Best Nature Spots in Los Angeles

By Go City Expert
Published: July 18, 2024

Are you heading to Los Angeles on vacation but don't want to spend all your time in the city? Fortunately, there are plenty of nature spots in and around LA. While on vacation in Los Angeles, make sure to soak up the beautiful weather and spend some time in the great outdoors.

There are so many fun attractions that involve being outside in the best nature spots in Los Angeles, including...

  • LA Zoo
  • Santa Monica Beach
  • Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour
  • Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises
  • Hollywood Hills Hike by Hikes & Bikes LA
  • Sunset Cruise by Newport Landing
  • And many more!

LA Zoo

los-angeles-ca-zoo-flamingos

The LA Zoo has so much to see and do, with over 1,000 animals from across the world, including endangered species. When visiting the LA Zoo, you'll get up close and personal with king vultures, wallabies, desert bighorn sheep, Komodo dragons, Colombian rainbow boas, and a Madagascar hissing cockroach.

You also have the chance to learn about conservation. The zoo works in conjunction with organizations across the world to educate about the decreasing populations, habitat destruction, and hunting. Be sure to check out the animal shows and demonstrations!

Top tip: visit the zoo in the morning, as they begin putting animals away around 4PM.

Santa Monica Beach

aerial-shot-santa-monica-beach

Santa Monica Beach is a must-visit for anyone vacationing in LA. Pacific Park is an amusement park built directly on Santa Monica pier in 1996. It has tons of rides, games, and so much more. Use your pass for unlimited access to the 12 rides at Pacific Park.

Ride the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel, or ride a simulator that makes you feel like you’re actually surfing. Then, ride a roller coaster at 35 miles per hour with an ocean view before tackling a 9-story tower that takes you 150 feet over Santa Monica Bay and then drops you.

You should definitely consider adding Santa Monica Beach to your LA itinerary – be sure to check out our Pacific Park guide for top tips.

Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour

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The Malibu Celebrity Homes Tour is a two-hour guided tour around the beaches of Malibu and the vast beachfront properties, including celebrity homes. The tour takes place in an open-air tour bus that starts at the Santa Monica pier. Your onboard guide will point out top attractions and will give you the inside information on all the stars. This tour makes two stops along the way – Malibu Beach and Malibu Bluffs.

You'll stop at Malibu beach first, then explore the homes around Malibu pier. Malibu Bluffs looks over the Malibu Colony Estates and has an amazing view of the Pacific Ocean. You can see the homes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Bruce Willis, and Cher, just to name a few. Also on the tour, you'll be able to see locations for films such as Planet of the Apes, Iron Man, Baywatch, and more.

If you enjoy sightseeing tours with the chance of catching a celeb or two, check out our guide to LA tours for more suggestions!

Perry’s Beach Café and Rentals

Another great opportunity to spend some time outdoors is Perry's Beach Café and Rentals. It has been a part of the beach scene in Los Angeles for over 35 years. Rent a mountain bike or skates for the entire day from Perry's, then head to the beachside café for a bite to eat after biking or skating.

You can explore the Santa Monica beach, Venice Beach, and Venice Canals by bike. Start as early as you wish and bike all day. There is so much to see around here and you never know what you might come across. It's a great way to travel and explore the area – the canals are beautiful and close by.

Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises

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The Whale Watching and Dolphin Cruises is a 2 hour 30-minute marine tour that includes information and commentary from the captain and crew. You'll have the chance to see humpback whales, orcas, and blue whales. The cruise takes you to a marine sanctuary that has 75 miles of protected water teeming with whales and marine life. You can also see dolphins, seals, and even rare whales.

The boat is a 65-foot double-decked ship with a sundeck, indoor and outdoor seating, and a snack bar. The whale and dolphin cruise comes with free use of binoculars and one complimentary drink. The cruise ship was designed specifically for watching marine life, and the captain and crew have been educated in marine biology so will provide you with top insights.

