Things To Do In La With Friends: Your Guide To Epic Outdoor Adventures
You and your friends are ready for an adventure, but you look around Los Angeles and see a sea of concrete, traffic, and tourist traps. It’s easy to think that finding genuine, soul-refreshing outdoor experiences here is a lost cause, forcing you to choose between another brunch spot or a crowded beach.
I promise you, a wilder, more adventurous LA is hiding in plain sight, just waiting to be explored. This isn’t just about getting outside; it’s about forging stronger friendships, building real outdoor skills, and discovering the incredible natural beauty that thrives right on the edge of this sprawling metropolis.
This guide will show you exactly where to find those unforgettable moments. We’ll ditch the Hollywood sign glamour for rugged mountain trails, swap crowded boardwalks for secluded coves, and give you all the practical, safety-first advice you need to plan the perfect group outing. Get ready to see a side of LA you never knew existed.
Why Choose Outdoor Adventures in LA? The Unexpected Benefits
Planning outdoor things to do in LA with friends goes far beyond just a fun day out. It’s an investment in your well-being and your relationships. When you trade city noise for the sound of wind in the chaparral, something powerful happens.
The benefits of Things to do in LA with friends in the outdoors are immense. You disconnect from digital distractions, allowing for real conversations and shared challenges that build trust and camaraderie. Navigating a trail together or setting up a picnic with a killer view creates memories that last much longer than a photo from a trendy cafe.
Furthermore, exploring LA’s natural landscapes helps you build confidence. You learn basic navigation, understand your physical limits, and gain a deeper appreciation for the local environment. It’s a chance to live smarter and more self-reliantly, even if it’s just for a day.
Coastal Escapes: Hiking and Exploring the Pacific Shoreline
The Southern California coast is legendary, but there’s so much more to it than sandy beaches. The mountains that crash into the sea offer some of the most dramatic and accessible adventures in the county. Here’s where to start.
Malibu Creek State Park: Rugged Gorges and Hollywood History
Often called the “Yosemite of Southern California,” Malibu Creek State Park is a world away from the nearby celebrity homes. Its volcanic rock formations, shady oak groves, and seasonal waterway offer a rugged escape.
The most popular group hike is to the former set of the TV show M*A*S*H. It’s a relatively flat, 5-mile round trip that follows the creek, offering plenty of spots to rest and explore. For a more challenging adventure, the Century Lake and Rock Pool trails provide steeper climbs and rewarding water features.
Pro Gear Tip: Wear sturdy trail runners like the Altra Lone Peak for solid grip on rocky sections. Always carry a water filter, such as a Sawyer Squeeze, in case you need to refill from a reliable water source (check with rangers first!).
Point Dume State Preserve: Epic Views and Whale Watching
For a high-reward, low-effort outing, Point Dume is unbeatable. This iconic headland offers a short, sandy trail that winds its way to a summit with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Bay.
It’s an ideal spot for a first-time hiking group. From December to April, it becomes a prime location for spotting migrating gray whales. After the hike, you can carefully descend to the secluded beach below to explore tide pools during low tide.
Safety First: The cliffs are steep and unstable. Heed all warning signs, stay on the designated boardwalks and trails, and never climb on the cliff edges.
Mountain Highs: Conquering Trails in the San Gabriels
Just north of the city, the San Gabriel Mountains rise dramatically, offering true alpine experiences. This is where you go for a serious challenge and a complete escape from the urban environment. This is also where planning and preparation become non-negotiable.
Bridge to Nowhere: A Thrill-Seeker’s Paradise
This is a legendary LA hike. The 10-mile round-trip trail follows the East Fork of the San Gabriel River to a mysterious, isolated bridge built in the 1930s for a road that was never completed. Today, it’s home to a bungee jumping company.
The hike itself is the main adventure, involving multiple river crossings. This makes it a fantastic team-building experience. You’ll need to work together to find the safest places to cross. In the summer, you can cool off in deep swimming holes along the way.
Essential Gear: Do not attempt this in running shoes. You need dedicated water shoes or sandals with excellent grip, like Chacos or Keens. Trekking poles are a huge help for stability during water crossings. Pack your phone and keys in a Sea to Summit dry bag.
Mount Baldy (Mount San Antonio): Summiting LA’s Highest Peak
Standing at 10,064 feet, Mount Baldy is a formidable peak. This is not a casual hike; it’s a strenuous undertaking for fit and experienced groups. The 11-mile loop via the Ski Hut and Devil’s Backbone trails is a bucket-list achievement for any LA adventurer.
