Different Things To Do In Los Angeles: Your Outdoor Adventurer’S Guide
When you think of Los Angeles, your mind probably jumps to Hollywood stars, sprawling beaches, and bumper-to-bumper traffic. It’s easy to assume the city is nothing but a concrete jungle, a place you pass through on your way to bigger adventures in the Sierra or the desert. We get it.
But what if we told you that LA is hiding a wild side? We promise to show you a version of the city that most travelers miss. This guide is built for explorers like you who are looking for different things to do in los angeles—the kind that involve more dirt and less drama.
Get ready to discover rugged mountain trails, hidden sea caves, and quiet corners where you can build real outdoor skills. We’ll cover where to hike, paddle, camp, and explore, all within reach of this massive metropolis. Let’s trade the sidewalks for trails.
Beyond the Pavement: Hiking the Santa Monica Mountains
The Santa Monica Mountains are LA’s incredible backyard, a coastal range stretching from the city to the sea. This is your first and best stop for a quick escape, offering trails for every skill level. Forget the crowded main paths; we’re going deeper.
One of the key different things to do in los angeles tips is to start early. Beat the heat and the crowds by hitting the trailhead by 7 AM, especially on weekends. This also gives you the best chance to spot wildlife like deer, coyotes, and bobcats.
Recommended Trails for True Adventurers
- Mishe Mokwa Trail to Sandstone Peak: This 6-mile loop is a local favorite for a reason. You’ll wind through incredible rock formations, including Balanced Rock, on your way to the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains. The 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and inland valleys are your reward.
- Solstice Canyon Loop: Perfect for a hotter day, this trail offers more shade and a fascinating destination: the ruins of a burned-down tropical-themed house from the 1950s and a seasonal waterfall. It’s a glimpse into LA’s quirky history mixed with natural beauty.
- Castro Crest: For more solitude, tackle a section of the Backbone Trail starting from Castro Crest. This area offers sweeping ocean views and a more rugged, chaparral-covered landscape that feels worlds away from the city.
Essential Gear and Safety
Even on a “city” hike, preparation is key. Always carry more water than you think you need—a 3-liter hydration bladder like a CamelBak Crux is standard. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip, not sneakers.
Be aware of your surroundings. Rattlesnakes are common, so watch where you step and never hike with headphones in both ears. Let someone know your route and expected return time. This is one of the most important different things to do in los angeles best practices for staying safe on the trail.
Coastal Exploration: Kayaking and Tide Pooling Like a Pro
The Pacific coastline is more than just sandy beaches for sunbathing. It’s a dynamic environment teeming with life, best explored by kayak or on foot during low tide. This is where you can connect with the marine world just a stone’s throw from the city.
Understanding how to different things to do in los angeles on the coast means respecting the environment. The benefits of exploring these areas come with a responsibility to protect them. Practice Leave No Trace principles, especially in fragile tide pools.
Sea Kayaking in Palos Verdes
The Palos Verdes Peninsula offers a rugged, cliff-lined coast with hidden coves and sea caves perfect for exploring in a sea kayak. Launch from Abalone Cove Shoreline Park and paddle north. You’ll be amazed by the clear water, kelp forests, and curious sea lions.
If you’re new to sea kayaking, consider a guided tour. An expert guide will not only keep you safe but also point out marine life and geological features you might otherwise miss.
Discovering Life in the Tide Pools
Leo Carrillo State Park and Abalone Cove are fantastic spots for tide pooling. To do it right, you need a tide chart (apps like Tides Near Me are great). Plan your visit for a negative low tide to see the most exposed marine life.
Walk gently on bare rock to avoid crushing fragile organisms. Look, but don’t touch or take anything. You’ll find sea stars, anemones, crabs, and maybe even a small octopus. This is one of the best eco-friendly different things to do in los angeles, offering a free and fascinating science lesson.
Your Guide to Finding Different Things to Do in Los Angeles’s Urban Oases
You don’t always have to drive an hour to find nature. Los Angeles is dotted with large parks and natural areas that offer a quick dose of the outdoors. These spots are perfect for a mid-week hike, trail run, or a chance to practice your plant identification skills.
Griffith Park’s Wild Side
Everyone knows the Griffith Observatory, but the park itself is one of the largest urban parks in the country, with over 50 miles of trails. Skip the main fire roads and explore the single-track trails in Fern Dell or the more remote eastern side of the park for a real sense of wilderness.
Birding at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park
Located in Northeast LA, this park is a hidden gem and a designated Audubon Center. The trails wind around a central pond, making it a hotspot for resident and migratory birds. It’s a peaceful place to practice your observation skills and enjoy a quiet afternoon.
