Things To Do In Los Angeles, Ca For Two Days

Los Angeles is a place where there are so many things to do that even people who live there often can't keep up. What Los Angeles has that other international cities lack is that it is one of the world's great places for outdoor culture, exercise and recreation. "Outside" magazine calls Los Angeles a "city without limits." Even if you come for a short visit, there are dozens of outdoor adventures in Los Angeles and nearby beach towns.

Swim

Los Angeles County operates 18 beaches. In addition, Santa Monica Beach is run by the city of Santa Monica. According to the Nature Conservancy, the best beach for swimming in the ocean is the state beach in Will Rogers State Park, just north of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway. Lifeguards are on duty on the beach during daylight hours.

Hike

Chances are that no matter where you are staying in Los Angeles, there is a California state park nearby for hiking, mountain biking or picnicking, as Los Angeles County boasts 25 state parks. Some parks have coastal access and fishing. Many parks have trails that are accessible to people with disabilities. The Runyon Canyon loop starts just a few blocks from central Hollywood. The nearly restored Los Angeles State Historic Park, adjacent to Chinatown, offers great views of Los Angeles.

Griffith Park

In the Santa Monica Mountains above central Los Angeles are 4,200 acres of recreation in Griffith Park, one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. The park offers golf courses, hiking trails, mountain bike trails and bike rentals, the Los Angeles Zoo and an equestrian center. One of the largest attractions of the park is the Griffith Park Observatory on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood. The observatory is known as a leading astronomy center. The grounds around it are known for the expansive views of the Los Angeles basin, especially at night.

Pacific Coast

A pedestrian and bicycle path runs from the beach area of Will Rogers State Park south to Venice Beach. You can start and stop anywhere along the path, depending on how much exercise and fresh air you want. Parking is available on the beach at Will Rogers State Park, at the Santa Monica Pier or at the Santa Monica Third Street Promenade just off of Pacific Coast Highway. The cities of Santa Monica and Venice Beach offer several rental shops for bicycles and in-line skates. Those towns also offer parking, restaurants, shops and attractions to see along the way. Areas of the path can be very crowded on weekends.

Healthy Eating

Healthy eating in diverse communities is a mainstay of Southern California culture. The Farmer's Market is one of the oldest in the United States and is open every day. In addition, there are regular daily farmer's markets all over the city. Hollywood, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills have numerous vegetarian and vegan restaurants. Koreatown is just south of Hollywood and Chinatown is near downtown. Each neighborhood offers ample choices for vegetarians and meat-eaters. Los Angeles has the largest Mexican-American population of any city in the United States and Mexican restaurants are easy to find anywhere in town. Stroll Olvera Street in central Los Angeles to see the historic pueblo and take in the center of the Mexican-American community.