Activities / guide (7)

Sunset ride at Sunset Ranch Hollywood

Family Friendly Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles

09/20/2016

Leslee Komaiko

Los Angeles is a great city for outdoor enthusiasts. Why not get the whole family outside this season? It’s hard for kids (not to mention mom and dad) to be attached to their screens if they are fishing for trout, climbing a mountain, or riding a horse. We’ve compiled a list of ten activities sure to deliver fresh air and quality family time.

Saroyan Stairs at Beachwood Canyon

Discover the Hidden Stairs of Los Angeles

08/24/2015

Joshua Lurie

Most people associate stairs with function. For example, many staircases in Echo Park were built to assist Angelenos from Red Car stops to uphill homes. Now staircases bring people to city views and give people a no-cost exercise alternative to gyms and fitness studios. Read on and learn about 14 great staircases across L.A. County.

Eagle Rock at Topanga State Park

Step Up to the Best Intermediate Hikes in Los Angeles

07/29/2015

Joshua Lurie

One of the best aspects of living in L.A. is outdoor access. The beach, mountains and desert are all within striking distance. Hiking is always an option, whether it’s the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park or the mighty San Gabriel Mountains. We previously covered the Top 10 Easy Hikes in L.A. Now you'll learn about eight of the best intermediate hikes in L.A. County that will yield prized views and get your heart pumping, but won’t require a day off from work to recover.

1. Carry your cell phone with you in case of emergency. The signal can be limited in the mountains, but in case you run into trouble, the phone is your best friend.
2. Carry plenty of water because trails often have little shade and it can get hot.
3. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Even if the sky starts out overcast, sun often breaks through clouds.
4. Stay to the center of the trail to limit contact with plants like poison ivy and wildlife like rattlesnakes and tarantulas.

O'Melveny Park hiking trail

Top 10 Easy Hikes in Los Angeles

06/23/2015

Joshua Lurie

One of the best aspects of living in Los Angeles is the ready access to outdoor activities. The beach, mountains and desert are all within striking distance. Hiking is always an option, whether it’s the Santa Monica Mountains, Baldwin Hills, Hollywood Hills, down south in Ranchos Palos Verdes or up in the mighty San Gabriel Mountains. Learn about 10 of the best easy hikes in L.A. County that will get your heart rate up and yield some terrific views, but won’t lead to exhaustion.

A few quick reminders:
1. Carry your cell phone with you in case of emergency. The signal can be limited in the mountains, but the phone is your best friend if you run into trouble.
2. Carry plenty of water because trails often offer little shade and it can get hot.
3. Wear sunscreen. Even if the sky starts overcast, sun often breaks through clouds.
4. Stay to the center of the trail to limit contact with plants like poison ivy and wildlife like rattlesnakes and tarantulas.

Trapeze School New York: Los Angeles

The Best Places to Learn Something New in Los Angeles

01/21/2015

Sarah Dandashy

Whether you want to explore a new hobby, get more physically fit, or turn an interest into a profession, there's always something new to learn. A wide range of classes and schools throughout Los Angeles can make you an expert in no time at all. Here are some of the best places to learn something new in L.A.

The Guide to Camping Sites Near Los Angeles

07/28/2014

Discover Los Angeles

For many visitors, a trip to Los Angeles isn’t complete without experiencing the natural beauty that surrounds the city. Whether your hotel is in Downtown L.A. or at the beach, there are numerous L.A. County and California State Parks located a short drive away. From spectacular coastal settings to rugged mountains and otherworldly desert landscapes, these parks offer a wide range of daytime activities and options for camping overnight. Read on and find out more about camping sites near Los Angeles.

To make online reservations at L.A. County Parks, use the Activities Reservation & Registration System (LACARRS) to reserve and/or register for County services and programs, including RV Park, camping, picnic, facilities, and rooms.

Online reservations for California State Parks can be made via the ReserveCalifornia system. The format is similar to booking hotel rooms or airline tickets - after creating a profile, you'll be able to reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance.

Grand Park Sunday Session

The Best Places in Los Angeles for a Picnic

08/01/2013

Discover Los Angeles

Thanks to its sun-splashed weather, Los Angeles is one of the best cities in the country to have a picnic at any time of the year. From cultural attractions and state parks to the zoo and even a cemetery, here are some of the best places in L.A. to gather your friends, spread out a blanket and have a picnic.