Tag: laparks

Explore Outdoor Adventures Off the Beaten Track

Need some inspiration for your next outdoor adventure? Los Angeles is surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery west of the Rockies, and many exceptional destinations are an easy drive from Circa. From the rugged beauty of Vasquez Rocks, to majestic waterfalls, secret swimming spots, and even an abandoned Bridge to Nowhere, there are places galore that may not be on your radar. Fun activities include hiking, swimming, mountain biking, and observing the local plants and wildlife. Watch for signs with visitor guidelines at all locations. Bring plenty of water and don’t forget your sunscreen!

Malibu Creek Rock Pool outdoor adventures near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Malibu Creek Rock Pool Malibu Creek State Park

A beautiful oasis hidden in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Malibu Creek Rock Pool is a fairly large body of water surrounded by green trees and tall rocky, porous cliffs. The rocks are situated above and around the pool, hence the name, the Rock Pool. You can also roam the surrounding area of the Rock Pool to see other parts of Malibu Creek, where you’ll find some good spots to relax and enjoy the tranquil sounds of the water as it flows by. We Who Roam has more information on the Malibu Creek Rock Pool hike HERE

Eaton Canyon Falls outdoor adventures near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Eaton Canyon Falls Eaton Canyon Natural Area1750 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, CA 91107

Eaton Canyon Trail is a scenic hike to the 40-foot Eaton Canyon Falls, with beautiful views of the San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains. The trail has only a few hundred feet of elevation gain, but there are several stream crossings and areas of boulder-hopping and rock climbing on the way to the falls. Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, equestrian trails with a staging area, picnic areas, seasonal stream, rocks and minerals, various natural habitats, native plants, and wildlife.

The Bridge to Nowhere outdoor adventures near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

The Bridge to Nowhere Mt Baldy, CA 91759

The Bridge to Nowhere is a 120-foot high concrete arch bridge that was built in 1936, located north of Azusa in the San Gabriel Mountains. The bridge spans the East Fork of the San Gabriel River and was meant to be part of a road connecting the San Gabriel Valley with Wrightwood. The East Fork Road was still under construction when it was washed out during the great flood of 1938 and the project was abandoned, leaving the bridge forever stranded in the middle of what is now the Sheep Mountain Wilderness. This hike to the bridge features multiple river crossings, plenty of opportunities to swim, and historic sections of visible roads and tunnels. Modern Hiker has directions and more info HERE

Earnest E. Debs Regional Park outdoor adventures near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Earnest E. Debs Regional Park 4235 Monterey Road Los Angeles, CA 90032

If you’re like most Angelenos, you’ve probably zoomed past this park just off the 110 Arroyo Seco Parkway countless times and never knew it was hiding in plain sight. Ernest E. Debs Regional Park is 300-acre urban oasis on old ranch land in the Arroyo Seco neighborhood just northeast of downtown L.A. The fourth largest park in Los Angeles, the area is home to walnut-oak woodland, grassland, coastal sage scrub, and over 140 species of birds. A five mile loop meanders through almost every section of this dog-friendly park. Along the way, you’ll discover a pond where you can actually go fishing. 

Corralitas Rail Path outdoor adventures near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Corralitas Rail Path Allesandro Way & Lake View Avenue, Echo Park, CA 90039

The Corralitas Rail Path is a little known urban hike that follows an abandoned Pacific Electric Red Car Trolley line that used to run between downtown Los Angeles and the city of Glendale. Abandoned in 1955. this mile-long strip has been reclaimed by nature and is now a verdant woodland in the densely populated Los Angeles suburb of Silver Lake-Elysian Valley. Along the way, you’ll see remnants of a 100-foot tall trestle bridge, old water/sewer infrastructure, abandoned stair platforms, and a steep hill covered with strange cement obelisks. Not recommended for night hiking.

Escondido Canyon outdoor adventures near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Escondido Canyon Park 27200 Winding Way, Malibu, CA 90265

At 150 feet, Escondido Canyon Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Santa Monica Mountains, accessed by a lovely and shaded trail through beautiful sage scrub. Starting from Pacific Coast Highway about a mile south of Kanan Road in Malibu, take the Edward Albert Trail through Escondido Canyon Natural Area. The trail leads hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians 4.2 miles through oak woodland, riparian woodland, and coastal sage scrub to the spectacular, multi-tiered waterfall.

