what to do in LA
 

My husband & I will be traveling to LA in April to visit our daughter - my husband is not the kind who like to do all the touristy things - he likes the beach, mountains, outdoor things - any suggestions on what to do - we will be there for 4 days

Where will you be staying (what part of LA)? And will you have a car?

If you do a google search for hiking LA you will find many excellent hiking activities. The walk up to the Hollywood sign is a great climb and spectacular vista from the peak above the sign.

You can hike north from Malibu for a great coastal walk.

I like hiking the "Pelican Coast" beach from Corona del Mar south to Laguna Beach. I also recommend walking the perimeter of Balboa Island across from Newport Peninsula. You pass beautiful cottages, see boat traffic from Newport Harbor and a view of the private island residents in the Harbor. Balboa has some quaint breakfast and lunch destinations.

I recently walked the trail at Mount San Vincente where Mullholland dead ends to the west. Hike to the peak where previously a satellite tracking station was located with an awesome view of Malibu below and the entire LA basin to the southeast.

I am with your husband LA has superb activities to fill your time rather than elbowing picture takers and phony characters on Hollywood Boulevard.

Consider a visit to the Getty Museum, even if you just go for lunch. Spectacular vistas, beautiful architecture, quite a few restaurants, free admission with a $15 parking fee, and you might pass a painting or two while in the neighborhood.

yes we will have a car we are staying on wilshire blvd at the wilshire motel - we have tickets to the dodgers game on friday night - our daughter works at Pepperdine so I know we will tour that area

There is a lot of great hiking all around LA. If you want to get into some high country mountains in about an hour, visit the Angeles National Forest out of La Canada - Hwy 2 north/Angeles Crest Highway.

Tons of stuff to do in Malibu. (Where Pepprdine is) Fish, boat, hike, camp. Malibu canyon is a must.
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=614
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malibu_Creek

Here's some ideas. I've just started this section of my website, but there might be a couple of things of interest for you. The bottom link is our day at the Getty.

http://www.travelswithmaitaitom.com/..._Drive-By.html


http://www.travelswithmaitaitom.com/...4_Entry_1.html

((H))

Catalina!!

If the weather is decent, you can rent bikes either by the Santa Monica Pier or in Marina del Rey and go bike riding along the boardwalk. Stop for drinks, food, and outdoor people watching. Great fun!

Tour the Venice canals.
http://www.localhikes.com/Hikes/VeniceCanals_4472.asp
Took my relatives from Toronto there, and I think that was the highlight of their trip, since there's nary a tourist, and it's such a surprise!

You used to be able to rent little row boats, but I think they stopped that years ago. There were issues with the ducks (won't get into that). The people that own the properties there (like friends of mine) have their own tiny "dock" and little boats, that they dress up for the annual Venice Holiday Canal Parade in December. Many are wealthy aging hippies, actors, and artists.

I second the sugguestion for the Venice Canals. You could also take in Venice Beach for an off-beat experience.

I like to take out-of-towners for a little bite at The Trails Cafe http://www.thetrailslosfeliz.com/ in Griffith Park then walk up the trail/fireroad (about a mile?) to the Griffith Observatory http://www.griffithobservatory.org/. You can walk around the Observatory for free (if that's your thing) or just walk around the grounds which are lovely and offer panoramic views.

Or take a walk on some hidden staircases throughout the city. An internet search will come up with tons of options. Here is a link to a few: http://www.secretstairs-la.com/walks.html