Los Angeles · Los Angeles County, CA

Outdoors in Los Angeles

Scout analyzed 159 Los Angeles places and surfaced the ones that actually fit outdoors.

Places analyzed

159

Matches

28

Typical spend

$0

Typical visit

1.5 hr

Scout-verified spots

Runyon Canyon Park

Hollywood Hills West

Runyon Canyon Park

Runyon Canyon is a popular spot for a 1.5-2 hour urban hike with sweeping city views and many dogs. It's free to enter, but expect difficult parking and large crowds, especially on weekends.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
Solstice Canyon

Outdoors

Solstice Canyon

Solstice Canyon offers a free outdoor experience with hiking trails to a waterfall and historical ruins, taking 2-3 hours. It's a good standalone activity or can be paired with a drive along the coast.

OutdoorsAnimalsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Charlie Turner Trailhead

Griffith Park

Charlie Turner Trailhead

This trailhead offers a free, scenic outdoor activity for families or solo adventurers, typically taking 1.5 to 2 hours. It's a good standalone activity for a clear day, but parking can be difficult.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory

Griffith Park

Firebreak Trail to Griffith Observatory

This is a 1.3-mile unmade trail that can be done as a solo or family adventure to reach the Griffith Observatory. It takes about 1.5 hours round trip, offers great views, and is free, though parking can be a challenge.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
Angeles National Forest

Outdoors

Angeles National Forest

This is a great destination for a half-day to full-day outdoor escape, offering hiking and scenic drives. It can be a very inexpensive outing, costing mostly for gas and an Adventure Pass if needed.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$0–$20 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Trail Canyon Falls

Outdoors

Trail Canyon Falls

Trail Canyon Falls is a natural hiking destination good for a few hours of outdoor exercise and scenic views, making it a good standalone cheap day out, especially on a weekend morning. Expect to spend 3-4 hours hiking to and from the falls.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Temescal Canyon Park

Pacific Palisades

Temescal Canyon Park

Recreational area with hiking trails (with ocean views), a native garden, playground & BBQ pits.

Outdoors
1.5 hr visit
Malibu Creek State Park

Outdoors

Malibu Creek State Park

Spend a few hours or a full day hiking rugged trails, enjoying scenic views, and swimming at the rock pool. Expect to pay a parking fee and bring your own food and water.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$10–$15 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Griffith Park

Griffith Park

Griffith Park

Griffith Park is ideal for a full day of outdoor activities, including hiking, visiting the zoo, or enjoying city views. It can be a free outing or cost up to $50 per person if including attractions like the zoo or observatory.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0–$50 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Gloria Molina Grand Park

Little Tokyo

Gloria Molina Grand Park

Gathering place featuring an intimate performance area, memorial fountain & wade-able membrane pool.

Outdoors
1.5 hr visit
Averill Park

Northwest San Pedro

Averill Park

Walkways traverse this scenic, tree-filled park featuring a gazebo & man-made pond with ducks.

Outdoors
1.5 hr visit
Ferndell Nature Trail

Hollywood Hills

Ferndell Nature Trail

Ferndell Nature Trail is a short, scenic walk suitable for families or a solo escape into nature, ideal for pairing with a visit to Griffith Park nearby. Expect to spend about an hour here at no cost.

OutdoorsViewsAnimals
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Elysian Park Trail

Echo Park

Elysian Park Trail

Elysian Park Trail is a free, easy-going outdoor activity good for a solo walk or family outing, typically lasting 1.5 hours. It pairs well with a picnic or exploring other nearby parks.

OutdoorsViewsRelaxed
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
Wonder View Trailhead

Hollywood Hills

Wonder View Trailhead

This trailhead offers a moderate hike with good views of the Hollywood sign, making it suitable for a couple of hours outdoors. It's a free activity and can be paired with a meal or coffee in the nearby Hollywood area.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Bridge to Nowhere - Trailhead

Outdoors

Bridge to Nowhere - Trailhead

This is a challenging, all-day hike best started in the morning. It's free to visit but requires significant time and effort, best for active individuals or families with older children.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
Griffith Park Trails

Griffith Park

Griffith Park Trails

Griffith Park Trails offers a free outdoor activity for 2-3 hours, suitable for combining with a picnic or a visit to nearby attractions like the Griffith Observatory. Expect moderate walking and good views.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Griffith Park Observatory Trails Peak

Griffith Park

Griffith Park Observatory Trails Peak

This spot is ideal for a scenic hike offering expansive views of the city, often paired with a visit to the nearby Griffith Observatory. Expect to spend 1-2 hours for the trails, which are free, though parking can be difficult and costly.

OutdoorsViewsWellness
$0–$10 typical1.5 hr visithard parking
Switzer Falls Trail

Outdoors

Switzer Falls Trail

Switzer Falls Trail offers a half-day hike to a waterfall, suitable for active families or solo adventurers. Expect to spend 3-4 hours and a few dollars for parking, if applicable.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0–$12 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Franklin Canyon Park, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

Beverly Crest

Franklin Canyon Park, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

Franklin Canyon Park is a good spot for a few hours of hiking and enjoying nature, suitable for families or solo adventurers. It's free to enter and park, making it a budget-friendly outdoor activity.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visiteasy parking
The Brush Canyon Trail

Hollywood Hills

The Brush Canyon Trail

This hiking trail is a good option for an outdoor adventure with striking views, suitable for a 2-3 hour solo or family outing. Expect to spend nothing on entry, but parking might be a factor.

OutdoorsSportsViews
$0 typical1.5 hr visitmoderate parking
Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park

Central-Alameda

Augustus F. Hawkins Nature Park

Calm, 8.5-acre retreat featuring native flora & wetlands, plus a small museum with nature exhibits.

Outdoors
1.5 hr visit
Coldwater Canyon Park

Studio City

Coldwater Canyon Park

Peaceful canyon park offering hillside hiking trails with panoramic views of the city & mountains.

Outdoors
1.5 hr visit
Exposition Park

Exposition Park

Exposition Park

Urban space comprising 160 acres with arenas & museums, plus some green areas with trees & gardens.

Outdoors
1.5 hr visit
Lake Hollywood Park

Hollywood Hills

Lake Hollywood Park

Scenic, dog-friendly spot with a large grass field, a kids' play area & views of the Hollywood sign.

Outdoors
1.5 hr visit

What Scout found

  • 32 of the 159 analyzed Los Angeles places fit outdoors.
  • 100% of matches are outdoor or partly outdoor.
  • 21% have easy parking.
  • Dominant moods: Scenic, Relaxed, Adventurous, Educational, Social, Quiet.

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