Though summer is a long way away and fall has just begun, there’s still no better time to venture out into the diverse geographical landscape of California, if only because there’s no scorching heat to deal with now. From the serene valleys and rocky mountains to steep cliffs, sandy beaches, and expansive ocean, there is an endless world waiting to be explored.

Of course, swimming and hiking are always the go-to activities in L.A., but there are even more thrilling ways of discovering what Woodland Hills has to offer while practicing the (continuing) art of social distancing. Ready to venture outside your comfort zone and get your pulse racing again? We have some suggestions for the best outdoor spots near Woodland Hills in order to connect with Mother Nature.

Malibu Creek State Park, situated at 1925 Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas, four miles south of Highway 101, is just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles. It features hiking, fishing, birdwatching, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding opportunities. The 14-mile Malibu Creek is the principal watercourse of the Santa Monica Mountains that terminates at Malibu Lagoon. In addition, there are 15 miles of streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes. By following the trail along Malibu Creek, you will be treated to spectacular vistas, including those of volcanic activity rock gorges, scenic pools, and breathtaking views of the Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon.

Wildwood Regional Park, located at 928 West Avenida de Los Arboles in Thousand Oaks, offers a variety of outdoor activities, including nature hikes, biking, horseback riding, summer day camps, and interpretive programs sure to appeal to a wide-ranging demographic. Additionally, the Conejo Open Space Trails Advisory Committee (COSTAC) coordinates the annual Trail Education Days for fourth graders of Conejo Valley public schools. However, Wildwood Regional Park truly stands out: the 14 trails covering 17 miles, comprised of a combination of hiking and nature trails, 10 BBQ grills, a nature center, five picnic areas, 20 picnic tables, and two restrooms. Wildwood is open from 7 am till dusk.

Conejo Valley Botanic Garden, located at 400 West Gainsborough in Thousand Oaks, boasts beautiful gardens and stunning natural features, including a native plant garden, a butterfly garden, and a Mediterranean garden, in addition to an onsite bird habitat, rare fruit orchard, oak tree grove, and children’s adventure garden. This 41-acre property, adjacent to Conejo Community Park, was first acquired in 1973, and in 1976 began to exhibit the first areas of the Botanic Garden. Since then, this place has been dedicated to community volunteers, donors, and sponsors who have continued to nurture this growing garden oasis, adding the aforementioned and popular children’s garden in March of 2003. The Botanic Garden and arboretum are intended for passive recreational, cultural, educational, scientific, and charitable purposes. Open daily from 7 am to 5 pm.

Top of Topanga Overlook, situated at 3400 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Topanga, this is accessed from Topanga Canyon Drive above the San Fernando Valley, and provides visitors outstanding views of the Santa Monica Mountains, Santa Susana Mountains, San Gabriel Mountains, and the wide valley below. The nine-acre site features parking, restroom facilities, extensive native landscaping, interpretive displays, a drinking fountain, benches, and picnic areas. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of some of the incredible wildlife here, such as rattlesnakes and the occasional coyote.

Warner Center Park, located at 5800 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, offers a plethora of things to do beyond its famous Sunday concerts organized by the Valley Cultural Center, including exercise equipment and a playground for the kids. Boasting sprawling acreage and commanding trees, Warner Center Park is perfect for picnics, birthdays, and other family gatherings, or when you just want to become one with Mother Nature for a change. Don’t forget to bring your chairs, blankets, and good food so you can truly enjoy the day here. Open 24 hours, seven days a week.

Escondido Canyon Park, situated at 27200 Winding Way in Malibu, offers a wooded hiking area, biking, and horseback riding trail – but that’s just the beginning of the experience. Accessed via Pacific Coast Highway about a mile south of Kanan Road, the Edward Albert Trail through Escondido Canyon Natural Area leads hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians 4.2 miles through oak woodland, riparian woodland, and coastal sage scrub to the spectacular, multi-tiered 150-foot Escondido Falls, the highest in the Santa Monica Mountains. The upper falls are located on private property and are not open to the public, and hikers are asked not to climb to these upper falls to preserve the fragile habitat and avoid the risk of serious injuries.

Woodland Hills’ amazing weather – and all of that famous sunshine – makes it perfect for exploring the great outdoors, no matter what time of year. So this list of our very favorite things to do in order to connect with Mother Nature should serve as a great guide.