Los Angeles is full of fun, exciting, and memorable things to do. This list looks at 10 great options – either in Los Angeles or nearby – for adding some adventure to your next trip to the city.
1. Go Surfing
Nothing says Southern California quite like surfing, and trying to catch a wave yourself can be a fun and exciting way of spending an afternoon. This is a great option for those with surfing experience and those without. First-timers can sign up for lessons such as those offered by Aloha Brothers. People who already know how to hang ten will have no shortage of quality spots to check out as well – El Porto and Redondo beach are two such spots.
2. Explore The Queen Mary
This large passenger boat has been featured on a variety of shows thanks to its reputation of being haunted. Regardless of whether or not you believe in ghosts, though, the boat is home to a hotel as well as offering tours.
3. Go On A Whale Watching Tour
Another fun way to spend an afternoon can be heading off the coast to embark on a whale-watching tour. Groups such as LA Waterfront Cruises offer day cruises to see blue whales, humpback whales, and gray whales year-round.
4. Stop By Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens is a gorgeous, 150-acre botanical garden in Los Angeles County. This is a great option if you’re looking to get outside of the city and enjoy some fresh air, while still having a pleasant and laidback outing. Tickets for the gardens are available online.
5. Rent A Swan Boat
Here’s an option that’s perfect for a romantic outing or some fun with a group of friends! Head over to Echo Park Lake to rent a swan-shaped boat. For some extra magic, go a little later in the day – the last chance to rent a boat is an hour before closing, at 9 p.m., and a nighttime trip around the lake is a great way to see the sparkling city lights.
6. Visit Catalina Island
Take a day trip out to the gorgeous Catalina island to enjoy all manner of fun in the sun. This popular island is a one-hour ferry ride from Los Angeles, and home to some amazing spots for outdoor activities such as scuba diving and boating.
7. Get Thrills By Skydiving
Here’s one for the adrenaline junkies – try your hand at indoor skydiving! iFly Indoor Skydiving offers the chance to literally fly through the air. This is a great option for a truly memorable time, as no experience is needed and planning is as simple as booking your tickets online.
8. Explore A Sea Cave
Head about an hour outside of the city to Dana Point to embark on a hike that will lead you to an awe-inspiring sea cave. The hike itself is a little over a mile roundtrip and takes you mostly along the shore until you reach the cave. As much of it is alongside the ocean, aim to go during low tide so you don’t have to trudge through water to reach the cave itself.
9. Go Ziplining
Head over to Santa Margarita to check out one (or more) of the six zip lines located at Margarita Adventures. You can look forward to soaring over the gorgeous scenery below the ziplines, which includes vineyards and lush valleys. Reservations can be made online.
10. Try Out Sea-Kayaking
The Los Angeles coast is home to some amazing spots for sea kayaking, one of which is at Malibu Pier. It’s not necessary to even have a kayak of your own for this one – rentals are available from Malibu Surf Shop. While you don’t need any experience to rent a kayak, if you haven’t been kayaking before staying balanced and getting through the surf can be a bit tricky. Because of this, you may want to consider trying it out on a lake or calm body of water first, or look into also purchasing a kayaking lesson or tour that will provide some instruction to make sure you have the most successful time.
