All photos courtesy of The Inertia.
Editor’s Note: This feature is presented by our partners at Athletic Brewing.
Known for its sprawling urban landscape, Los Angeles unveils its lesser-known side in The Inertia’s first “Great Urban Outdoors” episode, casting the city in a fresh light as an outdoor-lovers paradise.
The Great Urban Outdoors Await
The journey begins at Venice Skatepark, where hosts Lucy Osinski and Lindsey Klucik (aka Baby Squid) immerse us in the vibrant culture that pulses through the iconic park. “This is the epicenter of all that is skate,” Lindsay declares, capturing the essence of a place where skateboarding history runs deep.
Venice Beach isn’t just a scenic backdrop — it’s the birthplace of board and wheels, and it continues to be a sanctuary for those who live and breathe the pursuit.
Los Angeles: Seamless Transitions to Adventure
In L.A., the boundaries between the urban and the natural blur, allowing locals like Lindsay to effortlessly transition from the skatepark to the surf, embracing a lifestyle where “surf, skate, hiking” are just part of the daily routine.
The episode then shifts to the L.A. River, where the hosts meet Candace Dickens-Russel, the founder of Friends of the L.A. River. She brings the river’s significance into sharp focus, explaining, “L.A. would not be here if it weren’t for the L.A. River and the indigenous communities that lived along the river for generations.”
Once overlooked, the river has been transformed into a vibrant green space that challenges preconceived notions of what an urban river can be. It’s now a place where biking, bird-watching, and even skateboarding thrive, thanks to the dedicated efforts of advocates like Candace. She emphasizes that the river is “a resource for us for green space, and for recreation,” reminding us that within L.A.’s concrete jungle lies a natural gem, waiting to be explored and appreciated.
Griffith Park is the next stop on this urban outdoor adventure. As one of L.A.’s largest and most beloved green spaces, Griffith Park is a testament to the city’s commitment to preserving nature amidst urbanization. The park is a haven for those seeking a blend of city life and outdoor adventure, offering everything from scenic hiking trails to epic skate spots.
“It’s a dream spot… there’s something for everyone here,” Lindsay says, emphasizing the park’s universal appeal. Whether you’re there to carve up the pavement or lose yourself on a winding trail, Griffith Park delivers an experience that resonates with the soul of every nature lover and adventure seeker.
Athletic Brewing: The Perfect Après-Shred
As the episode concludes over a well-earned can of Athletic Brewing, the hosts reflect on the unique magic of Los Angeles, a city where the urban meets the wild in ways that few places can match. From the historic Venice Skatepark to the revitalized L.A. River and the expansive Griffith Park, L.A. is redefined as a city where nature is not just an escape but an integral part of the lifestyle.
“You can find the nature,” they remind us, “it’s all over. It’s expansive and you just have to go look for it.”
Whether it’s catching waves at dawn, skating through iconic parks, or discovering the hidden beauty of the L.A. River, this episode of The Inertia’s “Great Urban Outdoors” proves there’s much more to Los Angeles than meets the eye — it’s a city where adventure and nature are always within reach. As the hosts put it best, “What a freaking day! Here’s Los Angeles!”
