New Things To Do In Los Angeles – An Outdoor Adventurer’S Guide To
You see Los Angeles on screen and think you know it: a sprawling concrete grid of traffic, movie stars, and crowded beaches. For an outdoor enthusiast, it can feel like the last place on earth to find a real adventure or build practical survival skills.
We promise you, there’s another LA. Beyond the noise and the pavement lies a rugged, wild landscape where the mountains crash into the sea and hidden canyons echo with the sound of waterfalls. This is a city that can seriously test your gear and your grit.
This guide will show you exactly how to find it. We’re skipping the tourist traps and taking you straight to the trailheads, sea caves, and unexpected riverways. You’ll learn about new things to do in los angeles that will challenge you, inspire you, and connect you to the wild heart of Southern California.
Beyond the Pavement: Why LA is an Unexpected Outdoor Haven
Los Angeles is uniquely positioned, caught between the Pacific Ocean and a series of rugged mountain ranges like the Santa Monicas and the San Gabriels. This creates an incredible diversity of ecosystems you can often explore in a single day.
The benefits of new things to do in los angeles, from an outdoor perspective, are huge. You can spend the morning hiking through chaparral-covered hills, watching for hawks overhead, and then spend the afternoon exploring rich tide pools teeming with marine life.
This isn’t manicured parkland. These are wild spaces that demand respect and preparation. The trails can be steep and rocky, the sun is intense, and the wildlife is very real. It’s the perfect training ground to sharpen your navigation skills, test your gear, and learn to move confidently in nature.
Coastal Adventures: Sea Caves, Tide Pools, and Bluffs
LA’s coastline is more than just sandy sunbathing spots. The Malibu coast, in particular, is a stretch of dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, and rocky shores perfect for exploration. It’s a place to learn about marine ecosystems firsthand.
Explore the Sea Caves at Leo Carrillo State Park
Just north of Malibu, Leo Carrillo State Park is home to stunning sea caves and rock arches. The key here is timing. You must plan your visit around low tide, or the caves will be inaccessible and dangerous.
A common problem with new things to do in los angeles is underestimating the power of the ocean. Check a reliable tide chart online before you even get in the car. Once there, wear sturdy water shoes with good grip, like a pair of Keens or Chacos, as the rocks are incredibly slippery.
Bring a headlamp, like the Petzl Tikkina, to see into the darker corners of the caves. Most importantly, always be aware of the water and never turn your back on the waves.
Discover Marine Life in the Abalone Cove Tide Pools
For a more focused look at coastal wildlife, head to Abalone Cove Ecological Reserve in Rancho Palos Verdes. The tide pools here are a protected marine habitat, acting as a natural aquarium filled with sea stars, anemones, and tiny crabs.
This is a perfect opportunity to practice sustainable new things to do in los angeles. The number one rule of tide pooling is to look, not touch. The oils on our hands can harm these delicate creatures. Walk carefully on bare rock to avoid crushing organisms living on the surface.
The trail down to the cove is steep, and the rocks are sharp volcanic formations. Hiking boots with ankle support are a good idea for the approach, even if you change into water shoes at the bottom.
Your Guide to Finding New Things to Do in Los Angeles’ Mountains
The mountains ringing the LA basin offer a complete escape. They are rugged, dry, and offer sweeping views that put the scale of the city into perspective. This is where you can truly put your hiking and navigation skills to the test.
Hike to Escondido Falls: LA’s Surprising Waterfall
Yes, Los Angeles has waterfalls. Escondido Falls is one of the most popular, and for good reason. The trail to the 50-foot lower falls is a relatively easy 3.8-mile round trip, winding through oak groves and across several creek crossings.
For the more adventurous, a steep and challenging scramble leads to the multi-tiered upper falls. This section is not for beginners. It requires good fitness and confidence on slippery, user-maintained ropes. A good pair of trekking poles, like the Black Diamond Trail Ergo Cork, can provide crucial stability.
The best time to go is after a decent winter rain when the falls are flowing strongly. Be prepared for mud and wear waterproof hiking boots with aggressive tread, like the Merrell Moab 3.
Summit Sandstone Peak for 360-Degree Views
To truly feel on top of the world, hike to the summit of Sandstone Peak. At 3,111 feet, it’s the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, offering panoramic views from the Pacific Ocean to the San Fernando Valley.
This is a fantastic spot for a sunrise or sunset hike, but that requires careful planning. This is one of the new things to do in los angeles best practices: always pack a headlamp, even if you plan to be back before dark. Plans change, and getting caught on a trail after sunset without a light is a dangerous mistake.
