18 of the best · Los Angeles, California
Parks, Gardens and Beaches in Los Angeles
Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon, the beaches of Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu, and gardens across the city.
Our 18 favourites, listed A–Z · Updated October 2026
What's onThis week in Los Angeles
Insiders' picks
Three of our favourites from this list, vetted by people who know and love Los Angeles.
-
Hiking, the Observatory and the Greek
Griffith Park
A vast city park with hiking trails, Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theatre and the zoo.
-
Sea stacks and coves
El Matador State Beach
A small Malibu beach below the cliffs, known for its sea stacks.
-
Wide sand and the Pier
Santa Monica State Beach
The wide sandy beach on either side of Santa Monica Pier, with a beach path to Venice.
The full list: Parks & Beaches, A–Z
Show all 18 places on a map
Parks & gardens 10
Green space in the city.
-
Camellias and oaks
Descanso Gardens
A botanic garden in the foothills, known for its camellias and oak woodland.
-
-
Roses by the museums
Exposition Park Rose Garden
A sunken rose garden in Exposition Park, between the museums.
-
Between City Hall and The Music Center
Grand Park
A downtown park stretching from The Music Center to City Hall, with fountains and events.
200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012Explore View on map
-
Hiking, the Observatory and the Greek
Griffith Park
A vast city park with hiking trails, Griffith Observatory, the Greek Theatre and the zoo.
-
Open space by Chinatown
Los Angeles State Historic Park
A state park on the edge of Chinatown, with lawns, paths and skyline views.
1245 N Spring St, Los Angeles, CA 90012Explore View on map
-
-
A Hollywood hike
Runyon Canyon Park
A popular hiking canyon above Hollywood with views over the city.
-
Mountains above the coast
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The National Park Service area covering the mountains between Los Angeles and the sea.
26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302Explore View on map
-
A Beverly Hills estate garden
Virginia Robinson Gardens
The gardens of one of Beverly Hills’ first estates, visited by guided tour.
Beaches 8
From Santa Monica to Malibu.
-
Sea stacks and coves
El Matador State Beach
A small Malibu beach below the cliffs, known for its sea stacks.
-
Tide pools and caves
Leo Carrillo State Park
A state park at the western end of Malibu, with tide pools, sea caves and camping.
35000 W Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265Explore View on map
-
Surfrider and the lagoon
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
The lagoon and Surfrider Beach next to Malibu Pier.
23200 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265Explore View on map
-
Fishing and surf views
Malibu Pier
The pier at Surfrider Beach, open sunrise to sunset.
23000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265Explore View on map
-
A headland with views
Point Dume State Beach
A rocky headland and beach in Malibu with views along the coast.
-
Wide sand and the Pier
Santa Monica State Beach
The wide sandy beach on either side of Santa Monica Pier, with a beach path to Venice.
-
Malibu’s big beach
Zuma Beach
A long, wide beach in western Malibu, run by Los Angeles County.
30000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265Explore View on map
Explore more of Los Angeles
30 of the best Restaurants
6 of the best Cafés
21 of the best Bars & Music
25 of the best Hotels23 of the best Sights34 of the best Museums & Arts11 of the best Walks
25 of the best Shopping
13 of the best Health & Wellness18 of the best Property8 of the best Developments
7 of the best Motoring10 of the best Getting Around