You don’t have to be a tourist to appreciate the outdoors options that Los Angeles offers year round. The city’s moderate climate and temperatures during the majority of the 12 months leaves plenty of outdoor destinations choices for family, couple or individual day trips. If you are in need of a few options for your trip, I’ve included just a few of my favorites below. There are, of course, dozens of other outdoor attractions I have excluded but you can find a longer list of options here.

Franklin Canyon

Franklin Canyon Parks offers an escape from the city noise and commotion. It is a quiet escape from the city’s traffic and overwhelming concrete. The park hosts weddings, meetings and parties, but it’s also an easy option for a family day trip. There are plenty of places around the park to have a picnic by the lake or under an oak or sycamore tree. If you are seeking to bird watch, stop by the heavenly pond where you can feed passing ducks.

Beaches

It’s difficult to pin down just one beach to visit near Los Angeles, but just to name a few, check out: Descansco Beach, Crescent Beach, Pebbly Beach, Ben Weston Beach, Royal Palms County Beach and Manhattan County Beach.

Lake Piru

This Lake, which is located in Ventura County inside the Los Padres National Forest right next to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary. The lake is a great camping destination with its tidy restrooms, hot showers and a stocked stored for travelers to purchase all of their needs. You can even rent a pontoon boat to take out on the lake.

Angeles National Forest

Experience amazing scenery and a natural environment when you visit this forest. The forest offers fishing, hiking, swimming and even skiing areas. Check out the wilderness areas like Cucamonga, Magic Mountain, Pleasant View Ridge, San Gabriel Wilderness and Sheep Mountain Wilderness.

Equine Experiences and Trail Rides

You can horseback ride in Palos Verdes. Activities offered include; Cowboy Boot Camp, Trail Rides, Dinner Rides and riding Lessons.