Most Beautiful Day Hikes in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles, Malibu, and Rancho Palos Verdes, California

Los Angeles, the City that’s one huge stretch of a concrete jungle lined with Palm Trees. Yet, there’s amazing beauty beyond the beaches if you know where to look. Below are our top three favorite hikes in Los Angeles County, all of which can be seen in one weekend. Folks won’t even realize you’re in Los Angeles when you show them your photos.

1. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park: Tide pools, sea caves, resident seals, and a beautiful cove, this park is a dream if you love coastal hikes. Take the Sacred Cove View Trail to see the best views of the park. Park hours are from 9am to 4pm (you can stay after 4pm, but no cars are allowed to enter the parking area after 4pm) and the parking lot can fill up quickly, so don’t show up too late. Click HERE for more information, additional photos, and tips on the park. Located in the City of Rancho Palos Verdes.

2. Griffith Park (at night): Southern California can get freaking hot in the summer and for most of the year, it never really gets that cold. The most comfortable way to see the best views of downtown Los Angeles and the famous Griffith Observatory without the unforgiving heat - a night hike at Griffith Park. This park is one of the biggest urban parks in the entire country though, so don’t get lost. Park near the Greek Theater in Griffith Park and take the Riverside Trail across the street up to Vista View Point. Park hours are from 5am to 10:30pm. Click HERE for more information, additional photos, and tips on the park. Located in the City of Los Angeles.

3. Mishe Mokwa & Backbone Trail Loop: With the tallest point in the Santa Monica Mountains and views that can reach as far as the Channel Islands, this is the hike for the mountain lover in you. Park at the Sandstone Peak trailhead parking lot and head straight up to Sandstone Peak on a 3 mile roundtrip hike. You can also hike the full 6 mile loop and add on a few extra miles to see Tri-Peaks. Click HERE for more information, additional photos, and tips on the trail. Located in the City of Malibu.