Are you looking for the best easy hikes in Los Angeles (and around)? Los Angeles is not just about Hollywood and beaches; it’s also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, especially families looking for easy and enjoyable hikes.
In the sprawling city and surrounding areas, numerous easy hikes near Los Angeles are perfect for all ages, offering a chance to explore Southern California’s natural beauty.
For those looking for easy hikes in the Los Angeles area, the city offers several urban trails perfect for families. For example, the Vista Hermosa Park Trail is a short-loop trail with a cool playground and views over downtown Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for a family outing. The Ascot Hills Park Trail and the Ernest E. Debs Regional Park Loop offer moderate hikes with beautiful scenery and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Also, the Palos Verdes Peninsula is one of the best areas around Los Angeles for family-friendly hiking. With its unique geological history and stunning ocean views, Palos Verdes offers a variety of easy and scenic trails.
Let’s check the best easy hikes in the Los Angeles area.
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Easy Hiking Trails in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area
There are many great kid-friendly hikes in the Los Angeles metropolitan area and the surroundings. Some of those easy hiking trails in Los Angeles are more urban trails.
Check out our best family hikes in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area.
1. Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Drive Trail
The Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Drive is a popular and easy trail in Los Angeles. And it leads to one of the most popular things to do in Los Angeles.
The path takes you through residential areas before ascending into the more rugged terrain of the Hollywood Hills. Along the way, you’ll find several spots perfect for taking photos with the Hollywood Sign in the background.
🥾 Hollywood Sign via Innsdale Drive Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.7 km (2.7 km) out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 253 feet (77 m)
2. Vista Hermosa Park Loop Trail
The Vista Hermosa Park Trail is a 0.6-mile (1.0 km) short loop trail throughout the park. It’s a fun kid-friendly hike in Los Angeles since there’s a cool playground. There is also near views over downtown Los Angeles.
Vista Hermosa Park is a true nature oasis in the heart of Filipinotown in Los Angeles. It may be more like a picnic/walking spot, but it’s perfect for families.
There is lots of free parking and a restroom nearby.
🥾 Vista Hermosa Park Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 0.6 mile (1.0 km) out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 46 feet (14 m)
3. Ascot Hills Park
Ascot Hills Park Trail is a 2.2-mile (3.5 km) loop near Los Angeles. The trail goes throughout the park near San Gabriel Valley Chinese food. It’s a great kid-friendly hike near Los Angeles.
💡 PRO-TIP: Hike this trail counterclockwise.
It’s considered as a moderate hiking trail due to its 571 ft (175 m) elevation gain. The hike has a good incline and limited shade, so bring lots of water.
🥾 Ascot Hills Park Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 2.2 mile (3.5 km) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 571 feet (175 m)
4. Ernest E. Debs Regional Park Loop
The Ernest E. Debs Regional Park Loop is a 2.7 miles (4.3 km) moderate trail. It’s a pretty steep trail leading to a beautiful pond. It’s a gain elevation of 607 ft (185 m).
Once you arrive at the pond, it’s an excellent water area with some shade. It offers a 360 view and downtown Los Angeles is even visible from the pond.
Kids will love seeing pond turtles, bass fish, and blue gale.
🥾 Ernest E. Debs Regional Park Loop Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 2.7 miles (4.3 km) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 607 feet (185 m)
5. Venice Canals Trail
Venice Canals is a 2.9 mile (4.7 km) nice urban trail. It has an interesting history and architecture. Built-in 1906, the canals were inspired by the canals of Venice.
The trail is near the ocean and is wheelchair and stroller-friendly.
Try to plan your walk during the high tide. The boats in the canals will be in the water.
Best Hikes in Palos Verdes Peninsula for Family
Once a part of the Channel Island archipelago, the Palis Verdes Peninsula is a series of landslides that eventually connected the island to the mainland, forming a peninsula. The peninsula shares much of the indigenous flora and fauna found only on these local islands.
Because of the active landslides in the area, commercial development is minimal compared to the otherwise endless urban sprawl of Southern California, making it a very distinctive natural area for hiking, tide-pooling, and breathtaking ocean views.
Here are the best hikes in Palos Verdes Peninsula:
6. Abalone Cove & Sacred Cove Trail
The Abalone Cove and Sacred Cove Trail is a 2.0 mile (3.2 km) easy trail in Palos Verdes Peninsula. It features tidepools, beaches and bluffs.