Gearing Up for Adventure: Overlanding & Car Camping Gateways
For those with a capable vehicle and a desire to spend the night under the stars, Angeles National Forest is your gateway. Just north of the city, this vast forest offers a rugged escape with opportunities for dispersed camping—the ultimate way to find solitude.
One of the common problems with different things to do in los angeles is that established campgrounds book up months in advance. Learning the rules of dispersed camping opens up a world of possibilities.
Finding Your Spot
Pick up a map from a ranger station and ask about current conditions and open Forest Service roads. Look for roads that allow for dispersed camping (pull-offs that are at least one car length off the main road). A vehicle with decent clearance and good all-terrain tires, like the BFGoodrich T/A KO2, will give you more options.
Essential Overlanding Gear
Beyond your standard tent, a good car camping setup makes life easier. Consider a reliable cooler like a YETI Tundra, a portable power station like a Jackery Explorer to charge devices, and a comfortable sleeping system. Always pack out everything you pack in—and that includes human waste in sensitive areas.
Building Your Skills: From Rock Climbing to Survival Workshops
OutwardLab is all about helping you live outdoors smarter. Los Angeles provides incredible opportunities to learn and practice essential skills that will build your confidence for bigger adventures.
Bouldering at Stoney Point
Stoney Point Park in Chatsworth is a historic climbing and bouldering spot. The sandstone boulders offer countless “problems” for beginners and experts alike. It’s a great place to practice your movement on rock. All you need is a pair of climbing shoes (like the versatile La Sportiva Tarantulace), a chalk bag, and a bouldering pad for safety.
Wilderness Survival Schools
Several organizations in the greater LA area offer courses on everything from fire-making and shelter-building to wild edible plant identification. Investing in a one-day or weekend workshop is a fantastic way to build tangible skills and connect with other outdoor enthusiasts. This is a prime example of a different things to do in los angeles guide that focuses on self-reliance.
The Sustainable Adventurer: Practices for LA’s Wild Spaces
Part of exploring confidently is knowing you’re leaving a positive impact. Adopting a mindset of stewardship is crucial for preserving these precious natural areas so close to a major city.
This isn’t just a “care guide” for your gear; it’s a different things to do in los angeles care guide for the land itself. The benefits of different things to do in los angeles outdoors are only maintained if we all do our part.
Key Principles for Sustainable Adventures
- Leave No Trace: This is the golden rule. Pack it in, pack it out. Dispose of waste properly. Leave what you find.
- Volunteer: Look for opportunities with organizations like the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council or Heal the Bay. A day spent on trail maintenance or a beach cleanup is incredibly rewarding.
- Reduce Your Footprint: Carpool to trailheads. Minimize single-use plastics by using reusable water bottles and food containers. Support local businesses near the places you recreate.
Practicing sustainable different things to do in los angeles ensures these wild places will be here for generations of adventurers to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Different Things To Do in Los Angeles
What’s the best time of year for outdoor activities in LA?
Spring and Fall are ideal, with mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers (in spring). Winter can be great for hiking after a rainstorm clears the air, but be prepared for cooler weather and potentially muddy trails. Summer is very hot and dry, so plan activities for the early morning or evening.
Do I need special permits for these activities?
For most day hiking, you do not need a permit. For overnight camping in Angeles National Forest, you will need a California Campfire Permit (even if you only plan to use a stove), which is free online. Some areas may require a National Forest Adventure Pass for parking, so check the specific trailhead requirements before you go.
How can I stay safe from wildlife like snakes or mountain lions?
For snakes, the best defense is awareness. Watch where you step and never try to handle one. For mountain lions, encounters are extremely rare. Avoid hiking alone at dawn or dusk when they are most active. If you do see one, make yourself look as large as possible, make noise, and do not run.
Are there good options for solo female travelers?
Absolutely. Many of these activities are great for solo explorers. Stick to well-trafficked trails during daylight hours, always tell someone your itinerary, and carry a satellite messenger like a Garmin inReach Mini if you’re heading into areas with no cell service. Trust your instincts and choose adventures that match your comfort level.
Los Angeles is so much more than its stereotypes. It’s a city with a wild heart, offering a lifetime of adventures for those willing to look just beyond the pavement. By exploring its trails, coastlines, and forests, you’re not just finding different things to do—you’re connecting with the land and building the skills to explore anywhere in the world.
So gear up, get out there, and discover the LA that few ever see. Stay safe and happy trails!
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