Sure, Hawaii's great, but why fly all the way to the islands when you can find amazing waterfalls within driving distance from downtown L.A.? Check out our curated list of Hawaii-style waterfalls near L.A.
Less20 miles from DTLA. Eaton Canyon Falls is known to be heavily trafficked, perhaps one of the most crowded trails in the city. If you like your nature walks more secluded, this probably isn't the best place for you (unless you don't mind going at the crack of dawn).
26 miles from DTLA. Be prepared to ford streams along this hike to get to the waterfalls (of which there are two) but they'll be worth the wet feet. We'd advise novice hikers to stop at the first falls, as climbing further to see the second is more of a challenge.
26 miles from DTLA. Many a hiker will tell you that Sturtevant Falls is the most spectacular waterfall in L.A. and well worth the trek out to see them. A partly paved and very shady 3.5 mile roundtrip hike will lead you past a group of quaint cabins (a.k.a. Roberts Camp) and have you rock hopping across a few creeks (an extra pair of socks would be smart), before rewarding you with these stunning 60-foot falls.
32 miles from DTLA. Although the waterfall is in full motion in the winter and spring, this canyon has another attraction - the ominous beauty of the stone ruins of an old hunting lodge. The lodge had been standing for a century but the infamous canyon wildfires destroyed it in 2007. Still, the ruins are another piece of eye candy on this canyon hike - another is a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean.
34 miles from DTLA. The water dries up in the summer so plan your hike for the fall or winter. When it's flowing, this 50-foot-cascade is easily one of the prettiest spots in L.A. County. If you're coming from the ocean, take PCH to Latigo Canyon. If you're coming from the 101, exit Kanan Dume, which will take you to Latigo Canyon. Not only are you assured a scenic hike but the drive through the mountains isn't too bad either.
50 miles from DTLA. Like many nature hikes in Southern California, winter is the best time to make your way to this trail. You're assured a stunning view of a flowing waterfall and the temperature is cool. With paved asphalt, the trail leading to the falls is easy on the feet. To get to the falls, take the I-210 towards Mount Baldy and exit Mountain Avenue.
51 miles from DTLA. Just a hop and a skip from Los Angeles is a waterfall nestled within the suburbs of Thousand Oaks. This 40-foot-drop is easily accessed by taking the historic 101 Freeway to Lynn Road. If you're going in the height of summer, bring plenty of fresh water to stave off the heat. The best time to visit is in the late winter when the hills are covered in green from the seasonal rains.
59 miles from DTLA. This is a multi-tiered waterfall at the end of a 2-mile roundtrip hike. With about 300 feet in elevation and no trail, this is a good trail for more experienced hikers. You'll need an Adventure Pass for parking. The falls are usually flowing year-round, but to get the maximum effect, late winter/early spring is probably the best time to visit.
74 miles from DTLA. On the way to Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear is Heart Rock Falls in the Valley of Enchantment. Sounds like the perfect place to take your honey for Valentine's! The actual falls are about a one mile round trip hike, suitable for mostly anyone - and here you will see the heart-shaped pool embedded in the rock created from the force of falling water. In summer, you can even take a dive in the swimming hole below the falls.
75 miles from DTLA. A waterfall tumbles over a cliff that has been worn smooth with the passage of time. The hike to get to the falls is short but can be precarious. The rugged path is uneven and possibly slippery so proceed with caution. The best time to go is in the later winter or early spring as the water dries up during the hot California summers. To get there take the 5 to San Juan Capistrano, then take the 74, which will lead you directly to the falls.