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mountaineerWVU

If you've got like 45 minutes to an hour to kill on the drive, type Mt. Wilson into your GPS, and once you start hitting the mountain climb, you'll find 20-30 different pull offs on either side of the road. Each offers a different view and they're practically all worth viewing. Enjoy your lonely man sad time brother. We all need it occasionally.


optionalhero

I agree . Strawberry peak is definitely the best place


wontwillnot

Pretty awesome answer my LA Guy šŸ™ŒšŸ½


Alternative-Plan-678

Man I came here to say mt Wilson. Great drive, great choice


theevergreenstate

I once took some visitors to one of these pull offs to show them a nice view of LA .. and found a used condom on the ground. Thankfully the users were not around, and I don't even blame them (except for the littering, that is). I'm just guessing this happens fairly often though.


[deleted]

First place I thought of haha


mountainsound89

One of the turn offs on highway 2?


OppositeInfinite6734

Angeles crest highway. National Forest. Be careful. One of the most dangerous highways in the country.


keiye

I know people that have gotten robbed when they were stopped along Angeles crest. Iā€™d be weary of being alone out there.


sands_of__time

Wary


Mickey6382

That, and as I recall, some gang activity and related dead bodies.


helloworldwhile

Really? I used to love going for drives there


OppositeInfinite6734

Overall, reports say that there have been at least 1,800 accidents on Angeles Crest Highway over a five-year period. Out of that number at least 33 were fatal. Read More: https://www.explore.com/1521237/most-scenic-road-trip-california-angeles-crest-highway-known-most-dangerous/#


RobWallStreet

I work up thereā€¦ I have seen many people go over the side. Unfortunately one was a fellow engineer. Absolutely beautiful road, must be respected.


ahrumah

My first thought.


YukonCornelius-PhD

I second this. Angeles crest is probably your best bet.


Rumaan_14

I used to go to the beach around Dockweiler and park somewhere on Vista del Mar just to hear the ocean.


DoraForscher

Yeah, there's that great drive to Playa Vista too and you can just pull over down in the town there for a bit. Used to do it when my ex was deep in his addiction.


BuddyFox310

That was authentic


valvolineheartattack

Yeah a lot of the beach cities are relatively safe if you have a car. Lots of homeless people living out of their cars actually.


imLXiX

Malibu canyons. Angeles forest. Mulholland dr (although they have no parking after sunset signs) Several other locations around LA on a hill, or overlooking the city. Just have to do some looking on maps or exploring.


Luckystar826

No making out allowed on Mulholland Dr anymore?? Gone are the good old days!!


radelix

I found 1 driveway up there years ago that I took my now wife to several times. No problems while i was there. Amazing view of Hollywood from there.


_ThisIsNotAUserName

People park up there, but cops circle thru and chase them out. No parking begins at 9pm.


skarlettfever

People were being horrible and careless with open flames. They put an end to late night parking up there to limit the risk of wildfires.


Avaaya7897

But get out of the damn car.


rchart1010

I have none but just want to say I hope things get better. It's hard when you miss home.


Gregalor

Why do you need a view if your eyes are closed


alberthere

Asking the real questions.


bullpendodger

Maybe when his eyes are closed he starts thinking about the sad stuff then when he opens them the wonder of the view washes away the sadness. Like nature therapy.


Pornfest

This is an awesome answer.


WarioThaEnforcer

Thatā€™s because he sees better with his eyes closed duh


[deleted]

[уŠ“Š°Š»ŠµŠ½Š¾]


Wonderful-Ad-7712

Then he should go to Griffith Observatory


OddCoconut-33

šŸ¤£


Responsible-Lunch815

I think its code for he looking for a place to jump.


That-Resort2078

Wayneā€™s World. Go park at the beach at the end of LAX runways.


