9 Mindful Experiences to Discover in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a sought-after travel destination, drawing visitors with its sunny shores, Hollywood allure, and lively theme parks. While tourists flock to the popular spots, locals often uncover the city’s tranquil side. By venturing off the beaten path, visitors can enrich their understanding and enjoyment of LA’s hidden treasures.

From eco-friendly shopping to serene parks and wellness retreats, these uniquely authentic locations provide a glimpse into local life, allowing you to recharge amidst the city’s iconic sights. By choosing to explore the less frequented routes, whether for a day or an entire getaway, you’ll experience a more peaceful and fulfilling journey for both mind and spirit.

Reconnect with nature (and savor delicious food) in Malibu and surrounding areas

For an immersive experience in Los Angeles's natural beauty, head to one of its renowned hiking spots. Malibu Creek State Park spans over 8,000 acres within the Santa Monica Mountains. Many trails lead you through the history of Indigenous peoples, particularly the Chumash tribe. This area is alive with oak, sycamore, and even redwood trees, and, depending on the time of year, bursts with wildflowers that attract diverse wildlife.

After your hike, treat yourself at the nearby Inn of the Seventh Ray, a delightful creek-side eatery committed to a “restorative approach to healthy dining,” serving organic and locally sourced dishes since 1973 in Topanga.

Further along the coast lies Bluff Cove, where you can explore tide pools during low tide. Make sure to wear sturdy shoes for the steep trails leading down to the rocky shoreline. If you're feeling adventurous, a short hike will take you to a rusted shipwreck at Palos Verdes Point.

Explore Van Nuys’ eco-friendly garden sanctuary

Somewhat tucked away in the San Fernando Valley, the SuihoEn Japanese Garden remains a hidden gem even among locals. Featuring three unique garden styles—dry, wet, and tea ceremony—it provides a peaceful retreat from urban life while showcasing a sustainable approach to water reclamation. For fans of Star Trek, the striking glass building on site may look familiar, as it serves as Starfleet Academy in several recent series. Admission is free but requires a reservation.

Enjoy local drinks and explore gardens in downtown Los Angeles

Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate Greenbar Distillery in downtown Los Angeles, recognized as LA’s first post-prohibition distillery. Committed to organic, sustainable, and carbon-negative practices, the founders have crafted a gin inspired by the diverse flavors of the city’s culinary scene, while their vodkas, Amari, and liqueurs highlight California’s herbs, fruits, and flowers. For every bottle sold, Greenbar plants a tree, having planted over 1 million since 2008. Be sure to book a distillery tour or tasting in advance.

Just a stone's throw from downtown, discover the Peaceful Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens. Nestled in the historic West Adams neighborhood, this lush, tranquil oasis is located on the grounds of Guasti Villa (which also offers separate tours). Stroll through the Meditation Garden, where the soothing sounds of 16 waterfalls will lull you, then meander through the labyrinth to reflect and connect with your inner self.

Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site in East LA

Barnsdall Art Park provides a serene environment that plays a crucial role in the cultural fabric of East Los Angeles. The Hollyhock House and its gardens, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and his son Lloyd, are recognized as California’s first modern architectural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

On the grounds, an extensive olive grove dating back to the 1890s is being preserved and expanded through the Olive Grove Initiative. This effort aims to support the local ecosystem and align with LA’s Green New Deal, which aims to plant 90,000 trees throughout the city. Additionally, the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery showcases works by local artists such as Ed Ruscha and Barbara Kruger, while the Barnsdall Art Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including dance, music, and theater.

Indulge in a day of self-care in Westlake

Experience wellness with elegance at the Four Seasons Westlake Village Center of Health & Wellbeing. Whether you book a full hotel stay for the ultimate wellness retreat, obtain a Wellness Day Pass, or select individual treatments, the Center offers everything from energy healing and art therapy to traditional spa services, designed to rejuvenate both body and spirit.

Shop sustainably in Venice and Hollywood

For unique, eco-conscious fashion, visit Christy Dawn in Venice. The boutique features designs crafted from organic or regeneratively farmed cotton, along with “deadstock” fabrics sourced from other brands. Through its Farm-to-Closet Initiative, the store has sequestered over 2 million pounds of carbon and introduced the world’s first collection of Regenerative Alpaca clothing.

Situated in the NoHo (North Hollywood) Arts District, The Iliad Bookshop embraces a unique approach to sustainability with its extensive collection of used books. Housing over 150,000 titles, the Iliad stands as a cherished landmark in Los Angeles and is regarded as one of the city's premier bookstores. Wandering through its aisles serves as a reminder that a used book for one person can be a brand-new discovery for another.