Whether it’s Earth Day on April 22 or beyond — there are always opportunities to learn more about our planet and the powerful ways we can make a difference in protecting and celebrating it. Los Angeles is the perfect place to connect with nature and make sustainable choices — making Earth Day a year-round lifestyle in our city. From joining local beach clean-up groups to appreciating the natural beauty around us, check it all out below!
1. Ride the LA Metro for free
With the aim of raising awareness about the use of public transport to reduce the environmental impact of the carbon footprint generated by cars, the LA metro system is offering free rides during this Monday, April 22nd, from 3 a.m. until 2:59 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23rd. The bus fare boxes will be turned off, and all train station fare gates will be left open.
2. Hike to one of these breathtaking waterfalls worth hiking to around Los Angeles
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. Sure, the quest to reach them can sometimes involve an arduous journey, but as soon as you hear the rushing waterfall in the distance, the excitement takes over and makes the trek just as rewarding as eventually cooling off underneath the water. Check out the best waterfalls near Los Angeles here!
3. Join this community-based beach clean-up group
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. With the data collected by volunteers (such as the type of trash), they’re able to support environmental legislation and advocate for the health of local waterways. Join the movement here!
4. Wander through thousands of technicolor tulips at Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens planted around 30,000 tulip bulbs a few months ago and they have turned the plots of this 150-acre haven into a vivid kaleidoscope of flowers. Wander through a mix of yellow, hot pink, red, white, and purple springtime splendor while the blossoms are at their fullest. Learn more about the thousands of tulips blooming at Descanso Gardens!
5. Enter a world of pink at these places to see beautiful cherry blossoms around Los Angeles
You don’t need to head to Japan or D.C. for a taste of the Sakura festival life. While this city may not be an obvious destination to marvel at cherry blossoms, it still has plenty of blissful havens with clouds of pink blooms. Here’swhere you can find cherry trees around Los Angeles.
6. Enjoy a $1 clothing sale for Earth Day
This is your chance to contribute to planet care by buying second-hand clothes at one of the best thrift shops in Los Angeles, all at an amazing price. As every year, Buffalo Exchange offers a selection of second-hand items for just $1 to celebrate Earth Day. The proceeds will be donated to a charity organization. Visit one of their 47 stores nationwide this weekend and refresh your wardrobe.
📍Locations in LA:
- Melrose // 7912 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles, California 90046
- Pasadena // 468 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, California 91101
- Sherman Oaks // 14621 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, California 91403
- Fullerton (Orange County) // 215 N Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, California 92832
🗓️ Date: 04/20/2024
⏰ Hours: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
7. Walk among fluttering butterflies at these local butterfly pavilions
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!
8. Shop at this sustainable grocery store aiming to live in a plastic-free world
re_ is a package-less refill grocery store that’s starting to pop up all over Los Angeles. They offer over 500 refillable bulk goods that are organic, non-GMO, and plastic-free. Shopping here is a reminder that living in a plastic-free world is very much possible. Check them out here!
📍Location: Find your closest re_ location here
9. Unlock your inner fashionista at this ethically-made vintage clothing brand
Yes, you can be stylish and sustainable — and Miracle Eye is letting it be known. This local family-owned business provides ethically handmade-to-order clothing with high-quality materials and reworked vintage deadstock recycled fabrics — all to remain as waste-free as possible. More info here!
10. Support local brands at Carla’s Market
Making local purchases is the easiest way to make a difference in more ways than just one. This act alone supports the local economy and requires less transportation of goods, which ultimately leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions. If you’re looking for a place to do just that, then Carla’s Market has you covered — from locally sourced produce to fresh coffee and mouthwatering eats. You can shop from local brands and purchase organic goods at their marketplace and even savor local flavors from their brand new lunch menu. When you shop local, you support local! Find them here.
📍Location: 248 N Avenue 50, Los Angeles, CA 90042
11. Attend Earth Day LA in North Hollywood
The Earth Day LA event returns to North Hollywood this April! Explore the powerful world of sustainability with interactive booths, city vehicles waiting to be discovered, free food and drinks, and even an epic live composting demonstration. Join the community to celebrate our beautiful planet together — learn more about Earth Day LA here.
📍 Location: North Hollywood — exact details and location TBA
📅 When: Saturday, April 20, 2024
12. Visit the Natural History Museum
Los Angeles is home to one of the biggest natural and cultural history collections in the Western United States. Our very own Natural History Museum protects more than 35 million specimens and artifacts. Through their exhibits and education, Angelenos are able to appreciate the past and present of our planet. Visit them here!
📍Location: 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
13. Explore the ecosystem and the world around us at the California Science Center
Through its Ecosystems exhibit, the California Science Center wants to remind Angelenos that everything is connected. Plants, animals, people, weather, water, soil—all are part of a delicate balance. Here you can discover and explore different environments from the familiar and beyond. Learn more about it here!
📍 Location: 700 Exposition Park Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90037
🎟️ Visiting Info: Their permanent exhibits are FREE and do not require a reservation. More info here!
