Palos Verdes Trails 5K

If you're hunting for things to do in Los Angeles that get you off pavement and into the hills, the Palos Verdes Trails 5K is a solid pick for the first weekend of October. The chip-timed race sets off from Ernie Howlett Park on Saturday, October 4, and it's built for both serious runners and casual walkers who just want a scenic morning outside.

What to expect

The course traces the Palos Verdes Peninsula's well-groomed horse trails, climbing over gently rolling hills under the shade of mature eucalyptus trees. It's a shorter, friendlier alternative to the area's more punishing coastal climbs, which is part of why it draws such a mixed crowd of competitive runners, casual joggers, and families out for a weekend walk. Because it's chip-timed, your official result is based on when you cross the starting mat, not when the race officially begins, so there's no need to sprint to the front of the pack at the gun.

After the finish, a small expo sets up near the park with a free bagel or acai bowl for anyone who crosses the line, a nice touch for a race that leans more into community and scenery than big-city spectacle. Ernie Howlett Park itself is a quiet, well-shaded spot that makes a pleasant staging ground before and after the run, with room to stretch out and recover once you're done.

Getting there and practical info

Ernie Howlett Park sits at 25851 Hawthorne Boulevard in Palos Verdes Peninsula, a short drive south from the 110 and 405 corridors. Arrive with time to spare: parking around the park fills up on race mornings, and the trailhead area gets busy as runners check in and stretch before the 8am start. If you're scanning LA events this weekend and want something that trades crowds and noise for eucalyptus groves and ocean air, this is one of the better outdoor options on the South Bay calendar.

Registration details and current entry fees are handled through the race's RunSignup listing, so check there for the latest pricing and any race-day walk-up policy before you head out. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just want an easy trail outing, the Palos Verdes Trails 5K is a low-key way to spend a Saturday morning among the things happening in Los Angeles that don't require a ticket to a concert or a reservation at a restaurant, just a decent pair of shoes and a willingness to get up early.

The Palos Verdes Peninsula doesn't show up on most upcoming events in Los Angeles lists built around nightlife or big festivals, but for anyone who likes their weekend mornings active and outdoors, trails like these are exactly the reason to make the drive south.