Bel Air is often celebrated for its extraordinary homes, tree-lined streets, and sense of privacy, but one of the neighborhood's greatest strengths is its access to some of Los Angeles' most rewarding outdoor experiences. Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and the city's cultural and business centers, Bel Air offers a unique balance of natural beauty, recreation, and convenience.
Unlike Malibu, where outdoor life revolves around the coastline, Bel Air's active lifestyle is shaped by canyons, gardens, golf courses, and scenic roads that wind through some of Southern California's most beautiful residential landscapes. A morning hike may lead to a secluded reservoir surrounded by wildlife. An afternoon outing could include a stroll through world-class gardens overlooking the city. Even a simple drive through the neighborhood reveals sweeping views and architectural landmarks hidden behind mature trees and hedges.
Whether you're seeking a leisurely morning outdoors, a round of golf, a scenic drive, or a wellness-focused day surrounded by nature, Bel Air offers countless opportunities to enjoy Los Angeles beyond the walls of your estate.
Canyon Trails & Quiet Escapes
Franklin Canyon Park
Few outdoor destinations capture the character of Bel Air quite like Franklin Canyon Park. Tucked into the hills between Bel Air and Beverly Hills, this 605-acre park feels remarkably removed from the surrounding city despite being only minutes from some of Los Angeles' most exclusive neighborhoods.
At the heart of the park sits Franklin Canyon Reservoir, a peaceful body of water surrounded by walking paths, native vegetation, and abundant wildlife. Visitors regularly spot ducks, turtles, hawks, and deer while exploring the trails that wind through the canyon.
One of the park's greatest strengths is its accessibility. Unlike some of the region's more demanding mountain hikes, Franklin Canyon offers routes suitable for a wide range of activity levels. Guests can enjoy a leisurely walk around the reservoir, explore shaded trails beneath mature oak trees, or tackle more challenging routes that climb into the surrounding hills for panoramic canyon views.
The park also holds a unique place in Los Angeles history. Portions of the property have appeared in numerous films and television productions over the decades, adding another layer of interest for visitors who enjoy discovering lesser-known pieces of Hollywood history.
For guests staying in Bel Air, Franklin Canyon is often the perfect way to begin the day. Early mornings are especially beautiful, when the air is cool and the trails remain quiet.
Getty View Trail
For those seeking a more active outing, the Getty View Trail offers a rewarding combination of exercise and scenery. Located near the Getty Center, the trail climbs through the hills above Bel Air and rewards hikers with impressive views of the surrounding canyons, the city skyline, and, on clear days, the Pacific Ocean.
The route provides a moderate challenge and is best enjoyed during the morning or late afternoon when temperatures are more comfortable. Along the way, hikers pass native chaparral landscapes that showcase the natural beauty of Southern California's hillside terrain.
While the trail never feels particularly remote, it provides an excellent opportunity to experience the geography that makes Bel Air so unique. Looking across the ridgelines, visitors gain a better appreciation for how the neighborhood's winding streets and estates fit into the broader landscape of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Gardens, Architecture & Open-Air Culture
The Getty Center
While best known for its art collection, the Getty Center is equally impressive as an outdoor destination. Perched high above the city, the campus combines architecture, gardens, terraces, and sweeping views into one of Los Angeles' most memorable experiences.
The Central Garden remains one of the property's highlights. Designed as a living work of art, the garden changes throughout the year as seasonal blooms and carefully maintained plantings transform the landscape. Walking paths wind through the space, creating opportunities to slow down and appreciate both the horticulture and the surrounding scenery.
Beyond the gardens, numerous outdoor terraces offer spectacular views stretching from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean. On a clear day, visitors can spend hours simply taking in the changing perspectives from different vantage points across the campus.
For guests staying in Bel Air, the Getty Center is often less than ten minutes away, making it one of the neighborhood's most convenient outdoor excursions.
UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden
Hidden within the UCLA campus, the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden is one of Los Angeles' most underrated outdoor spaces.
