Third trip to L.A., looking for suggestions

Question

My husband and I are visiting L.A. for the third time to see our son, and hang out for a week.

We’re in our late 50s, in good shape. We’ll be in L.A. March 4th through 12th, and we’ll have a car.

We’ve done most of the touristy stuff already, including The Getty Center, Getty Villa, Huntington Gardens.

We’ll be staying in Beachwood canyon.

Looking for suggestions for what to do in L.A. off the beaten path, and maybe one or two day trips.

We like to discover neighborhoods, hike, eat etc.

Thanks in advance

Answer

Since this is your third trip to L.A. and you’re staying in Beachwood Canyon, you can focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences, local neighborhoods, and scenic hikes that many visitors miss. With a car, you’ll have flexibility to explore beyond the main tourist hubs.

For hiking and outdoor experiences, there are plenty of options around Beachwood Canyon and nearby areas:

Griffith Park Trails: Beyond the main Griffith Observatory hike, explore lesser-used trails like the West Observatory Trail, Amir’s Garden Trail, or the Ferndell Trail for a quieter experience and beautiful views.
Bronson Canyon & Hollywood Sign Back Trails: Start from the north side of Beachwood Canyon to avoid the crowds, and enjoy a moderate hike with iconic Hollywood Sign views without the usual tourist traffic.
Runyon Canyon Alternative Paths: Go early in the morning for less crowded trails and panoramic views of the city.
Topanga State Park: About 30 minutes from Beachwood Canyon, offers scenic canyons and ocean vistas for half-day or full-day hikes.

Exploring neighborhoods is a fun way to discover hidden gems, shops, and local eateries:

Los Feliz: Near Beachwood Canyon, offers cool cafes, small galleries, and the charming Vermont Avenue area. Great for walking and brunch.
Silver Lake: Hipster neighborhood with quirky shops, coffee spots, and the Silver Lake Reservoir walking path.
Highland Park & Eagle Rock: Trendy areas with local restaurants, vintage shops, and craft breweries. A bit further northeast but worth the drive for lunch or dinner.
Venice Canals: Less crowded than Venice Beach itself, with charming canal-side houses and a relaxing stroll.

Day trips from L.A. that offer unique experiences:

Malibu Beaches & Malibu Wine Country: Drive along Pacific Coast Highway to explore Zuma Beach, Point Dume, and then head inland to wineries for a relaxing afternoon tasting local wines.
Temecula Wine Country: About 1.5–2 hours southeast of L.A., perfect for a full-day escape with vineyards, wine tasting, and scenic countryside.
Santa Barbara: About 2 hours north along the coast. Stroll State Street, enjoy ocean views, and have lunch at local eateries.
Ojai & Topatopa Mountains: Around 1.5 hours from L.A., offers charming town vibes, local shops, and small hikes in a peaceful setting.

For food experiences, you can combine neighborhoods and small discoveries:

Explore local markets like Grand Central Market downtown for a mix of cultures and cuisines.
Try Farmers Market at The Grove for casual bites and artisanal snacks.
Check out unique restaurants in Silver Lake or Highland Park, especially for brunch or dinner at locally-owned spots.

Overall, your week can balance easy hikes, neighborhood exploration, and one or two scenic day trips, giving you a mix of nature, culture, and local flavor without repeating the usual tourist experiences.

Third trip to L.A., looking for suggestions

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