The Mishe Mokwa Trail loop is a gorgeous 6-mile circuit that takes you past Split Rock and Balanced Rock before the final push to the summit. Carry at least 2-3 liters of water in a hydration reservoir like a CamelBak, as the trail is very exposed with little shade.
Urban Waterways: Kayaking the LA River
When you think of the LA River, you probably picture a concrete channel from a movie car chase. But thanks to major revitalization efforts, sections of the river are now thriving natural habitats you can explore by kayak.
This is one of the most unique and eco-friendly new things to do in los angeles. Paddling through the Glendale Narrows or the Sepulveda Basin, you’ll see lush greenery and an incredible amount of birdlife, including herons, egrets, and ospreys. It completely changes your perspective on the city.
How to Kayak the LA River Safely
You can’t just put a kayak in anywhere. Access is restricted to specific recreational zones and is only open during the summer season (typically Memorial Day to Labor Day). The safest and easiest way to experience the river is with a guided tour.
Companies like LA River Kayak Safari provide all the gear—kayak, paddle, and PFD (personal flotation device)—and expert guides who know the river’s quirks. They teach you basic paddling techniques and point out wildlife along the way.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet (synthetics are best), a wide-brimmed hat, and plenty of sunscreen. The river might have some small, fun Class I rapids, but it’s a beginner-friendly adventure that shows a side of LA you never knew existed.
Essential Tips for Sustainable and Safe LA Adventures
Knowing where to go is only half the battle. This new things to do in los angeles guide wouldn’t be complete without covering how to explore responsibly. The goal is to leave these beautiful places better than you found them and to ensure you get home safely.
Master the “Leave No Trace” Principles
Leave No Trace is more than a catchphrase; it’s an essential ethic for anyone who loves the outdoors. It’s the core of any good new things to do in los angeles care guide.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: This includes everything—wrappers, water bottles, and even organic waste like apple cores and orange peels. They take a long time to decompose in this dry climate and can attract animals.
- Stay on the Trail: Cutting switchbacks or walking off-trail causes severe erosion, damaging the landscape and harming plant life.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them. Be especially aware of rattlesnakes in warmer months; watch where you step and place your hands.
Beat the Heat and Stay Hydrated
The most common danger on LA trails is heat-related illness. The Southern California sun is intense, and many trails are fully exposed. Dehydration can set in quickly.
Avoid hiking during the hottest part of the day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) in the summer. Start at sunrise to take advantage of cooler temperatures. As a rule, carry a minimum of 1 liter of water for every two hours you plan to be hiking. It’s always better to carry too much water than not enough.
Navigating LA Traffic to Get to the Trailhead
One of the biggest common problems with new things to do in los angeles is simply getting there. Weekend traffic to popular trailheads in Malibu or the Angeles National Forest can be brutal.
Our best tip? Leave early. Far earlier than you think you need to. Aim to be at the trailhead by 7 a.m. on a Saturday or Sunday. Alternatively, plan your bigger adventures for a weekday if your schedule allows. Many trailheads in the Angeles National Forest also require a National Forest Adventure Pass to be displayed in your vehicle, so be sure to buy one online or at a local ranger station beforehand.
Frequently Asked Questions About New Things to Do in Los Angeles
Do I need special gear for LA hikes?
Yes. The single most important piece of gear is a pair of hiking shoes or trail runners with good traction. The terrain is often loose and rocky. Beyond that, the essentials are sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses) and a way to carry significantly more water than you think you’ll need.
Are these activities good for beginners?
Many are! A guided kayak trip on the LA River, exploring the Abalone Cove tide pools, or hiking to the lower Escondido Falls are all excellent for beginners. For more challenging routes like the upper falls or Sandstone Peak, we recommend building up your fitness and experience on easier trails first. Always check recent trail reviews on a service like AllTrails before you go.
How can I find more eco-friendly new things to do in los angeles?
Focus on human-powered activities that have a low impact on the environment. In addition to hiking and kayaking, consider trail running or mountain biking on designated paths. You can also give back by volunteering for a trail maintenance day with the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council or joining a cleanup event with an organization like Heal the Bay.
What are the biggest safety concerns for LA outdoor adventures?
The top three concerns are dehydration, sun exposure, and getting lost. Rattlesnake encounters are possible but bites are rare if you are aware and give them space. Always tell someone your detailed plan, including your route and expected return time. Carry a fully charged phone, but also have a backup map and compass or a GPS device, as cell service is unreliable in many canyons.
Los Angeles is a city of incredible contrasts. It’s a place where you can find solitude, challenge, and genuine wildness just a short drive from the urban core. The key is knowing where to look and arriving prepared.
So fill up your water bottle, double-check your daypack, and use this guide to discover the adventurous side of LA you’ve been searching for. Explore safely, leave no trace, and happy trails!
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