Outbound Collective logo

Los Angeles, California

Looking for the best photography in Los Angeles? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around Los Angeles. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Photography Spots in and near Los Angeles

  • Santa Monica, California

    Spend a Day at the Santa Monica Pier

    4.2
    *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...
    Read more
  • Palos Verdes Estates, California

    Bluff Cove

    4.4
    0.56 mi / 144 ft gain
    Parking for Bluff Cove is located along the sides of the street of Paseo Del Mar, and the trailhead is located right next to the street. Bluff Cove is one of those unique locations in that there are a variety of activities you can do here. It is a great location for surfing, paddle boarding, bod...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo's North Ridge Trail

    12.7 mi / 2684 ft gain
    The Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well-maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles, California

    Verdugo Mountain Traverse

    5.0
    12.13 mi / 0 ft gain
    The Verdugo Mountain Range is a small, rugged range spanning across the northeast end of the San Fernando Valley from Sun Valley to Glendale. With close to 50 miles of graded and well-maintained trails, the Verdugos are surprisingly underutilized and make a great place for someone looking to esca...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles County, California

    Mt. Disappointment via Billy Riley Trail

    3.5 mi / 1132 ft gain
    From the 210 Freeway in La Cañada, take California Highway 2 north 14 miles up into the San Gabriel Mountains. Make sure you have your National Forest Pass (sold at REI or Ranger Station) or your Interagency Pass because they have started checking parked vehicles. At the Red Box Picnic area, make...
    Read more
  • Seal Beach, California

    Sunset Beach

    4.6
    Sunset Beach is located just 9 miles south of Long Beach and 6 miles North of Huntington Beach, CA on the famous Pacific Coast Highway 1. I accessed Sunset Beach from the South on I-405. I took exit 22 for Seal Beach. After the exit I turned a left/west on Seal Beach Blvd and drove for 2.6 miles ...
    Read more
  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Burma Road Trail & Ishibashi Trail Loop

    4.3
    5.09 mi / 1148 ft gain
    Getting There: The easiest way to get to Portuguese Bend Nature Reserve is by following Crenshaw Boulevard up Rancho Palos Verdes to the very end of the street. You can park on either side of the street near Del Cerro Park, which also happens to be a great place for picnics if you want to eat bef...
    Read more
  • 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road, California

    Backbone Trail via Will Rogers State Park

    5.0
    3.02 mi / 656 ft gain
    You'll make your way up Will Rogers State Park Road, located just minutes from Santa Monica, Brentwood, Westwood, Malibu, Palisades, and much of west Los Angeles. Once on the road, head all the way to the top and you'll dead end into the parking lot. Always worth supporting State Parks with the p...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles, California

    Inspiration Point Loop Trail

    2.36 mi / 486 ft gain
    The Inspiration Point 2.3 mile loop hike in Will Rogers State Park is a family-friendly hike or after-work run near Los Angeles, California. It’s a great dirt trail for all skill levels and features scenic views and beautifully budding wildflowers. You’ll get to escape the city and take in the br...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles, California

    Cabrillo Beach

    Cabrillo Beach located in San Pedro, California is a great spot to bring the whole family. There are tide pools at the beach as well as the Cabrillo Marin Aquarium where the kiddos can get tours and more information about the sea life they're seeing.  There is a parking lot at the Cabrillo Beach...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles County, California

    Big Tujunga Canyon Lookouts

    1.22 mi / 453 ft gain
    Park at the Condor Peak Trailhead, please note that this trail head is unmarked so keep your eyes peeled on the right side of the turnout for a small single track trail. The trail gradually climbs along the side of the canyon until reaching a 4 way intersection. To your left and to your right wil...
    Read more
  • Huntington Beach, California

    Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail

    4.7
    2.97 mi / 30 ft gain
    The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve Trail is great for birding and wildlife viewing. If you want a longer hike, you can extend the mileage by heading down the riverbed trail. The trail is open year-round. Dogs are not allowed in Bolsa Chica.  Bolsa Chica State Beach is easily accessible from Oran...
    Read more
  • Los Angeles, California

    Temescal Canyon Loop

    3.9
    3.76 mi / 810 ft gain
    There are a couple of different ways that you can hike in Temescal Canyon. For this one, the loop begins from Temescal Canyon Trail at Sunset Boulevard and is approximately 3.76 miles. This loop is not dog friendly.  Additional Options for Hiking Temescal Canyon: The basic loop – 2.6 milesTh...
    Read more
  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Abalone Cove Shoreline Park

    4.3
    Abalone Cove Shoreline Park is a Palos Verdes gem. This 64-acre reserve is a state ecological preserve. There is something for everyone here, whether you want to relax and lay out or be adventurous and swim across channels to get to sea caves. The large parking area is very easy to find and costs...
    Read more
  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Terranea Beach Sea Cave

    4.3
    1.63 mi / 210 ft gain
    Head to the Pelican Cove parking lot where there’s plenty of free parking right at the trailhead. From the parking lot, take the Terranea Beach Trail and you will see views of the Point Vicente Lighthouse down the coast to your right. Continue on the trail through the luxury Terranea Resort whic...
    Read more
  • Rancho Palos Verdes, California

    Pelican Cove

    0.38 mi / 95 ft gain
    Getting There Coming from San Pedro, make a U-turn at the Hawthorne Boulevard stoplight onto Palos Verdes Drive South. From here, you can access the parking lot for Pelican Cove, where you'll get a 120° view of the ocean. It might be tempting to take in the sunset from the car, but you should def...
    Read more