Alhambra, California sits just eight miles outside of Los Angeles and is a small city that has a little of something for everyone. If you enjoy spending time outdoors, it is a great place to live or visit. Here are some of the fun things you can do outside in and around Alhambra.
Visit Grenada Park
Grenada Park on West Hellman Ave is a wonderful place to spend the afternoon. There are picnic tables along with covered shelters so you can sit and relax either out in the sun or under the shade. This park has a playground for the kids for climbing and swinging and a large grassy area where they can run and play. The heated swimming pool is just the right temperature, and there are ball fields and tennis courts for those who want to get a game going or hit the ball around.
Bike Riding
Head over to Edison Trails Park in Monterey Park for some bike riding. This park sits on 11 acres of land with hills and beautiful views. Hikers and bikers share the trails that wind through the park, but they are usually not crowded other than the occasional dog walker. There is plenty of parking, updated restrooms, and many places to stop and take a rest. You can also head up to Pasadena and ride the Rose Bowl Loop Track. This is a popular spot for joggers and bikers with a 3-mile loop that is flat and easy to navigate.
Hiking
There are all kinds of hiking trails in and around the Alhambra and Los Angeles area. Whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced hiker, there are trails out there for you. For an intermediate hike that is not too easy, but not too difficult, head to Bee Rock. This is a four-mile loop that starts at the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round lot. You’ll follow along fire roads, a paved road, and by the remnants of the original L.A. Zoo. The trail eventually leads you to the top of Bee Rock where you can see some amazing views before you descend the trail to your left. To get to the bottom, you’ll walk down rocky steps and another fire road that wraps around the hill before you end up back in the parking lot.
Hit the Beach
What better way to spend a day outside than at the beach. There are several lovely beaches just a short ride away from Alhambra, so you can pack up the car and take a day trip to the ocean. Check out Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, for a mile long stretch of sand with sea cave and tide pools, or go to Malibu Surfrider Beach and either hit the waves yourself or watch the surfers as they try to catch the perfect wave. Santa Monica Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area and is home to the historic Santa Monica Pier.
There are many ways to spend the day outside in the Alhambra area. Whether you just want some fresh air or you want to get some exercise while outdoors, there is something for everyone.
Image “Surf’s Up” via Flickr by reggiepen, used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from Original