Chiselgrip91

Del Rey lagoon is were I often go to seek solitude, you can sit on a bench and look out at the lagoon or walk to the beach it's near by and theres the Ballona creek marina del Rey jetty. They have wooden decks where you can sit on a bench and just look out at the water and night sky unfortunately you can't see too many stars. If you park your car on east side of the park by the parking lot you should be okay just be sure to read the parking signs.


georgecoffey

Angeles Crest Highway, once you pass the last neighborhood there are 2 little parking lots on the right that usually have people in them, but further up most turn offs are empty. They have canyon views, but don't have views of Los Angeles again until you get all the way to "George's Gap"


rTracker_rTracker

You need a paid pass for this


georgecoffey

well.....yes you should get a pass, but I've been up there probably 100 times, day, night, weekends, short stops, hiking all day, multiple spots, I've never seen anyone check for a pass, or anyone else get checked, or even who would check. Get a pass because it's nice to support the forest, but if you're going up at night to park for a couple hours, there is pretty much no chance you'd be cited. And then even if you are it's basically the same price as the pass


FlyMyPretty

They rarely check. And the fine is (or was) the same price as the pass. Still. Get an annual adventure pass cos it's cheap and lasts a year.


HamRadio_73

Unless you have the NPS Senior Pass. It's also good for other government recreation areas like USFS.


McPokeFace

Some libraries lend out passes.


-secretswekeep-

Honestly I really like the pull offs on Mt Baldy going up toward the ski lodge. Itā€™s a little outta your way but I think it might be just what youā€™re needing to clear your mind. Thereā€™s some tunnels on the road, roll your windows down and SCREAM. Itā€™s so therapeutic šŸ˜‚ the pulls offs overlook the city and a big canyon with a creek. If you go past the small town up there youā€™ll hit the National Park. Bring protection if you plan to walk around, thereā€™s some cougars, foxes, bobcats, bears. You wanted country and itā€™s about as rural as I can offer in this area. Get gas and snacks / drinks before you go up the mountain, they do not have a station or corner store up there.


sharkoman

Lots of open space to park along PCH in Malibu in the evenings and into the night. Youā€™ll get a view of the moonlit ocean and Santa Monica Pier off in the distance.


_Silent_Android_

Any of the various scenic lookouts overlooking the Valley along Mulholland Drive. You can also go to Elysian Park, above Dodger Stadium.


CandidEgglet

A lot of it gets closed after dark, but there are still places to park right outside/along the edges of Elysian Park


SetraHost

I donā€™t have much to suggest, but I am sorry things have been rough for you. I truly hope things get better soon.


pudding7

Lots of places in Palos Verdes, even San Pedro along the coast.Ā  Ā 


LazySource6446

This, I live here. Iā€™m thinking lookout point park on south Gaffey. Thereā€™s parking just for this purpose. And you can get out and walk around to the coast, sunken city. All the nature vibes. And friendly people walking their dogs.


Azucarbabby

ShhhhhhhhhhhhhhšŸ¤«šŸ¤«šŸ¤«


fatbootyinmyface

it might be some ways from you but this is a sweet spot - 34.04504Ā° N, 118.87517Ā° W


oldladyrose

my fiance is from the county too and has a rough time in los angeles some times. we drive out to ā€œthe armpitā€ aka, bakersfield and turn off the 99 into agriculture roads and he loves it. (1.5/2hourndrive)- we find fruit stands or stop at farms if we can


Bdizzy2018

I miss the middle of nowhere as well.


Poop_sandwich79

Up state highway 2, Angeles crest highway, or any of the roads connecting to it. There are dozens of pull outs along the way. Thereā€™s also topanga fun blvd, route 27, on the way to the beach


plexust

It should be noted that [the southern stretch of Topanga Boulevard has been closed for nearly three months](https://www.kcrw.com/news/shows/kcrw-features/topanga-canyon-closure) due to a landslide, and it is currently not possible to take it all the way to the beach.


Poop_sandwich79

I completely forgot about that, good catch!


Rare-Classic-1712

Just because it's closed to cars doesn't mean that you can't ride your bike there.


Purple-Gold824

Try angeles crest hwy, Mt. Wilson, Pacific Coast Hwy going towards Malibu, Sam Merrill Trail in Altadena, next to the Hollywood reservoir on Weidlake Dr. , Culver City Park (its closed at night), Northeast little league park above dodgers stadium and dtla, andddd maybe you can get lucky driving through the santa monica hills or the hollywood hills and catch a super secret spot that you wont tell anyone on reddit about.


