The Best Hikes Around LA
Get moving on these trails to enjoy gorgeous weather, celebrity sightings, and a little low-key exercise in Hollywood.
It’s a known fact that Angelenos love to get fit in the sun, so it’s no surprise that some of the country’s best hikes can be found in Los Angeles. There are tons of urban, mountain-side and desert trails in California’s “City by the Sea,” but we’ve narrowed the field to three that you should definitely check out. Bring some water, sunscreen…and don’t forget your camera. Who knows which sights or celebrities you might see along the way!
Point Dume
Point Dume is located on the coast of Malibu, and offers sprawling views of the Pacific Ocean. Just 45 minutes up PCH (Pacific Coast Highway), you can access a hike that begins at Zuma Beach and ends at the top of Dume. Once you reach the summit, there are stunning ocean views as far as the eye can see. And if you’re there between December and April, you may just spot grey whales migrating between their summer feeding and nursing grounds. Once you’re done snapping photos, follow an old staircase back down to Zuma Beach. Wade in the tide pools to cool off.
Runyon Canyon
Hooray for Hollywood! Located in the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains, Runyon Canyon is the quintessential Hollywood hike. Sure, it has well-groomed dog parks, views of downtown LA and glamourous-sounding stop-off stations like “Inspiration Point” and “Clouds Rest.” But you might also see Fergie, Khloe Kardashian, Scarlett Johansson or Owen Wilson – all celebrities who frequent this Hollywood Hills’ gem.
Kenneth Hahn Park
This small park is located in Baldwin Hills (a mountain range that divides West LA from LAX and South LA). It provide a family-oriented atmosphere with five miles of trails, sand volleyball courts, four playgrounds, a fishing lake and two baseball diamonds. The park also includes an enormous grassy bowl you can hike around with the family. The bowl was actually a former reservoir that overflowed and spilled into the neighborhood below the park back in the ‘70s, causing a tsunami! The park is also high enough that visitors can feel secluded from the hustle and bustle of downtown LA. Views include shots of the Pacific Ocean and downtown LA.
