Los Angeles families don’t need to choose between the city and the outdoors. Within about an hour’s drive you’ve got ocean kayaking, canyon hiking, beach cycling, and even ziplining a little farther out — all doable in a single day without burning through your vacation budget.
Family Friendly
Day Trip
Budget $25–$150
Which Hikes Work for Active Families
Griffith Park alone holds over 53 miles of trails and ranks as one of the largest urban parks in North America. The Fern Dell Trail stays shaded and flat, making it a solid pick for families with young children who want views without the whining. For something with more payoff, the Griffith Observatory trails range from one mile to over five miles and deliver Hollywood Sign and LA basin views year-round. Parking at the Observatory costs $10 per hour on weekdays noon–10 PM and weekends 10 AM–10 PM with no daily max. Skip the car entirely and take the LADOT DASH shuttle from the Vermont/Sunset Metro B Line station for $0.50 regular fare or $0.35 with a TAP card.
Runyon Canyon draws big crowds on weekends. The main trail runs 2.6 miles as a loop with moderate steep sections and full sun exposure — zero shade. Dogs are allowed off-leash, which means lots of canine company on the trail. Parking is notoriously tight; ride-share or a weekday visit solves that. Facilities are limited, so pack the water and supplies you need.
The Hollywood Sign via Brush Canyon Trail runs 6.4 miles round trip and climbs steadily. It’s less crowded than the Beachwood Canyon approach, but the uphill grade challenges younger kids. Start early to beat the heat and the crowds. For a shorter option, the Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Trail clocks in at 4.3 miles with a gentler climb and still delivers that iconic view.
Eaton Canyon in Pasadena was once a favorite family waterfall hike, but the Eaton Canyon Natural Area has been closed since the January 2025 Eaton Fire. For now, pick another trail instead and check LA County Trails for current status.
Water Sports Along the Coast
Santa Monica Beach is the go-to for beginner surfers. Several surf schools offer lessons for all ages and skill levels, with group lessons starting around $75 per person and private lessons around $150 per hour. Schools typically provide boards and wetsuits. Summer and fall bring the warmest water temperatures. Book lessons in advance during peak season.
Marina del Rey offers calm waters that work well for kayaking and paddleboarding. Rental shops like Marina del Rey Boat Rentals and Pro SUP Shop have single and double kayaks starting around $25 per hour. The waters stay calm enough for beginners, and you’ll likely spot sea lions and various bird species. Strong winds can make paddling tough, so check the weather forecast before heading out.
For snorkeling, Catalina Island is the standout. A day trip via the Catalina Express ferry from Long Beach or San Pedro gets you to clear waters with abundant marine life. Snorkeling tours start around $75 per person. Summer and fall offer the warmest water and best visibility. Book ferry tickets and tours in advance during peak season.
Cycling the Beach Path
The Marvin Braude Bike Trail — locals call it The Strand — runs 22 paved miles along the coast from Will Rogers State Beach down to Torrance. The route is mostly flat and accessible to cyclists of all skill levels. Perry’s Cafe and Beach Rentals and Santa Monica Bike Center offer rentals starting around $10 per hour. Helmets are required for children under 18. Summer weekends get crowded; an early morning start avoids the worst of it.
For families who want a guided experience, bike tours of downtown Los Angeles run around $60 per person and cover city landmarks. Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather for longer rides.
Unique Adventures Worth the Drive
Skypark at Santa’s Village sits in Skyforest, about two hours from LA, and offers zipline courses for different ages and skill levels. Zipline tours start around $79 per person. The park also has rock climbing and archery, making it a full-day destination. Check for weather closures before you go.
Point Dume State Beach in Malibu offers beach-front rock climbing with beginner and intermediate routes. Seven routes range from 5.6 to 5.10 difficulty. Early morning before 7 AM is the best window to grab a top spot. The tide laps at the base of the climbs, which adds a cool factor but also means timing matters.
For older teens and adults, tandem paragliding in Malibu starts around $250 per person. Most providers require participants to be at least 18 or have parental consent. Spring and fall offer the most stable weather conditions.
Family-Friendly Day Trips Beyond the City
Joshua Tree National Park sits about 2.5 hours from LA. The Hidden Valley trail is a one-mile loop suitable for all ages with unique rock formations and wildlife. The 49 Palms Oasis trail is a moderate hike to a secluded palm oasis. Rock climbing routes cover all levels, and the dark skies make for excellent stargazing if you stay overnight.
Malibu is only 45 minutes from LA and delivers classic Southern California beach access. Adamson House and Neptune’s Net are worth stops, but the real draw is the coastline itself. The Pacific Coast Highway drive between Malibu and Santa Monica is scenic enough to count as part of the adventure.
Catalina Island is about an hour by ferry from San Pedro or Long Beach. Once there, families can hike, snorkel, zipline, or explore Avalon town. Cars are not allowed on the island, which keeps things pedestrian-friendly.
What to Pack and How to Plan
Every outdoor adventure in LA starts with the same foundation: water, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy footwear. The sun is intense even on cloudy days, and many popular trails have zero shade. Start hikes before 9 AM in summer to avoid the worst heat.
The AllTrails app is essential for checking trail conditions and recent comments about rattlesnake sightings. The AirNow app lets you check smog and wildfire smoke levels before cardio-heavy activities. MyShake provides earthquake early warnings.
Red Flag Days mean closures in Griffith Park and the Santa Monica Mountains during high fire risk. Check the LAFD website before driving to a trailhead. Park rangers enforce sunset closures strictly — cars left even ten minutes after dark risk tickets.
Parking costs add up fast. Santa Monica Beach summer parking at Lot 1 North runs $20. Zuma Beach runs $8–$15 per day depending on season. Temescal Canyon charges $12 at the MRCA lot. Angeles National Forest requires an Adventure Pass to park: $5 per day or $30 per year.
- Runyon Canyon: Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds; the trail has zero shade, so start before 9 AM in summer.
- Marvin Braude Bike Trail: Rent bikes near Santa Monica Pier for the best selection of cruisers, tandems, and electric bikes.
- Catalina Island snorkeling: Book ferry and tour together in advance during summer; afternoon winds can roughen the water.
- Griffith Observatory: Take the DASH shuttle ($0.50) from the Metro B Line instead of paying $10/hour for parking.
- Trail closures: Eaton Canyon is closed, so check LA County Trails for open alternatives before you set out.
Budgeting for a Day Out
A low-activity day — one beach parking and one park hike — runs about $25. A medium day with two beach parkings, an Adventure Pass, an MRCA hike, and a DASH shuttle ride lands around $60. A high-activity day with four beach parkings, two MRCA hikes, two Adventure Passes, and the shuttle comes to roughly $115. Those figures don’t include gear rentals, lessons, or food, so add accordingly for surf lessons ($75+), kayak rentals ($25/hour), or zipline tours ($79+).
Sources
Los Angeles Hikes. 10Adventures.
Los Angeles Outdoor Activities and Nature. Cities Insider.
Adventure Activities in Los Angeles. Family Travel Path.
Must-Do Outdoor Adventures Around Los Angeles. The Discoverer.
Things to Do Outside of Los Angeles. Learn California.
Los Angeles Outdoor Activities. Culture Activities.
Eaton Fire Trail Closure FAQs. LA County Trails.
Joshua Tree National Park. National Park Service.
