around for a bit, stop into The RealReal, and inevitably leave wishing my bike basket was bigger.
Workout Class Even Better
One of my favorite wellness rituals lately has been biking to Karen Lord Pilates in Santa Monica or to O p e n for a breath work session in Venice. There’s something about riding to a workout instead of driving that instantly shifts my mood before class even starts.
O p e n studio in Venice
An Artsy Afternoon at Bergamot Station
Another favorite stop is Bergamot Station, especially for a slower afternoon. I love spending time at William Turner Gallery and Peter Fetterman Gallery after having lunch at Le Great Outdoor. It’s one of my favorite hidden gems on the Westside, and the whole area feels creative and relaxed in a way I really love.
The Perfect Brunch Ride
For a proper brunch moment, I always come back to the rooftop at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. Sitting at Calabra after a bike ride feels quintessentially Santa Monica: ocean breeze, beautiful light, and brunches that somehow turn into late afternoons. It’s also one of my favorite places to bring friends visiting LA because it captures that dreamy coastal California feeling perfectly.
Santa Monica Proper
The Beach Ride Everyone Should Do Once
Some of my favorite rides are also the simplest ones: biking along the Santa Monica beach path from California avenue toward Venice Beach. You can ride all the way to the Venice Canals, and the route never really gets old. The palm trees, ocean breeze, skaters, and music drifting through the boardwalk; it’s the version of Los Angeles I fell in love with first. Sunset is obviously the best time to go, but honestly, it’s beautiful almost anytime.
Is a Linus Bike Worth It? – My Linus review
People ask me about my Linus all the time, and honestly, I completely understand the hype.
The comfort, style, and overall riding experience are exceptional, and it genuinely made me want to bike more than I normally would. I’m on the petite side and even the medium size works perfectly for me, which also makes it convenient for my husband to ride too.
The Dutchi 7i has 7 speeds, a comfortable gel seat, and a rear rack for extra cargo… perfect to ride in the neighborhood and beyond. I especially love the hand-stitched genuine leather-wrapped grips and the comfortable saddle. I got the cutest basket that I took everywhere (and which also looks good in my entryway) and this beautiful retro bell.
But beyond the bike itself, I think what I really love is the lifestyle that comes with it. It turns coffee runs into rituals and sunsets into plans. Plus it retro look is insanely good.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a bike for beach rides, weekend mornings, or simply enjoying your city more, this is the favorite bike I got since moving to LA.
Disclaimer: Linus gifted me this bike after I reached out to the brand, but I had genuinely been a fan long before this partnership. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliate links, and Modersvp.com is reader-supported. Thank you for being here!
Bergamot Station – Peter Fetterman Gallery