Lake Hughes, California

Monrovia Falls is closed indefinitely due to the Bobcat Fire and mudslides. Read more on the CityofMonrovia.org website. The Monrovia Falls are at the end of the main trail located in Monrovia Canyon Park. The park is easy to locate and has ample parking. Keep in mind you do have to pay a fee of...

This is a simple but steep 2.4 mile round-trip hike to a clearing on a mountaintop in Topanga/Malibu, about an hour's drive west of downtown LA. At the end of the hike you'll reach a clearing with incredible views. On a cloudy or foggy day, it feels like you're floating above the clouds; on a cle...

This 5.4-mile out-and back trail takes off from the end of the residential area of Paseo Miramar. Once you hike a little less than a quarter mile in, you'll connect with Los Liones Canyon Trail. Continue on Paseo Miramar Trail, which in another 2.5 miles, will connect you with the Parker Mesa Ove...

Vista 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...

The Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) Lake Shrine Temple is a spiritual sanctuary located in Pacific Palisades, California, USA. It's known for its serene and beautiful surroundings, which include gardens, a lake, and various shrines dedicated to different spiritual traditions. Reservationsare re...

Recently 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...

Unlike most beaches in Los Angeles, this tiny little stretch of beach is usually empty, and is a little gem! It is the perfect place to get an unobstructed view of the sunset, and the sticks in the ground make for a picturesque sunset picture! Just be warned, this beach is right on PCH, so expect...

Note: Jim Morrison Cave is closed indefinitely. The bright colors of the Jim Morrison Cave are something to not be missed, and is appreciated by people of all ages. The cave also provides a beautiful outlook of the Malibu canyon, Malibu State Park and the Pacific Ocean. There is a ton of rock ho...

Great little campsite very close to the town of Ojai.  My discovery of this gem was totally coincidental. I was trying to book a hotel room in Ojai; however, that particular weekend all the rooms that were within my budget were sold out. Instead of giving up, I looked for alternative options and ...

Discover serenity at Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, a tranquil oasis in Los Angeles, Calfiornia. Admission is $6/person, with guided tours available to explore its spiritual and architectural significance. Nestled in lush greenery, including a labyrinth for contemplative walks, it offer...

This area is a family friendly hiking area for beginners. The farthest place to hike on the map is call Reflection Pond and is about a 7 mile hike out and back. The main trail called San Emigdio Trail runs right next to a stream the whole time. It is a really nice area for a day hike to find some...

Driving up Gridley Road away from Ojai you’ll come upon a small parking lot on your left and a gate barring the way to a dirt road. Park here, as close to the mountainside as possible and head onto the trail.  Follow the trail until you see pass a bench, and start heading downhill. Keep your eye...

The Potrero John Trail is only 1.75 miles one-way, and is mostly used for hiking. It is right off Highway 33- driving north on the 33, the trailhead is on the right side of the street, right after the Potrero John Bridge (parking is fairly limited so the earlier you get there the better). There ...

Less than a mile South from the small town center, Malibu Pier stretches out into the Pacific. The Pier has been in Malibu since 1905 and though much of Malibu has been built up around it, it has remained quite similar to when it was first constructed. You can either pay for parking right at the ...

The Kenneth Hahn Recreation Area is just outside of downtown LA, a perfect location for hiking, trail running, and biking. The trail loops up to the top of a hill, where hikers get sweeping views of LA. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on leash.  This is also a great location for trail running...

Unlimited photography options with the ferris wheel, beach, ocean, and sunsets Abundant people watching opportunities  Plenty of ways to get a workout in including swimming, volleyball courts, running, or riding a bike There is a bike and walking path that runs along the coast.  One of my favo...