8 Best Outdoor Activities to Do in Los Angeles

Feature Photo by Elias Shankaji on Unsplash

The City of Angels. La La Land. Whether you know Los Angeles or one of its many nicknames, the point is that this city has made a name for itself because of all the famous movies and stars that have come out of it. But for the outdoorsy tourists, is there anything to do?

The answer is… absolutely! Don’t be fooled by the glitz and glam of the city because there are many outdoor activities to do in LA. Ranging from super adventurous to uber relaxing—there’s something for everyone in the City of Angels.

So, with the help of this article, get ready to fill your itinerary with a bunch of fun activities to do outdoors in Los Angeles!

1. Hike Griffith Park  

You can’t go to Los Angeles and miss out on the iconic Hollywood sign!

Well, adventure seekers and outdoor lovers in general, this activity will be right down your alley because if you want to get up close and personal with the Hollywood sign, you’re going to be required to put on your hiking boots. Griffith Park is something everyone needs to do when they visit LA! 

Spanning approximately 4200 acres, it’s absolutely enormous! There are tons of loops and trails, so you will definitely be able to get your step count for the day. Furthermore, it’s also a great place to do some trail running, and there are tons of photo opportunities.

For those who want an extra special experience, there are walking tours that will also give you a bit of backstory as you promenade through the area. 

READ MORE: California Road Trip Itinerary: 19 Must-Visit Stops!

2. Have sundowners with a view

Picture this: the sun is setting, you’ve got a drink in hand, and you’re surrounded by a panoramic view of the city—absolute bliss! There’s just something different about having sundowners 200m above the ground. What’s amazing is that rooftop bars in most high-rise buildings are spread throughout LA!

3. Experience the beauty of Venice

Dream of floating down the historic canals of Venice on a gondola? While it’s not exactly what you’d find in Italy, you’ll definitely experience something along similar lines in Los Angeles at none other than the Venice boardwalk.

This area offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of LA as you can float down the canals and let your worries and cares just float away. 

Situated between the Abbot Kinney and the Venice Beach Boardwalk, the Venice Canals offer you a completely different experience from the typical LA beaches that people love so much. Take it slow on one of your days and stroll around the boardwalk, enjoying the wildlife and beautiful scenery. 

And, if you’re feeling a little more adventurous, consider taking a kayak or paddleboard out for a spin. You’ll come back feeling completely refreshed and rejuvenated, maybe even ready for a relaxing drink at one of the many rooftop bars in LA!

4. Get in touch with your artistic side

Looking for something a little more bougie and sophisticated, maybe taking a walk through J. Paul Getty’s Museum would be the right fit for you. The exquisite building of his Faux Villa was opened in 1974 and is filled with some amazing paintings and collector’s items. In addition to that, it’s also home to the Getty’s collection of Mediterranean antiquities. You’re probably asking, this is all indoors, though, isn’t it? 

You’re right, but the gardens of the Villa are absolutely to die for and are an art in their own right. We’d suggest taking in the art and taking a slow stroll around the garden, taking in its beauty!

READ MORE: How to Plan a USA Road Trip & Choosing a Vehicle

5. Take a trip to Catalina Island

Looking for an experience that’ll surely take your breath away? Catalina Island feels like a completely different world from the typical LA scene altogether.

With beautiful blue and clear waters and a vibey beach, you’ll feel like you’re in a villa in Greece or Bali. To get to this famed island, you’ll need to take a ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro. 

Here’s a tip for your trip to the island: Be ready to take in its rich history, epic beaches, and exciting terrain to explore with breathtaking views! If you get tired of the beach, take a hike on one of the various trails around the island.

Also, always be ready with your camera because there will be many picturesque moments, and that’s a guarantee. 

6. Visit the Santa Monica Farmers Market

As pretty much any real foodie would say, you can’t visit another town without visiting its local farmers market. To the untrained eye, every farmer’s market might seem exactly the same, but trust us, the Santa Monica Farmers Market takes things to a new level! 

To give you some insight into just how good this market is, the most elite of the restaurants in LA source their goods from this particular market. Yes, the produce is that good! Take the morning to stroll through the market, looking at all the fresh goodies farmers have worked hard to produce. 

7. Visit the Santa Monica Pier 

This list would not be complete without a visit to the Santa Monica Pier. This vibrant and bustling pier has so many things to do you won’t even know where to begin – although getting the iconic Ferris Wheel ticked off your bucket list is probably a good place to start.

It has something to offer for absolutely everyone, so whether you’re looking for a fun outing for the whole family or a romantic honeymoon experience, head to the Santa Monica Pier.

READ MORE: Road Trip Tips: 21 Mistakes to Avoid When on a USA Road Trip

8. Have a pint at the beer garden

Maybe rooftop bars aren’t your vibe, and that’s okay. If so, consider checking out a beer garden. Now, LA might not be renowned for its Oktoberfest celebrations, but there are a few beer gardens that serve an impressive range of craft beers.

Whether you’re after a good pilsner or fancy an IPA, you can find a wide selection of them here. So, grab a group of friends and test your palates on a round of different beers. 

Final Thoughts

One of the best ways to travel around Los Angeles and enjoy its beautiful landscapes is to hire a campervan. With a campervan, you won’t need to worry about booking into expensive hotels or renting a car; you can simply travel from place to place in your accommodation – convenient, right?

If this sounds like your ideal vacation, then take a look here to see the latest deals for camper van rental in LA. Trust us, with how much there is to do in LA, you’ll want to save time on booking into and out of hotels. 

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