Los Angeles Adventure and Nature Activities

Going out in search of wild and adventurous activities allows you to take advantage of the best things to do in Los Angeles. It is a multifaceted city where it is impossible to get bored, as it has different natural sceneries and a pleasant climate most of the year. Take the opportunity to climb Lee Mountain and see the famous Hollywood sign up close, or enjoy a scenic helicopter ride.

Don't miss its most emblematic beaches, where many people come to learn to surf or paddle surf, as well as to swim with sea lions. And if you prefer a more challenging environment, I recommend enjoying horseback riding, exploring the hiking trails or zip-lining.

The scenic beauty of Echo Park Lake is unparalleled, offering gorgeous views of Los Angeles ' skyscrapers and wilderness.

There are different options but the most popular is the swan boat, in which you can pedal alongside the lotus flowers. It is easy to use and one-hour tours are usually offered. On board you can bring food and drinks for a picnic or, if you prefer, you can take a night tour that offers a romantic evening.

Just remember not to feed the geese that roam the lake as they can get sick or become aggressive and it is against Echo Park rules.

In such a wonderful city it is impossible to get bored because there is always something new to discover. If you are looking for adventures and challenges you have to take advantage of the best helicopter tours in Los Angeles, I assure you that it deserves to be appreciated from different angles.

You can fly over downtown and see places like the Hollywood sign and Beverly Hills, or fly over its iconic beaches and see Santa Monica or Venice Beach. On board you will hear interesting facts about the city and, as for the duration, you have several options:

• Book a 45-minute helicopter flight: they generally cover more attractions and focus on downtown and the beaches.
• Book a 15-minute helicopter flight: it takes you around the main attractions and is a more economical alternative.
• Booking a 30-minute helicopter flight will give you extra time to see other Los Angeles attractions.

Passing through Los Angeles and not booking a tour up to the iconic Hollywood sign is something you won't be able to forgive yourself for. This iconic landmark has an inexplicable energy and offers panoramic views of the city. It is also close to luxurious neighborhoods and entertainment venues such as movie sets, the Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Dam.

The original version of the sign read "Hollywoodland" and was part of an advertising campaign, but people liked it so much that it stuck and ended up becoming a worldwide movie icon. It is not advisable to get too close because the nearby terrain is steep and unstable, so a guided experience may be the best option to get to know it comfortably and safely.

It is usually observed from Lee Mountain or from nearby viewpoints. Also, to take advantage of California's pleasant weather, many people choose to book a mountain bike ride to the sign.

Sign up for an experience that will take you back in time at Rancho La Brea. This place is located in the heart of Los Angeles and collects Ice Age mysteries, prehistoric animal fossils and the largest collection of Late Pleistocene asphaltic fossils. It is a window to the past and a place where you can get lost on nature trails and discover interesting stories.

It has indoor and outdoor areas, but my favorite part is their gardens where you can explore California native plants and prehistoric animal replicas. One of its most fun attractions takes you to Pit 91, where you can dig with a paleontologist. Also, if you travel to Los Angeles in the summer, you can take advantage of the children's camps that are held during this time.

Your ticket to the Ranch may also include a visit to the George C. Page Museum, one of the best museums in Los Angeles, where you will find:

• Mammoth skeletons.
• Remains of short-faced bears.
• Saber-toothed tiger mummies.

Los Angeles is one of the easiest places in the world to learn to surf. Whether you have some experience or it's your first time, you're sure to have a great time. You will be able to enjoy some of the most famous beaches in the world that offer optimal conditions to practice this sport.

This type of activity teaches you the correct way to surf the waves of California, while enjoying an adventure full of adrenaline, with all the safety measures. It is important to warm up and use a wetsuit and sign up with a professional instructor, especially if you have no experience.

If you are traveling with family and are looking for things to do with the kids in Los Angeles have the option of hiring a surf class for children, where they will learn the basic techniques, recommended postures and safety measures. For those who want to learn and become experts in a short time, there are private lessons or classes that extend over several days.

Universal Studios is a theme park that fuses adventure, high-tech attractions, movie rides and outdoor plans. You'll enjoy an adrenaline rush on roller coasters and water rides while interacting with movie characters that made history.

Fly on your broomstick through Hogwarts and enjoy a colorful show. In this park there are endless surprises and themed experiences awaiting you, I'll tell you which are my favorites:

• Visit Hogwarts Castle.
• Interactive race in the style of Marios Bross and other games from his universe.
• Water warfare with dinosaur animatronics.
• The adorable Minions and mechanical adventures inspired by the movies.
• Behind-the-scenes footage from Universal Studios.

The advantage of buying Universal Studios tickets in advance is that you 'll save time at the box office, plus some offer skip-the-line access to the facilities.

Los Angeles is an ideal city for biking and getting to areas inaccessible by car. If you're looking for adventure, then get ready to leave the city behind and wind through the rocky trails of the Santa Susanna Mountains. An adrenaline rush awaits, as you'll enjoy fast descents and reach the summit of Mount Hillyer.