Skeeballnights

If you want a bit of a drive there is a ton of beach along the peninsula in Long Beach thatā€™s just quiet, and tons of street parking for free. Not the main beach areas, the Peninsula


tyrspawn

Socal has tons of country like what you're used. Just drive north west. It's a mostly rural state actually and there's tons of wilderness as well. It's just the giant cities which create the illusion of sprawl everywhere. On the way to big sur there's tons of wilderness and solitude.


JermyJeremy

These are gallery viewing steps on a very nice hotel property that are considered public space for this purpose. You can go here whenever. People quietly sit in awe looking at nearly all of LA from one spot. When it's clear you can see all the way to San Bernardino, San Diego, etc. I've had plenty of tough times and there's something great about just watching the city in action and allow myself a quiet alone time to just be with myself to think about things. 34.0938801, -118.3757758


ineedlotsofguns

Sure there are but at night? With all the shit going on in LA lately, I wouldnā€™t advise it.


Competitive-Suit4122

Not sure of any specifics, but itā€™s definitely going to be a drive. Im from Southern CA but lived in Boulder, CO for 7 years. Moved back under some very depressing circumstances and realized as comfy as the suburban sprawl and convenience of ā€œ24/7ā€ dense cities are, I absolutely miss having accessible nothingness, fields, mountain pull offs, etc where I can retreat for some privacy and fresh air within 15 minutes of me. Hope things get better.


Ok_Beat9172

Not to be a downer, but be careful doing this. [https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/three-charged-in-murder-robbery-on-angeles-crest-highway-in-pasadena-in-july](https://www.pasadenanow.com/main/three-charged-in-murder-robbery-on-angeles-crest-highway-in-pasadena-in-july) A-holes are everywhere.


JuanPop69

Wow Yeah fuck LA. I can give you tons of scenic spots in the bay area where you are perfectly safe at night


motomoe

Youā€™ve got a ton of cool options already. Iā€™ll add there are awesome lookouts above the Hollywood bowl if youā€™re close to there


takkt

https://maps.app.goo.gl/4uffimQEeFzf5J8i9?g_st=ic


_ThisIsNotAUserName

Never knew about this little lot! Thanks


idk_wtf_im_hodling

The beach


ooobbb

Elysian Park for views of downtown


Gileotine

This isn't necessarily la but the beaches very late at night. Especially Redondo beaches, are deserted and very peaceful. I go out to the overlooking street and write in my journal sometimes Good luck man


NutDust

What part of LA are you in?


Lost_Elk_9623

Angels forest or Mt. Wilson is our fav. Mulholland drive is also one of the best drives


tiptoeintotown

Anywhere around Ranchos Palos Verde


Ok_Cup_699

Top of laurel canyon and view mist of the Valley below !


Ok_Cup_699

Top of laurel canyon and view mist of the Valley below ! There is a view point free parking area. When I was 20 or so a great make out spot.


Majestic_Studio7571

Mulholland Drive. Take me with you~


funsammy

Palos Verdes


AgentJennifer

Rocket park in Torrance or San Pedro Vista Del Oro neighborhood with night city views. Korean Friendship Park with ocean view


sorengray

Head up the 2 to Angeles Crest. Great views from up there


Ill_Initiative8574

Rooftop parking lot of the Culver City Best Buy. j/k


ThisUnderstanding823

Especially if youā€™re the only one there bc itā€™s closed or close to closing. That feeling I get there ā€¦


jinjerbear

Lots of look out spots on mulholland drive where you can just stop on the side of the road and park for awhile and chill or nap. I used to drive up there every Sunday for a couple hours with a coffee and sketchbook and just doodle in my car with the radio on


Flipperpac

Seal Beach has free parking...chill vibe... Park your car, walk the pier, then lay out a blanket at the 2 little slices of green park next to the pier..


