Seven Scenic Hikes Near Your City to Explore This Summer

Summer’s heat doesn’t have to mean waiting until the weather cools to enjoy the great outdoors. Set out early or around sunset to enjoy cooler temperatures and unforgettable views on these scenic hikes. Whether you’re looking for a gentler, paved urban hike within your city or a more rugged trek on nature trails, we’ve got options for you. 

Los Angeles: Griffith Park - West Observatory Trail

Griffith Park’s West Observatory Trail is a relatively short hike but it delivers big scenic payoffs. There are two routes at the start of the hike (pro tip: fuel up at The Trails cafe beforehand), but the West Observatory Trail is a quicker climb with Instagram-worthy vistas. Take in iconic sights like the Hollywood Sign, Wisdom Tree, the city, and the Griffith Observatory itself (which offers its own stellar views). At the Observatory, enjoy art deco architecture, a statue commemorating James Dean, a map of the solar system, and free admission inside. If you’re still up to hike further, continue north to Berlin Forest, head up Mount Hollywood, or go back down on the Firebreak Trail. Griffith Park itself is an urban oasis to explore. In addition to a 53-mile network of trails, fire roads, and bridle paths, you’ll find the Greek Theatre, multiple golf courses, the Los Angeles Zoo, and much more.

New York City: The High Line to Hudson River Park

Start at the High Line’s entrance on 34th Street near the Javits Center, and walk the entire 1.45-mile stretch of this elevated former rail line before extending your trip to Hudson River Park. Take in the High Line’s generous displays of lush gardens, rotating public art, and striking architecture, and Hudson River Park’s numerous waterfront piers and city vistas as the sun rises or sets. Swing by Hudson Yards’ Mercado Little Spain for a snack, or stop for a sip at City Winery’s Hudson River Park location at Pier 57. 

San Francisco: Lands End Trail

Located at the edge of the city—and the continent—Lands End offers a wild and windy trail with unbeatable views. Before setting off on the main trail, hike down to offshoots like the Sutro Baths and Point Lobos for even more scenic payoffs. On the four-mile Lands End trail, you’ll see the USS San Francisco Memorial, Mile Rock Lighthouse, Point Bonita Lighthouse, and Lands End Point—which boasts some epic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. Intrepid hikers can follow the trail all the way to Presidio and Marshall’s Beach. 

Chicago: The Lakefront Trail

Set out for a walk, run, or bike ride on any section (or the whole thing!) of Chicago’s 18-mile Lakefront Trail. Choose early morning or evening to make the most of the cooling breeze off Lake Michigan. Take in unbeatable views of the water and skyline throughout your route, but especially at North Avenue Beach or Lincoln Park Nature Boardwalk. Or, make a pit stop at Chicago landmarks like Navy Pier or Museum Campus (home to three of the city’s most iconic museums). 

Washington, D.C.: Theodore Roosevelt Island - Loop Trail

Situated along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, just southeast of Key Bridge, the Theodore Roosevelt Island hike starts with a footbridge across the Potomac River to get onto the island itself. The 1.5-mile Swamp Trail loop hike is the island’s longest trail, with a path through swampy woods and cattail marsh that alternates between pea gravel and boardwalk. Some highlights include a large memorial to Theodore Roosevelt, as well as views of the Key Bridge, and the Georgetown and Rosslyn neighborhoods over the Potomac River. 

Boston: The Charles River Esplanade

Boston’s Esplanade is best enjoyed at sunrise or sunset, but it’s mostly shaded if you can’t get there in the early morning or evening. Enjoy scenic views of the Charles River—complete with kayaks and canoes gliding by—as well as the serene Back Bay neighborhood, whether you’re walking, running, biking, or out with your dog. Stop by the Esplanade’s playgrounds if you’re with kids, or see if there’s live music or a workout class happening at the Hatch Shell Oval. 

West Palm Beach: Grassy Waters Preserve

Explore over 20 square miles of picturesque Florida wetlands when you hike West Palm Beach’s Grassy Waters Preserve. Choose from a variety of trails for a chance to see Everglades wildlife, like alligators, otters, and white-tailed deer, in action. The easy, half-mile boardwalk trail is ideal for families or those seeking accessibility, while the longest trail, the Owahee Trail, runs 16.6 miles along the preserve’s perimeter. Other options include the 2.8-mile Hog Hammock Trail, the 1.2-mile Promontory Trail, the Eagle Trail along Gator Lake, and more. 

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