The Ultimate Guide to Hacking Los Angeles Secret Swings
IMPORTANT UPDATE 2021:
We have updated this list as of early February 2021. Some of the swings are no longer with us and there are some new ones to add.
Keep in mind that swings are torn down all the time so its almost impossible to be 100% up to date on a blog.
If you see a swing you want to visit on this page please follow this hack below to make sure its still up before you visit.
Special Hack to Make Sure Swings Are Up
- First, find the swing you want to visit from our list below.
- Then go to Instagram and type in the name of the location or the hashtag.
- Click on the most recent posts. Check out a few and make sure that there are recent posts of people using that swing (like in the last few days).
If there are no recent posts of someone on the swing it’s possibly been ripped down.
You should check back later to see when it is put back up again.
If there are very recent posts (last few days) you can assume that the swing is up.
You could take it a step further and DM a few people who have posted recently to see if it truly was a recent pic.
I’ve done this a few times and people are usually happy to respond back.
The Elysian Park Swing (#1 on our list) has always been the most popular secret swing in LA.
Unfortunately in the Spring of 2020, the city cut the branch that the swing was on! If there are any updates we will add them but for now, it does not seem likely that this swing will come back any time soon.
But for now we are going to leave it on this list.
One thing we have learned from having this site and our Instagram account is that the people of Los Angeles LOVE their secret swings!
It’s no wonder as these spectacular spots usually have an epic view for you to enjoy as you swing carefree into the wind.
And let’s be honest. They also, of course, make for epic Instagram shots to show off to your friends!
This is for sure the most well-known “secret” swing in Los Angeles.
There are a few problems with secret swings though.
One is there are so few of them!
So few in fact that we had to expand our list to include cities outside of Los Angeles (but of course still drive-able from LA).
Another problem is the (evil)😡people who decide to rip down the swings (!) hard to believe some folks are that petty huh?
But showing there is always balance in the universe some kind soul will eventually come along and put the swings back up again.
Make sure you check out our special HACK above before you go to any of these secret swings on this list to be sure they are up and you don’t waste a trip.
1 – Elysian Park, Angels Point Swing
Description:
NOTE: The Elysian Park Swing was torn down in 2020. But in late 2021 a new swing was put up. Its not quite as good as the original but still a spectacular view from there and worth visiting.
The Elysian Park Swing is probably the most well know swing in Los Angeles. There are hundreds of pictures on Instagram with happy folks swinging carefree with that beautiful landscape beneath them.
If you live in LA and love secret swings this one has to be on the top of your to-do list. 😁
Just check the gram right now for hundreds of amazing pictures of people enjoying amazing views and swinging into the wind without a care in the world.
Calling it a “secret” swing might be wishful thinking at this point. If you want a picture with it and don’t want to wait probably best to go off hours.
Location:
This swing is on top of a hill at the intersection of ‘Angels Point Drive’ and ‘Park Row Drive’ in Elysian Park.
credit: @jasminesjarif
hack:
to find:
If you use Google Maps type in: “Swing on top of Elysian Park” this will take you directly to the bottom of the trailhead. Once you get to the bottom of the trailhead its a steep but very quick climb to the top (about 5 minutes).
There you will find the city of Angels magical secret swing!
2 – Big Horn Mine, Wrightwood
Description:
Atop Big Horn Mine is a fun and relatively easy way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Angeles National Forest without a major effort.
The trail to Big Horn Mine winds it’s way along the side of a mountain, eventually arriving at the abandoned mine, where you can explore a historic structure from 1895 and grab some iconic photos (with Mount Baldy in the background).
And of course (sometimes) there is a beautiful swing waiting for you at the top!
Location:
Here are the GPS coordinates to hike up Mount Lowe using the Sam Merrit Trail.
Credit:@sabrina_j.d
hack:
how to find:
Use the GPS link above to get to Sam Merrit Trail. Hike up to the old resort ruins.
Sometimes the swing will not be there but there are other really cool ruins to check out so it’s worth the trip, either way.
3 – La Jolla, near Birch Aquarium
Description:
For this secret swing, we have to travel a few hours South to our neighbor San Diego. But don’t worry its in the gorgeous town of La Jolla which is worth the drive on its own let alone adding a stop for an awesome secret swing!
Location:
Birch Aquarium 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037.
From there its a short hike to the swings.
Credit:@perspectivebypmp
hack:
to find the swings:
From the Birch Aquarium, find the southern end of the parking lot. Look for a narrow trailhead, it begins with a wooden walkway.
Climb up these steps and you should spot the swing(s)!
4 – Carbon Beach, Malibu
Description:
This swing is located on beautiful and (formerly exclusive only to the rich people that live there), Carbon Beach. Otherwise known as Billionaire Beach you won’t find many people here as most either do not know of its existence or still think its a private beach.
Something to keep in mind is this swing and others like it are attached to the houses and thereby are private property.
We are sharing this only because other people have posted pics of themselves on the swing but please proceed with caution and respect, as again these are not public property swings.
Location:
Address for beach access: 22150 Pacific Coast Highway.
Credit:@chrisclarfield
hack:
to find the swings:
There is street parking across the street from the entrance.
When you walk to the beach turn left (houses on the left/ocean on right ) and walk for about 10 minutes. You can’t miss the swings!
This entrance can be hard to find so if you have trouble check the Yelp pictures which can be helpful.
https://www.yelp.com/biz/carbon-beach-malibu
5 – Mount Wilson Observatory,
Description:
Did you know that the Griffith Park Observatory is not the only one in Los Angeles?
Yes, there is also Mount Wilson Observatory located on Mount Wilson, a 1,740-metre peak in the San Gabriel Mountains near Pasadena, northeast of Los Angeles.
While it has always been overshadowed by the much more famous Griffith Observatory the one on Mt Wilson now has a secret swing!
And for us, that alone makes it worth a visit!
Location:
Go to the Mount Wilson Observatory (near Pasadena)
Credit:@victorialagutski
hack:
to find the swings:
I have not yet been there myself. From everything, I read you just hike up the moderately easy main trail at the Observatory.
This is the technical address to the Swing: Mt Wilson Circle Road, Pasadena, CA 91107 But Ill need to go there myself and check to be sure.
There is not much good information about this one so don’t be disappointed if you go and cant find it.
6 – Colinas Ridge Trail Swing, OC
Description:
The Colinas Ride Trail Swing is in Laguna Nigel.
If you wanted to take the entire trail it is over 4 miles, but if you just want to see the swing you can reach that under a mile by starting your trek at the entrance off Golden Lantern & Camino Los Padres.
To reach the swing from this entrance go up the trail & stay to the left when the trail splits.
Once you reach the clearing with the swing you can take in some incredible views or jump right on the swing.
There is also a bench where you can chill our picnic. The swing was put up and dedicated to all our brave front-line workers risking their health to help us all during the pandemic.
Location:
Our friend at LA Dreaming blog says to park at this lot and you will save yourself a mile in walking time from where other blogs say to park.
30241 Golden Lantern Ave, Laguna Nigel
Credit:@fotospotapp
hack:
to find the swings:
Please read our friend at LA Dreaming’s article which is much more detailed and has shortcuts if you want to visit this swing -> LA Dreaming Colinas Trail Swing.