All Stories from Los Angeles County

The Big Chill
In LA, finding a place to chill can be the ultimate flex. So flex, in Franklin Canyon! This unexpected oasis has plenty of shade, cool lake breezes, and ample picnicking spots. Enjoy it on an easy-going 1-mile stroll along its reservoir and duck pond.
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Hastain for a Change
Los Angeles is famous for its canyon hikes, but you don’t have join the crowds on those ones! The 2.5-mile Hastain Loop, tucked into the southern end of Franklin Canyon, is every bit as scenic as some of the city’s more famous trails, only with less people.
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Franklin High
Visiting Franklin Canyon’s peaceful reservoir is a no brainer. But once you’ve covered that, then what?Our answer: Blinderman. This lesser-known trail is the perfect add-on for exploring the wild beauty of upper Franklin Canyon.
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Can We Get a Whoop Whoop!
City, mountain, and ocean views all in one hike? Whoop whoop! It’s no surprise the the Kenter Fire Road and Whoop-de-Doos Trail (a combo of fire road and singletrack) is a favorite among local mountain bikers and hikers alike.
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Tree Town
Home to an estimated 21,000 trees and 100 acres of parkland, South Pasadena has earned its nickname: the City of Trees. This 2.5-mile neighborhood walk lets you experience its leafy canopy up close, winding through charming streets and three of the city’s beloved parks.
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A Better Way to Baldwin
The Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook in Culver City is one of West L.A.’s most popular hiking spots, but most visitors miss the bigger picture. This 3.5-mile out-and-back along a section of the Park to Playa Trail offers a fuller experience of this gorgeous nature park with sweeping urban views and a few artistic surprises along the way.
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Seal of Approval
The good folks at the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro rescue and rehab sea lions and seals so they can return to the wild. In the last year alone, the nonprofit cared for over 800 animals. See that lifesaving work by visiting the Center’s animal hospital.
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Santa Monica’s Most Beautiful Walk
With its sweeping views of Santa Monica Bay and the Santa Monica Pier, the 26-acre Palisades Park, perched along the beach bluffs, may be a tourist’s delight for its quintessential California vibes–but it’s just as beloved by locals. Follow this 2.5-mile loop to experience it like one.
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Welcome to the Ice Age
Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.
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Charmed, We're Sure!
Looking for a walk that will charm your hiking socks off? Head to Charmlee Wilderness Park, a serene 532-acre oasis tucked in Malibu’s Santa Monica Mountains. With its vibrant wildflowers, rocky outcrops, and lovely ocean views, this beginner-friendly hike has spellbinding scenery at every turn.
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Petal Paradise
Tulips, lilacs, and daffodils—flower power is in full bloom at Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge. Sprawling across 150 acres surrounded by mountains, the gardens are putting on their best show right now.
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LA's Tree Tour
Los Angeles is famous for its iconic palm trees but did you know that LA is home to one of the most diverse urban forests in the world? With over 1,000 different tree species lining its streets, LA offers a unique urban canopy waiting to be explored. One of the best ways to discover it is by joining a Tree Tour
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Diamond of a Hike
The 1.5-mile Diamond Bar Loop might be located in the center of Diamond Bar, but once you get out on the trail it’s easy to forget you’re in the thick of a busy place.
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Get Into The Grove
The 1.8-mile Oak Grove Park Loop trail in La Cañada is short, easy, and close to the city; meaning it’s a perfect destination for a quick holiday hike.
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Canal Contemplations
With its incense-scented boardwalk, bohemian shops, skateparks, and abundance of body builders, Venice is happily eccentric, and artistic. Exhibit A: Its network of European-style canals with charming bridges, offering a tranquil tour of the town’s history.
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Vista Hermosa, Echo That!
Tucked in Echo Park, the little-known gem of Vista Hermosa Natural Park feels worlds away thanks to its serene beauty and thoughtful design. At 11.5 acres there’s still plenty to explore. And it's got a premier view of the iconic Los Angeles skyline.
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Ciao, Bella!
Experience the beauty of Italy without getting on an airplane, by taking a scenic stair walk through Castellammare. Originally developed in the 1920s to resemble Italy’s Amalfi Coast, this neighborhood has sweeping views of the Pacific, and plenty more to see.
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Griffith's Golden
With over 4,200 acres and hundreds of trails, Griffith Park is the gold standard. Opt for the lesser-hiked northwestern end of the park and visit the 2.25-mile Skyline and Oak Canyon loop from Travel Town.
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Bakery to Bakery Urban Art Walk
With nearly 600 restaurants, Pasadena rivals New York City in terms of establishments per capita. Translation: There’s a lot of food to choose from! French eateries are no exception. In the spirit of the Olympics, take a victory lap on a 3,500-meter (2.2-mile) bakery-to-bakery walk with some beautiful artdoors to see along the way.
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The Great Grunion Run
Meet the Flintstones. Meet the Flockers. Meet the Grunion?! Yep. They’re the flashiest show this side of the Oscars, and they’re on a limited run. The great grunion run is when hundreds of silvery, flashing sardine-size fish make a dazzling nighttime lunge onto some SoCal beaches to lay eggs.
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Marquee Marin

There may be no better place to find the best in coastal outdoors than the Marin Headlands. Bluff-side hiking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, big Pacific views, an iconic lighthouse, and unique lore in the area’s historic batteries are all part of the action here.

Plan Your Marin County Getaway