Vasquez Rocks outdoor adventures near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park 10700 Escondido Canyon Rd, Agua Dulce, CA 91350

Located in the high desert near Agua Dulce Springs, Vasquez Rocks features 932 acres of spectacular rock formations and a seasonal stream. The rocks’ history began in prehistoric times when the sandstone rocks were uplifted at a picturesque angle, showing their jagged red features. In 1874 Tiburcio Vasquez, one of California’s most notorious bandits, used these rocks to elude capture by law enforcement. His name has since been associated with this geologic feature. The park is a popular hiking, picnicking, and equestrian area, and has been seen in many hit movies, commercials and television shows, including Star Trek and Star Trek: Picard.

Deep Creek Hot Springs outdoor adventures near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Deep Creek Hot Springs Pacific Crest Trail Apple Valley, CA 92308

This incredible aquatic oasis is located in the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest outside the city of Apple Valley. These natural springs offer both hot and cold recreational opportunities. The easiest way to get there is through the Bowen Ranch Road, which accesses the site through private land (a fee is charged). The trail descends steeply for 2 1/2 miles to the springs. An alternative route is to hike the Pacific Crest Trail east from Arrowhead Lake Road, roughly a six mile hike. 

Elyria Canyon Park outdoor adventures near Circa residences in downtown Los Angeles

Elyria Canyon Park 1550 Bridgeport Drive Los Angeles 90065

Nestled on the southwestern slopes of Mount Washington, Elyria Canyon Park is a 35-acre nature park that provides a glimpse into the native habitat that once thrived in the hills near downtown Los Angeles. The park boasts one of the finest examples of California black walnut woodland in Southern California, with lovely trails that lead to vistas of the Los Angeles River, Griffith Observatory, and DTLA. The main entrance is located off Wollam Street in Glassell Park. Leave the paved road for a dirt path through thickets of sumac and bay laurel trees. Keep zigging and zagging until you reach a grassy bowl, where you’ll find a bench and a welcoming drinking fountain. Walk a bit farther and to see a totally unexpected little red farmhouse.

Photo credits:

Photo #1: Visit Santa Clartia

Photo #2: We Who Roam

Photo #3: Wikipedia/Scott Medling

Photo #4: Modern Hiker

Photo #5: Earnest E. Debs Regional Park

Photo #6: Chris Salvano

Photo #7: Santa Monica Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

Photo #8: Visit Santa Clarita

Photo #9: Wikipedia/Beyond My Ken

Photo #10: Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority

Explore Beautiful Botanical Gardens

Looking for a refreshing respite from the summer heat? The Los Angeles area is home to some of the world’s most beautiful botanical gardens, many just a short distance from Circa apartments. These foliage-filled natural retreats present a vast array of native flora and fauna, as well as spectacular species from all corners of the globe. You might just meet a peacock, commune with the koi, or even encounter a resident turtle! Some botanical gardens require advance ticket purchase – check their websites for details. Watch for visitor guidelines at all locations.

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden 270 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns in 1935. Fujii designed and built Japanese landscapes across Southern California in the first half of the 20th century. The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden is his only remaining garden and the only intact example of a major Japanese-style garden created before World War II for a residence in Southern California. This pond-style stroll garden features a fifteen-foot waterfall and a formal teahouse on approximately two acres of land. The garden is considered by many to be a masterwork and it demonstrates the adaptability of Japanese culture in modern America. 

Arlington Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Arlington Garden 275 Arlington Dr. Pasadena, CA 91105

Pasadena’s only dedicated free public garden, Arlington Garden is a three- acre community-built Mediterranean garden in the heart of Pasadena on Caltrans-owned land. The site is leased to the City of Pasadena and entrusted by the city to Arlington Garden in Pasadena, a non-profit 501(c)3 corporation. The garden includes thousands of California-native plants such as poppies, sunflowers, cactus and succulents, orchards of orange and olive trees, and many more species. Arlington Garden is not only friendly to people and pets, but also serves as a refuge for Pasadena’s native fauna. Birds, bees and butterflies are particularly abundant and can be seen throughout the year. Arlington Garden is open every day except Tuesday. Please wear a mask and practice social distancing.

