Fun Places To Explore In LA
Taking a trip to Los Angeles? When visiting, consider going to some of the most iconic places in the city. Everyone knows there’s tons of fun things to do in LA, only problem is majority of these things cost a fortune. If you’re not looking to spend money like a wild fire, continue reading, as we’re going over fun places to explore in LA.
1. Malibu Creek
Malibu Creek State Park is about six miles from the beaches of the more popular and well known Malibu. This park is a great hiking destination with many trails curving around the Santa Monica Mountains. You can sometimes even spot horses on several of the trails including the Saddle Peak and Yearling Trail, and if you’re a bicyclist you can explore the Backbone Trail and the Grassland Trail. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on any of the trails except service dogs because of the other roaming wildlife. In the upper parts of Malibu they offer free range rock climbing and bouldering on Apes Wall near the visitor center. Nearby, you can find a huge body of water surrounded by large rocks and mountains perfect for rock diving and hanging out with friends or family. Some other popular destinations within the park include Century Ranch where TV shows like MASH and movies like Planet of the Apes were filmed. Sepulveda Adobe and the Mott Adobe Ruins are other unique places to explore near the area and picnic areas with restrooms are provided throughout the central part of the park and even a campground with over 60 campsites.
2. Runyon Canyon Park
Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is an often-overlooked urban park that offers amazing views of the city. The park has several hiking trails and is a popular spot for celebrities to work out in privacy. During a hike, you’ll see plenty of palm trees and at the top of the canyon, you’ll be exposed to a magnificent view of the San Fernando Valley. Some travelers and or tourists say that the canyon is reminiscent of Old Hollywood with several old celebrity mansions and estates scattered throughout the grounds of the park. Like most trails because of the hot, dry climate, the hike can be tough even for those with experience or are in great physical condition, so bringing plenty of water and the right hiking shoes could help tremendously.
3. Ernest debs park
The Audubon Center at Debs Park is a natural gem in the heart of Los Angeles with something special for everyone. At the Center is an environmental community hub located Northeast of Los Angeles. With 282 acres, Ernest E. Debs Regional Park has inspired a love of nature in over a million Los Angeles residents. Debs Park is an urban oasis for wildlife and people less than 5 miles from the iconic and frequently visited Downtown Los Angeles. The area has over 140 species of birds that have been spotted in Debs Park, making it home to birds like the American Kestrels, Great-horned Owls, Northern Flickers, and Yellow-rumped Warblers throughout the years. Ernest Debs Center takes great pride in hosting visitors ranging from different age, race, gender, ability, and socioeconomic status, so everyone is welcomed. The Center’s culture is built on partnerships and collaboration with government agencies, libraries, universities, and community organizations, building relationships in the community to learn and provide resources for the future.
4. Copper canyon
Copper Canyon is a group of six well known distinct canyons in the Sierra Madre Occidental southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua in northwestern Mexico that is 65,000 square kilometres in size. The canyons were formed by six rivers that drained the western side of the Sierra Tarahumara. All six rivers merge into the Rio Fuerte and empty into what we know as the Gulf of California. The walls of the canyon are a copper color, which is how the name Copper Canyon came to be. There are many other ways to explore Copper Canyon such as hiking, biking, driving or even horseback riding/ horseback riding lessons. The most popular way is by train, as the Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacífico or ChePe, runs along the main canyon called Canyon Urique, between Chihuahua and Los Mochis, on the Gulf of California.
5. OstrichLand
Considered a fun and exciting Central Coast landmark, OstrichLand USA located in Buellton is a popular destination and a great first stop when heading to the little quaint Danish themed town of Solvang, the Chumash Casino, and Santa Ynez Valley wineries. Ostrichland has over 100 ostriches and emus, all adored by people of all ages. OstrichLand in many ways is like a zoo. The Ostriches and Emus are here for everyone’s enjoyment and fun. Visitors are also welcomed to feed the animals up close or in car, or just stand back and enjoy the interactions and antics of these unbelievably large birds.You’ll be happy to know their Ostriches and Emus have been raised to be fed by the visitors and are trained to eat out of a bowl so it’s very safe, not to mention monitored the entire time.
6. Lake shrine
Lake Shrine is a beautiful place with waterfalls, fountains, flower beds, statues, white swans across the lake, lily ponds, and a Dutch windmill that is used as a chapel. The Court of Religions is held here, honoring the five principal religions of the world, displaying the symbols of a cross for Christianity, a Star of David for Judaism, a Wheel of Law for Buddhism, a crescent moon and star for Islam, and the Om symbol for Hinduism. Yogananda believed in an underlying harmony of all faiths that unites us all. Along with a couple statues of Krishna and other iconic Hindu figures, there is also a life size statue of Jesus Christ himself above the waterfall, as well as Francis of Assisi and the Madonna and Child. The gardens are filled with little detailed brick paths and short stairways that lead from the main trail to hidden alcoves where meditation or sitting and taking in the view is an option. The gift shop features arts and crafts from India which is close to a museum focusing on Paramahansa Yogananda, the founder of Lake Shrine. Lastly, there is a Dutch windmill converted into a chapel, a houseboat, a bookstore and a temple overlooking the entire lake.
