Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles, California, is a true outdoor treasure trove. From breathtaking beaches to scenic trails, there's something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a challenging hike or a leisurely stroll, the best trails in the area will surely provide you with a unique, awe-inspiring experience. For those seeking a more relaxing activity, the area's top attractions, such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Universal Studios, are must-visit destinations. From sightseeing to picturesque scenery, the area has it all. With so much to explore, it's no wonder why the area is a popular destination for outdoor lovers.
Top Spots in and near Los Angeles
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Los Angeles, California
Watts Towers
3.0Watts Towers are a quick 15-20 minute ride from Downtown Los Angeles on the Metro. Since I love weird, interesting things, plus the towers are in my backyard, I had to take a trip to check them out! When getting off the train, I half expected to see the towers spiraling off in the distance. After...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ascot Hills
3.52.11 mi / 446 ft gainAscot Hills Park is a great hidden gem located a few miles east of Los Angeles. There is a parking lot with plenty of parking but the gates close at sunset, which is a great time to go, so if you plan on staying later, park outside the gates where there is ample street parking. Depending on the s...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Ord & Yale Street Park
4.0Recently opened in 2021, right behind the LA Library in Chinatown, you’ll find this secret gem, tucked away in the corner. Covered picnic tables, with checkerboard game boards in place, and all gender bathrooms with changing tables for the little ones. Two play areas as well as a small climbing w...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Historic Park
5.01.17 mi / 46 ft gainLos Angeles Historic Park is a loop trail that is good for all skill levels located near Dodgertown, California.Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Vista Hermosa Natural Park
4.20.58 mi / 36 ft gainVista Hermosa Natural Park is part of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Located in the western gateway to Downtown Los Angeles, it’s very easy to drive by this hidden gem if you’re not looking for it. This park is the perfect mix of ur...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Secret Swing in Elysian Park
4.20.16 mi / 72 ft gainFor the most direct directions to the swing, plug in "Swing on top of Elysian Park" into google maps, which will take you directly to the trailhead. If you want to do it the more old fashion way, the swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of Angels Point Drive and Park Row Drive in Elysian...Read more -
Whittier, California
Sycamore Canyon Trail in Turnbull Canyon
2.03.47 mi / 627 ft gainThe Sycamore Canyon Park Trailhead can be found at the end of the dirt parking lot off Workman Mill Road. The entrance is off a small road which is pretty easy to miss, but there is a sign off the main road. Soon after you start on the trail, the path opens up onto a larger dirt road for vehicle ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Echo Park Lake
3.00.98 mi / 0 ft gainEcho Park Lake in Los Angeles has a loop that is about 1 mile around. It’s a pretty busy park, that has ducks and geese everywhere. Beautiful lotus blossoms and iris flowers in the lake. Generally flat and one tiny incline that can easily be avoided. You can also rent swan paddleboats that light ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Elysian Park
4.01.88 mi / 282 ft gainThe trail at Elysian Park in Los Angeles, California, is a moderate difficulty hike that spans approximately 1.88 miles. The trail is well-marked and offers a variety of terrain, including dirt paths and paved roads. The trail is known for its panoramic views of the city, including the iconic Dod...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
City View and Walnut Forest Trails Loop
4.02.59 mi / 568 ft gainThe City View and Walnut Forest Trails in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park are just outside of downtown Los Angeles, and are perfect for all abilities. The trails are most commonly used by dog walkers, trail runners, mountain bikers and families. The top of the hike features a unique pond. Dogs are a...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Baxter Steps
4.50.16 mi / 108 ft gainThis set of stairs near Dodger Stadium is Los Angeles is a great way to get a workout and stretch your legs. Unfortunately it is not dog-friendly. Keep in mind the best time to go here is during the week, so you can avoid crowds. Be sure to bring extra water with you as it can get very hot!Read more -
Whittier, California
Hellman Park Trail
3.04 mi / 850 ft gainThis trail is great if you're looking for a quick, but intense workout. The hike itself is only 4 miles out- and-back and can be easily completed within a couple of hours. However, be prepared for a steep and steady incline for the first 1.5 miles. The trail itself is pretty wide, and if you sho...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Music Box Steps
5.00.08 mi / 20 ft gainClimb a historical landmark in LA. This is where the famous, Academy Award winning short, Laurel and Hardy made called "The Music Box”. Filmed back in the 1930's the story is about two movers trying to deliver a piano, up these steps. There is a plaque is dedicated at the bottom to this film. It’...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Three Stooges Stairs
4.00.07 mi / 43 ft gainThe stairs are about 147 steps. Located at Fair Oak View Terrace and Edendale Place in the Silver Lake, a district of Los Angeles. They are famous for where the Three Stooges short "An Ache In Every Stake" was filmed in 1941. It is a classic scene of where they have to deliver a block of ice all ...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Descanso Steps
4.00.1 mi / 20 ft gainThe steps are a series of stairways you will find throughout Silver Lake and neighboring areas. They facilitated people from the neighborhood in getting to the “red” streetcars, that used to run throughout the city. Cool relics of a mostly-forgotten past. These particular steps take you down from...Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Silver Lake Reservoir Trail
3.02.18 mi / 79 ft gainSilver Lake Reservoir Trail is a loop trail that takes you by a lake located in the Silver Lake neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. This urban escape is used by people running, walking, and birding. The trail is stroller-friendly, so you may see parents along the trail with their younger fam...Read more
Camping and Lodging in Los Angeles
Palmdale, California
Coulter Group Campground
Overview
At Coulter Group Campground groups can relax and enjoy the experience of being outdoors without traveling far from the greater L...
Palmdale, California
Meadow Group Campground
Overview
Meadow Group Campground is located off State Highway 2 between the Manzanita Loop of the Chilao Campground and the Chilao Ranger...
Pearblossom, California
Bandido Group Campground
Overview
Groups of all types will enjoy staying at the Bandido Group Campground, which boasts beautiful scenery in a relaxing, rustic atm...
Azusa, California
Jackson Flats
Overview
Jackson Flats is a group camping facility located next to beautiful Grassy Hollow Visitor Center, which holds numerous nature pr...
Valyermo, California
Mountain Oak
Overview
Escape to Mountain Oak Campground in the Angeles National Forest for a restful, refreshing getaway from city life. Just northwes...
Valyermo, California
Lake Campground
Overview
Lake Campground offers an excellent escape from the city, just a short drive northeast of the Los Angeles metro area. It's set o...
