The best camping near Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area

In the Baldwin Hills, just outside of Culver City, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area is a great place to get away from the Los Angeles sprawl for the day. Even with no camping allowed, it's a particularly nice spot for hiking, with plenty of trails along with great views out over the city and over to the Hollywood sign. The park is also popular with families, and has multiple playgrounds and picnic areas along with volleyball and basketball courts, two baseball diamonds, an outdoor fitness circuit, and a disc golf course. There's even a fishing lake that's regularly stocked with rainbow trout and catfish.

The park is open for day use throughout the year, but if you are visiting in the summer months, you're best off coming either early in the morning or just before sunset, when temperatures tend to be cooler and the sun less abrasive. The most pleasant time to visit is in spring and fall, when the weather is warm but not overly hot, though be prepared for overcast days (known as "June gloom") in late spring.

• Dogs are allowed on paved roads in the park, if leashed, but are not permitted on the trails.
• On-site parking is available for a daily fee. Annual parking permits are also available, with discounts for seniors and visitors with disabled parking placards.
• An ADA-accessible shuttle bus runs between the Metro Expo La Cienega Station to Kenneth Hahn State Recreational Area and the nearby Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, but only on weekends and holidays.
• If you plan to fish in the lake, it's wise to first check about regulations or permit requirements with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.