If you're on your own, I recommend bringing a map, GPS and a definite itinerary. But as an alternative, you can join a guided experience to enjoy the recommendations of a guide and choose between a normal bicycle or an electric bicycle. Consider that for mountain climbing it is more advisable to opt for the electric one, as it makes it easier to reach the rocky areas.

Traveller Tip

Choose activities that include protective equipment for elbows and knees, as well as gloves and goggles to protect you in the dirt areas.

The Laguna Beach coastline is famous for its water activities, which offer an extra dose of adrenaline for your vacation. Its crystal clear waters and calm waves allow you to go further and live a paddle surfing experience, which consists of standing on a board accompanied by a paddle with which you propel yourself.

Of course, it has a certain degree of difficulty and it is advisable to practice it with professionals who know the area. Another important difference with surfing is that paddle surf boards are wider and bulkier, which gives greater stability but also adds an extra challenge. Laguna Beach offers a variety of wild entertainment and something I also recommend is to book a bike ride.

While these activities can also be enjoyed at other beaches in Los Angeles, Laguna Beach is distinguished by its less touristy atmosphere, hidden coves and spontaneous sightings of species.

Another water sport not to be missed in LA is kayaking. It's one of the best activities to do in the city and I promise you it's worth it, as you'll get to little known places and delight in the diversity of marine life. Laguna Beach is one of the most popular and charming locations to book this plan, as you can visit the natural coves of Crystal Cove State Park.

However, you also have other options such as:

• Marina del Rey, a place with calm waters ideal for beginners.
• Alamitos Bay, where you can glide between different channels and enjoy a scenic panorama.
• Santa Monica, ideal for paddling through the ocean and spotting marine animals.

Prepare your arms because you will have to paddle for at least an hour and a half, although it is worth it to access the marine life of the Atlantic. It's definitely a fun way to explore LA's waterways.

Just outside of Los Angeles is Chesebro Canyon Park, where you can enjoy a natural getaway away from the hustle and bustle of Hollywood. It is famous for its horseback riding through scenic trails that wind through hills, valleys and forests.

You can venture out as a family, as it is suitable for all levels of experience, and take advantage of a relaxing ride or ride like a professional rider. On the way it is possible to coincide with wild animals such as foxes and deer, but you should keep a safe distance.

It has about 5 routes and several secondary trails that allow you to find waterfalls, natural gems and get panoramic views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Additionally, this park is quite close to Malibu and you can combine it with a tour of celebrity homes in Los Angeles.

If sea lions and other aquatic species catch your attention, you can take advantage of your visit to Los Angeles to sign up for a sea lion watching experience. It is common to see these animals resting on the rocks or playing in the water near the coast, especially from late spring to early fall, with a peak in the months of June through September.

These animals can be seen in Laguna Beach and the paddle surfing experience I mentioned above is perfect to increase your chances of spotting them. In fact, this area is home to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, where they are rescued and rehabilitated. It is also possible to see them on the exotic Catalina Island and from the Santa Monica Pier.

As a curious fact, the presence of sea lions indicates that the sea and its ecosystems are healthy and functioning just as they should. In addition, these animals are sociable and playful, but you should keep a safe distance,

Near Los Angeles there are plans out of the comfort zone and, if you dare, they will stick in your mind. A great option is to dare to climb on the outskirts of the city to enjoy this physical challenge in a completely wild environment. Specifically, the most recommended place is Malibu, where you can climb over rock formations and cliffs and even reach the Santa Monica Mountains.

If you want to add more excursions from Los Angeles to your itinerary because you plan to stay at least 3 days in the city, you can consider a visit to Joshua Tree National Park, a natural space in California with perfect desert landscapes to live this experience.

Just outside of LA is also the San Gabriel Mountains National Park, a natural beauty known for offering some of the :::link|text=best hiking trails in Los Angeles|element=sc-4-5439::: It has experiences for all levels, from gentle hikes to challenging ascents.

With a map and the right shoes you can take on a route on your own, without straying far from the edge of safe. Some of my favorite routes are:

• Switzer Falls: enjoy an easy, relaxing trail that leads to a dreamy waterfall.
• Diablo Canyon: take advantage of a moderate route that takes you to the bottom of a canyon.
• Mount Baldy: if you are an expert hiker and are used to challenging trails, you can hike to the highest mountain in Los Angeles.
• Gabrielino Trail: meanders through forests and mountainous areas with ancestral stories. This route is considered mixed, as you can choose where to stop and easily return to the city.

If you are an adventurer and you like adrenaline, then you can't miss paragliding from the Santa Monica Mountains. It is a unique experience that allows you to fly over the Pacific Ocean and the California coast. It usually lasts between 15 and 30 minutes and should always be done with professionals.

You can jump alone or with a professional, but if you choose the first option you must be very attentive to the previous training, where you will be instructed on takeoff and landing techniques. The opportunity to capture souvenir images during the flight makes it an unquestionable attraction.