April 22 is Earth Day—a time dedicated to learning 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 beauty in the world around us—check it all out below!
1-9. Hike to one of these 9 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 our favorite spots here!
10. 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 are able to support environmental legislation and advocate for the health of local waterways. Join the movement here!
11. 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. Find out more here!
12-18. Enter a world of pink at these 7 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. Get the full list here!
19-21. Walk among fluttering butterflies at these 3 local butterfly pavilions
After all that winter rain, spring gives us a warmer embrace. The best part of this season is witnessing 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!
22. 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!
23. Support this fashionable and 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 is providing 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!
24. 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
25-34. Catch a sunset at one of these 10 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 here!
35. 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!
36. 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!
37. 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!
38. Check out these powerful photos of the Earth show climate change’s shocking impact
Last year on Earth Day, 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 can see it in these images here.