Los Angeles Leisure

There are plenty of leisure opportunities in the Los Angeles area for both the active and non-active person. As with most American cities, there are many professional sports teams to go and watch.

Activities

Surfing is very much part of the culture in California, and there are countless beaches up and down the coast offering good waves. Beginners need look no further than Hermosa Beach, which has board rental shops and is fairly close to the city. Experts may wish to travel in order to find the best sports, meaning hiring a car is essential. Some of the other popular spots include Huntingdon, Zuma, Malibu and Manhattan beaches.

Los Angeles is not really known as a prime ski destination, however reasonable pistes can be found at the Big Bear Lake resort in the San Bernardino National Forest. The season lasts from approximately mid-December until March and the best skiing is generally found in the mornings. The pistes are well groomed and the weather is generally sunny. Don't expect the light powder snow found in places like Colorado.

The mountains also provide good hiking routes during the warm summer months. The Topanga State Park or Malibu State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains both have good trails, or alternatively, try Griffith Park, just north of Hollywood.

Spectator sports

The LA Dodgers baseball team, winner of eight National League championships and five World Series, are the focus of the sporting calendar during the summer. They play at the Dodger Stadium, located at Elysian Park, near Sunset Boulevard. If you are visiting during the winter then you might have the chance to see the LA Lakers basketball team. Matches take place in the impressive 20,000-seat Staples Center, situated downtown.