Begin at the Los Angeles River Center, where you can stock up on L.A. River facts. Roam the courtyards, fountains, and gardens of this Spanish-style estate (7:30–12, afternoon hours vary; 570 W. Ave. 26; 323/221-9939), which houses the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, Friends of the Los Angeles River, and other river-friendly groups. To get to the bike path, take a right on Ave. 26, another right on Figueroa St., and curve right onto Riverside Dr.