Enjoy the Outdoors this Spring

Spring has sprung, so lace up those tennis shoes and enjoy outdoor areas to catch the beauty of the San Fernando Valley and surrounding communities.

Lake Balboa Park

In the South San Fernando Valley visit Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park and take a stroll around the 1.3 mile footpath that surrounds the lake. You can also fish, ride bikes, fly kites, have a barbeque or ride the swan pedal boats. From the end of March through the start of April cherry blossoms, originally from Japan, are in full bloom around the park. (laparks.org/aquatic/balboa)

Located near Lake Balboa is the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, where visitors can experience what the San Fernando Valley may have been like before modern-day civilization. The 225-acre reserve hosts hundreds of native and non-native plants. Springtime is the best time for birdwatching, where you can see over 200 species including herons, egrets, geese, ducks, goldfinches, orioles and woodpeckers. (sepulvedabasinwildlife.org)

While there, experience the tranquility of the nearby Japanese Garden designed by Doctor Koichi Kawana. It includes a dry Zen meditation garden, a Chisen or “wet-strolling” garden and a traditional tea house with a tea garden. The garden is currently free to visit and is open Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (thejapanesegarden.com)

For athletes, there is a golf course, tennis courts, sports complex, cricket fields and an archery range in close proximity. 

Hiking Trails

The hills surrounding the valley basin are filled with beautiful hiking trails where you can enjoy the spring blooms. Remember to bring water, wear a hat and lather on that sunscreen.

You can gain access to the trails of the Angeles Forest by visiting Lopez Canyon Park, located in the hills of Sylmar, which is a favorite spot for the valley’s equestrians and hikers.

Visit your local parks. In the Northeast Valley, one park pleasant for casual walking is Rudy Ortega Sr. Memorial Park landscaped with native plants. The city of San Fernando established the park with the local tribe, the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians.

From dawn to dusk check out O’Melveny Park in Granada Hills, which boasts an array of trails with vistas and spring wildlife. 

Stough Canyon Park in the hills above Burbank offers wildflowers, spring greenery and scenic overlooks. Stough Canyon Nature Center even offers docent-led hikes for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. More experienced hikers can hop next door to Wildwood Canyon Park.

A day trip to Charmlee Wilderness Park in Malibu Canyon offers coastal bluffs and grassy meadows, with an array of different trail options. During the spring visitors may see amazing wildflowers on display. Or visit Point Dume for wildflower-filled trails overlooking the ocean. 

TreePeople HQ

The late San Fernando Councilwoman Cindy Montañez encouraged a visit to the TreePeople headquarters, where she was the CEO before her passing. Located in 45-acre Coldwater Canyon Park on Mulholland Drive in the Santa Monica Mountains, they offer nature trails and experiential education. Visit the Cindy Montañez pollinator garden for native pollinator plants and rest on a bench dedicated to her memory overlooking the San Fernando Valley. (treepeople.org)

Descanso Gardens

Take a short ride down the 210 freeway to experience the beauty of the Descanso Gardens, a botanical oasis with cultivated gardens and natural landscapes. An array of flowers are currently in bloom; California natives such as irises, redbuds, poppies, and sages; spring annuals like pansies, primroses, and buttercups; and much more including lilacs, tulips, irises, azaleas and cherry blossoms. Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily,tickets are $15 with discounts for seniors, students and children. (descansogardens.org)

Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve

For a day trip, take the hour-long drive north to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. The eight miles of trails through gentle rolling hills is a great place to explore with the whole family. Each spring the reserve comes alive with the bright orange of the state flower, the California Poppy. Although it may be tempting to lie in a bed of flowers and get your influencer pic, it’s very important that you stay on the designated paths. Going off the trail will crush the plants and compact the soil, leaving lifeless barren dirt for the next few years. The park is open from sunrise to sunset and costs $10 per vehicle to enter. (parks.ca.gov/?page_id=627)