One of the best parts about hiking is reaching those high vantage points so you can reward your sweat with the incredible views.
But sometimes you might not be in the mood for the long, hard hike part and you just want a shortcut to the enjoy the view part.
Well some of the most amazing views you can get in our city don’t include much of a hike at all! In fact most of the ones on our list are just a very short walk from where you park the car.
So here is our list of 5 outdoor epic views you can get without breaking a sweat.
1 – Angels Point, Elysian Park
Description:
Although this area is super popular for its hiking trails, there is no shame in driving all the way up the main hill to Angels Point. To get up to Angel’s Point by car, you can drive all the way up to the main hill in Elysian Park, just use your GPS and follow the signs.
You can park the car on the side and its a very short 3-5 minute walk to the sculpture called Glass-Simons at Angels Point.
Angels Point is the right name because those views are heavenly and you will be able to see the city of LA and also look right directly into the Dodgers stadium.
If you want an awesome LA view without the sweat you can’t go wrong visiting and this spectacular spot for incredible views. Go during the day or sunset time, we guarantee you’ll love it.
Location: Angels Point Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Pic Credit: @ericviatif
2 – The Observatory
Description:
It is not a secret that The Observatory at Griffith Park has arguably the best views of LA. This landmark Los Angeles beloved spot has consistently ranked as one of the top 5 places for city views in many, many magazines and blog posts. So its not just because we are biased that it again makes our list.
The nice thing about the Observatory is you don’t necessarily need to hike up that massive hill. You can actually drive right up to the Observatory and park in the upper lot. From there walk to the main lawn with unbeatable views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith park trails and most of LA.
Now this lot is small and the Observatory gets busy so your best shot at a coveted spot in this location is getting there really early or at non busy times. You can also park on the way up the hill at spots on the side and the higher you get the less the hike to the top.
Location: 2800 E Observatory Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90027
PIC Credit: @michleex
3 – Korean Bell, San Pedro
Description:
San Pedro is a remarkable city with tons of history all around and you won’t be disappointed touring all the lesser known local gems like Sunken City, Fort MacArthur, Hey Rookie Pool and many other renowned spots. But probably the best known location for people outside of Pedro and a must see for all Angelenos is the fabulous Korean Bell.
This massive bronze historical landmark was given as a gift to the people of Los Angeles by the people of Korea in 1976.
This beautiful milestone monument sits atop a high hill at Angels Gate Park in San Pedro. You can park directly in a lot, right next to the Bell and walk out to it.
From there you can enjoy sweeping and spectacular views of Los Angeles Harbor, Cabrillo Beach, Catalina Channel and the Sea Terraces of San Pedro hill.
Location: 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
PIC Credit: @luxlifetv
4 – Hilltop Park, Signal Hill
Description:
Overlooking the city of Signal Hill (adjacent to Long Beach) are the gorgeous views of Hilltop Park.
Although many people run the hills in the area for an intense sweat you can park right next to Hilltop Park and walk just a few steps over to reach the summit.
And what will you find when you walk over from your car? Gorgeous views of Long Beach that extend all the way to Santa Monica Mountains, Catalina Island and Los Angeles.
Location: 2351 Dawson Ave, Signal Hill, CA 90755
PIC Credit: @californiathroughmylens
5 – The Bench, Vista Hermosa Park
Description:
When you talk about parks with an epic view you cannot leave out the bench at Vista Hermosa Park! This slice of heaven in this gem of a park near DTLA has picture perfect views of the downtown Los Angeles skyline.
You can park in the lot and it’s a flat pretty quick walk through a very nice park to reach the famous bench.
The parking lot can get busy because its pretty small for a park so your best bet might be street parking around the neighborhood.
Enjoy this beautiful and big natural park hidden in the urban density of Los Angeles and make sure you capture a picture with that famous bench!
Location: 100 N Toluca St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
PIC Credit: @explorewithdavid
Note: If you enjoyed this article you may also like this one: Los Angeles best free views
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!