4-Day Los Angeles Nature Itinerary

• Day 1: Start your day with a hike at Griffith Park, one of the largest urban parks in North America with beautiful views of downtown LA. Then, visit the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, a 127-acre botanical garden with a focus on Mediterranean and Southern Californian plants. End your day at Malibu Creek State Park, known for its hiking trails and scenic landscape.
• Day 2: Spend your morning at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, a 32-acre park that was once the site of the Southern Pacific Transportation Company's River Station. Then, head to Topanga State Park for hiking trails amongst chaparral-covered mountains. End your day at the Will Rogers State Historic Park, the former estate of actor and writer, Will Rogers.
• Day 3: Start your day at the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, offering an array of outdoor activities from hiking to mountain biking. Next, head to the Mt. Baldy, the highest peak in the San Gabriel Mountains, for a scenic hike. End your day at the Descanso Gardens, a 150-acre botanical garden with a focus on camellias and California native plants.
• Day 4: Spend your morning at the El Dorado Nature Center, a 105-acre nature preserve with trails, lakes, and streams. Then, head to the Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, one of the largest collections of California native plants. End your trip at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum, a museum displaying Ice Age fossils found in the tar pits.

Time and Costs Estimates:

• Griffith Park (3 hours, free)
• Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden (2 hours, $15)
• Malibu Creek State Park (4 hours, $12)
• Los Angeles State Historic Park (2 hours, free)
• Topanga State Park (4 hours, $10)
• Will Rogers State Historic Park (2 hours, $12)
• Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (4 hours, free)
• Mt. Baldy (5 hours, $5 for parking)
• Descanso Gardens (3 hours, $15)
• El Dorado Nature Center (3 hours, free)
• Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden (2 hours, $10)
• La Brea Tar Pits and Museum (2 hours, $15)
• Total Estimated Costs: $94

Transportation:

Los Angeles is a sprawling city, and having a car is the most convenient way to explore the area's natural attractions. Rentals cost around $40-60 per day, and parking fees can range from free to $20. Alternatively, Uber or Lyft are available for hire at reasonable prices, but longer drives can add up quickly. Public transportation options, such as buses and trains, are available but may not be as efficient for nature excursions.

Useful Tips:

If you have extra time, add a visit to the Angeles National Forest for hiking or The Getty Center for art and garden viewing. If you have less time, choose one activity from each day or consider a half-day activity.

Airports:

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the primary airport serving Los Angeles and is located 16 miles southwest of downtown. Other nearby airports include Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) located 18 miles northwest of downtown and Long Beach Airport (LGB) located 20 miles southeast of downtown.