Los Angeles Ventura Beachfront Hike- north of Los Angeles; on coast between Malibu and Santa Barbara (photos coming!) recommended by Tom and Amanda from California.  Tom, thank you for the specific hike directions! directons:  exit 101 freeway at San Pedro Street, follow signs for beach parks or marina park at San Buenaventura State Beach (which has a 1700 foot pier with snack bar, restaurant and bait shop) - "at San Buenaventura Park, take paved path north near the beach" - "follow path along the beach to the Promenade Park and Walk" - "continue to Surfers' Point up to the Ventura River where the path turns north along the river" - "continue along the river to Main Street and follow signs left for the Coast Route Bike Path" - "take the path past Seaside Wilderness Park back to the beach views" - "continue on the Coast Route overlooking Emma Wood State Park" -  "about 3/4 of the way to Highway 1, there is a sharp dip in the trail" where wheelchair hikers will want to turn around -  hike to this point is approx 3 miles -  joggers, walkers and bicyclists use this path -  great wheelchair hike with lots of activity to keep it interesting ! - for information regarding reserving a beach wheelchair at San Beunaventura State Park, call (805) 648-3321

___________________________________________ Marvin Braude Bike Path* - runs along Pacific Coast beach Malibu south to Torrance recommended by Mike from California; photos and specifics by Matt - northernmost point is located at Temescal Canyon Rd. and Pacific Coast Highway at Will Rogers State Beach; there is a parking lot here with many disabled-access spots right by the bike path - wide, paved multi-use path - runs 22 miles from Will Rogers State Beach south to Torrance - note- just south of Will Rogers State Beach there is a down slop in the path with may be challenging to some self propellers - longest beach path of its kind in the world - walkers, runners, bikers, skaters - path goes right under Santa Monica Pier, so there's plenty of places to stop for lunch or just a view of the ocean - path is mostly unshaded, so bring lots of sunscreen - sand/beach wheelchair available at large lifeguard station at south end of Will  Rogers State Beach

____________________________________________________________ - for the world's best brownies I really recommend Grateful Bread at 1518 Montana Ave (near 15th Street) in Santa Monica, phone 310-394-7178, web address www.gratefulbread.org