Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California is a must-visit for outdoor adventures and boasts some of the best trails and outdoor activities. The scenic El Dorado Nature Center Trail is a top pick for hiking, with its 2-mile loop offering glimpses of streams, lakes, and unique rock formations. For a more challenging trek, the Dominguez Gap Wetlands Trails presents a 7-mile round trip through a diverse landscape of wetlands and river views. If water activities are more your style, kayaking in the Naples Canals is a popular choice. Nearby, the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers bird-watching opportunities, with over 200 species spotted annually. These outdoor attractions make Long Beach a hub for those seeking scenic, active pursuits.
Top Spots in and near Long Beach
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Topanga, California
Top of Topanga Overlook
1 mi / 1613 ft gainTop of Topanga Overlook: San Fernando Valley's Quick Escape with Panoramic Views Top of Topanga Overlook is a parking area with an optional short hike, very close to Warner Center in Woodland Hills. Perfect for those after-work getaways, especially if you need a break from the hectic city life. ...Read more -
Topanga, California
Red Rock Canyon to Calabasas Peak
4.04.53 mi / 1004 ft gainWhen you get to the parking lot be sure to pay the $5 parking fee. You will need to place this in the provided envelope and drop it in the iron ranger. Start the hike by following the fire road behind the gate. About a couple of yards in, you will see a trail on your left which leads to a ghoul...Read more -
Claremont, California
Claremont Wilderness Loop
4.85.03 mi / 1020 ft gainDrive to the top of Mills Ave in Claremont. There is a main parking area to the left and overflow parking a block south on the right. It costs $3 to park for 4hrs. As the name implies, the Wilderness Loop is a loop that connects to other trails in the Claremont Hills Wilderness. You can choose t...Read more -
Topanga, California
Calabasas Peak Motorway
7.23 mi / 1565 ft gainGetting There You can, from Los Angeles, go one of three ways: take I-405 to US-101 and head west, or from downtown, take US-101 the whole way, OR, get on I-10 from the Westside or east of there and take that until it becomes PCH, then take that to Topanga Canyon (turn left onto Old Topanga Cany...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Trail Canyon Falls
4.04.56 mi / 1017 ft gainTo get to the trail, take Big Tujunga Canyon Road until you see signs for Trail Canyon Road. The entry point is easy to miss, but keep an eye out for a stop sign and cars parked at the bottom of a dirt path. Drive up the dirt path for direct parking at the trailhead (4x4 is definitely recommended...Read more -
Palmdale, California
Hike to Vetter Mountain and the Fire Lookout Tower
2.8 mi / 550 ft gainIf you're looking for an easy mountain to hike, and perhaps give the kids something interesting to learn about at the top, then Vetter Mountain may fit the bill. At 5,908', and with a trailhead at about 5,350', this 1.4 mile (one way) hike only climbs about 550' vertical. The trailhead is loca...Read more -
Corona, California
Santiago Peak via Holy Jim (Temporary Closure)
5.016.25 mi / 4423 ft gainThis trail may still be closed due to trail maintenance. Please contact Trabuco Ranger at 951-736-1811 before heading out. This a long day hike of 16 miles roundtrip, so it's best to get an early start (before sunrise). Get amazing views of Mt. San Antonio, San Jacinto, and San Gorgonio, and Ca...Read more -
Corona, California
Holy Jim Falls
3.53.06 mi / 633 ft gainTo start, directions on how to get to the trail there are two different ways, the most common , which I will explain, being through Rancho Santa Margarita you will head east on Santa Margarita Parkway, turn left at the dead end (into a parking lot for a shopping center) on Plano Trabuco Road, thi...Read more -
La Verne, California
Cattle Canyon Trail
6.7 mi / 1066 ft gainWithin the San Gabriel Mountains from Highway 39 and along East Fork Road is Cattle Canyon. To go through Cattle Canyon, you can access the trail head just south of the Bridge to Nowhere trail head along East Fork Road right after it intersects with Glendora Mountain Road. There is a small parkin...Read more -
Malibu, CaliforniaRising Sun Trail, Solstice Canyon
4.76 mi / 800 ft gainTo reach the trail, head up the stairs from the parking lot, giving glimpses of the coast. In 0.1 miles, after crossing a paved road, turn right onto Rising Sun. For an easier hike through the canyon, take Solstice Canyon Trail, which is a mix of paved road and fire road, although likely to have...Read more -
San Juan Capistrano, California
Hike the Pinhead Peak Trail at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
4.02 mi / 220 ft gainRonald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is the perfect place to getaway from the hubbub of LA. Enjoy the scenic drive north on Ortega Highway before reaching the entrance gate to the park. Parking Fees are currently $3 on Weekdays and $5 on Weekends. Camping Fees vary depending on your group size. The...Read more -
San Fernando, California
Pacoima Park Natural Wash Park
0.54 mi / 13 ft gainPacoima Park Natural Wash Park makes for a wonderful & pleasant walk. The entrance to the park is located at the corner of Newton St and 8th St and runs up to Foothill Blvd in San Fernando California. The park is ADA accessible and allows for dogs on leash. There are also picnic tables and dr...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Camp at Malibu Creek State Park
5.0Malibu Creek State Park boasts over 8,000 acres of oak woodlands, grassy hills, dramatic peaks and serene meadows. It's an outdoor lover's paradise and only a short drive north from most of Los Angeles. Before it was a park, the land was owned by 20th Century Fox Studios and used in productions...Read more -
Palmdale, California
Camp at Manzanita Loop in Chilao Campground
5.0Chilao Camp is located at an elevation of 5,300 feet, in the San Gabriel Mountains, and is divided into two different loops called the Manzanita and Pine.This specific adventure is for the Manzanita Loop, which is pretty much known as the more scenic loop, mainly because the area overlooks the Bi...Read more -
Palmdale, California
Camp at Chilao Campground
4.3While not as popular as shady Buckhorn Campground up the road, Chilao offers the better views and greater chances of scoring a peaceful and private campsite. There are two campsites located here (and two group camps down in the valley). Sites are first come, first serve, and cost $12 (bring exact...Read more -
La Verne, California
Bridge to Nowhere via East Fork Trail
4.59.65 mi / 1798 ft gainThe trail on this 10-mile hike is predominately slow and steady, but can be a little rocky, so be prepared to scramble. When you’re fording the river, the water level can range from knee to chest high, especially in the wet months. A good pair of waterproof hiking boots is helpful, but water shoe...Read more
