45 Outdoor Activities in LA

Embark on a hike with stunning views of the iconic Hollywood Sign and the sprawling Los Angeles cityscape. Various trails offer different perspectives and difficulty levels.

Tip: Start your hike about 40-50 minutes before sunrise for a magical experience.

Enjoy a peaceful walk, run, or bike ride around the Hollywood Reservoir, offering abundant nature and beautiful views, including the Hollywood Sign.

Tip: Parking is available at the south entrance near the terminus of Weidlake.

Discover a beautiful botanical oasis with diverse plant collections, seasonal blooms, and peaceful walking paths, perfect for a serene outdoor escape.

Tip: Check their website for seasonal flower highlights and events.

Hike this popular 3.3-mile trail to a beautiful waterfall, known for being dog-friendly and offering a refreshing natural escape within Los Angeles.

Tip: This trail is a great option for a moderate hike with a rewarding natural feature.

Experience horseback riding through the Hollywood Hills with breathtaking views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign.

Tip: Book your trail ride in advance, especially for sunset tours.

Spend an afternoon exploring this expansive arboretum, featuring diverse plant collections, historic buildings, and beautiful landscapes.

Tip: Allow several hours to fully explore the grounds and its many features.

Embark on a unique hike that leads to the remnants of a mysterious 1930s compound, offering a blend of nature and intriguing history.

Tip: Wear sturdy shoes as the trail can be uneven.

Wander through 207 acres of meticulously maintained gardens showcasing plants from around the world, alongside impressive art collections.

Tip: Consider purchasing tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons.

Enjoy a short, shaded loop trail through a lush canyon, perfect for a peaceful stroll and a quick escape into nature.

Tip: Combine your walk with a stop at Trails Cafe for coffee and baked goods.

Discover a gateway to hiking with numerous trails offering beautiful scenery and a true sense of wilderness just outside the city.

Tip: Check for library pass availability for potential entry fee discounts.

Trek to a beautiful hidden waterfall, starting with a paved road that transforms into a more adventurous trail.

Tip: Be prepared for a mix of paved and dirt paths on this scenic route.

Cycle along the scenic beach path from Santa Monica towards Palos Verdes, enjoying ocean views and coastal breezes.

Tip: Consider stopping in Manhattan Beach for a lunch break along the way.

Experience the iconic Santa Monica Pier, a classic LA landmark offering amusement park rides, entertainment, and stunning ocean views.

Tip: Arrive early to avoid the biggest crowds and enjoy the atmosphere.

Discover a quiet park with hiking trails, a lake, and streams, offering lovely city and mountain views that are often overlooked.

Tip: This park is a great option for a peaceful nature escape without the crowds.

Ascend a series of staircases winding through the charming Beachwood Canyon neighborhood for unique architecture and scenic hillside views.

Tip: Time your hike for sunset to enjoy breathtaking golden hour views.

Find tranquility at this beautiful garden and temple, open to all, offering a peaceful retreat with serene water features and lush greenery.

Tip: Reserve your visit time on their website before you go.

Marvel at the unique geological formations and dramatic rock outcroppings that make this park a popular spot for hiking and photography.

Tip: This park is a fantastic spot for exploring and capturing unique landscape photos.

Ascend to the historic Mount Wilson Observatory for incredible hiking trails and a chance to see the Hooker telescope used by Edwin Hubble.

Tip: Visit the Hooker 100-inch telescope, crucial for discovering galaxies.

Take a leisurely walk around the beautiful UCLA campus, known for its stunning architecture and green spaces.

Tip: It's a great way to spend an hour or two exploring.

Explore a collection of vintage trains and railway cars in Griffith Park, offering a fun and free outdoor experience for all ages.

Tip: Climb aboard real vintage trains from the 1800s and 1900s.

Explore the abandoned enclosures of the old Griffith Park Zoo, offering a unique and slightly eerie outdoor adventure.

Tip: This is an easy way to kill an hour or two and offers a different perspective of the park.