14. Learn about the Gabrielino-Tongva Tribe
The best way to celebrate and honor the past, present, and future of our land is to educate ourselves on its history. As stated on the TongvaPeople.com site, Gabrielino-Tongva villages were located in the Los Angeles Basin for thousands of years. These villages were located near and around the ever changing Los Angeles River, San Gabriel River, Santa Ana River and the coastal areas. To learn more, please visit TongvaPeople.org and GabrielinoTribe.org
15. Catch a sunset at one of these magical spots
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!
16. Read more about the largest wildlife crossing that is being constructed in the Santa Monica Mountains
This massive Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing will span 10 lanes of the freeway at Liberty Canyon making it the largest of its kind in the world. It will also be designed to support and sustain native ecosystems while providing a safe passage for wildlife. Learn more about it here!
17. Connect with nature through ambient music at this outdoor collective
Floating is an outdoor collective that gathers every week to connect communities through nature and music. They offer two outdoor experiences: Soundscapes and Soundbaths. Their Soundscapes combine beautiful nature and the power of art. It includes live musical experiences from local performers at their favorite nature-filled spots. Their Soundbaths are weekly outdoor meditations that involve vibrational therapy through singing bowls. It is said that these peaceful experiences aid in chronic stress, increase mindfulness, and promote total relaxation. Learn more about it here!
18. Hike to these aqua thermal springs and treat yourself to a healing soak
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.
19. Reconnect with nature on a horseback ride
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.
20. Start your morning with ease at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings
The return of Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings is back! If you’re looking for a tranquil way to celebrate Earth Day and start your weekend, then this is the place to be. The event features activities created to foster connections with yourself, the community, and the park. This complimentary four-hour gathering provides a range of activities, from arts and culture to educational and creative programs — all with an emphasis on community well-being. You can browse their mini-market, enjoy live music, immerse yourself in sensory and art stations, and so much more! Find info here.
📅 When: April 20 & 27, 2024, at 10 a.m.
📍 Location: Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 North Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012
21. Indulge in vegan eats in honor of Earth Day
To commemorate Earth Day, White Elephant and Ocean Prime Beverly Hills are joining the celebration with a delectable array of offerings that include vegan sushi rolls, organic cocktails, plant-based dishes, and additional delights!
What’s on the menu:
Ocean Prime Beverly Hills | Beverly Hills
- To celebrate Mother Earth and raise awareness of the environmental damages of over-fishing, Ocean Prime Beverly Hills will be offering a limited-time vegan sushi roll consisting of a Cucumber-Wrapped Roll filled with organic heirloom carrots, golden beets, daikon sprouts, asparagus and avocado. The roll is topped with baby squash tempura, ramp gremolata, and nori dust and served with a spring onion ponzu sauce. The vegetables featured within the rolls have been locally sourced from Vesta Foodservice, highlighting the restaurant’s support and relationships with local purveyors.
- This specialty roll can be paired with an Organic Strawberry French 76 cocktail, available exclusively for Earth Day. The drink consists of strawberry, lemon, basil-infused organic Belvedere Vodka, All-Natural St. Germain Liqueur, and Laurent Perrier Champagne, which is organically farmed, and sustainability made. It’s then served in a martini glass with a classic lemon twist.
White Elephant | Downtown Los Angeles & Anaheim
- Green thumbs up because White Elephant, a traditional family-owned Thai restaurant with a modern twist, is offering a special menu highlighting plant-based offerings and alternative meat choices for the week of Earth Day (4/21–4/27). Additionally, all food waste from the week will also be donated to LA Compost to help local ecosystems thrive.
- The menu includes offerings with meat alternatives such as the Basil Puffy Tofu, with marinated tofu, miso tofu cream, fried garlic, crispy basil, and sweet and spicy sauce, and the Roasted Miso Cabbage, with miso tofu cream, miso honey glaze, Chunk shreds, crispy onions, and chives. Other light menu items offer a mix of seafood and chicken paired with fresh vegetables including the Salmon Belly Tartare, Papaya Salad, Pad Thai Seafood, Turmeric Grilled Chicken, and Chilean Seabass.
22. Visit one of these vegan and plant-based restaurants around Los Angeles
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!
23. Explore the beautiful LA Arboretum grounds and score free flower seeds
To mark Earth Day on Saturday, April 22, and celebrate the Arboretum’s 75th Anniversary, they’ve partnered with Renee’s Garden and Botanical Interests for a special seed giveaway event. Guests can pick up a packet of diverse floral seeds tailored for Southern California’s climate, perfect for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Varieties include sunflowers, California poppies, zinnias, and heirloom cornflower. The seed giveaway will start exclusively for members from 7:30 am to 9 am, and then open to all visitors for the remainder of Earth Day, or until supplies last. Limit one packet per household. You can grab your seeds at both the Ayres Hall and South Parking Lot entrances. Visit them here!
📍 Location: Gloria Molina Grand Park, 200 North Grand Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90012
24. Check out these powerful photos of the Earth that show climate change’s shocking impact
In 2022, Google Earth shared several potent images of the world’s rapidly shifting geology. Climate change has melted icebergs, created deserts, and bleached the world’s coral reefs, and you cansee it in these images here.
Edited by Sofía Delpueche.