Talk about Los Angeles and everyone thinks about bright lights and neon signboards. But there is much more to LA than just glitz and glamor. With its year-round sunshine and amazing weather, LA is perfect for enjoying the great outdoors and basking in the legendary Californian vibe. Here is a list of outdoor activities that you should add to your LA bucket list.
Hit the Beach
With 70-degree days for most of the year, every day can be a beach day in Los Angeles. Santa Monica is a postcard-perfect coastline with miles of beach, mountains, and beautiful blue sea. There is no lack of things to do on the LA beachfront. Take a stroll down the beach, get a suntan, go for a swim, or enjoy a meal at a restaurant with a sunset view.
Should you fancy something a little more exciting, rent a jet ski to get your adrenaline fix. Jet skis can go up to 30 miles an hour and will allow you to get out to the open water without a boat to hang out with the seals. For newbies, jet ski rental companies offer guided tours where you are accompanied by a member of staff to make sure that you stay safe.
Go Surfing
Can you say that you have been to Los Angeles if you did not actually ride the surf there? California is the capital of surfing in the US and home to several famous breaks. In 2018, surfing became the state’s official sport. As you walk down the coast, you will see a bevy of board shapers, surf lifestyle shops, and surfers enjoying the big Pacific Ocean waves.
If you are not a seasoned surfer, there are plenty of quality surf schools offering surf lessons Los Angeles to get you acquainted with the sport. Beginners can learn to surf in as little as two hours. From first-timers to advanced surfers, a good surf school can assign instructors to match your level of skill so that you get the best possible experience on the water. They can also include anything that you need like wetsuits.
Bike Around
There are several opportunities for unique bike rides around LA. For those who want to stay close to the action, you can trace the shoreline and bike the Strand to the dreamy hillsides of Manhattan Beach. During your ride, you get to enjoy outstanding views of the coast and the beachgoers that dotted it. Stop at the historic Manhattan Beach Pier for an aquarium visit or a meal at the end.
For those willing to go further afield, join a country cycling tour in Santa Barbara and tour the wine country on two wheels. You will ride past rows of picturesque grape vines and soak in the vineyard vibes of the valley. At lunch, be rewarded with an artisanal selection of local produce and the best that California has to offer. A perfect way to spend the day.
Take a Hike
It is no secret that you will see a lot of tourists during a Griffith Park hike. But, with 4,210 acres of space and award-winning views, there is a reason why this is a mandatory activity for visitors to LA. There are plenty of guided tours that take you through the Hollywood Hills to the famous sign and iconic Griffith Observatory. Guided hikes last about two hours and you can choose between morning or sunset departures.
If hiking with a crowd is not for you, there are many trails off the beaten track that you can explore. The 605-acre Franklin Canyon Park between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley is a lovely wild landscape featuring a lake, stunning grasslands, and even a small forest. Take a picnic basket with you to enjoy the expansive picnic grounds over a relaxing lunch.
Get Out of Town
Had a little bit too much of the lights and action? Some special spots in LA county will make you feel like you are in another world. The little town of Solvang will transport you to Denmark with its quaint architecture and selection of pastries and sweets. Visit for afternoon tea and bring your dog because this town is extremely dog-friendly. Some coffee shops even provide pet treats!
For another kind of island adventure, head to Catalina Island via ferry from San Pedro, Long Beach, or Dana Point. This beach town with a rich history used to be the favorite hideaway for Hollywood celebrities and remains a low-key escape for Southern Californians who seek a piece of Europe. Settle with a cocktail at a beach club or rent a Hummer and go off-road into the rugged mountains.
With its wonderful weather, it is no wonder that LA is the place to be for the rich and famous. Why would you live anywhere else when there is so much to see and do? While the county is famous for its nighttime revelry, you can take in the natural sights during the day. From desert to seaside, sample the best of the great Californian outdoors in Los Angeles.