Discover the intriguing abandoned ruins along the coastline in San Pedro, a unique spot for exploration and photography.

Tip: Be mindful of tides and safety when exploring this unique area.

Climb to the highest point of this park for rewarding city views and a hidden turtle pond oasis.

Tip: Enjoy panoramic views of the city to the west and mountains to the east.

Enjoy stunning ocean views, cliffside trails, and a beautiful beach at Point Dume, a popular spot for whale watching and sunset viewing.

Tip: This is a great spot for a relaxing day at the beach or a scenic hike.

Explore the natural beauty of Placerita Canyon, offering hiking trails through oak woodlands and chaparral.

Tip: This is a great option for families looking for accessible nature trails.

Hike through scenic canyons, past rock formations, and along the creek in this beautiful state park, a favorite for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tip: This park offers a variety of trails for different skill levels.

Venture into the vast Angeles National Forest for a wide range of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging mountain climbs.

Tip: Driving up the '2' freeway quickly gets you out of the city and into the wilderness.

Hike to Eaton Canyon Falls, a beautiful waterfall accessible via a scenic trail, offering a refreshing natural experience.

Tip: This is a popular spot, so consider going on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Discover beautiful trails in the mountains overlooking Los Angeles, offering stunning vistas and a peaceful hiking experience.

Tip: This park provides a great escape with rewarding views.

Explore the stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and impressive art collections at the Getty Center, offering panoramic city views.

Tip: Admission is free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

Enjoy a beginner-friendly one-hour trail ride through quiet neighborhoods and scenic spots, offering a unique way to see the city.

Tip: Book your ride online in advance.

Visit this serene spiritual center with beautiful gardens and a lake, offering a peaceful escape and stunning views.

Tip: This is a place for quiet contemplation and enjoying nature's beauty.

Take a hike through Bronson Canyon, known for its cave-like entrance and trails that offer views of the Hollywood Sign.

Tip: This trail offers a different perspective and a less crowded approach to the sign.

Wander through diverse themed gardens, including Japanese, Chinese, and desert gardens, offering a beautiful and educational outdoor experience.

Tip: This is a favorite place for many to recharge and enjoy nature.

Discover a vibrant butterfly garden, offering a close-up look at these beautiful insects in a natural setting.

Tip: This is a delightful seasonal attraction, check for availability.

Ascend Mt. Hollywood for panoramic views of the city, the Hollywood Sign, and the Griffith Observatory.

Tip: This hike offers a rewarding experience with iconic LA landmarks.

Explore ancient Greek and Roman art and architecture in a stunning villa setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Tip: Timed-entry tickets are required and can be booked online.

Discover the unique coastal landscape of the Sunken City, an area of abandoned structures and tide pools.

Tip: Check tide charts for the best experience exploring the tide pools.

Venture to the incredible grotto at Circle X Ranch for a unique hiking experience in a less crowded area near Malibu.

Tip: Combine your hike with lunch at nearby Neptune's Net.

Cycle, walk, or run along sections of the LA River Path, offering a unique urban perspective and recreational opportunities.

Tip: Check for accessible sections and trail conditions before you go.

Explore a diverse collection of animals from around the world in a naturalistic setting within Griffith Park.

Tip: This is a great option for a fun day out with kids.

Embark on a hike to the summit of Mount Wilson for expansive views and a chance to visit the historic observatory.

Tip: This is a more strenuous hike, so be prepared with water and appropriate gear.

Cycle along the LA River, enjoying a unique urban trail that offers a different perspective of the city.

Tip: This path provides a great way to explore different parts of LA on two wheels.

Engage with interactive exhibits and explore the Space Shuttle Endeavour at this popular science museum.

Tip: Admission to the main exhibits is free.

Discover numerous hiking trails within Griffith Park, offering diverse landscapes and iconic views of the city and the Hollywood Sign.

Tip: Many trails are accessible and offer varying levels of difficulty.