Where to see nature near Los Angeles

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Leo Carrillo State Beach; Malibu, CA

What surprised me about Los Angeles, is that not only is there plenty of beautiful nature around; but the variety and the magic of the landscapes are on another level. You would think, with so much of LA on the big screen, that there would be no secrets left, but LA has plenty.

Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains present a never-ending adventure. You are never quite sure what you will find around the corner.

There are gorgeous beaches, miles of trails and incredible vistas.

Dotted around the area are quiet villages, intriguing stores, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Right inside Los Angeles; Griffith Park has a huge variety of walkable trails and attractions. From zoos old and new, to performances, to fascinating museums. I learned the hard way that some trails have less tree cover than others. The payoff for a hike is worth it however.

I often start off in the "Ferndale" area. It is beautiful but the car noises and people can make it entirely less magical depending on when you come.

I often stop at the "Trails Cafe" for a quick snack or drink. I enjoy the atmosphere.

From there, it is a bit of a hike up to Griffith Observatory. (Water and sunscreen are a necessity!)

I have also been to the zoo there a few times. I always end up a bit overheated and overstimulated, but it is definitely worth a visit.

I have a cousin who lives in the Glendale Area, and there are many beautiful hikes in the vicinity.

Glendale boasts the gorgeous Verduga Mountains and many enchanting parks and trails.

Glendale also boasts "Descanso Gardens" full of glorious botanical gardens and forests.

A bit further out of the city you have "Angeles National Forest" with a wide diversity of plant life, from cacti to towering sequoias.

We often visit Buckhorn; my brother's favorite. I hear much of it has burned down since my last visit, but I still have photos of how it once was.

One of my personal favorite Campgrounds is Chilao.  The view and the sunsets are much more than my camera can capture.

I don't remember where this swimming hole was located, but it was within the "Angeles National Forest."

And I have not even begun. There are also Runyon Canyon Park, Eaton Canyon, the San Bernardino Mountains, Big Bear, Idlewild...many beautiful places you can visit within a two hours drive or even in the city itself.

Thank you for joining me on this trip through memory lane. It is at once sad and inspiring. All of the photos are my own.

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