Looking for the best things to do at home in Los Angeles? Whether you’re a culture vulture, outdoorsy type, or simply a lover of our fine city, there’s more than enough here to keep you busy. Even lifelong Angelenos will find something new to add to their to-do list. Check out our list of things to do in your own backyard!
Take a scenic drive around the Palos Verdes Peninsula
This drive consists of ten miles of streets, mostly along Palos Verdes Drive, hugging the coast from the Torrance border to San Pedro. The first third of the drive sticks mostly to spectacular real estate a few blocks inland, but after you round Point Vicente, the drive changes dramatically. For a few miles past Terranea, there’s nothing but undeveloped oceanfront hillsides, winding roads and golden-hued bluffs.
Bike the Strand
The Strand is a 22-mile bike path, officially known as the Marvin Braude Bike Trail, that traces nearly the entire extent of L.A.’s westward-facing coastline. It’s the best way to tour the coastline. The path starts at Will Rogers State Beach and winds its way all the way down to Torrance County Beach.
See L.A. from above at Griffith Park
Griffith is a 4,000-plus–acre rugged park in the center of the city. The trails, the flora, the views, the howls of coyotes down the canyons at night, the twinkly lights of Downtown in the distance—L.A. may not have a grassy, centralized park, but Griffith’s massive, hilly wildnerness makes for a stellar alternative. Even when the Griffith Observatory is closed, you can still drive or hike up to the grounds of the landmark Art Deco dome to take in the unparalleled views.
Stroll through the stunning gardens at the Huntington Library
A historic library, museum, and sprawling gardens that was the bequest of entrepreneur Henry E. Huntington. The Huntington’s distinctly themed gardens are easily the most stunning manicured outdoor spaces in SoCal. Thought its library and museum are currently closed, the gardens are open with reservations.
Take your pup to the only off-leash beach, Rosie’s Dog Beach
The four-acre waterfront spot is the only legal off-leash dog beach in L.A. County. The park is named after the area’s late local canine celebrity, Rosie the English bulldog. You’ll know you’re in the pooch-friendly paradise if you see the colorful “Dogs at Play” sculpture—so you’ll want to stay between Granada Avenue and Roycroft Avenue between 6am and 8pm daily.