L.A.-area picnic spot?

January 10, 2008 11:08 AM

what's an awesome picnic spot in L.A.?

recommend somewhere where I and a ladyfriend can have a picnic, within an hour or so of Los Angeles. I am of course aware of Griffith Park and such, but something a little more off the beaten path would be nice. It doesn't have to be totally isolated, but the more private the better.

Bonus points for awesome views of cities, valleys, very large rocks, etc. We don't mind hiking a bit to get there, within reason. thanks!

posted by drjimmy11 to sports, hobbies, & recreation (14 comments total)

I assume you're also familiar with Angeles National Forest, but if not, it's gorgeous.
posted by roger ackroyd at 11:19 AM on January 10, 2008

there's a beautiful, meadowy area in topanga state park on the E. topanga fire road. i've only ever accessed it by mountain bike from reseda, but it appears you can get there from topanga canyon blvd., via entrada road and waveview drive, which would be a short walk.

google maps link
posted by klanawa at 11:31 AM on January 10, 2008

I am indeed aware of the Angeles, and it is awesome. But it's also very large and the weather varies widely from spot to spot. I'd be a bit lost just driving up there and hoping for the best.

so if you know any specific spot in the forest, that'd be perfect. thanks!
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:32 AM on January 10, 2008

(I am looking at "picnic areas" on their website now, but not much detail given)
posted by drjimmy11 at 11:40 AM on January 10, 2008

I've enjoyed hikes into Eaton Canyon. Plenty of places to spread out a blanket.
posted by Argyle at 11:43 AM on January 10, 2008

Have you ever tried Fryman Canyon?

I think a picnic in the "Rainforest" at the bottom of the canyon would be wonderful.
posted by Kloryne at 11:51 AM on January 10, 2008

thanks for the answers so far, I'm googling around too. Any opinions on Switzer falls? I'm reading it may be crowded (we're going Sat.), but that we can maybe hike downstream to find some relative privacy? Does that sound accurate?
posted by drjimmy11 at 12:23 PM on January 10, 2008

within an hour or so of Los Angeles

Santa Catalina Island is not within an hour of L.A. by ferry, but it's +10 awesome. Plus, you get a boat ride where you might see dolphins.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 12:39 PM on January 10, 2008

Take the Vermont up to Griffith Observatory and park. Then walk away from the observatory, up the hill, where you'll find a trail leading to various little spots with views of the city below, and the Hollywood sign off to the right -- perfect for a picnic.

Unless it's raining.
posted by Rash at 1:16 PM on January 10, 2008

Rocketship Park. Awesome views from PV of downtown and the mountains beyond, which are stunning right now with all of the new snow. The street address is 5101 Calle de Ricardo, in Torrance (the city calls it Los Arboles Park).
posted by vignettist at 1:28 PM on January 10, 2008 [1 favorite has favorites]

You should email jonson if he doesn't show up in this thread. I moved away from LA 12 years ago (good lord!), so I have no idea if my favorite spots are still there, but I know jonson knows of quite a few of them.
posted by widdershins at 1:44 PM on January 10, 2008

My wife and I went to Oak Glen recently, and although it was a bit busy at the time of year that we went, I think that can be avoided, depending on the day.
posted by SpacemanStix at 2:38 PM on January 10, 2008

Switzer Falls is nice and rocky but I think the path to Sturtevant Falls in Chantry Flats (Angeles National Forest) to be more scenic, and it is just a few minutes longer drive than it would be to get out to Switzer. Also, there are several spots on the way up to pull out and take in the views. The falls.
posted by PY at 3:37 PM on January 10, 2008

Temescal Canyon
Malibu Creek
posted by willnot at 9:34 PM on January 10, 2008