Griffith Park
The Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park is one of the largest metropolitan parks in the country. The massive area includes a bird sanctuary, hiking trials, cycling trials and more. The most famous attraction in the park, however, is the Hollywood sign on the hill.
Also located in the park are the Los Angeles Zoo and the Griffith Observatory. While admission to the observatory is always free, there is a small admission fee for the zoo and observatory's planetarium.
Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.
Los Angeles, California 90027
(323) 913 4688
laparks.org
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach at sunset
One of LA's most famous attractions is Venice Beach, where many movies and TV shows have been filmed throughout the years. The boardwalk here is open to roller skaters, bladders, skateboarders, cyclists and pedestrians alike. If you don't feel like skating, riding or walking down the beach, however, consider trying your hand at surfing or just take a swim in the ocean.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
201 Ocean Front Walk
Venice, California 90291
www.venicebeach.com
Angeles National Forest
The Angeles National Forest sign
The Angeles Forest offers guests a number of outdoor activities throughout the year. In the summer, travelers can swim, fish or canoe. In the winter, the high mountains provide snow for the enjoyment of cross country skiers and sledders. All year long hiking and cycling trails are open near the desert valleys. If you choose to camp in the park, be sure to check on the fire hazards for that time of year, as campfires are generally banned throughout the warm summer months.
Angeles National Forest
Supervisor's Office
701 N. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, California 91006
(626) 574-5200
fs.fed.us
Santa Monica Mountains
A waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains
Whether you want to hike cliffs on the shores of the Pacific or to relive movie-making history, the Santa Monica Mountains are just what you are looking for. There are beautiful cedar-lined cliffs beside the coast for climbing, free guided hiking tours and numerous cycling trails. If you are interested in movies, however, consider stopping by the Paramount Ranch in the park and see a western town movie studio. This area of the mountains was once owned by Paramount Studios, which filmed movies in the area as early as the 1920s. When William Randolph Hearst bought the ranch, he had the temporary sets reconstructed into a permanent old west town. Regardless of your interests, you're certain to have some fun in the Santa Monica Mountain area.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 West Hillcrest Dr.
Thousand Oaks, California 91360
(805) 370-2301
nps.gov
