8 things to do outdoors in Los Angeles to soak up the sun

Southern California is no stranger to sunshine, and Los Angeles has plenty of ways to enjoy it. There are many things to do outdoors in Los Angeles, whether you’re craving a lazy beach day or an adventure in the high hills. On the west side of the city, take a stroll down the Venice Beach Boardwalk or hop on the Ferris wheel at the Santa Monica Pier. Going east, take in panoramic views from Griffith Park or hike up to the famous Hollywood Sign. No matter your flavor, there are plenty of fun things to do in Los Angeles.

1. Hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign

No trip to Hollywood is complete without visiting the world-famous Hollywood Sign. To get there, take the Mount Hollywood Trail (about 6.5 miles roundtrip) or the more direct Brush Canyon Trail (about 4.4 miles). Seeing the sign up close is iconic, as are the breathtaking vistas of the sprawling city below.

Insider tip

Most people stop at the backside of the Hollywood Sign, which is a cool but obstructed view of the letters. Instead, take the short detour to the Tyrolian Tank Viewpoint to see a perfectly framed shot of the Hollywood Sign from the front without fences blocking your view. It’s located about 0.3 miles before the summit.

Address

Canyon Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Opening hours

Daily, sunrise to sunset.

2. Spend the day at Santa Monica Beach and Pier

The best sunny day activities in Los Angeles are often at the beach. Bask in the quintessential laid-back California lifestyle at Santa Monica Beach. Lounge by the waves and try your hand at surfing, or visit the Santa Monica Pier to play arcade games and take a ride on the scenic Ferris wheel. With food, shops, sand, and sun, you can spend an entire day at Santa Monica Beach and Pier, where you can find everything you need within walking distance.

Highlights

• The solar-powered Ferris wheel offers unparalleled panoramic views of the coast.
• If you’re visiting in the summer, take advantage of the free outdoor concert series held at the pier.

Address

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Opening hours

Pier activities typically run daily, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.

3. Explore Griffith Park and Observatory

Griffith Park is one of the more unique outdoor activities in Los Angeles. This 4,310-acre oasis is packed with trails, wildlife, and attractions. The Griffith Observatory features interactive exhibits and sweeping views of the city below and the sky above. With plenty of educational opportunities and interactivity, it’s one of the best family-friendly activities in Los Angeles. You can hike up to the observatory or take a stroll through the many trails within the park.

Highlights

• Take in 360-degree views of Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory, where you can see the Hollywood Sign, the downtown skyline, and even the Pacific Ocean on clear days.
• The park has shaded walking paths perfect for families, especially on hot days.
• Visit the observatory at sunset to watch the city lights come alive.

Address

2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours

Daily, 5:00 AM-10:30 PM

Observatory hours vary, typically noon-10:00 PM

4. Visit the Getty Center Gardens

A visit to the Getty Center, for the gardens alone, is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles when it’s sunny. In a stunning building designed by modernist architect Richard Meier, the Getty Center is a large collection of rare paintings, sculptures, and photographs. But the Getty Center gardens are masterpieces all their own. The Central Garden has 134,000 square feet of water features, a maze of hedges, and over 400 plant varieties.

Highlights

• See views of downtown, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Gabriel Mountains, all from the Getty’s hilltop location.
• Bring a book or a friend and take all the time you want soaking up the sun.

Address

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049

Opening hours

Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM-5:30 PM

5. Paddleboard or kayak in Marina del Rey

Escape the city’s energy and head to Marina del Rey. Glide through the calm marina, soak in the coastal breeze, and take in stunning views of yachts and waterfront homes. Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a first-timer, this is one of the more unique things to do outside in Los Angeles to enjoy a picturesque seaside spot. From the marina, you can also take a luxury boat cruise or go for a sail.

Insider tip

Most people arrive midday, so head to the marina in the morning for calmer waters and fewer boats. For a hidden gem, paddle to the Ballona Creek inlet, a quieter corner where you can often spot coastal birdlife.

Address

13524 Bali Way, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292

6. Take a stroll down the Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Beach is not just a destination — it’s an experience. The boardwalk is full of energy, packed with street performers, local artists, and eclectic shops. Along the boardwalk, you can find surfing spots, Instagram-worthy graffiti walls, a skatepark, and Muscle Beach, where athletes go to work out in the sun. Visiting Venice Beach is one of the ultimate things to do in summer in Los Angeles—but it’s just as colorful all year long. If the chaos of the beach isn’t your scene, wander along the Venice Canals for a more tranquil experience.

Highlights

• Browse locally crafted jewelry and artwork at outdoor vendor stalls.
• Find some of the best cafes, bars, and restaurants in L.A. along Venice Beach.

Address

Beach pavilion in, Los Angeles, CA

7. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame

One of the quintessential outdoor activities in Los Angeles is to take a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This world-famous landmark celebrates the entertainment industry’s biggest stars, with over 2,700 brass and terrazzo stars built into the sidewalks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.

Insider tip

Look for your favorite star with the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star Map

Address

Hollywood Boulevard

8. Take a sunset hike in Runyon Canyon Park

Escape the city buzz and immerse yourself in nature with a sunset hike in Runyon Canyon Park, one of the best things to do outdoors in Los Angeles. This popular hiking spot in the Hollywood Hills offers breathtaking views of the glittering downtown Los Angeles skyline all the way out to the shimmering Pacific Ocean. Keep your eyes peeled as this is a popular place for celebrity sightings, too.

Insider tip

Start your hike just before sunset to watch the sky fade and the city light up. Due to the Eaton Fires at the beginning of 2025, parts of the park remain closed for restoration.

Address

7448 Mulholland Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90046