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden UCLA 707 Tiverton Dr. Los Angeles, CA 90095

Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is a living museum that maintains one of the most important living botanical collections in the U.S. Over 3,000 types of plants grow in the garden and a wide range of environments are found within its borders, from the dry desert and Mediterranean sections on the eastern end to the shaded, lush interior. A stream and series of ponds run through the center of the garden, which is home to koi and turtles.

South Coast Botanic Garden near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

South Coast Botanic Garden 26300 Crenshaw Blvd. Palos Verdes Peninsula, CA 90274

Unique from the start, South Coast Botanic Garden is one of the world’s first botanical gardens to be developed as a masterpiece of creative land reclamation and environment improvement. The mission of South Coast Botanic Garden is to serve the community by providing a unique horticultural and wildlife habitat experience, and to represent a model of excellence for land reclamation and sustainability. This continuing experiment in land reclamation has drawn horticulturists from all over the world, including Prince Charles of England, to study the feasibility of similar projects. Today the garden is host to over 200,000 plants, and numerous wildlife residents, including hedgehogs and peafowl.

Exposition Park Rose Garden 701 State Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90037

The Exposition Park Rose Garden is a historic 7-acre sunken garden located in Exposition Park in Los Angeles. It has been called “one of the city’s best-kept secrets” and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1991. You’ll discover green spaces scattered around the USC-adjacent property, but the most charming section lies in the lovely Rose Garden. 

Huntington Botanical Gardens near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Huntington Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA 91108 

Huntington Botanical Gardens is offering Huntington Evening Strolls! Beat the heat of the day and enjoy a leisurely evening walk through the gardens Friday – Sunday from 4:30–7 p.m. through Labor day. Advance tickets are required. In 1903 Henry E. Huntington purchased the San Marino Ranch, a working ranch with citrus groves, nut and fruit orchards, alfalfa crops, a small herd of cows, and poultry. Today, the estate is home to 16 spectacular themed gardens spread across 120 acres, including Desert Garden, Camellia & Rose Gardens, Japanese Garden, Jungle Garden, Herb Garden and more. The Huntington has reopened most of its 130 acres of gardens, with new safety measures in place, but the galleries remain closed. All visitors, including Members must reserve tickets online in advance.

LA Arboretum near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

LA Arboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave Arcadia, CA 91007

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was once the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia. Did you know The Arboretum is also an official wildlife sanctuary? In addition to the famous peafowl, visitors will see species of resident and migratory birds, aquatic creatures, and numerous species of small reptiles and mammals. Tickets are now limited to preserve safe distancing and all indoor spaces are closed. Members are required to reserve free tickets. Non-members must buy advance tickets online to ensure entry.

Descanso Gardens near Circa apartments in downtown Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Dr. La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections, and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays, located just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The principal collections include California native plants and oak woodlands; one of the largest collections of camellias in the Western Hemisphere; a rose garden with specimens from all corners of the globe; and significant presentations of lilacs, maple trees, cherry trees and iris. Members can enter without an advance ticket, but visitors who are not members and guests not covered under a membership will need advance tickets with timed entry.

Photo credits: 

Photo #1: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Photo #2: Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden

Photo #3: Arlington Garden in Pasadena

Photo #4: Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden

Photo #5: Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks

Photo #6: Huntington Botanical Gardens

Photo #7: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Photo #8: Descanso Gardens

Go Take A Hike: LA’s Best Trails & Parks

Don your sturdy shoes, grab your water bottle, and go take a hike. You don’t have to travel far to experience the great outdoors – LA is home to a wealth of spectacular parks and gardens that are easily accessible from DTLA. You’ll discover everything from rugged woodlands to majestic waterfalls, unusual geological formations, breathtaking ocean views, and a wide variety of wildlife. Activities include hiking, running, mountain biking, bird watching, equestrian use, and more. If you’re looking for a sweet urban retreat, Descanso Gardens and LA Arboretum are now open by reservation, so you can plan your visit and take your time enjoying the flora and wildlife. Watch for signs with visitor guidelines at all locations.

