Swan Boats at Echo Park

On our list of the best activities in Los Angeles.

Swan-shaped pedal boats returned to Echo Park Lake in 2018, when Wheel Fun Rentals relaunched them decades after the lake's original swan boats had been replaced by plain pedal boats. Rentals run in hour-long slots for up to five riders, with life vests required and dogs welcome aboard, past the lake's lotus beds along the shoreline. Not everyone was pleased when the swans reappeared -- at least one longtime neighbor complained they gave the lake a theme-park feel. Evening slots add colored lights to the swans for a night ride across the water.