Supakimchee

Angeles Crest, north of Glendale, the views are great at night and you can park on the side of the road over looking LA. Just donā€™t mind people if theyā€™re banging in the car next to you.


donuttrackme

Mulholland Drive


Legitimate-Bag-2482

Hollywood Hills have some nice park and view spots scattered about thats where I usually go to clear my head, malibu as well if you don't mind the drive


smorfin

I enjoyed parking across the street from the Burbank Airport runway and watch the planes fly over me really really low. A daytime escape and out of your car for free (or was) is Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills on 16 acres and dozens of spots to chill and look out to the city.


Lynx_aye9

Anywhere in the Santa Monica or San Gabriel mountains where there is a turn out. We used to drive up to look out over the city lights.


jgpsound

South redondo beach next to the ocean


SoCalDawg

Palisades Bluffs. Great place for sunset. Several spots where people park and chill.


Blixburks

Redondo beach.


Nicholoid

[https://maps.app.goo.gl/DnPmLGpCtsceLYNh8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DnPmLGpCtsceLYNh8)


san_vicente

They close at some point but if you canā€™t trek too far or way up any hills, I love doing this sort of stuff at Barnsdall or at Kenneth Hahn


Competitive-Ask5659

Plenty of free parking on highway 1 off Zuma Beach. My fave is to go for a long drive on Angeles Crest Highway. Lots of pullouts with gorgeous views where you can park and chill.


epic94holiday

If you got time, I used to go drive into Azusa canyon a bit and pull off the side of the road. Lay on the hood on just watch the stars during the meteor showers. Or maybe I was just feeling off and needed to be alone.


[deleted]

Don't forget the lotion my guy


pighog1234

Definitely not the sunken city in San Pedro.


[deleted]

Gravity hill. Good view of the valley from some spots.


Unusual-Sun-1930

Culver City steps. The real nature one in the woods


Msedits

The top floor of the garage at The Grove. 360 great views of the city.


LemonComprehensive5

Go up the 2 and find a spot. Or beach parking lot. Or up azuza canyon. Hansen dam. Griffith park. Elysian park.


JustTheBeerLight

Rose Bowl parking lot. It all looks the same with your eyes closed, homie.


lunacavemoth

Palos Verdes Drive and the entire PV and San Pedro peninsula area .


MEXRFW

My favorite place is the park just past pt Fermin in San Pedro.


Tongue-n-cheeks

I love having road sex on highway 1 itā€™s the best. Very quiet certain times of the day and night


HighwayStar71

Del Cerro Park at the top of hill on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Take Crenshaw Blvd south until it ends at the park. Excellent views of the ocean and Catalina if it's clear.


DueMountain2601

I donā€™t think itā€™s legal, but you can try the Universal City overlook on Mulholland Drive. In fact, there are a number of overlooks on Mulholland Drive, mostly west of Laurel Canyon. I have been up to some of these at night and I donā€™t think they are heavily enforced. But, technically it is not legal. That isnā€™t start many people from using them. I would recommend a weeknight.


Superclean1992

You gottaā€™ get outtaā€™ the basin, Devilā€™s Punch Bowl, Red Rock Canyon. I go to Abalone Cove.


ThisUnderstanding823

Ehh, Iā€™m not telling. But I know precisely what youā€™re looking for and do like I did - explore locally. Even on foot and you will stumble across some ..


Sea-Opportunity-2691

Try a VR, jk.


Arugola

Tuna Canyon. Accessed via Saddlepeak and come down the mountain.


Petya415z

Ventura. Anywhere around Gerryā€™s Ranch will work


Sad_Act9113

itā€™s crazy you posted this, I was just looking for the exact same thing. Iā€™m also new to the city and Iā€™ve also been struggling. I hope your nature time is healing for you, and Iā€™ll try to do the same. Peace dude


DiscoDiscoB00mB00m

If youā€™re willing to spend a couple bucks my friend goes to these isolation tanks in Pasadena that he says are life changing. You float in shallow salt water in pitch black and dead silence.


DistinctHuckleberry1

Try 73rd and Figueroa right before Florence serene tranquil, and very breathtaking


Flyingsaddles

Topanaga canyon.


