As every year, April 22 marks the arrival of one of the most special dates: Earth Day. This day is a special occasion not only to raise awareness about harmful phenomena like climate change but also to celebrate and honor the beauty of native wildlife ecosystems and the entire planet. In Los Angeles, there are plenty of events and opportunities that not only take place on this day but extend for weeks. Let’s dive in and explore the best activities to honor the planet!
1. Volunteer at National Parks Week
This year, National Parks Week runs from April 19 – 27. It invites Californians and nature enthusiasts to celebrate the state’s diverse natural beauty. With nine national parks—more than any other state—California offers a range of landscapes, from Yosemite’s granite cliffs to Joshua Tree’s desert blooms. Visitors are encouraged to explore the parks and participate in volunteer activities during National Volunteer Week. You can get more information here.
📆 When: April 19 – 27, 2025
2. 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. If you can’t attend this event, you can also contribute by donating. Check all the information on the event link below.
📆 When: April 19, 2025, 10AM-12PM
📍 Where: Santa Monica Pier (Northside), Tower 1550
🌎 Event info
3. Paddleboard or kayak with Sea Lions in the Marina
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) tours offer a perfect escape from the hustle of Los Angeles! Glide through the calm waters of Marina del Rey, explore hidden corners, and spot local wildlife like sea lions, dolphins, and countless birds along the way.
🌎 Get your tickets here
📍 Where: 4101 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, 90292
4. Discover the science of Sponge Bob at the Natural History Museum
Celebrate Earth Month with the Natural History Museum and Nickelodeon’s Our World as you dive into the real science behind Bikini Bottom’s underwater world. Discover how museum and community scientists are working to protect marine habitats and biodiversity, and how you can help keep our oceans healthy!
📆 When: Throughout April
📍 Where: 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90007
🌎 Event info
5. Celebrate Earth at Descanso Gardens
Descanso Gardens, one of LA’s top botanical gardens, is celebrating native plants during its weeklong Earth Day event. Explore stunning displays by the garden’s horticulture team, featuring majestic oaks and more. Enjoy free admission, with no reservation required.
📆 When: April 21-27, 2025, 9AM.3:30PM
📍 Where: 1418 Descanso Dr., La Canada Flintridge 91011
🌎 Event info
6. Get wild for the planet at the LA Zoo
The LA Zoo invites you to Wild for the Planet, a weekend celebration of our planet and its amazing biodiversity. Enjoy hands-on activities, live entertainment, and inspiring talks that shine a light on conservation, sustainability, and community efforts.
📆 When: April 18-20, 2025, 10AM-4PM
📍 Where: 5333 Zoo Dr., Los Angeles 90027
🌎 Event info
7. Plant your seed at Griffith Park
In celebration of Earth Day, the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks and Friends of Griffith Park are inviting Angelenos to help plant native greenery and learn about local environmental programs at the Griffith Park Visitor Center. Admission is free!
📆 When: April 19, 2025, 8:30AM-11AM
📍 Where: 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles 90027
🌎 Event info
8. Start your morning with ease at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings
The return of Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Easy Mornings is here! For those seeking a peaceful way to celebrate Earth Day and kick off the weekend, this is the perfect spot. The event offers activities designed to foster connections with oneself, the community, and the park. Partnering with Smorgasburg LA on April 5 and April 19, it promises a relaxed and fun-filled start to the morning, featuring interactive experiences for all ages.
📆 When: April 19, 2025, 10AM-2PM
📍 Where: 200 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
🌎 Event info
9. Follow the adventures of Jackie and Shadow and their friend Fiona
The livestream from Big Bear Lake that captured the hearts of millions a few weeks ago is still making waves. What initially started as a pair of birds and their eggs is now a family with two eaglets and a nighttime visitor: the squirrel Fiona. Tune in to the live stream on YouTube to get a close-up view of the wonders of nature in real-time!
10. 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!
11. 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!
12. 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
13. 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!
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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!
Originally written by Sophie Len. Updated by Sarah Nash.