Outdoor Fun For The Whole Family: Bike Riding and Swan Boat Rentals, Lake Balboa (Encino) and Echo Lake (Los Angeles)

Lake Balboa, encino

Echo lake, los angeles

Did you know there are plenty of bike paths leading to and from Lake Balboa park? And the best part? You don't need to own a bike to enjoy them. This is my second favorite time of the year, Fall, when the trees are beginning to change color. Brilliant orange, red and yellow colors grace the landscape. The weather is perfect, sunny, with a slight breeze (most of the time). Feel like bike riding now?, Inside the park resides "Wheel Fun Rentals". No reservation is required, and you are free to ride outside of the park. My favorite bike path is the one that takes you around the outside of the park, in a complete circle. It affords you beautiful views of the golf course, hills, mountains, and tree lined streets. (It is not for the faint of heart, just a warning). 

The second best bike route takes you around half the inside of the park, affording you views of the lake, shimmering bright blue in the sunlight. It takes you into the more extensive grounds of the park, under a cool bridge overpass (down hill ride), and out through to "Balboa Soccer Park" and the orange line bike path, if you so desire. OR, you can continue to ride around the outskirts of the park, which is also nice. All bike paths are clean, well maintained and green. They afford you with a good amount of shade, making the ride pleasant all year round. 

Wheel Fun Rentals: Beach Cruisers are just $12 per hour. Tandem Bikes cost $20, Surrey's cost $27, Double Surreys cost $37. They offer an annual pass for $12, which gives you 50% off each bike rental (good for one person only). The pass is good at any of their locations and they are open seven days a week. 

Bike riding isn't the only fun thing to do at Lake Balboa Park. Have you seen those adorable Swan boats on the lake?  

Wheel Fun Swan Boat Rentals: Just seeing people peddling around on the lake in these adorable Swan Boats puts a smile on my face. They vary in size, seating three to five people, and cost $11 per adult, $6 per child, 17 yrs and under. They are also available to rent seven days a week. 

AND GUESS WHAT?, they are also available to rent at "Echo Park" in Los Angeles.  But at night as well! Their boats light up at night and are available starting at sunset. Food is allowed on the boats, so feel free to grab a hot cocoa and snacks at the Beacon Café before heading out on the lake. The weather is perfect for it. Sounds like the perfect date night, am I right?! An annual pass is also available for Swan boat rides, $12, gets you 50% off a ride, and is good at any of their locations. 

I actually prefer to take the Swan Boat out on Echo Park Lake. As it has a giant fountain in the center, which makes for a more fun ride, especially during the summer time. It also ads beauty to the park. Then after your peddling workout you can walk next door to the Café and order food. 

I hope you enjoyed this post, and can get out to enjoy everything LA has to offer.