In-Line & Roller-Skating in Los Angeles

In-Line & Roller-Skating

All of the paths mentioned in Bicycling are also excellent for in-line and roller-skating, though cyclists have the right of way. The Strand, specifically the part of it that passes through Venice Beach, is the skating mecca of the area. Distance skaters can hook up with the Friday Night Skate (310/577-5283. www.fridaynightskate.org). Every Friday night at 8:30 (weather permitting), skaters gather at the entrance to the Santa Monica Pier. From here, everyone zips off on a 10-mi route through city streets -- you just follow the pack, behind the guy with the boom box strapped to his body.

Jack Skate Park (23415 Civic Center Way, Malibu. 310/317-1364) is good for both in-line and roller-skating. It's closed to the public on Tuesday and Thursday.

To rent in-line skates, try Boardwalk Skates (201 1/2 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. 310/450-6634). You can rent both in-line and roller skates by the day or hour from Sea Mist Rentals (1619 Ocean Front Walk, at Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica. 310/395-7076).