Established in 1929, the seven-acre garden contains thousands of plant species from around the world, creating a peaceful retreat that many visitors overlook. The pathways lead through diverse collections representing climates and ecosystems from multiple continents, offering a fascinating glimpse into global horticulture.
The garden's tranquil atmosphere makes it particularly appealing for guests seeking a quieter experience away from busier attractions. Benches are tucked throughout the grounds, providing opportunities to relax beneath mature trees and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Its location also makes it an easy addition to a day spent exploring Westwood, UCLA, or nearby cultural institutions.
Golf & Racquet Sports
Bel-Air Country Club
Golf has long been woven into the fabric of Bel Air life, and few courses are more closely associated with the neighborhood than Bel-Air Country Club.
Founded in 1925, the club occupies an extraordinary canyon setting that feels entirely integrated into the natural landscape. Rolling fairways weave through mature trees and dramatic terrain, creating one of Southern California's most picturesque golf environments.
While access is limited to members and their guests, the club remains an important part of Bel Air's identity. Its history, architecture, and longstanding role within the community have helped establish it as one of Los Angeles' most respected private clubs.
Riviera Country Club
Just beyond Bel Air in neighboring Pacific Palisades, Riviera Country Club is one of the most famous golf destinations in the United States.
The course has hosted major championships, professional tournaments, and some of golf's most memorable moments. Known for its challenging layout and immaculate conditioning, Riviera attracts players from around the world.
Los Angeles Country Club
Another iconic option nearby is Los Angeles Country Club. Steeped in history and known for its beautifully maintained courses, the club remains one of the most prestigious golfing institutions in the region.
Its recent role as host of major championship events has further elevated its international profile, while its proximity to Bel Air makes it a natural consideration for serious golfers visiting Los Angeles.
Scenic Drives Through Bel Air
Mulholland Drive
Some of Bel Air's best outdoor experiences take place from behind the wheel. Mulholland Drive remains one of Los Angeles' most legendary roads, tracing the ridgelines above the city and offering spectacular viewpoints along the way.
Several overlooks offer opportunities to stop and admire panoramic views stretching across the San Fernando Valley, downtown Los Angeles, and the surrounding mountains. Early mornings and sunset hours tend to offer the most rewarding conditions, with changing light creating dramatic scenes across the landscape.
Sunset Boulevard Through Bel Air
For a more leisurely outing, few drives capture the essence of Bel Air better than a drive along Sunset Boulevard.
As the road winds through the neighborhood, visitors pass historic estates, mature landscaping, and some of the city's most impressive residential architecture. The route provides a glimpse into the area's distinctive character while connecting many of the neighborhood's cultural, recreational, and dining destinations.
Combined with nearby roads such as Stone Canyon Road and Bel Air Road, the drive showcases a side of Los Angeles that many visitors never experience.
Wellness & Outdoor Living
One of the defining characteristics of Bel Air is the seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living. Large terraces, landscaped gardens, and expansive outdoor spaces encourage residents and visitors alike to spend time outdoors year-round.
For many guests, wellness becomes a natural part of the Bel Air experience. Morning yoga sessions on a private terrace, guided fitness classes overlooking the hills, and peaceful walks through nearby green spaces all contribute to the neighborhood's relaxed pace.
The area's mild climate also makes outdoor recreation accessible throughout much of the year. Whether enjoying a morning workout, reading beside the pool, or simply taking in the views from a villa garden, Bel Air offers countless opportunities to slow down and reconnect with the outdoors.
The Maimon Experience
Experiencing the outdoors in Bel Air should feel effortless. The Maimon Group helps guests make the most of the neighborhood's unique setting through personalized recommendations and concierge services tailored to each stay.
Whether arranging private fitness instruction, coordinating tee times, planning scenic day itineraries, or organizing wellness-focused experiences at your villa, our team handles the details so you can focus on enjoying your time in Los Angeles.
From quiet mornings in Franklin Canyon to afternoons exploring the Getty's gardens and evenings spent overlooking the city from a private terrace, Bel Air offers an outdoor lifestyle that is both active and refined. Through thoughtful planning and local insight, The Maimon Group helps transform those opportunities into memorable experiences that reflect the very best of the neighborhood.