George F Canyon★★★★★A quiet hike along a seasonal streambed. Shady for the first part, then opens up. Beware of poison oak. City view at the summit. Birds, rabbits, butterflies.
Hopkins Wilderness Park★★★★☆A good place to bring your kids or just take a shady walk in something that feels like nature. Lightly wooded, some hills, trails, a stream and a duck pond, plus picnic areas and camping.
Madrona Marsh Preserve★★★★★One of my favorite places to walk in the South Bay: the last remnant of seasonal marshes that once covered the western part of the LA basin.
South Coast Botanic Garden★★★★★Big enough to feel like you could get lost (but not big enough to get lost), packed with trails that feel like walking through nature, surrounded by more structured gardens. Great for events, families or just getting out for a walk.