Where to escape the city, without actually leaving it...
Let's be honest - if you're still fighting for parking at Griffith Observatory or dodging influencers at Venice Beach, you're doing Los Angeles all wrong. Whether you're a jaded local looking to reclaim your sanity or a visitor who'd rather die than be caught at the Santa Monica Pier, these hidden outdoor spots across LA will remind you why this city is actually magical.
10 Hidden Outdoor Spots in LA
1. The Pacific Palisades Bluffs
Looking for breathtaking coastal views with a local twist? Head to the Pacific Palisades Bluffs, a beautiful lookout point located within the exclusive neighborhoods of the Pacific Palisades. Perched up high, it offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, with plenty of benches to sit down and stay a while.
🪄 Insider Tip: Near the bluffs, at the corner of Arbramar Avenue and Asilomar Blvd, you’ll spot a sidewalk lined with wind chimes swaying in the breeze, giving the area a whimsical vibe.
2. Stoddard Canyon Falls
Located near Mt. Baldy, Stoddard Canyon Falls is the perfect low-key spot when you need to get out of the city and into nature. The 3.5-mile hike takes you through a mix of shady trees and rocky trails before rewarding you with a gorgeous waterfall that spills into clear pools. The rocks here are super smooth, so you can even slide down the falls if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s a bit of a trek, but nothing beats that first plunge into the cold water on a hot day.
🪄 Insider Tip: Bring water shoes with grip.
3. Franklin Canyon Park
Ready for a perfect day of bird watching and visiting the duck pond? Hidden between Beverly Hills and the San Fernando Valley, Franklin Canyon is a peaceful getaway in the middle of LA. With 605 acres of quiet trails, a beautiful lake, and lots of wildlife (think turtles, frogs, and ducks), you’ll quickly forget you're even in the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing walk or a tougher hike, this place has it all.
🪄 Insider Tip: Walk through the (steep) Hastain Trail for spectacular views.
4. Korean Friendship Bell
Perched above the Pacific in San Pedro, the Korean Friendship Bell is more than just a stunning landmark, it’s a meaningful gift from South Korea. The bell was built to honor veterans and celebrate U.S.-Korean friendship. Since 2010, the bell has been ceremonially struck five times a year. The Stone Pavilion and its traditional architecture will transport you straight to Korea.
🪄 Insider Tip: For a rare opportunity, visit on New Year's Eve or The Fourth of July to hear the bell ring.
5. The Chemosphere
If you've ever dreamed of living in a UFO (or at least something that looks like one), the Chemosphere should be at the top of your must-see list. Perched high in the Hollywood Hills on a single, slender column, this architectural marvel is straight out of a sci-fi film. Designed in the 1960s by visionary architect John Lautner, this octagonal gem floats 29 feet above the ground, giving it the ultimate spaceship vibe (minus the aliens...we think).
🪄 Insider Tip: While it's a private residence, the view of this wonder alone is worth the trip to the hills.
6. Stough Canyon Nature Center
Looking for adventure with a side of nature education? Stough Canyon Nature Center in Burbank has more than just scenic trails; it’s also home to a nature center with fossils, live snakes, taxidermy mounts (including owls and hummingbirds), and interactive exhibits. You can even plan a child’s birthday party or sign them up for a summer camp here.
🪄 Insider Tip: Hit the trails early to snag a parking spot.
7. Chandler Bikeway
The Chandler Bikeway is one of the LA outdoor spots that’s perfect for anyone. It runs through Burbank along the old Southern Pacific railroad, with lots of greenery, colorful homes, and citrus trees along the way. Once you hit Clybourn Avenue and head into North Hollywood, things get more urban, but the murals make it feel like an outdoor art gallery, showing off everything from Hollywood vibes to California’s farming roots.
🪄 Insider Tip: Use street parking or public transit.
8. Bluff Cove
If you’re looking for a quiet, hidden beach, Bluff Cove in Palos Verdes Estates is the perfect place. This forgotten LA spot is all about rugged beauty, with amazing ocean views and a peaceful vibe. The dirt trail down is a little steep, but totally worth it for the views—and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some surfers or dolphins.
🪄 Insider Tip: Plan your visit around low tide for the best tide-pooling, and bring everything you need… there aren’t any restrooms here.
9. Arlington Garden
This 3-acre garden in Pasadena is a hidden gem. It offers a blend of native plant communities, like oak groves, desert landscapes, and coastal sage scrub. Managed by a non-profit, the space is an inviting sanctuary for people, pets, and local wildlife, especially birds, bees, and butterflies, who thrive here year-round; making it one of the best hidden outdoor spots in Los Angeles.
🪄 Insider Tip: Spring brings the best flowers, so plan your visit accordingly.
10. Vista Hermosa Natural Park
This 10.5-acre park is a local favorite and one of the best LA outdoor spots for anyone looking to relax. With walking trails, streams, meadows, and even an oak savannah, it’s a great place for a picnic, a stroll, or letting the kids burn off some energy at the nature-themed playground. The park is also home to a FIFA-regulation soccer field, used by the adjacent Edward R. Roybal Learning Center, and an outdoor amphitheater nestled in a grotto, perfect for public events or nature education programs.
🪄 Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for free nature programs led by Community Nature Connection, including their “Transit to Trails” bus rides to the Santa Monica Mountains.
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