Looking for outdoor adventurous activities while living in the big city? At times this can seem challenging and if you’re like me you need to be outdoors exploring and discovering the world in which we live all the time. The good news is that even in a metropolis like Los Angeles there are still plenty of places to go and adventurous activities to be had that will be sure to get your blood pumping. Here are my top 5 adventurous activities I like to do on a regular basis in and around Los Angeles.
HIKING
There are so many awesome hikes you can take in and around Los Angeles. Just pick a direction on a map and you will be sure to find one. One of my favorite go-to’s is Malibu Creek Canyon State Park. The park has beautiful mountains, rolling hills, large oak trees and the creek is filled with water most of the year adding to the enjoyment of an amazing hiking experience. With over 8,000 acres finding a path to explore and adventure will not be difficult. There are several trails that you can pick from and depending upon your desired physical activity you can make it as strenuous or as easy as you like. I like to hike through the valley and then into the canyon where I will rock climb, boulder hop, and sometimes swim my way up and over the dam to Century Lake. This hike will be sure to kick your adventurous spirit into high gear.
http://www.malibucreekstatepark.org
Other top hiking spots to check out in and around Los Angeles are:
Bronson Canyon located in Griffith Park. Home of the famous Bat Cave. https://www.hikespeak.com/trails/bronson-cave/
Runyon Canyon located in the Hollywood Hills. With a view of the Hollywood sign. https://hikingguy.com/hiking-trails/best-la-hikes/runyon-canyon-hike-directions/
Franklin Canyon Park located in Los Angeles. The intro of The Andy Griffith Show was filmed here. https://mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/franklin-canyon-park/
Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop located in Point Mugu State Park. Beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and sandy beaches. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/california/scenic-and-overlook-trails-loop
SURFING
When one thinks of southern California, they think sand, sun, and surf. Surfers go where the surf is and Los Angeles is definitely filled with lots of surf. This is a favorite pastime for many in Los Angeles and it is not hard to understand why once you visit a local beach and see the surfers out on their boards riding waves off into the sunset. Not only is surfing a physical activity that will be sure to give you a full body workout but it will also calm the mind and relax the spirit. Here in Los Angeles there are so many great beaches to choose from and depending on where the waves are breaking you will find yourself in a place where there will be plenty of adventure to follow. Surfing doesn’t always have to be high intensity, there are plenty of beaches and shallow breaks that will allow even a novice to enjoy himself and still get the adventure he or she seeks. Surfing is not just about catching and riding a wave, sure this is what you aim to do on a surfboard, but one of the best moments for myself is to just be in the water, sitting on top of my board while I float and take in the view. Dolphins, seals, oceanic birds, and sometimes whales will give you an additional exciting view to this adventure.
Here is one of my favorite sites to check the surf report guaranteeing you a great surf day: https://www.surfline.com/surf-reports-forecasts-cams/united-states/california/los-angeles-county/5368381
Checkout a few of these beautiful beaches when the break is just right:
Malibu Surfrider Beach. https://www.californiabeaches.com/beach/malibu-surfrider-beach/
Zuma Beach. https://beaches.lacounty.gov/zuma-beach/
Santa Monica State Beach. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g33052-d117412-Reviews-Santa_Monica_State_Beach-Santa_Monica_California.html
Venice Beach. https://www.venicebeach.com
County Line Beach. https://www.allthingsmalibu.com/see-and-do-beaches/county-line-state-beach-malibu/
MOUNTAIN BIKING
Where there is hiking trails there will be mountain biking trails. Once again this is a no-brainer here in Los Angeles. There are so many options and different types of adventures to go on with a mountain bike. One of my favorite areas is not far from where I live, the San Vicente Mountain Park has a few different trail options that will take you on an amazing ride. From wide dirt roads to single tracks you’ll have the option to go on long rides up and down this part of the Santa Monica Mountain Range. The trails will take you off the beaten path if desired and give you an amazing view 360 degrees in all directions overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the San Fernando Valley. You set your own pace and the trails can range from moderate to difficult creating a great workout and fun adventure on a mountain bike.
https://mrca.ca.gov/parks/park-listing/san-vicente-mountain-park/
Other great mountain bike trails:
New Millennium Trail, Malibu Creek State Park. https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/801236/new-millennium-trail
Portuguese Bend Reserve Loop, Rancho Palos Verdes. https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7013986/portuguese-bend-reserve-loop
Ken Burton Loop, Angeles National Forest. https://www.mtbproject.com/trail/7013479/ken-burton-loop
KAYAKING
For those who crave a water adventure, kayaking is a must and Los Angeles doesn’t disappoint. My favorite place to kayak and the most adventurous is Channel Islands National Park. You have to take either a boat or a plane to get to the islands, but once you’re there you will not regret the trip. Located off the coast of Southern California one can plan a trip through the visitors centers in Ventura and or Santa Barbara county. The Channel Islands are made up of several different land masses, each one with its own unique ecosystems and terrain. One can expect to explore sea caves, shallow reefs, and mini islands that scatter their way throughout this amazing park. The wildlife is diverse with island fox, sea lions, birds, whales, dolphins and many more amazing land and sea creatures. This will be an adventurous trip you will not soon forget.
https://www.sbadventureco.com/adventures/channel-islands/
Other amazing kayaking spots around town:
L.A. River Kayak Adventures. https://www.lariverexpeditions.org
La Jolla Shores. https://www.lajollakayak.com/original-kayak-cave-tour/
PHOTOGRAPHY
Adventurous photography? Oh yeah! Photography is one of my favorite activities to engage in as an art and pastime. Los Angeles provides a wide angle of opportunities in and out of the city. The urban environment is filled with interesting and photogenic opportunities from street vendors to skyscrapers and everything you can imagine in between. Pick an idea, pack your camera, and find a location and your adventure begins. Here are a few of my favorite areas to shoot in and around Los Angeles where you will always be guaranteed a great shot and an amazing experience.
Griffith Observatory. The Observatory, Hollywood Sign, Mountains, Wilderness. http://www.griffithobservatory.org
Angels Gate Park. The Korean Friendship Bell, Pacific Ocean, City Life. https://www.laparks.org/park/angels-gate-park
Santa Monica Pier. People, Activities, Pacific Ocean. https://santamonicapier.org
Downtown Los Angeles. Urban Life, Buildings, and Modern Wonders. https://www.downtownla.com
Malibu State Creek Park. Mountains, Country, Wilderness. http://www.malibucreekstatepark.org