Whittier is a quiet Southern California town with easy access to hiking and biking trails in the nearby Puente Hills. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities like trail running, paddling, and bird watching close to urban amenities.
Whittier is a quiet Southern California town with easy access to hiking and biking trails in the nearby Puente Hills. It’s a great spot for outdoor activities like trail running, paddling, and bird watching close to urban amenities.
Outdoor Adventure in Whittier, California
Whittier, California offers outdoor lovers a convenient basecamp with access to hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities just minutes from the city. Situated near the Puente Hills Preserve, it blends suburban comfort with natural escapes.
Discover the unique natural wonders, summits, and scenic landmarks that make Whittier, California special.
⌖ 11.61 milesExplore cycling routes in Long Beach, CA, with urban and coastal trails. Ideal for adventure seekers, this area offers year-round riding with traffic challenges during peak summer.
⌖ 13.02 milesExplore the iconic Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA, suitable for all ages. Enjoy themed rides, shows, and character interactions. This family-friendly destination is crowded year-round, offering a blend of thrills and nostalgia. Accessible with some restrictions.
★ 8⌖ 13.19 milesExplore Marina del Rey in Los Angeles, a top spot for sailing and paddleboarding. Enjoy scenic views of the marina and relax along the coastline. Accessible by car and popular year-round, this family-friendly destination offers diverse water activities.
★ 6.5⌖ 13.61 milesEasyExplore Dominguez Gap Wetlands in Long Beach, CA, an easy-access urban wildlife viewing area offering birdwatching, nature photography, and educational walks. Enjoy peaceful trails surrounded by freshwater marshes and native plants, especially vibrant during spring and fall.
★ 4⌖ 14.21 milesEasyWillow Springs Park in Long Beach offers easy walking paths shaded by large willow trees, open grassy areas for picnics and casual sports, plus a small pond for bird watching. Ideal for families and light outdoor activities in an urban setting, best enjoyed in spring or fall.
★ 8.2⌖ 14.76 milesExplore Fish Canyon Falls near Duarte, CA, a moderate hike to a stunning three-tiered waterfall. Best visited during spring for a full waterfall experience. Popular activities include photography and picnicking.
★ 5.5⌖ 15.13 milesEasyColorado Lagoon in Long Beach, CA offers an easy, accessible spot for paddleboarding, kayaking, birdwatching, and picnics. A calm urban lagoon with walking paths and diverse birds makes it a great escape for families and nature lovers during spring and fall.
★ 7.2⌖ 16.34 milesEasyLong Beach City Beach in California offers easy beach swimming, paddleboarding, and biking along a calm, gently sloping sandy shoreline. Ideal for families and urban visitors, it features lifeguards, nearby rentals, and beautiful sunset views. Expect moderate crowds in summer with ample city amenities nearby.
★ 5.6⌖ 16.38 milesEasyBluff Park in Long Beach offers easy access coastal views with a flat sandy beach and paved paths ideal for walking, running, biking, and picnics. Enjoy peaceful ocean breezes and views of palm trees and distant shipping lanes year-round with minimal crowds.
★ 8.5⌖ 17.28 milesExplore Mount Wilson, a beautiful historical destination with trails and observatory tours in Southern California's Angeles National Forest. Ideal for families and hikers, enjoy stunning views and cool temps year-round.
★ 4.5⌖ 17.42 milesVisit the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, CA, to explore vibrant Pacific marine habitats. Enjoy interactive touch pools, guided tours, and wildlife exhibits in a family-friendly setting. Accessible year-round with opportunities to learn about ocean conservation.
★ 2⌖ 18.21 milesVisit Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles for stargazing and scenic views. Explore interactive exhibits and take advantage of the public telescopes. Enjoy hiking in Griffith Park, and don't miss the planetarium shows. This iconic spot offers a blend of science and stunning cityscapes.
Discover the top adventure activities and curated experiences in Whittier, California, verified by our editors to help you make the most of your trip.
Book unforgettable outdoor adventures, guided tours, and gear rentals with verified Local Experts in Whittier, California.
⌖ 6.5 miA private, pilot‑led scenic ride timed for sunset that delivers aerial views of Dodger Stadium, Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign, with narration and live routing for optimal light.
⌖ 6.7 miA private, pilot‑led scenic flight timed to capture the moment Los Angeles turns from dusk to night—this guide explains what you’ll see and how the operator times and adjusts the route for peak views.
