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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Ventura County, California
Hike the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve Trail
8.6 mi / 1851 ft gainThe most popular point of entry is through the Victory Trailhead, which has ample parking. You can park on the street or you can pay $3 to park at the trailhead parking lot. You can also enter at the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Trailhead at the northern end of Las Virgenes Canyon Road in Calabasas....Read more -
Los Angeles, California
Hike up Chatsworth Park North
1 miFrom the parking lot, make your way through the park until you reach the bottom of a hill filled with huge rocks and boulders. It is very hard to miss.From here, you can pick any trail you wish. They will all lead up to the top. There's a lot of rock scrambling involved, as well as boulder hoppin...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Stand Up Paddle around Balboa Island, Newport Beach
5.0Balboa Island, located in Newport Bay, is a fun destination on its own, but add a relaxing SUP to the mix and you’ve got yourself an adventure. There are two ways to get onto island: cross the Marine Avenue Bridge, or take the Balboa Island Ferry (directly inland from Balboa Pier and south of New...Read more -
Los Angeles County, CaliforniaPlacerita Canyon Falls
5.04.7 mi / 764 ft gainPlacerita Canyon Falls in Los Angeles County, California is a moderately difficult trail due to the 4.7-mile roundtrip hike and 760+ft of elevation gain. If hiking, plan for a couple of hours to complete this trail. The trail is open year-round, but the waterfall is best after a recent rain. D...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 -
Agoura Hills, California
Rock Climbing in Malibu Creek
A great day trip! Referred to by many as the "Yosemite of Southern California," Malibu Creek offers a huge selection of bolted sport routes on generously pocketed volcanic rock. This is the perfect place to bring a first time climber or even your most seasoned climbing buddies. Routes range from ...Read more -
Los Angeles County, California
Mt. Williamson via Islip Saddle
4.16 mi / 1519 ft gainThe trailhead is immediately off of Angeles Crest Highway CA-2 at Islip Saddle. It's just a touch over 2 miles to reach the summit, through which you'll be hiking among the pine tree forest practically the entire way up (part of this trail doubles as the Pacific Crest Trail). The summit is larg...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Malibu Creek Rock Pool
3.92.04 mi / 105 ft gainThe trail starts out from the main parking lot past the ranger station at Malibu Creek State Park. Begin hiking west on Crags Road, a well maintained trail that meanders along the creek. As you walk, you'll pass under large oak trees and enjoy expansive views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Aft...Read more -
Azusa, California
Little Jimmy Trail Camp
4.33.36 mi / 607 ft gainTake Hwy 2 out of La Canada north along Angeles Crest Highway. Follow this for quite some time enjoying the fine views in all directions. After traveling through two consecutive tunnels continue to the Islip Saddle parking lot (on left). There will be a vault toilet & a picnic table. Display ...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Bodysurfing and Photography at The Wedge
4.8Beginning at the east end of the Balboa Peninsula The Wedge's main power house is the Newport Harbor Jetty. When the right south swell hits the jetty it reflects back creating a massive back wash. When the back wash hits an incoming set you have the notoriously heavy wedge-like shore break thunde...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Boulder at Pirate's Cove
4.0This is a great spot for bouldering in Newport Beach, CA with really easy access from the parking lot at Big Corona Beach or street parking above on Ocean Blvd. There are not clear signs to follow, but it is easy to find from the parking lot at Big Corona - it is on the far west side toward the h...Read more -
Agoura Hills, California
Malibu Lake Overlook
5.04.12 mi / 741 ft gainTo get to the trail, use the address 27800 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, CA 91301. This will take you to a dirt pull off right off the Mulholland Highway. At the southern part of the pull off, you'll see a dirt path leading up and away from the road. This is the Cistern Trail Trailhead. You'l...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 -
Silverado, California
Black Star Canyon Falls
4.86.93 mi / 1260 ft gainWaterfalls in Orange County are far and few between, with the best lying near and inside the Cleveland National Forest. Black Star Canyon Falls are some of the best just after a rain if you are heading out during a dry time of the season you should still expect to see some water. Free parking, ea...Read more -
Newport Beach, California
Arches at Little Corona del Mar
4.9Little Corona del Mar Beach is a secluded beach located on Poppy Avenue across Ocean Boulevard in Corona del Mar. Known as one of the less crowded beaches in the area, this spot is the perfect place to chill for the day or photograph a sunset. You will find plenty of free street parking in the ne...Read more -
Stevenson Ranch, California
Towsley Canyon Loop
4.55.84 mi / 1460 ft gainThe Towsley Canyon Loop can be done in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise loop. The clockwise path starts with a gradual ascent through Wiley Canyon and steep descent into the Towsley Gorge while a counter-clockwise route starts with a steep climb out of Towsley Canyon and a gradual descent ...Read more