You also have the chance to see the California grey whale, which can weigh as much as 36 tons and be 52 feet long.

Hollywood Hills Hike by Hike & Bike LA

Hollywood-sign

This is a walking tour of the Hollywood Hills that takes up to three hours to complete with a local guide to point out all of the top sights. You'll see the famous Griffith Park Observatory along with some amazing views and photo opportunities. The tour starts in Griffith Park at the Greek Theater, and your guide will tell you all about the glamorous history of Los Angeles.

Along the way, you'll also see the Hollywood sign, downtown LA, Mount Hollywood, and the Forest Lawn Mausoleum. Plus, you'll also hear about the history of the Hollywood Sign and watch videos from movies and TV shows that were filmed in the exact spot you're standing.

The Huntington Library, Art Collection, and Botanical Garden

The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Garden has been in operation since 1919 and has a foundation in conservation, to protect the art, books, manuscripts, and other materials. It is an institution that has collection-based research and serves scholars, as well as the general public.

Plus, it's home to a massive 8 million manuscripts, over 400,000 reference books, over 400,000 rare books, and over 700,000 pictures. The Huntington Art Collection collection spans over 500 years. It displays sculptures, decorative art, and drawings, and hosts temporary exhibits focusing on masterworks.

Sunset Cruise by Newport Landing

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The Sunset Cruise by Newport Landing leaves Newport Bay and sales along the coastline of Newport Beach for 90 minutes. This cruise leaves at sunset while you snack on complimentary chips and salsa. The cruise ship is complete with a full bar so you can enjoy the drink of your choice while sailing along the coast. While the sun is setting, you can see the bonfires twinkling along the sand.

Save on admission to LA attractions

So there you go! There are plenty of outdoor attractions that allow you to make the most of the beautiful LA weather. We hope you consider adding a few of these LA attractions to your vacation itinerary. Also, why not make the most of the sunshine and take a day trip out of the city? Check out our best day trips from LA guide for some ideas.

Remember, using your pass for Los Angeles means you can save on admission vs gate price.

Be sure to share your snaps with us on Instagram and Facebook and follow @GoCity for top tips and itineraries.

