The vast Los Angeles area is composed of numerous unique environments that make it one of California’s premier destinations for nature lovers. Los Angeles has a mixture of everything, from extensive beaches to rugged mountains that offer breathtaking views of the city’s iconic skyline. Below, we’ll briefly look at some of the top outdoor destinations to explore in Los Angeles.
Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon is a renowned outdoor destination in Los Angeles sought out for its Instagram-worthy views. Runyon Canyon Park occupies 160 acres in the Santa Monica Mountains near Hollywood and offers trails of varying degrees of difficulty. As you hike to the top, you’ll witness breathtaking views of the city and the iconic Hollywood sign. This popular hiking destination is very dog-friendly and has several off-leash areas.
Echo Park Lake
Echo Park is a 2.5-square-mile neighborhood known for its serene urban park and lake at its center: Echo Park Lake. Surrounded by many of the trendiest dining and shopping destinations in the city, this 29-acre park is a green oasis in the heart of L.A. Echo Park Lake offers trails, meadows, and beautiful views of downtown Los Angeles throughout. Renting one of the famed swan paddle boats to explore the calm waters is a classic pastime.
Santa Catalina Island
Santa Catalina Island, most commonly referred to as Catalina Island, is a scenic destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially snorkelers and scuba divers. Just a short ferry ride from Los Angeles, Catalina Island is known for having gorgeous white sands and crystal-clear waters. The island has many protected natural areas that house local populations of foxes, bison, and more.
Mount Baldy
If you are seeking a grueling outdoor challenge, try hiking Mount Baldy. Mount Baldy is the highest point in the Los Angeles area, a colossal mountain that reaches over 10,000 feet. For those willing to embrace the journey, an eleven-mile hike reaches the mountaintop, where you can enjoy views stretching from the Mojave Desert to the Pacific Ocean. There is a lack of tree coverage, so it is best to avoid this hike on sweltering days.
Dockweiler State Beach
Dockweiler State Beach is a large beach along the coast with around 3.75 miles of shoreline. This vast, open beach offers bike trails, hiking areas, and jetties for fishing. With hang gliding facilities on-site, the beach is popular among adrenaline junkies. The beach also includes many fire rings, so nighttime gatherings are common.
Zuma Beach
Zuma Beach is a broad, expansive beach in Malibu and one of the most popular destinations in the area. It is considered one of the best beaches in Los Angeles for surfing, with excellent conditions that attract crowds of surfers. The beach stretches over 1.8 miles and has facilities such as beach volleyball courts and seasonal food stands. Zuma’s waters also hold abundant wildlife; at certain times of the year, the beach is a great location to watch gray whale migrations.
Franklin Canyon Park
Franklin Canyon Park is an expansive, nature-filled park with diverse environments for intrepid outdoor enthusiasts to explore. The park stretches for around 605 acres and comprises woodlands, grasslands, a three-acre lake, and more. Numerous trails run throughout the park, including a 2.3-mile loop trail that presents breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The park feels remote and quiet despite being just a short drive from Beverly Hills.
