Every year, April 22 rolls around with one of the most meaningful and inspiring days of the year: Earth Day. In 2026, it’s still all about raising awareness around big issues like climate change, while also taking a moment to appreciate just how incredible our planet and its ecosystems really are.
In Los Angeles, the celebration goes way beyond just one day, with events and activities happening for weeks. Check out some great ways to celebrate and show the planet some love! 🌎
Written by Sofia Delpueche and Sarah Nash.
Catch the Lyrids peaking overnight April 21–22, 2026 — best after midnight away from city lights. If you want an Earth Day-adjacent reminder of why dark skies matter, plan a low-impact stargazing night for the Lyrid meteor shower. The Lyrid meteor shower will be active April 15–29, 2026, with the peak occurring the night of April 21 into the early hours of April 22. Best viewing is after midnight from dark-sky locations near Los Angeles such as Anza-Borrego, Joshua Tree, Angeles National Forest, and Malibu Creek State Park.
Since 1985, Heal the Bay has been bringing together thousands of volunteers each year to pick up trash on L.A. County’s beaches. These cleanups are the last defense against marine pollution, and their activism doesn’t stop there.
If you can’t attend this event, you can also contribute by donating. Check all the information here.
Death Valley spans over 3 million acres and topped HomeToGo’s list of best national parks for 2026. If you’re looking to celebrate Earth Day with a bigger adventure outside Los Angeles, Death Valley National Park — the lowest, hottest, and driest national park in the United States — spans over 3 million acres of desert basins, high peaks, and colorful formations like Artists Palette. Visitors can take scenic drives, hike trails from easy to challenging, join ranger programs, and spot Star Wars filming locations. Nearby accommodations average about $40.86 per night per person.
Clean streambeds and pull weeds with Friends of Griffith Park this Earth Day!
There’s no denying the magical (and sometimes rare waterfalls) that L.A. County is home to. They’re often hidden away, cascading off cliff edges or bursting through fissures, creating a natural oasis below. They’re worth the hike! Check out the best waterfalls near Los Angeles here!
After all that winter rain, spring gives us a warmer embrace. The best part of this season is witnessing Earth’s nature transform right before our very eyes. The leaves grow green, flowers bloom, the skies clear, and caterpillars turn into colorful butterflies. In fact, you can witness this beautiful transformation firsthand at one of these butterfly pavilions around L.A. here!
While dozens of films and artworks could paint the picture of how magical an L.A. sunset is, there really is nothing better than experiencing it yourself. So we’ve gathered the best spots to do that, from the vistas amongst the hilltop mansions down to the sandy coves. Get the full list of where to catch the best sunsets in Los Angeles!
All around Southern California, you can find stunning outdoor spas. These cascading thermal pools known as hot springs can often be reached with an easy trek and are filled with sulfur which is known for its healing properties. Is there anything better than rewarding yourself with a free hot soak? Check out all the hot springs around L.A. here.
There is nothing better to celebrate this day than to get away from the noise of the city and find a moment of connection with nature.Horseback riding is an excellent option for this! You can discover Los Angeles as you’ve never seen it before, with 360 views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Speaking of vegan eats, Los Angeles is full of them. Aside from health benefits, there are incredible environmental benefits when switching to a vegan lifestyle or even making simple plant-based choices — from reduced greenhouse gas emissions to the preservation of habitats and even reduction in water usage. Whether you’re a full-fledged vegan or are just a foodie, here are the best vegan spots in L.A. to check out!
Grab one of 2,000 free plants at Leimert Park on April 25 — it’s a free, community-first Earth Day celebration. For a hands-on way to celebrate Earth Day in LA, head to The Plant Chica’s free, one-day Adopt a Plant festival at Leimert Park on April 25, 2026, where 2,000 free plants will be given away from 11:00 AM–4:00 PM. This community-focused event celebrates local culture and makes plant ownership accessible to everyone.
Celebrate spring with plants, workshops, and community at Long Beach Plant Fest. If you want a hands-on, plant-forward way to keep the Earth Day spirit going in L.A., head to the Long Beach Plant Fest on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA). Expect vendors, workshops, food, and a small-business marketplace. Tickets (including early bird and VIP) are on sale now and kids get in free.
Dive into life-size orca replicas, moody underwater lighting, and Indigenous art in a powerful, immersive experience. For an Earth Day–adjacent cultural outing, head to the Natural History Museum for an immersive exhibition that explores orcas through science, art, and Indigenous cultural work. The show opens April 26, 2026, with Member Previews on April 24–25; special exhibition tickets require general museum admission.