The views from the summit are breathtaking, stretching from the Mojave Desert to the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. One of the common problems with Things to do in LA with friends is underestimating a hike like this. Be prepared for altitude, rapidly changing weather, and treacherous conditions, especially in winter and spring when the trail is covered in ice and snow.
Critical Safety Gear: From late fall to late spring, microspikes are mandatory. Always carry layers (base, mid, and a waterproof shell like the Arc’teryx Beta AR), a GPS device or app with downloaded maps, and more water and food than you think you’ll need.
Your Complete Things to do in LA with Friends Planning Guide
A successful group adventure relies on good planning. A little prep work ensures everyone stays safe, comfortable, and has a great time. This is the ultimate Things to do in LA with friends guide for a smooth trip.
How to Plan for Your Group
Before you even pick a trail, have an honest conversation about everyone’s fitness level and experience. The group is only as fast as its slowest member.
- Choose a Leader: Designate one person to be the point person for navigation and final decisions on the trail.
- Set the Pace: Agree to hike at a conversational pace. This isn’t a race.
- Share the Load: Distribute group gear like a first-aid kit, water filter, and extra snacks among several packs.
- Confirm a Turnaround Time: Decide on a time you will turn back, regardless of whether you’ve reached your destination. This is a key safety practice to avoid getting caught in the dark.
Leave No Trace: Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Best Practices
Being a responsible adventurer means leaving the outdoors better than you found it. Practicing sustainable Things to do in LA with friends is crucial for protecting these beautiful places for future generations. This is the core of our outdoor care guide.
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: This includes all food scraps like orange peels and apple cores. They are not “natural” to the ecosystem.
- Stay on the Trail: Cutting switchbacks causes severe erosion and damages fragile plant life.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance. Never feed them.
- Be Considerate of Others: Keep noise levels down so everyone can enjoy the sounds of nature.
Island Getaway: A Day Trip to Catalina Island
Want to feel like you’ve truly gotten away? Hop on the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro and spend a day on Santa Catalina Island. While Avalon has a touristy vibe, the island’s interior is a rugged, protected wilderness managed by the Catalina Island Conservancy.
For a great group activity, hike a portion of the Trans-Catalina Trail. A fantastic day-hike option is the trail from Avalon to the Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden. For a more adventurous outing, consider renting kayaks and exploring the kelp forests along the coast.
Don’t Miss: Keep an eye out for the island’s famous, non-native bison! Remember they are wild and dangerous. Give them a very wide berth and never approach them for a photo.
Frequently Asked Questions About Outdoor Things to do in LA with Friends
Do I need a car to access these outdoor places in LA?
For the most part, yes. LA’s best trailheads in the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains are difficult to reach without a personal vehicle. However, places like Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon are more accessible via public transit and rideshare services.
What is the best time of year for hiking in LA?
Fall, winter, and spring are ideal. The temperatures are cooler and the hills are often green from seasonal rain. Summer hiking can be extremely dangerous due to high heat, especially on exposed trails. If you must hike in summer, go very early in the morning and choose shady canyon trails.
How do we handle different fitness levels within our friend group?
Communication is key. Choose a trail with options, like a shorter loop and a longer extension, so people can choose their own adventure. Alternatively, pick an “out and back” trail where faster members can go further and then rejoin the group on their way back. Always let the slowest person set the pace for the main group.
Are there dangerous animals to worry about on LA trails?
Yes. The most common concern is the rattlesnake. Watch where you step, especially from spring through fall. If you see one, stop, remain calm, and slowly back away. Coyotes are also common but rarely a threat. Mountain lions are extremely rare to see, but be aware that you are in their habitat.
Exploring the outdoors is one of the most rewarding things to do in LA with friends. It strips away the distractions and allows you to connect on a more meaningful level. With the right plan and a respect for nature, you can unlock a side of Los Angeles that most people miss.
So gather your crew, pick a destination from this guide, and start planning. The trails are waiting.
Get out there and explore safely!
- Things To Do In Toledo Washington: Your Basecamp For Mount St. Helens - November 28, 2025
- Couple Things To Do In St. Louis: Your Outdoor Adventurer’S Guide - November 28, 2025
- Fun Things To Do In St. Louis – The Outdoor Adventurer’S Guide - November 28, 2025