SoCal is known for sunshine and near-perfect weather year-round (well, it might get a little more toasty in the summer…).
Los Angeles is very inviting for getting outside when the kids are out of school and the days are longer. The devastating fires in January 2025 forced many businesses and outdoor spaces to close, but recovery efforts have allowed some of these beloved spots to reopen.
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) reopened just before Memorial Day weekend, allowing access to the beaches and Malibu. Loma Alta Park was the first park to reopen in Altadena in May 2025. Other Altadena parks such as Charles White Park, Farnsworth Park and the Eaton Canyon Nature Center are not far behind.
As you head back into these neighborhoods scarred by wildfire, here are some considerations for keeping you and your family safe.
How Safe Are the Beaches in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles is synonymous with sandy, sunny beaches, which will no doubt be a popular destination this summer.
You might recall images of dark sediment lining the beaches after the fires, when winter storms brought runoff from burn sites to the sand. The rain carried toxic debris toward the ocean, increasing levels of pollutants in the water. That debris eventually settles into the sediment underwater and then is washed onto the sandy shore with the tides. Not all of this pollution is visible.
The California State Water Resources Control Board and Los Angeles Country Department of Public Health have stated that the beaches are safe. Tests on the sand have shown “acceptable” levels of contamination. Heal the Bay, a local environmental nonprofit organization, has monitored data from the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board and California Coastal Alliance. They note that while there are no established guidelines for determining risk to human health, tests from the sand “do[es] not reveal any urgent, lethal threats.”
Heal the Bay offers some precautions for enjoying the beach:
- Wear shoes around storm drains
- If you see debris, do not touch it with your hands
- Monitor pets and children to ensure they don’t ingest sand
- Rinse off sand after returning home
They further suggest avoiding the beaches within 100 yards of the Rustic Canyon Outfall, which is at Will Rogers State Beach in Santa Monica. Also, check for any current beach water quality warnings on the County’s website.
Watch how LA County organizations work to keep beach-goers safe:
Source: County of Los Angeles Newsroom
Is it Safe to Go Hiking?
Debris removal is underway in Altadena and the Palisades. Many hiking trails in the burn areas are still closed and will remain so through 2025. According to LA County Public Works, you should “avoid being outdoors near these properties while hazardous materials are being removed.” It can be difficult to know where debris cleanup is happening at any given time. To avoid putting yourself at risk, check for closures before you go. If there is visible ash, dust, or debris, stay away from that area.
According to Heal the Bay president Tracy Quinn, none of the contamination found near burn sites will cause immediate harm or sickness — it’s the risk to long-term health that is of concern. New research examined by The Atlantic points to long-term effects of exposure to wildfire smoke. Additionally, researchers from four universities are looking into both short- and long-term health impacts of wildfires.
What about Air Quality?
The San Francisco Chronicle detailed testing in homes that were near the fires but not destroyed that found surprising results. Some sensitive tests (often paid for out-of-pocket by homeowners) detected beryllium, an earth metal used in a variety of products, at levels far above “background” levels (amounts in the environment that exist naturally or not tied to a known source).
It is unknown where the beryllium is coming from. There is also no standard for how much inside a home is safe, but small amounts can be toxic when inhaled, leading to respiratory disease over time. Many of the tests for smoke-damaged homes are not testing for beryllium or aren’t sensitive enough to detect it. These tests were positive for lead, asbestos, and other contaminants; beryllium can also be cleaned using methods approved to remove lead.
Considering how unprecedented the January 2025 wildfires were, we simply do not know the potential health impacts on people living in Los Angeles. If you are concerned about air quality, many weather apps include features to monitor pollutants. You can also consider getting specific air quality apps like Air Now or Air Care.
You might be concerned about drinking water quality — however, as of May 9, 2025, Los Angeles hit a fire recovery milestone, and tap water is safe to drink in all areas of Altadena and the Palisades.
Many businesses and attractions in wildfire-affected areas are reopening and welcoming visitors this summer. If you plan to visit the beaches, parks, or hiking trails, remember to stay safe and monitor any current health advisories for the areas. We can help these communities rebuild by supporting local businesses, while also being mindful of recovery efforts.
Check out some local spots and happenings in and around Altadena and the Palisades to fill your summer calendar.
While trails in the Eaton Canyon Natural Area will remain closed through at least December 31, 2025, some trails in the Angeles National Forest have reopened, including:
Image by Stefan Schweihofer from Pixabay
- Although it’s not located in Altadena, the “Ode to ‘Dena: Black Artistic Legacies of Altadena” is a free exhibit at the California African American Museum, located in Exposition Park
- Also in Exposition Park, check out the California Science Center or the Natural History Museum
- Getty Villa (re-opened)
- Check out Altadena Libraries for their summer reading series. Lunch provided for children and teens 18 and under on weekdays through August 1.
- Go swimming at the Annenberg Beach House in Santa Monica
- Enjoy Family Fundays, Sundays at Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon
- Visit the reopened Trade School, an experimental art and community space
- Enjoy KCRW Summer Nights: parties at various locations that are free and all-ages
- See TimeOut’s list of summer concerts, some of which are free
- Visit Mount Wilson Observatory’s Sunday afternoon concerts
Image by Brandon Bolender from Pixabay
Many restaurants have continued to serve the local community or are reopening in Altadena, including:
Disclaimer: The content shared in our blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, medical, or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.
