LA’s Top Nature Escapes: Hikes, Gardens & Hidden Gems

Los Angeles, often known for its sparkling city life and activity, holds a collection of surprising natural spaces. Hidden among the cityscape are various spots just begging to be explored, spots that show a totally different side to this well known area. From amazing hikes to tranquil gardens, the natural world exists here if you just know where to find it. Let’s check out five super picks that promise to add a bit of fresh air and natural views to your LA experience. Pack your boots, get your water bottle ready; we’re going to explore a wilder side of Los Angeles!

1. Runyon Canyon Park: Hike with a View

Runyon Canyon Park may be very well known, and for a good reason. It’s a perfect place if you’re searching for a quick and satisfying hike with stunning views of the Los Angeles basin. That means that whether you are there visiting, or live in town, Runyon’s easily reachable location right near Hollywood pulls in tons of people, tourists, and their canine friends daily. There’s almost always a crowd!. The trails here are somewhat well used, however, the reward? Well, seeing panoramic vistas which capture everything, that is from the downtown skyline to the sparkling Pacific Ocean. You’ll encounter different trail routes at Runyon, which allows almost anyone who visits to choose routes that fit their fitness levels. But it’s also good to come prepared, the climbs can sometimes be hard!. Remember to wear good shoes, and yes bring more than enough water, mostly because shade can be tough to find sometimes on those hills. The experience is all worth the effort when you make it to the top. Also remember, that sunset views here? Absolutely mind blowing!. You’ll very quickly come to see that this isn’t just exercise; this, too it’s a total immersion within the stunning visual magnificence of Los Angeles.

2. Descanso Gardens: A Peaceful Escape

For a little slower, more peaceful encounter with nature, check out Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Instead of climbing, maybe you’d prefer to stroll instead, walking casually among themed gardens that span 150 acres of land, with all types of collections showcasing everything, from California natives to international blossoms. Spring visitors have to walk the stunning camellia collection ( one of the biggest within North America), and see the flowers explode in tons of different colors. That being said, the gardens remain just amazing every time of year! Autumn displays fantastic colorful foliage, which gives a gorgeous fall look to sunny Southern California. Make sure you check out the Japanese Garden, complete with conventional teahouse and peaceful koi ponds, just the space to pause for quiet reflection and connection to nature. For families, a ride upon the Enchanted Railroad also provides that much wanted relaxation!. Furthermore, if you might want to check out events? Descanso sometimes schedules events like concerts, art shows, etc, always allowing different methods of getting in touch with natural spaces. Consider coming when you seek relief from city stress and for some much wanted reflective time; that this spot may very well be your own personal green oasis.

3. Griffith Park: Urban Wilderness

One can’t discuss nature inside of Los Angeles, without speaking about Griffith Park. At over 4,300 acres, this big urban park gives it’s visitors all kinds of opportunities to detach. It also features various hiking trails such as, for example, a pathway up towards the iconic Hollywood Sign! Pick almost any adventure from the moderate climbs towards Mount Hollywood; these hikes reward anyone with spectacular panoramas that stretch out as far as the ocean. Those exploring on horses? Yes even the gentle equestrian paths offer distinctive vantage places. Beyond hiking, Griffith Park contains destinations for all. Visit the Griffith Observatory; not just is this building full of astronomical exhibits, it presents that classic picturesque postcard scene. Want even more?. Look no further, since the Greek Theatre hosts many memorable open-air shows during summer days. There also the LA Zoo too. People love relaxing in shady picnic areas! Really the vast size assures it is always possible to discover a secret spot. Griffith Park represents even more; yes that’s the essence regarding Los Angeles’ dedication to holding natural environments obtainable even against the busy city.

4. Malibu Creek State Park: Hollywood’s Backyard

Journey just a little bit west from Los Angeles, that, is and you will find Malibu Creek State Park, which shows just what dramatic contrasts one can expect around California. Known rather well as a filming spot because it’s rolling hills/craggy peaks. The park appears in numerous old Hollywood productions (plus that television show M\*A\*S\*H)!, and because of the history along the trails is just a little bit awesome!. Start through hiking towards the serene shores of Century Lake; after that discover hidden waterfalls and also volcanic rock structures as you go along on harder trails across the Santa Monica Mountains. Rock climbers sometimes find the park intriguing. Furthermore the crags provide opportunities and challenges that are tough for athletes and beginners. Bird watching, in addition, stays common. So look up above as tons of unique types of birds float previously!. During summer, canoeing alongside Malibu Creek has become the best strategy of taking in natural surrounding as from the park waters. People needing further respite could choose to camp beneath the starry skies, where that distant sound and look out is going to let you refresh after days within the LA city. Here at Malibu Creek State Park every adventure presents various method to discover the wildness which lives just outside the metro borders.

5. Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area: An Overlook with History

Offering sweeping panoramas over Los Angeles, that, is Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area presents both nature appreciation; that this includes historic meaning. With this area, featuring several destinations for recreation ranging from picnic places to fishing lakes, that visitors can unwind while still engaged in outdoor routines. Consider walking the “+Balanced Bridge,” that, is and it gives a stunning urban experience high above that surrounding landscape and neighborhood areas! If people feel like it, play some games at the sports courts!. Ponder exploring the Japanese garden plus that beautiful water feature element. And what does it accomplish by it’s aesthetic balance?. Take pleasure hiking, following all kinds of walking trails, and appreciate all sorts of indigenous plant. In order to have greater history; Hahn was once the site regarding the 1932 Olympic Games; remnants regarding that legacy is usually found about historic installations/displays within it. Going for Kenneth Hahn really seems that blend in LA – nature; this includes history plus recreation exist, developing spaces which inspires calm; as well appreciation in everyone who joins in nature’s presence from it!