There is a parking lot nearby (with a parking fee).
🥾 Abalone Cove & Sacred Cove Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 2.0 miles (3.2 km) loop
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 151 feet (46 m)
7. Portuguese Bend Landslide Loop Trail
The Portuguese Bend Landslide Loop is a 2.8-mile (4.5-km) loop trail with an elevation gain of ft (194 m). It’s considered a moderate trail because of the steep incline.
There are a lot of up down, up down. Also, there is almost no shade, so consider that when hiking with kids in the summertime.
You’ll find a few benches along the trail and have wonderful Cataluna views (as well as breezes). The view of the Pacific Ocean is worth the effort.
🥾 Portuguese Bend Landslide Loop Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 2.8 miles (4.5 km) loop
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 636 feet (194 m)
8. Bluff Cove Trail
The Bluff Cove Trail is a 1.1 miles (km) out-and-back trail leading to a beautiful beach on the Pacific Ocean.
It’s an easy hike that is an epic spot for sunset and rock collecting. The beach is rocky but fun.
🥾 Bluff Cove Trail Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.1 miles (1.8 km) out-and-back
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation gain: 129 feet (39 m)
9. Rancho Palos Verdes Coastal Trail
The Rancho Palos Verdes Coastal Trail is a 1.9 miles (3.2-km) out-and-back trail. It’s considered a moderate hike. The start of the trail is a little strange as you have to pass through a gold course, but it’s worth it.
During this hike, you’ll be surrounded by coastal sage, cacti and native vegetation. There is a nice access to the beach where you’ll find tidepools.
You’ll need hiking shoes to walk down to the beach.
Fun Facts: FOX filmed scenes from the TV show The O.C in the area. Pirates of the Caribbean movie also filmed some scenes on this coast.
🥾 Rancho Palos Verdes Coastal Trail Technical Information (from AllTrails) 🥾
Distance: 1.9 miles (3.2 km) out-and-back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation gain: 272 feet (83 m)
A few things to know before hiking with kids
Here are a few things to know when hiking with kids:
🥾 Pack the right gear
When hiking with kids, always bring a day hiking pack back with: bottle of water, snacks, hiking poles, good hiking shoes and sun protection.
🩹 Don’t forget a First Aid Kit
Take a hiking first aid kit with you when hiking with toddlers. Make sure it is well-stocked, especially with bite/sting cream and band-aid – you never know when unsteady little legs might take a tumble. Keep your hiking first aid kit somewhere accessible.
📱 Download a few apps to help you plan your hiking day
AllTrails is our app to look at trails report and see if the trail is kid-friendly. You’ll also find recent information about the status of the trail. The GoWhee app also has some great recommendations for kid-friendly hiking trails.
🎒 Bring a Quality Baby/Hiking Carrier
A good baby/hiking carrier is a must when hiking with toddlers. There’s nothing worse than getting midway through a trail only for your little one to decide they aren’t taking another step. There are so many great hiking back to carry your toddler. We loved our Ergobaby carrier and our Tula carrier. We’ve never been big fans of the big hiking carriers, but some families love the Osprey hiking backpack and the Deuter hiking backpack.
Final Thoughts: Easy Hikes in LA
Los Angeles and its surrounding areas offer easy hiking trails for families and beginners. From the scenic coastal paths of Palos Verdes to the city’s urban green spaces, a diverse range of natural landscapes is waiting to be explored.
These hikes provide a refreshing escape from the urban hustle and a chance for families to bond, learn about nature, and stay active together. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, incorporating these easy hikes into your Los Angeles itinerary is necessary. They offer a unique opportunity to experience the lesser-known natural beauty of Southern California.
So, pack your water bottles, put on your hiking shoes, and get ready to discover some of the best easy hikes near Los Angeles.
Emilie is the founder of Love Life Abroad. She helps moms plan epic road trips and outdoor adventures with their families. Because who said adventuring had to stop once we have kids? She’s based in the Canadian Rockies and shares her love for the region as well as other unique places in Canada & USA. She works with tourism boards and outdoor brands to inspire families to experience new unique destinations and outdoor activities.