Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles

Spending the day at the beach tops our list of outdoor activities in Los Angeles especially if you're looking for options that don't cost a thing. All you need is a swimsuit, a towel, and some SPF 30, and you're all set for a golden day in the Golden State.
 
Depending on your beach tastes, Los Angeles has the perfect beach for you. First-time LA visitors shouldn't miss Santa Monica Beach or Manhattan Beach, as both locations offer nearby restaurants and shopping opportunities. For more out-of-the-way beach time, join the locals in Malibu at Carbon Beach (known as Billionaire's Beach). Catch some choice waves at Zuma or Surfrider Beach, ideal spots for surfers and sun worshipers alike.

The Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a hidden gem that doesn't often appear on "Los Angeles Must-See" lists. With winding paths past native plants, waterfalls, and wildlife sanctuaries, you'll spend the entire day without feeling like you're in a city at all. 
 
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy at the group outdoor tables, or pick up refreshments at the garden's concession stands. Stop at the library and gift shop after you tour the historic buildings. Before arriving, check the arboretum's schedule for the lineup of outdoor events, concerts, and classes. (If you've never tried goat yoga, this is your chance!) 

If you're up for a short drive outside the city, Big Bear Lake is a destination that delivers far more than you might expect. Located within a city of the same name, it's a haven for anyone seeking fun outdoor activities near Los Angeles from mountain hiking and kayaking to fishing and horseback riding.

Once the weather gets chilly, head over to Big Bear for Angelenos' favorite ski experience. Nearby Snow Summit and Bear Mountain offer over 400 acres of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, attracting snow aficionados from all over Southern California. Spent all day touring Los Angeles? No problem Big Bear also offers night ski sessions if you'd rather hit the slopes under the stars.

For the quintessential Los Angeles outdoor activity, take a walk to the world-famous Hollywood Sign. Several trails lead up to the mountaintop where the sign resides, making it easy to tailor the experience to your hiking level. Bring your dog on a leash to let them enjoy the view from the Santa Monica Mountains.

The trails' hours are the same as Griffith Park, where the walk begins (sunrise to sunset). While you're not allowed to touch or get close to the Hollywood Sign, feel free to take selfies from the required distance and catch a shot of beautiful Los Angeles in the valley below.

While you're at Griffith Park, spread out a blanket for a picnic lunch on the grounds. Then take the kids to the playground and merry-go-round before stopping by the Travel Town Museum for the famous "railroad petting zoo." Speaking of zoos, visitors can also access the Los Angeles Zoo and the Autry Museum of the American West from Griffith Park.

When night falls, head over to Griffith Observatory to view the skies with a public telescope at a sky party. See a live show and Tesla Coil demonstrations at the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and listen to prestigious astronomers speak about their studies and observations throughout their careers.

Los Angeles is the place to be when it comes to outdoor music. Get tickets for a show at the historic Hollywood Bowl, perfect for sharing a picnic dinner or enjoying cuisine at the Bowl's many restaurants, including street tacos, pizza, and a wine bar. Arrive early to ensure you score a parking spot, or park in a nearby lot to access the Bowl Shuttle.

For an outdoor stadium experience, check out the upcoming concerts and live events at The Greek Theatre. Buy refreshments at the theater or order from a premium box suite, where four seats and a table offer an intimate evening to see your favorite artist perform on stage.

Golfers don't need to look far for great golfing experiences in Los Angeles. Between year-round sunshine and verdant greens, every day is a win in LA — even if you don't come in under par.

Play 18 holes at Rustic Canyon Golf Course in nearby Moorpark, where locals enjoy a relaxed round that feels like a day at the country club. Stay downtown and rent a set of clubs at Rancho Park Golf Course, or head to nearby Pasadena to golf at Brookside at the Rose Bowl. Make arrangements for tee times before you arrive, and prepare for possible celebrity sightings near the sand trap.