Go City Expert
Go City Travel Expert

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Los Angeles in January

Los Angeles is an exciting and extraordinary city with its unique own flair. A popular West Coast destination, L.A. is known for presenting a vibrant mix of urban and nature attractions to choose from. It’s the perfect amalgamation for those who want to see a little bit of everything. From quaint seaside towns to must-see sights and remarkable cuisine, Los Angeles has much to offer everyone. One of the best things about travelling during January is that it is off-peak season for California, meaning that there should be fewer crowds and better chance of finding great deals on accommodation and flights. Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry! This is how to get the best out of the city, from the beach to the city. Take note of the ideas that pique your interest and start planning your dream West Coast vacation today! Hit the Classics Though California is known for its sunny weather, Los Angeles can get a little milder in the wintertime. Still, just because the city cools down during January doesn’t mean you’ll be running out of options for interesting things to do - in fact, far from it! Luckily, Los Angeles is brimming with things to do when it comes to spending the day indoors. Standing out for its one-of-a-kind repository and breathtaking architecture, the Getty Center tops the list as one of our favorite visitor locations in the area. Located atop a hillside in the Brentwood area of L.A., the institute provides spectacular 360-degree views of the cityscape. Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy one of the finest art collections in the Western Hemisphere. Highlights include Van Gogh’s Irises, Rembrandt van Rijn’s joyful self-portrait Rembrandt Laughing, and the Center for Photographs. After seeing the art, step outside to take in the museum’s meticulously well-curated gardens. The perfect spot for all creative types, this spot is well worth the visit. As the epicenter of the film industry and home to the stars, it only makes sense that Los Angeles presents a myriad of cool things to do for cinephiles and pop culture lovers alike. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour provides an exciting look into one of the oldest film studios in the world. Experience the magic of Hollywood and learn more about the artistry, technology and hard work which goes into all of your favorite films and TV series. Highlights include the iconic Central Perk set, props and costumes from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and soundstages used to create the Big Bang Theory. Along the tour, you’ll be accompanied by a friendly and professional guide to explain some of the interesting behind-the-scenes details and answer any questions you may have. This tour lasts about two to three hours, we strongly recommend wearing your comfiest shoes. Whilst you’re in Hollywood, we also suggest checking out some of the other cool visitor attractions in the area, like the Burbank Town Center, the Gordon R. Howard Museum and the Burbank Aviation Museum. Find Fun Activities When the weather is a little dull, a trip to the aquarium is a great idea for a day out. From bright topical fish to delightful penguins and gentle manatees, the Aquarium of the Pacific pretty much has it all. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, this spot is highly revered for its massive and impressive living repository. The aquarium features over 11,000 animals across over 500 species - so you know that there’s plenty to see here! Take a trip through an underwater world of color and learn as you go through a broad collection of engaging and educational exhibits. For those who like to get in touch with nature, this spot also offers hands-on exhibits where you can touch crabs, turtles, stingrays, and even sharks! Both exciting and fascinating, this spot is the perfect place to unlock that sense of childlike wonder. If you love food like we do, you definitely won’t want to miss out on our next stop. Located just downtown, Grand Central Market has been drawing in visitors from near and far since opening way back in 1917. From herbs and spices to fresh Cali produce and unbeatable ramen bowls, this place really hits the spot. Don’t miss out on warm handmade pupusas or fresh raw locally-sourced oysters, all washed down by a large glass of craft beer in the adjoining beer garden. Although the main draw of this spot is most certainly the food, that’s not all there is to do here. Visitors can also choose to browse whilst they eat, with a wide array of local crafters and artists choosing to trade here. We especially love this spot for its small kiosks punting speciality pantry items, so be sure to check those out. With its delicious eats and vibrant atmosphere, we couldn’t think of a better place to grab food in the city. Try Something Different For those looking for something a little different, we’ve got you covered! Offering and thoroughly engaging day out, the Petersen Automotive Museum is well-recognized for its fantastic collection of unique, rare and historic vehicles. Set along Los Angeles’ Miracle Mile, the museum instantly stands out for its sleek wavy steel cutout construction and sweeping roofs. Inside, there are 25 galleries with over 350 vehicles on display, so you know that there’s a lot to see here. The museum features three themed floors; history, industry and artistry, highlighting the cultural impact and application of the automobile. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or an engineering geek, this spot is sure to wow! No doubt, Los Angeles is one of the most exciting visitor destinations in the U.S. of A.. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor to the city, you’ll never be short of new things to see and do. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
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2 Days in Los Angeles

