Recreation & Sports in Los Angeles, CA

Eight free public courts on a hillside in Griffith Park. No lighting, so play ends at sunset. First-come first-served, no reservations. Hiking trails nearby.

4,210 acres of urban wilderness with over 70 miles of hiking and equestrian trails. Routes range from flat, paved paths to strenuous climbs to the Hollywood Sign. The Fern Dell trail is stroller-friendly, the Griffith Observatory hike is a solid workout with panoramic views. Free, no reservation needed, open dawn to dusk.

Four full courts right on the Pacific Ocean boardwalk, home to some of the most competitive pickup basketball in the country. Games have been running continuously since the early 1980s. Free and open to the public. Expect high-level runs on weekends and summer evenings. Bring your own ball or join a game in progress.

Tournament Beach offers 18 sand volleyball courts along the Santa Monica coastline. Courts are free on a first-come, first-served basis when not reserved. Reservations available through the City of Santa Monica ActiveNet system up to 28 days in advance at about $15/hour. The epicenter of beach volleyball culture in LA.

Public beach facility with pool, splash pad, playground, volleyball courts. Pool is seasonal. Grounds are free to visit and include the Marion Davies guest house gallery. Pool and some programs cost extra.

Four lighted beach volleyball courts near the Santa Monica Pier -- one of the only lit court locations on the beach, allowing evening play. Free on a first-come basis when not reserved. Court reservations available at approximately $15/hour through the city. Perfect for after-work games year-round.

22 miles of paved coastal bike path from Pacific Palisades to Torrance Beach through Santa Monica, Venice, Marina del Rey, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach. Free. Bike rentals along the route at $10-25/hour.

Bouldering gym in the Arts District with extensive climbing walls for all skill levels. Day pass is $30 before 3pm on weekdays and $35 after 3pm. Shoe rental available. No rope climbing -- bouldering only, so no partner or belay experience needed. Great for beginners and experienced climbers alike.

Large climbing facility with top-rope, lead, and bouldering walls. Day pass is $27 for adults plus $7 for gear rental. Offers yoga classes, fitness area, and a training zone. Popular with the Westside climbing community. First-timer packages available with introductory instruction.

One of LA's longest-running climbing gyms with top-rope, lead, and bouldering. Day pass is $17 for adults -- one of the most affordable in the city. Shoe rental $4, harness rental $3. Friendly community vibe with less crowding than newer mega-gyms.

Well-maintained recreation center with outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and a large playground. Known for quality pickup basketball without the chaos of bigger-name courts. Free Park District programming available. A neighborhood gem on the Westside.

Year-round free public outdoor pool on the Westside. Recreational swim and lap swim. Basketball courts at the adjacent Westwood Rec Center.

Year-round public outdoor pool on the Westside, operated by the City of LA. Free lap swim and recreational swim sessions. Also has basketball courts and a playground. Less crowded than the Westwood and Hollywood pools because most people do not know about it.

Year-round free public outdoor pool in Hollywood. Lap swim Tue-Fri, recreational swim sessions. Free for LA residents.

Free donation-based outdoor yoga classes held at the top of one of LA's most popular hiking trails. Combines a solid hike with a yoga session and panoramic city views. Classes typically offered on weekend mornings. Bring your own mat. The canyon itself is free to hike daily from dawn to dusk.

Free City of LA rec center with lighted basketball courts, baseball diamond, tennis courts, playground, indoor gym. Lights mean you can play after dark. Free youth and adult programming.

Popular neighborhood park known for reliable pickup basketball runs. Features outdoor courts, a recreation center, playground, and walking paths. Free and open to the public. The courts attract a regular crowd of solid players, especially on weekday evenings and weekends.

Pedal boat and swan boat rentals on Echo Park Lake with the downtown skyline as a backdrop. $15 for 30 minutes. The lotus bed blooms spectacularly in July. The surrounding park path is free for walking, jogging, and people-watching. A low-key afternoon for couples or families.

Two 50-meter Olympic pools, a 25-yard dive well, and a rec pool next to the Rose Bowl. Open for public lap swim, rec swim, lessons. Day passes available, Pasadena residents get a discount. Has hosted Olympic trials.

Free City of LA rec center with basketball courts, tennis courts, baseball diamond, playground, indoor gym. Free youth sports leagues, fitness classes, after-school programs. Rarely crowded.

401 acres in the Baldwin Hills with hiking trails, fishing lakes, picnic areas, playground. You can see the ocean, downtown, and the mountains from the same spot. Trails easy to moderate. $6 parking, everything else free.

Well-maintained outdoor basketball courts in Veterans Memorial Park, a hub for pickup basketball on the Westside. The courts draw a regular crowd for competitive but friendly runs on weekday evenings and weekend mornings. Free and open to the public. The park also has a skate park, tennis courts, and a playground.

Eight free public tennis courts in the Palisades. First-come first-served. Less crowded than central LA courts. Rec center next door has basketball and a gym.

A wide, flat beach with volleyball courts, a paved bike path, and body surfing. Less crowded than Santa Monica and Venice -- the trade-off is slightly colder water. Free beach access, $8-15 parking in the lot. Popular for pickup volleyball and beach running. Lifeguards on duty year-round.

Gym with indoor basketball courts, pool, free weights, group fitness classes. Monthly from $30. Day passes sometimes available ($5-15 with promotions). Pool and basketball under one roof, which is hard to find in Silver Lake.