Family-Friendly Hikes in the South Bay Area

Los Angeles weather means that there’s no excuse for not getting outside to enjoy a hike. Going on a hike is a great way for your family to disconnect from technology and connect with each other.

There are plenty of family-friendly hiking options throughout the South Bay area that can help your family get its nature fix any time of year.

Alta Vicente Reserve

Location: Upper Point Vicente Park, 30940 Hawthorne Blvd, Rancho Palos Verdes

This 1.8-mile hike covers 55 acres of land on the slopes below and around the Rancho Palos Verdes City Hall with impressive coastal views north over Oceanfront Estates. Other scenic views include Catalina Island and the Santa Monica mountains.

This trail includes plenty of shade, so it’s possible to hike it year-round. It joins up with the Nike Trail (more on that in a minute) about a half mile in if you want to go in a different direction.

Nike Trail

Location: Ganado Drive and Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes

This 1.6-mile trail is surrounded by luxury homes, but retains the quiet, calm feeling of being in nature. You can start in Vicente Park to tack on a little more distance, or start at Crest Road and Gando Drive at the edge of the Marymount California University campus.

The trail takes its name from Ground Equipment Facility J-31, which was home to Project Nike in the 1940s. The only shade available is at the end of the trail, which provides an opportunity to rest before turning around to head back home.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

Location: 4100 South La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles

This park, managed by the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, includes several hiking trails and playgrounds — making it a great destination for families who are looking for a variety of outdoor recreation options.
Trails range from 0.8 miles to 2.6 miles. If the visibility is good, you might even see the Hollywood sign. Because this is a county-owned park, there are plenty of restrooms and stopping places along the way.