Outdoor escapes accentuate Southern California agendas By Carolyn Blackburn January 2014

If ever there was a destination that conjured images of outdoor fun in the sun for the uninitiated, it’s Los Angeles.

It’s a place planners can make picture postcard dreams come true for attendees who’ve never visited, and for groups that have, there is so much to explore in this inspiring area that repeat meetings here enjoy unique itineraries each visit.

Culinary and other tours, shopping on Rodeo Drive, beach and waterborne pursuits, looking for a favorite celebrity’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and much, much more await groups in Greater L.A.’s sunshine.

LOS ANGELES There are several tours that provide groups with great outdoor experiences exploring L.A.’s attractions, landmarks and more, according to Matt Myerhoff, a spokesman for the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board.

The board’s Car Free L.A. program, which was designed as an eco-tourism initiative, offers a self-guided tour for attendees interested in getting acquainted with downtown’s cultural attractions via foot, bike and Metro Expo Line. The itinerary is free to download and includes stops at Walt Disney Concert Hall and Grand Park.

Bikes and Hikes L.A., which originates in West Hollywood and goes to Hollywood, Beverly Hills and even the beach, is another eco-friendly way to enjoy Los Angeles sights; culinary walking tours, available via Urban Adventures and Melting Pot Food Tours, bring groups to ethnic neighborhoods and great restaurants; and Starline Tours takes groups to stars’ homes, museums and shopping centers via an open- roofed, double-decker bus.

Amazing L.A. Race, Myerhoff adds, is part sightseeing tour, part scavenger hunt and a fun team-bonding event for groups of up to 100 people. The outfitter offers pre-set and custom-made courses.

Walking along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, featuring many blocks of stars for film, television and music celebrities, is a must for groups in Hollywood. As is a photo op of the Hollywood sign.

To that end, via Sunset Ranch Hollywood, groups might enjoy a horseback riding outing in Griffith Park under the Hollywood sign. The outfitter facilitates daytime lunch and nighttime dinner rides, and the ranch is also available for groups seeking an authentic Western ambience for a gathering.

Meanwhile, hotels such as Luxe Sunset Boulevard, set on seven acres of land, boast lush outdoor event spaces under swaying palms.

BEVERLY HILLS In Beverly Hills, according to Karissa Fowler, spokeswoman for the Beverly Hills Conference and Visitors Bureau, tours and poolside meetings are popular with groups that like being outside.

The Beverly Hills Segway Tour, offered by Another Side of Los Angeles Tours, is a terrific way to experience the area, including Rodeo Drive.

At just under six square miles, Fowler adds, Beverly Hills is one of the most walkable cities in Southern California, so groups will see a lot during a customized walking tour.

“Visitors with a sweet tooth may enjoy a walking tour past the famous Sprinkles Cupcake ATM or past Vosges Haut-Chocolat,” she says. “Visitors with a passion for art can enjoy a walking tour past any of Beverly Hills’ fine art galleries, or public art displays such as the tulip sculpture in Beverly Canon Gardens.”

Fowler adds that beautiful year-round weather means groups can network poolside at local properties, including the Beverly Hills Hotel, which recently renovated its pool area and has a terrace event space overlooking the pool for 100 people.

LONG BEACH AREA Like Beverly Hills, Long Beach is a pedestrian- and bike-friendly destination, according to Bob Maguglin, spokesman for the Long Beach Area CVB, who says Long Beach boasts many miles of pathways, including a 5.5-mile bike path on the beach.

“Don’t worry if you arrive without your bike,” he says. “Bicycles and even four-person surrey bikes can be rented at several locations around the city.”

The gentle waters of Alamitos Bay welcome groups for electric Duffy Boat or Venetian gondola excursions. More active groups can pedal a Hydro-Bike, kayak or try stand-up paddle boarding.

“Follow your adventure with lunch or dinner at one of the bay’s water-view restaurants,” Maguglin says. Whale-watching has become a year-round activity in the waters off the coast of Long Beach. During daily outings via Harbor Breeze Cruises, passengers might see California gray whales, dolphins and blue whales.

MARINA DEL REY In Marina del Rey, groups can team build on the water or in the sky.

“A great way to build camaraderie is to organize a mini sailing regatta or rowing race for your group,” says Valerie Arias, spokeswoman for the Marina del Rey CVB. “If you’re looking to literally reach new heights with your group, have fun with a parasailing excursion that soars over the Pacific, giving you some of the best views of Los Angeles.”

Another unique and fun Marina del Rey experience allows groups to kayak or paddleboard to dinner. Phins Water Sports Club organizes outings that work up a group’s appetite on their way to Killer Shrimp Restaurant and Bar for a meal.

Also, companies including Hornblower Cruises & Events and FantaSea Yachts accommodate cocktail receptions and parties on the water.

“There is no better way for groups to unwind than with a cocktail, a gorgeous sunset and a relaxing cruise in the harbor,” Arias says.

PASADENA Pasadena’s iconic Rose Bowl Stadium, home to the annual Rose Bowl Game and UCLA Bruins football, is a National Historic Landmark built in 1922 that offers a unique group experience, according to Christine Susa, spokeswoman for the Pasadena CVB.

“Groups can host events in the redesigned locker room, media center, court of champions, rose gardens or even dine on the revered field,” she says.

The courtyard and rotunda areas of Pasadena City Hall are also available for outdoor group gatherings. Natural highlights include California live oak trees, azaleas, hydrangeas, rhododendron and beds of annuals.

Another standout for an outdoor soiree is Huntington Library, Art Collections & Botanical Gardens in nearby San Marino. The venue features the Dorothy Collins Brown Garden Lawn, which accommodates events for up to 500 people seated.

Meanwhile, Melting Pot Food Tours offers a culinary walking tour of Old Pasadena, a 22-block historic area filled with an eclectic array of restaurants and shops.

SANTA MONICA Santa Monica thrives on a healthy, active lifestyle, according to Jackie Alvarez, spokeswoman for the Santa Monica CVB, so “when in Rome” groups should embrace the concept and take a group yoga class on the sand, a trapeze workshop over the ocean or a group surfing lesson.

Biking along the 22-mile South Bay Bicycle Trail, which runs along the beach from Santa Monica to the South Bay, is another popular option for groups. Planners are encouraged to rent Pacific Park, located on the Santa Monica Pier, for a private event. Memorable features of Pacific Park include the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, the thrilling West Coaster roller coaster and amusement park games.

“A self-selected DJ and caterer will round out your event nicely,” Alvarez says.