⌖ 7.6 miA 3-hour private mushroom tour that teaches identification, ecology, and hands-on observation, useful for beginners and those deepening their fungal knowledge.
⌖ 7.7 miCatalina Express ferry tickets with optional island tours — daily departures from Long Beach and flexible return options for an 8–10 hour island day.
⌖ 8.1 miA guided, all-day circuit of Los Angeles’s most photogenic landmarks — with hotel pick-up from Anaheim/Disneyland Resort hotels — useful as a single-day orientation for first-time and returning visitors.
⌖ 9.1 miA private vehicle and driver for five hours, letting you shape a custom sightseeing or errands circuit through Los Angeles and Orange County.
A door-to-door shopping package from central Los Angeles neighborhoods that pairs roundtrip Karmel Shuttle transport with VIP-lounge access, luggage storage and an evening transfer to LAX.
A coordinated hotel-to-boat-to-zipline outing that combines shuttle transfers, the Catalina Express, and five zip lines across island canyons—this guide explains the flow, limits, and logistics so you can plan confidently.
⌖ 9.6 miA two-hour, hands-on Bonsai Bar workshop where beginners choose a tree, learn basic techniques, and walk away with a planted bonsai and ceramic pot—perfect for a paired night out or a solo creative hour.
⌖ 10.7 miA 5.5-hour, family-friendly full-day rafting trip on the Middle Klamath River — ideal for first-time rafters and families with children ages 3 and up who want a mix of Class II–III rapids, swims, and wildlife viewing.
⌖ 11.3 miA two-hour, beginner-friendly Bonsai Bar workshop at Radiant Beer Co. where all materials are provided and participants leave with a planted bonsai—this guide explains what to expect and what’s included.
⌖ 11.5 miA private, 90‑minute Jetboard lesson that pairs a 30‑minute safety and technique class with 60 minutes of guided riding—useful for anyone wanting focused, instructor‑led progression.
⌖ 11.5 miA short guide to renting Sandbar Beach Rentals’ street‑legal, six‑passenger cart — includes beach parking permit, free delivery, and 1–10 day rentals to explore Turquoise Bay.
⌖ 11.5 miA 22′, 12‑passenger luxury tri‑toon with a 115HP engine, lounge seating, stereo and complimentary ice‑cold water—available as 4‑ and 8‑hour rentals from Beachside Boat & Bait.
Flexible electronic tickets that let you visit one Disneyland park per day across 2, 3, 4 or 5 days—scan from your phone or print and be sure to reserve your first park in advance.
Make the most of your visit to Whittier, California with these essential planning tips, seasonal events, and protected lands.
Whittier, California hosts celebrated events throughout the year showcasing the region's culture, outdoor lifestyle, and community spirit.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Whittier, California during the iconic Whittier Film Festival (outdoor screenings). Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Whittier, California during the iconic Whittier Uptown Classic Car Show (outdoor event). Plan accommodations and permits early.
Experience the vibrancy and unique outdoor heritage of Whittier, California during the iconic Local Farmers Markets. Plan accommodations and permits early.
Whittier, California is surrounded by incredible protected natural lands offering pristine trails, wildlife habitats, and wilderness conservation.
Located in the San Gabriel Mountains, Angeles National Forest offers diverse landscapes, from chaparral-covered hills to peaks surpassing 10,000 feet, offering ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
Malibu Creek State Park offers a remarkable blend of scenery with its rolling hills, oak woodlands, and chaparral-covered mountains. Just a short drive from Los Angeles, it's a natural haven for outdoor enthusiasts.
San Bernardino National Forest is a diverse expanse of mountainous wilderness offering abundant recreational opportunities from hiking to skiing, just a short drive from Southern California's urban areas.
Channel Islands National Park offers a rich tapestry of unique marine and terrestrial ecosystems, scattered across five distinct islands off the coast of Southern California.
Bring plenty of water and sun protection; summers can be hot.
Morning and late afternoon offer the best hiking temperatures.
Park entry is generally free, but check for any trail or parking restrictions.
Nearby beaches and reservoirs are accessible within 30-45 minutes by car.
Always check local regulations, fire restrictions, trail conditions, and weather forecasts before setting out on any adventure in Whittier, California. Respect nature, wildlife, and fellow adventurers by following Leave No Trace principles.