Travel
5 Outdoor Adventures To Check Out Near Santa Monica
The sun is out and it's getting warmer. Here are five great local walks and hikes to check out this spring.
![Sunset falls over Santa Monica near the Marvin Braude Bike Trail.](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/753660/20210312/110721/styles/patch_image/public/santa-monica-at-night-sunset___12110522500.jpg)
SANTA MONICA, CA — If you're looking for a quick, outdoor escape, then there are several local getaways to consider.
From the sand and beachfront biking to hiking gorgeous trails, Los Angeles offers tons of options for staycations and escapes.
Here are five spots to check out in Los Angeles County:
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Rancho Palos Verdes Civic Center/Upper Point Vicente Park, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd., Rancho Palos Verdes
This trail offers hikes to the Alta Vicente Reserve, which features great views of the coast and has a bathroom, dog park and physically distanced park benches. Check out the stunning views of the native restoration habitat, Point Vicente Lighthouse and Terranea Resort. It's a cool stop with plenty of natural views.
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Three Sisters Reserve via the Salvation Army Trail, 6270 Ocean Terrace Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes
If you're looking for adventure, then check out the Three Sisters Reserve. This trail is more intense, for people interested in connecting to this more challenging workout from the Alta Vicente trails. Enter the Civic Center/Upper Point Vicente Park/Alta Vicente Preserve from Hawhtorne Boulevard north of Palos Verdes Drive West.
Venice Canals, Venice Boulevard and Dell Avenue
![](https://patch.com/img/cdn20/users/753660/20210311/030342/styles/raw/public/processed_images/venice%20canals.jpg)
The Venice Canals are a historic walkway nestled between spectacular architectural gems just blocks from the beach. The iconic LA-spot was designed and created in 1905 by Venice developer Abbot Kinney. The canals and walking area stretch about 2.9 miles along a paved walkway. It's a great city stroll and perfect for an afternoon or morning simple getaway. It's a few blocks from the Venice Fishing Pier and Venice Beach Boardwalk. Start your walk near Venice Boulevard and Dell Avenue.
Culver Stairs, 6300 Hetzler Rd., Culver City
Let's talk about views. If you've watched HBO's "Insecure" or ventured above Culver City into Baldwin Hills, then you're probably familiar with the Culver Stairs and Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. You can climb up the 282 outdoor stairs and catch some incredible views of the city. Be warned though — the stairs are uneven — but the views are worth it.
Marvin Braude Bike Trail
Picture a classic SoCal day at the beach — sand, bike and surf — now that's the Marvin Braude Bike Trail. It stretches from Marina del Rey, past Venice Beach, the Santa Monica Pier, all the way to Will Rogers in Pacific Palisades. You can pedal, roller skate or just cruise at your own pace on this trail. Expect to see a lot of people and different views along the way. It's a fantastic way to spend a day exploring the coast.
Have you hiked or biked any of these local spots? Tell Patch your favorite walking and adventure trails in Los Angeles. Share your top picks in the comments.
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