Earnest E. Debs Regional Park 4235 Monterey Road Los Angeles, CA 90032

Ernest E. Debs Regional Park is 300 acre urban oasis on old ranch land in the Arroyo Seco neighborhood just northeast of downtown L.A. The fourth largest park in Los Angeles, the area is home to walnut-oak woodland, grassland, coastal sage scrub, and over 140 species of birds. A five mile loop meanders through almost every section of this dog-friendly park. Along the way, you’ll discover a pond where you can actually go fishing.

Eaton Canyon Natural Area 1750 N. Altadena Dr. Pasadena, CA 91107

Eaton Canyon Natural Area is a natural preserve located at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. This scenic 198 acre natural area was originally called “El Precipicio” by Spanish settlers because of its steep gorges, and was later named after Judge Benjamin Eaton, a progressive pioneer who was the first to use irrigation from Eaton creek to grow grapes on the slopes. Visitors can explore Eaton Canyon’s expansive hiking and equestrian trails, seasonal streams, and abundant native plants.

Will Rogers State Historic Park 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd. Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Will Rogers was one of the most popular and highest paid actors in Hollywood and “America’s most beloved citizen.” During the 1920s, he bought land in Santa Monica, where he developed a ranch. Eventually, Will Rogers owned about 359 acres overlooking the Pacific Ocean, in what is now known as the Pacific Palisades. After Rogers passed away, his widow Betty donated the ranch to California State Parks in 1944 and it became a state historic park. Hikers can enjoy a moderate 2-mile loop to and from Inspiration Point. The Rivas Canyon Trail also provides a moderate 2.1 mile hike to Temescal Gateway Park. Adventurous hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians can tackle the Backbone Trail National Trail into the Santa Monica Mountains, which can take you 70 miles all the way to Point Mugu. 

Point Mugu State Park 9000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Point Mugu State Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons and wide grassy valleys dotted with sycamores, oaks and a few native walnuts. In all, there are more than 70 miles of hiking trails. The beach also features swimming, body surfing and surf fishing. The park includes the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area.

Topanga State Park 20828 Entrada Rd, Topanga, CA 90290

Located in the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park features 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The park is located entirely within the Los Angeles city limits and is considered the world’s largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city. The park is bound on the south by Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, on the west by Topanga Canyon, and on the east by Rustic Canyon. Numerous geologic formations can be found in the park, including earthquake faults, marine fossils, volcanic intrusions, and a wide variety of sedimentary formations.

LA Aboretum 301 N Baldwin Ave Arcadia, CA 91007

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a unique 127-acre botanical garden and historical site located in what was the heart of the historic Rancho Santa Anita in the city of Arcadia. Did you know The Arboretum is also an official wildlife sanctuary. In addition to the famous peafowl, visitors will see species of resident and migratory birds, aquatic creatures, and numerous species of small reptiles and mammals. Tickets are now limited to preserve safe distancing and all indoor spaces are closed. Members are required to reserve free tickets. Non-members must buy advance tickets online to ensure entry.

Descanso Gardens 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Descanso Gardens is an urban retreat of year-round natural beauty, internationally renowned botanical collections, and spectacular seasonal horticultural displays, located just 20 minutes from downtown Los Angeles. The principal collections include California native plants and oak woodlands; one of the largest collections of camellias in the Western Hemisphere; a rose garden with specimens from all corners of the globe; and significant presentations of lilacs, maple trees, cherry trees and iris. Members can enter without an advance ticket, but visitors who are not members and guests not covered under a membership will need advance tickets with timed entry.

Photo #1: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Photo #2: Earnest E. Debs Regional Park

Photo #3: Eaton Canyon Nature Associates

Photo #4: Will Rogers State Historic Park

Photo #5: California Dept. of Parks & Recreation

Photo #6: California Dept. of Parks & Recreation

Photo #7: Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Photo #8: Descanso Gardens