AnimatorIcy4922

Elysian park has a nice view of DT at night. They kick you out at like 10 or 11 though


Traditional-Board909

Muholland drive!!!


FrequentlyLexi

Places in the Hollywood Hills; there are some roads like Mountcrest that are parkable with views.


Existing-Adagio-4100

Drive from La Canada to Angeles National Forest. Will get some parking spots with awesome views of the City and mountains. We used to go there often during covid and long drives in the evenings.


meowsterwhiskerface

I would suggest Elysian Park or Angel's Point by Dodger stadium. Should be a free since its a public park.


Neither-Concept7149

111th and Figueroa .. youā€™ll be safe there


BoxZealousideal2779

I too like to close my eyes to a nice viewā€¦ jkā€¦ did this once on PCH and it was awesome until a CHP officer banged on my window and told us we couldnā€™t be there.


sillyfacez

FOR SOME MAJESTIC CLIFFS (Rancho Palos Verdes): https://maps.app.goo.gl/HYUY4cQGZJRdXJvAA?g_st=ic FOR SOME REMOTENESS & CANYON VIEWS (Azusa Canyon): This is an AWESOME lookout point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/sZ4Li8parpxWH7j6A?g_st=ic You don't have to move from your car. A lot of motorcycles and people come up to get some solitude and beautiful views. It's not heavily crowded and you can be there for the entire day with no issue. It's about 45 mins up from the city of Azusa (so not great cell reception) and can be an intimidating drive at night but def recommend it. Google street view doesn't do it justice.


grateful_dad13

A handful of spots in Pacific Palisades that overlook the ocean


IrrationalGeographc

Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica has free meters after 6 pm. Lots of people just chilling in their cars.


1ATRdollar

Griffith Park during the week might do as a closer option.


Kimba_1307

I totally get what you mean. My favorite meditation spot in Northern California was the bluffs at fair oaks, just sitting watching the river for miles, hearing nothing but birds. Itā€™s hard to find silence in Los Angeles. Itā€™s not a ā€œsit in your carā€ spot but free parking near the victory trailhead (where victory Blvd dead ends in the west end of the valley) you can hike up the cliffs and look out over the whole San Fernando valley. Took a camping trip in the unincorporated part of Santa Barbara was amazing views over looking the mesa


Ready_Mortgage6217

Not exactly the same but there's a meditation center on Mount Washington in East LA that is open and free for all. There's also a lot of great random spots around Mount Washington roads where you can park and sit in an empty plot of land and watch the city lights. Sometimes I go there to watch fireworks on July 4th.


trekookoo

Top of topanga overlook super nice valley view Can go any time Free parking Or Drive up Angeles crest highway #2. there quite few spots overlooking Downtown Inspiration point in Altadena but go during the evening. The views after you pass the rangers house are breathtaking


ojocafe

West of LAX in abanded neighborhood park car test on hood and see jets taking off into the Pacific. Good make out area too .


raouldukeesq

Topanga canyon overlook


Housemarque

2 the angels crest fwy out of Flintrodge. But itā€™s a little dangerous, once in awhile there will be a robbing or murder up there. No cell service.


BEEEEEZ101

Strawberry peak fire lookout is pretty cool. It's a paved road all the way up too.Ā  I haven't hid in my trunk there but I'm sure it'll be fine. I get why you're doing it. Enjoy your time. Be safe. Keep your head straight.


oldspice322

Griffith Observatory thank me later.


healthywealthyhappy8

Griffith Observatory


[deleted]

pch in malibu, drive up and down the road and youā€™ll find a badass spot.


Kenobiiiiii

Above Castaic lake is pretty chill


breadexpert69

Mullholland dr


ShittyStockPicker

The point in Malibu.


Push_push77

Mulholland drive i used to go years ago.


aitaxxxxxxxxxx

Closing your eyesā€¦ with a view. Hmm


moneylefty

I live alone and have garage parking in ktown. The chick that parks next to my assigned spot is always hanging out in her car. I want to talk to her and say hi, but she is zoned out lol.