Hike, Bike and Paint: a Leisurely LA Experience

There's plenty of nature to relax in when you visit Los Angeles
There's plenty of nature to relax in when you visit Los Angeles | © Joel Mott / Unsplash.com
Photo of Lucy Thackray
Lucy Thackray
19 March 2021

Tap into California’s chilled-out nominal capital on this mindful meander that takes in peaceful parks, coastline and hills with local Los Angeles insiders.

Los Angeles is creative, glamorous – and drenched in soul-soothing sunshine. But the real perk of staying here is the incredible natural scenery on the doorstep. “The old adage that you can snowboard in the mountains, surf in the sea and hike in the desert all in one day is true,” says LA native Jeremy Simpson, manager of Mexican mezcaleria and restaurant Bar Caló. He suggests digging deeper into the local area by getting out to the California coast, parks and canyons. “Check out El Matador or Leo Carrillo beaches near Malibu for that classic Cali coast experience – and grab oysters at Broad Street Oyster Co,” he suggests.

First-timers can also embrace the slow-travel trend by meeting locals and supporting small businesses in neighborhoods such as Silver Lake, Echo Park and Santa Monica. Here, we lead you on a leisurely tour of LA, via a horizontal hotel with a chilled-out pool, and experiences that encourage you to hike, bike and explore your creative side, all bookable on Culture Trip.

LA Hiking trails
Santa Monica
Check out the lesser known beaches © Tyler Nix / Unsplash.comMany L.A. hikes reward you with spectacular views © Tomás Sala / Unsplash.comMeet locals in beach neighborhoods like Venice © Veeterzy / Unsplash.com

Where to Stay: the Hotel

Mr C Beverly Hills

Hotel
Map View
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Courtesy of Mr. C Beverly Hills / Expedia
It’s known for being ritzy and brimming with designer boutiques, but Beverly Hills is also one of the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. Strolling along the famously filmed Rodeo Drive, you’ll stumble upon cafes and brunch spots where affluent locals lunch al fresco. In other words, it’s people-watching heaven. The Mr C hotel reflects its swanky surrounds with glossy wood paneling, chandeliers and jewel-box interiors. And the glamorous, cabana-trimmed pool terrace and authentic Italian restaurant encourage you to slow down, stay longer and simply enjoy. It’s super-central for making excursions to natural beauty spots and down-to-earth neighborhoods, too. Get chatting with the friendly staff to bag local tips on where to eat, drink, take in art and rub shoulders with always-at-ease Angelenos.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

What to Do: the Experiences

ToursVenice Beach, A Walking Tour
From $19 per person
45 to 60 minutes
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The Venice Beach Boardwalk and buskers are referenced in countless pop-culture moments, but the wider neighborhood is delightful. “I really enjoy spending time in Venice, where I lived for several years,” says Simpson. “The streets of Rose Avenue and Abbot Kinney Boulevard are walkable, with incredible food and people-watching as you go.” On this hour-long, low-impact, light stroll, you can tap up your born-and-raised guide for tips and advice on how the locals live.

ToursHollywood E-Bike Private Tour With Griffith Park Walk
From $75 per person
2 hours
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Hiking and biking are a great way to slow down and explore the city at a natural pace – and this Hollywood and Griffith Park tour ticks off two of LA’s most sought-after areas. Your guides will take you on a relaxed e-bike experience along Hollywood Boulevard, then for a heart-pumping hike in Griffith Park, home to LA’s seen-on-screen observatory, and unparalleled views of the Hollywood sign.

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