Experience Venice Beach the local way when you rent bikes to ride along the 22-mile Marvin Braude Bike Trail. Stop to buy handcrafted wares and delicious food from street vendors along the way, or join in a basketball or beach volleyball game along the boardwalk. 

Head north on the bike trail to visit Santa Monica Pier, or keep riding south from Venice to reach Torrance County Beach. Along the way, explore tidal pools and shark tanks at Roundhouse Aquarium at Manhattan Beach, or enjoy a workout at Muscle Beach, a well-known spot for fitness fans.

Los Angeles isn't just about the beach — the city is also known for its proximity to several stunning mountain ranges. The San Gabriel and San Bernardino Mountains lie north of LA, while the Santa Monica Mountains rest nearby. 

Take the Wisdom Tree Trail on the way to Cahuenga Peak to see the only tree not destroyed by the 2007 Barham Fire. If you're near Pacific Palisades, check out Temescal Canyon Park, where the Temescal Canyon Trail takes you to a hidden shady canyon. For a waterfall sighting, hike or ride mountain bikes or horses to Escondido Falls, the highest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains. 

Combine the outdoors with the thrill of roller coasters when you spend the day at a Los Angeles amusement park. Tourists and locals alike love Six Flags Magic Mountain, located less than an hour from downtown Los Angeles. With live entertainment, family-friendly attractions, and several jaw-dropping coasters, Magic Mountain offers a full day of sunshine and unforgettable memories.

Want the coaster experience without the drive? Stop by Santa Monica Pier to ride the West Coaster, situated just over the Pacific Ocean, or hop on the Ferris Wheel for an unbeatable view of the California sunset.

There's a reason Californians love eating healthy: the produce can't be beat. Experience a true taste of Los Angeles when you sample fruits and vegetables from the Farmers' Market Los Angeles, known as the Original Farmers' Market. Over 100 grocers and restaurant owners gather at 3rd Street and Fairfax with farm-fresh produce, artisan baked goods, and specialty foods.

For a smaller farmers' market experience, stop by the Santa Monica Farmers' Market on selected days of the week. A few miles north of LA, you'll find over 60 certified vendors at Victory Park on Saturdays at the Pasadena Farmers' Market. No matter where you pick up your oranges, tamales, or ruby-red tomatoes, you're in for a distinctly Californian culinary experience.

Traveling with a furry companion? Let them feel the sand under their four paws at one of LA's dog-friendly beaches. Rosie's Dog Beach in Long Beach has rules in place to protect both owners and dogs. While dogs need to be leashed on the way to the beach, they can be unleashed once they reach the Dog Zone.

If your dog loves to surf or if you love watching dogs surf head down to Huntington Dog Beach, where Surf City Surf Dog hosts several dog surfing events during the year. This off-leash optional dog beach stretches for a mile and a half along the Huntington Beach coast and will quickly become a favorite stop for Fido (and for you).

Home of Los Angeles' beloved Dodgers, Dodger Stadium is a fun stop for anyone looking for outdoor activities in Los Angeles. During the spring and summer, locals and tourists cheer on the Boys in Blue as they make their way toward another World Series championship. Pick up tickets for a day game or watch the sunset over third base during a night game.

Dozens of restaurants and vendors offer LA favorites, including foot-long Dodger Dogs and ice cream in miniature batting helmets. See if your game falls on a souvenir giveaway day or if you can catch batting practice before the first inning begins.

Traveling during the off-season but still want to see Dodger Stadium? Check out the stadium's events and live entertainment lineup between November and April, when the team is resting up for the new season.

During the summer months in Southern California, there's no better place to find yourself than at a waterpark. Spend the day at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor in Santa Clarita, where a combination of thrill rides, water slides, and family attractions await every visitor. Best of all, Hurricane Harbor neighbors Six Flags Magic Mountain, giving you the chance to experience two LA venues in a single day.

If you're traveling south of Los Angeles, Raging Waters is another fun way to beat the heat. Enjoy speed slides, raft adventures, and wave pools before renting a cabana to cool down and grab a meal at one of the many on-site restaurants.