Updated for 2022
You’re a walker, we know it. You spend a lot of time walking and pushing a stroller as a parent. If you’re looking to branch out beyond your own neighborhood and the local park, you’re in luck. You’ll find several spots in and around Los Angeles that are stroller-friendly.
Walking is a great way to get exercise, and pushing a stroller actually makes it even more effective. Having some resistance makes you work harder and gives you a better workout. You don’t even need to use a jogging stroller, although that’s great if you do.
Best Stroller Walks Around Los Angeles
Shoreline Pedestrian/Bicycle Path
trail end points at Long Beach Shoreline Marina and 54th Pl. and E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach, CA
This 4.1 mile multi-purpose path features “separate 6-foot-wide bike lanes and a 5-foot-wide pedestrian lane.” While you’re out walking with your stroller, you’ll be treated to some great views. There’s lots to see to keep your little one occupied. And if you’re so inclined, you can always get off the path and spend some time on the white sand beach.
Heavenly Pond at Franklin Canyon Park
2600 Franklin Canyon Dr., Beverly Hills, CA
Franklin Canyon Park is a place your family will be able to keep visiting as the kids get older. There’s much to see and explore. But if you’ve got a little one in the stroller, you may want to stick with Heavenly Pond. It’s an ADA-accessible small duck pond in a quiet, peaceful area. You’ll find picnic benches here as well.
Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
southeastern corner of the UCLA Campus, Los Angeles, CA
The Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is a serene escape within the hustle and bustle of Westwood. It’s stroller friendly and free to visit, though the Garden is closed on University Holidays so plan accordingly. While you meander through the Garden you’ll view a bird/butterfly garden a lily section, a Mediterranean section, a desert section, and more.
Palisades Park
Ocean Ave. between Colorado Ave. and Adelaide Dr., Santa Monica, CA
Ocean Avenue provides you and your little one with lots of people-watching as well as some classic sights including the Ferris Wheel at the Pier and the Pacific Ocean. Palisades Park is a 26-acre stretch overlooking the beach. You’ll find benches along the way as well. You can even venture down to the Pier and let your young one explore at the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium (right under the Carousel Building).
Fern Dell Nature Center
Los Feliz Blvd. and Fern Dell Dr., Los Angeles, CA
Some refer to Fern Dell as a “hidden gem.” Within Griffith Park, you’ll find the Fern Dell Nature Center. Go for a walk — with your pets or stroller (or both) — and enjoy the sights. You’ll come across a variety of plants, small waterfalls, and more.
La Brea Tar Pits
5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
You don’t have to venture inside (if you don’t want to), to learn about the history of this famous spot on Wilshire Boulevard. There is a trail that is stroller-friendly that will take you past excavation pits, large grassy areas, and sculptures of Ice Age animals.
Venice Canals Walkway
Washington Blvd. and Pacific Ave., Venice, CA
Maybe a trip to Venice, Italy isn’t possible right now, but you can have an L.A. version of Venice right now. Take a walk and enjoy the car-free streets, the canals, the homes, and more. Kids will delight in seeing ducks and canoes. (Keep in mind that some of the walkways are rather narrow and a double-stroller may not easily fit).
Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park
6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys, CA 91406
Although you’ll still be in Los Angeles, you may temporarily feel as if you’ve traveled somewhere further away. Take a walk around Lake Balboa and enjoy the scenery. You’ll see ducks, hear birds, and if your children are old enough, there is also a children’s play area on site.
Serrania Park
20726 Wells Dr., Woodlands Hills, CA 91364
Serrania Park offers another stroller-friendly option. There are both hiking trails and a walking path. Take a walk, explore, and see what you and your little one discover on your walk. Within this “pocket park” you’ll also find a children’s play area and picnic tables.
Whittier Narrows Nature Center
1000 Durfee Rd., South El Monte, CA 91733
You’ll find stroller-accessible trails at the Whittier Narrows Nature Center. The Whittier Narrows Nature Center is a 400-acre sanctuary featuring four lakes and many plants and animals that are “native to wetland communities.”
Chandler Bikeway
trail end points at N. Mariposa St. and W. Chandler Blvd., Burbank, CA and Vineland Ave. and W. Chandler Blvd., North Hollywood, CA
The entire Chandler Bikeway stretches through Burbank and North Hollywood. You’ll find lanes marked separating bicyclists from pedestrians. Stroll through Burbank and you’ll see a variety of trees, shrubs, and flower beds (including a number of orange and lemon trees). Certain sections have public artwork on display including sculptures and murals.
The Americana at Brand
889 Americana Way, Glendale, CA 91210
and
The Grove
189 The Grove Dr., Los Angeles, CA 90036
Whether you’re closer to Glendale or Mid-Wilshire, you’ll find both The Americana and The Grove to be stroller-friendly. If you get there on a weekday, earlier rather than later, you won’t have large crowds and can enjoy your time at a more relaxed pace. As the day winds on, make sure to stop and watch the “dancing” fountain and take a (free) ride on the Trolley. And if you need to head inside, each location has a Barnes and Noble that opens at 9:00 am and features a special children’s section. (And don’t forget that The Americana offers a free weekly Kids Club on Tuesday and The Grove offers their Kids Club on Thursdays).