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's a multi-faceted city where it's impossible to get bored, with its diverse natural scenery and pleasant weather most of the year. Take the opportunity to climb Lee Mountain for a close-up view of the famous Hollywood sign, or enjoy a scenic helicopter ride.

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

The scenic beauty of Echo Park Lake is unparalleled, offering beautiful views of LA's skyscrapers and wilderness.

There are several options but the most popular is the swan boat, in which you can pedal alongside the lotus blossoms. It's easy to use and usually offers one-hour tours. You can take food and drinks on board 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 aggressive and it's against Echo Park rules.

In such a wonderful city it's impossible to get bored because there's 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 the iconic beaches and see Santa Monica or Venice Beach. On board you'll hear interesting facts about the city and, in terms of duration, you have several options:

• Book a 45-minute helicopter flight- usually covering more attractions and concentrating on the city centre and beaches.
• Book a 15-minute helicopter flight: this takes you around the main attractions and is a cheaper 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 of the iconic Hollywood sign is something you'll never forgive yourself for. This iconic landmark has an inexplicable energy and offers panoramic views of the city. It's also close to luxurious neighbourhoods 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 around and became a global film icon. It's not advisable to get too close because the terrain nearby is steep and unstable, so a guided experience may be the best way 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. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, this place collects Ice Age mysteries, prehistoric animal fossils and the largest collection of Late Pleistocene asphaltic fossils. It's a window to the past and a place where you can wander through nature trails and discover interesting stories.

It has indoor and outdoor areas, but my favourite part is the 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're in Los Angeles in the summer, you can take advantage of the children's camps that take place 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'll 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 for this sport.

This type of activity teaches you the correct way to surf the waves of California, while enjoying an adrenaline-filled adventure, with all the safety measures in place. It is important to do warm-up exercises and wear a wetsuit, as well as to sign up with a professional instructor, especially if you have no experience.

If you are travelling with your family and are looking for things to do with the kids in Los Angeles, you have the option of hiring a surfing 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, cinematic 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 around Hogwarts on your broomstick and enjoy a colourful show. There are endless surprises and themed experiences awaiting you in this park, here are my favourites:

• A visit to Hogwarts Castle.
• Interactive race in the style of Marios Bross and other games from his universe.
• Water warfare with dinosaur animatronics.
• The lovable Minions and mechanical adventures inspired by the films.
• 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 queue-free access to the facilities.

Los Angeles is a great city for cycling 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 taking a map, GPS and a definite itinerary. Alternatively, you can join a guided experience to enjoy the recommendations of a guide and choose between a regular bike or an electric bike. Consider that for mountain climbing it is more advisable to opt for the electric one, as it makes it easier to reach rocky areas.

Traveller Tip

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

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

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

Another water sport not to be missed in LA is kayaking. It's one of the best things 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.

Get your arms ready because you'll have to paddle for at least an hour and a half, but it's worth it to get a glimpse of the Atlantic's marine life. It's definitely a fun way to explore LA's waterways.

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

You can venture out as a family, as it's suitable for all levels of experience, and take advantage of a relaxing ride or ride like a professional horseman. Along the way you may come across wild animals such as foxes and deer, but you should keep a safe distance.

There are about 5 trails and several side trails that allow you to find waterfalls, natural gems and 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 eye, you can take advantage of your visit to Los Angeles to sign up for a sea lion watching experience. It's common to see these animals lounging on rocks or playing in the water near the coast, especially from late spring to early autumn, with a peak in the months of June through September.

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

Interestingly, 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 outside the comfort zone and, if you dare, they'll 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. In particular, the best place to go is Malibu, where you can climb over rock formations and cliffs and even reach the Santa Monica Mountains.

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

Just outside LA you'll also find 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 hike a trail on your own, without straying too far from the edge of safety. Some of my favourite routes are:

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

If you're an adventurer and adrenaline junkie, then paragliding from the Santa Monica Mountains is not to be missed. It is a unique experience that allows you to fly over the Pacific Ocean and the California coastline. 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 take-off and landing techniques. The opportunity to capture souvenir images during the flight makes it an undeniable attraction.