7 Outdoorsy Things to Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles might be a big city known for its nightlife and shopping, but it’s also a great city to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise! Read on for my best ideas of outdoorsy activities to do in and around Los Angeles.

1)Visit Echo Park Lake

If you’re looking for a chill spot right in the heart of Los Angeles, Echo Park Lake is the place for you. Located in the trendy Echo Park neighborhood, it’s like a mini oasis within the city’s hustle and bustle.

The walking path along the picturesque, palm-lined lake is perfect for an afternoon stroll. The lotus flowers that bloom during the summer months add a burst of color, making it a beautiful photo opp. You can even rent swan-shaped paddle boats and play a trivia game where you’ll learn historic facts about the lake, and the local plant and animal life on your phone while you paddle. 

The Echo Park Lake Boathouse is where you can grab a quick snack or a coffee. You can also rent pedal boats there. Throughout the park there are lots of benches and grassy areas to relax. It’s that slice of nature when you need a break from the chaos of the city. 

2)Hike Runyon Canyon

Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in Los Angeles, and for good reason. It’s right in the West Hollywood neighborhood and offers stunning city views the entire way up. The hike is often frequented by celebrities so keep your eyes peeled. 

It’s a moderately challenging hike that you can complete within a couple of hours (depending on your fitness level) but it does have a good amount of incline so be sure to wear runners.

It also gets very busy, particularly on weekends, so try to go on an early morning or a weekday if you can. 

3) Visit Venice/ Santa Monica Beach and the Venice Canals 

Known for its iconic boardwalk, Venice Beach offers a blend of bohemian charm, artistic expression, and endless recreational activities. There’s always something going on here, whether it’s a running group meet-up, rollerblade disco party, or yoga class which gives it a very social vibe.  

The golden-sanded beach is lined with blue lifeguard towers and seems to stretch on forever, ending at the Santa Monica Pier. 

 You can bike, rollerblade or stroll along the bustling boardwalk and witness street performers, artists, and vendors showcasing their talents. If you continue along, you’ll pass by Muscle Beach, an outdoor gym, and end up at Santa Monica Beach and pier. 

Once you’ve had your fill of the beach, explore the Venice Canals, a hidden gem tucked away from the busy Venice scene. You’ll find a picturesque network of waterways reminiscent of its Italian namesake, lined with lush gardens and quaint footbridges as well as unique and colorful homes.

4) Climb The Stairs at Silver Lake

Trendy Eastside Silver Lake is home to over fifty concrete pedestrian staircases, dating back nearly a century. They were created at a time when Los Angeles wasn’t car-centric and when they had one of the best public transit systems in the world.

Visit some of the best painted stairs by following the map here. You’ll get a good workout in and have the opportunity to take some cool photos. My personal favorite are the colorful Heart Stairs.

5)Day trip to Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach, tucked away on the stunning Southern California coast, is like a seaside dream come true. It’s famous for its gorgeous cove beaches, clear blue-green waters, and epic cliffs that give you the most incredible ocean views. 

Stroll along Heisler Park for some of the most breathtaking ocean views the city has to offer. If you’re feeling like a beach day, Victoria Beach and 1000 Steps Beach are some of the best cove beaches to visit. 

This is also a great place for shopping! There are tons of nice boutiques along the Promenade at Forest Ave and along the Pacific Coast Highway. You’ll find a lot of beachy fashion and surf shops as well as gift shops and cafes. 

6)Take a Day trip to Malibu 

Malibu, another coastal paradise in Southern California, is all about embracing nature’s beauty while enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. You’ll find pristine beaches, rugged cliffs, and crystal-clear waters – perfect for sun-soaked days and beautiful hiking trails. 

One of the best outdoorsy things to do in Malibu is to go for a hike. With a backdrop of rugged mountains, picturesque canyons, and ocean views, hiking in Malibu is a nature lover’s dream. Temescal Canyon and Solstice Canyon are great options if you’re looking for something that’s not too strenuous, but where you’ll still break a sweat. For a more challenging option, try Sandstone Peak via Mishe Mokwa Trail.

Zuma Beach is a must-see while you’re here. It’s a gorgeous beach that stretches on for miles and is perfect for sunbathing or going for a walk. The waves here are ideal for boogie boarding and body surfing. This is also the perfect place to catch a SoCal sunset. 

7)Go For a Hike and Watch the Sunset at Griffith Park 

Griffith Park surrounds over 4000 acres of mountains and canyons at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains. Given its range, it’s no wonder that hiking is one of the biggest draws here. There are over 50 miles of trails to choose from – with one of the most popular being the Hollywood Sign hike via Canyon Drive.  

The Griffith Observatory is an iconic landmark known for its engaging astronomy exhibits but also for having one of the best views of the city.  As the day fades, the observatory’s domes silhouette against the colorful canvas of the setting sun. From this vantage point, you can witness the city’s skyline as the twinkling stars emerge. It’s truly a breathtaking experience and a bucket list item for any visitor to the City of Angels. 

Want more ideas on what to do in Laguna Beach? Check out 5 of the best things to do in Laguna Beach