July 27-28
Skip a sand-filled beach picnic in favor of a spread at a scenic overlook in the Santa Monica Mountains. L.A. is ringed by mountains (in case you haven’t noticed) and a hike in Los Liones Canyon, the coastal-hugging southern slice of Topanga State Park, leads to perfect picnic spots with stellar views.
Pack food, a blanket and lots of water in your backpack, and trade flip-flops for sturdy shoes or hiking boots. Park for free at the end of Los Liones Drive in Pacific Palisades and start hiking up the trail, which is shaded in places and with boulders along the way for rest stops. After 1.3 miles, you’ll round the corner to an open, flat spot where the coast unfolds.
Spread out your blanket and enjoy the vista of Santa Monica, the curve of the coast and the inland jumble of houses and buildings that, on clear days, includes downtown L.A. The popular view spot can get crowded; just walk a little farther up the trail and pull off. For even better views, hike the roughly two additional miles uphill on the fire road to Parker Mesa Overlook. Retrace your steps to return, and remember to pack out your trash.
Info: Los Liones Canyon Trail, 510 Los Liones Drive, Pacific Palisades; bit.ly/topangastatepark