Vibrant and buzzing with life, Los Angeles is a total hive of excitement just waiting to be explored. No really - we mean it! With a great mix of cosmopolitan culture and nature attractions, the City of Angels has everything for everyone. From world-class museums and entertainment to delicious eats, you’re sure to be spoiled for choice. And whilst a two-day getaway might not seem like a lot of time to explore, with the right planning you’ll end up having more fun than you can even imagine! Still having trouble deciding between the city’s top attractions? Don’t fear! Glide through our list of the best things to do in Los Angeles, so that you don’t miss out on anything on your trip! We promise that you won’t be disappointed. Day 1 - Check out Museum Row Kick off your adventure in Los Angeles by heading over to the Museum Row, where you can check out many of the city’s top visitor attractions. If you’d like to grab breakfast first, we suggest stopping off at some of the area’s fantastic eateries. Some of our favorite places include Muffin Can Stop Us, Sycamore Kitchen, and Groundwork Coffee. This busy thoroughfare is home to a great number of L.A.’s best attractions, so you’ll have a lot to choose from here. Still, one of our favorite spots has got to be the Petersen Automotive Museum for its unique and impressive collection. Occupying an entire city block, this spot is well-recognized as one of the largest institutions of its kind in the world. The museum is split into three themed floors; history, artistry and technology, so there’s a little something for everybody here. Inside, visitors can view over 25 galleries with over 350 vehicles of all kinds. Amongst its permanent repository, you’ll find everything from classic cars to sleek high-tech automobiles and flashy Ferraris. A thoroughly remarkable cultural experience, this one is not to be skipped! There are a lot of great places to eat in Miracle Mile, but to make the most out of your experience, we recommend heading over to the Original Farmers’ Market. Since its establishment in 1934, this spot has grown to become a bonafide city landmark - and with good reason! This place boasts over 100 grocers and gourmet vendors to choose from - all you have to do is pick your favorite! Authentic braised chicken rice, hot empanadas fresh from the oven, and decadent ice cream to cool off....the long list of treats is endless! Another one of our favorite cultural institutions located on the Museum Row has got to be the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. A fantastic stop for those of a curious mind, the institute works to educate its visitors about the development of the natural world. The site is a registered National Natural Landmark and is home to the wonderful La Brea Tar Pits right outside. Get up close to see this active fossil excavation site still bubbling away! Upon entrance, visitors can enjoy a terrific showcase of the best fossils, animals, plants and that have been discovered here. Expect to see everything from chipmunks and doves to saber-toothed cats and mammoths. In addition, the site serves as an active palentological research center where visitors can get a behind-the-scenes look and see scientists working on recently discovered fossils. Whether you’re a total history geek or just wanting to learn more about the prehistoric world, this spot is the place to be. Day 2 - Explore the City Of course, a trip to L.A. just wouldn’t be the same without heading out to see the Hollywood Sign. Standing as an iconic symbol of glitz and glam for around a century now, this stop is a total must-see. We suggest getting up early to watch the sun rise over this emblematic landmark. Though the sign sits on restricted property, you can still catch some great views by making your way over to the Griffith Observatory. Here, you’ll find multiple hiking trails where you can see the evocative landmark and take some great snaps from a distance. We especially love this spot for its wonderful natural attributes. You might even catch a deer or a hawk on your way! Next, head out to Royal Palms/White Point Beach to soak up the true natural beauty of the West Coast. With its palm-fringed sands and crystalline waters, there’s no better place to hit the beach in Los Angeles. Whilst this spot presents a whole myriad of cool things to do, one of our favorite activities has got to be exploring the tide pools dotted along the shoreline. Great for nature lovers, this activity provides a sure-fire way to see fascinating sea creatures like hermit crabs, coral clusters, and sea cucumbers way up close. We suggest planning your visit for low tide - this way you won’t get wet! In addition, visitors can enjoy swimming, scuba diving, surfing and more here. And for those who are travelling with kids, there’s a children’s play area right near the bluff. We recommend staying until dusk, so that you can enjoy the spectacular views of the sun setting over the Pacific Ocean. Los Angeles is the home of the world entertainment industry - and in turn, a fantastic roster of comedy clubs. If you’re looking to end your trip in style, we suggest checking out some of the best that the city has to offer. For those who want to catch big-name comedians trying out their new material, the Sunset Strip would be the perfect choice. Some of the top clubs in the area include The Comedy Store, Laugh Factory, and Hollywood Improv. Or, if you want to check out some of the city’s newest emerging talent, head over to the trendy bars in Silver Lake. Some of our favorites include The Virgil and The Elysian Theater. A short 2-day getaway offers the perfect chance to see the City of Angels in all its glory. Plan it just right, and you’ll be able to understand what makes this one of the most popular visitor destinations in the world - we know we do! Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
Aerial View of Griffith Park
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The Best Parks in Los Angeles for Sunny Days

Need a break from the rush? These Los Angeles parks serve skyline views, shady paths and picnic-ready lawns.

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