Runyon Canyon Park

The trek to the HOLLYWOOD sign may be the most famous L.A. hike to outsiders, but if you’re looking for downtown views, celebrity sightings, and a typical L.A.-style glamour hike (not necessarily strenuous, but very fashionable), the 3.3-mile Runyon Canyon loop is your best bet. You’ll still get a great view of those giant letters, but you’ll also be able to spot the who’s who of the Hollywood Hills, with plenty of locals out on their routine pre-Sunday-brunch ritual. (And there are lots of grade-A brunch spots nearby, such as the Griddle Café, if you too are in search of a pancake-heavy menu.) The trails are dog-friendly, and dog-loving Angelenos take full advantage, so your pooch will have no shortage of company if you decide to bring him along.

I can’t believe Runyon Canyon isn’t more popular than it is. Now, don’t get me wrong—people know about this place (it’s a little more than busy on your average Saturday afternoon), but by and large the people here are local folks. For whatever reason, tourists don’t seem to find this place—I’m guessing that’s the way locals like it. Whenever I visit L.A., I like to take a run through the park late in the afternoon. On clear days, the sweeping views of Hollywood and downtown can’t be beat. Just be wary of the countless rattlesnakes and the endless parade of shockingly gorgeous people who sprint past. You’ve been warned. Don’t forget to get a little bokeh crazy when you get to the peak.

Whenever anyone comes to visit, I add hiking at Runyun Canyon to their itinerary. It isn’t a real hike like you might find elsewhere, we call it more of a Hollywood hike. It is kinda a scene and you may even spot a celebrity here, but the view of the city and the Hollywood sign from the top is incredible.

If you’re into fitness, hiking, or even just checking out awesome views, I suggest hiking Runyon Canyon in Hollywood. You’ll be out there with tons of locals getting their workout in, and the sweeping views at the top where you can see all of L.A. (and even all the way to Catalina Island on a clear day) are worth the hike alone. And yes, you get a great view of the Hollywood sign up there as well. Not only that, but Runyon Canyon is a beautiful little piece of nature right there in the middle of L.A. I say it’s a must-do. One thing to keep in mind is that since it’s a popular Hollywood hiking trail, parking can get a little tight. Don’t be discouraged- just look around in the neighborhood until you find a spot on the street. Weekends are more difficult to park than during the week.