Spanning across 4,107 acres, Griffith Park is the largest city park in the United States. In fact, the infamous Hollywood sign is actually located within the perimeters of Griffith Park.

There are numerous activities to engage in while visiting Griffith Park. The park is not only home to the Hollywood sign, but also houses the Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage, Greek Theater, the Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles Zoo, the Travel Town Museum, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round, the Griffith Park Southern Railroad, and Pony Rides. Additionally, Griffith Park also features plentiful horseback riding, hiking trails, and bicycle rentals to enjoy the beautiful scenery first hand.

California’s rugged landscaping provides for a fantastic hiking experience. As you traverse through Griffith Park, you'll encounter many of the native California animals, such as quail, deer, and coyotes. Caution is advised however, since you may also cross paths with some rattlesnakes. In total, there are over 53 miles of trails and paths that are perfect for enjoying a short brisk walk, or a more strenuous hike. The trails are open from dawn until dusk and you can pick up trail maps at the Ranger Station.

In addition to hiking, many people enjoy horseback riding at Griffith Park. There are also pony rides available so families of all ages may enjoy the fun. There are specially designated trails for the riders, however, if riders choose to dismount, they must stay on the designated trails. Pony rides are available from Tuesday until Sunday between the hours of 10:00 A.M. until 4:00 P.M. There are also covered wagon rides that provide wonderful entertainment for young children. Whether you are on a date or enjoying the park with your family, you'll find plenty of activities to choose from while visiting Griffith Park.

The second largest park in Los Angeles is the city's oldest, Elysian Park. Founded in 1781 by the Felipe de Neve, the Spanish California governor, the land originally encompassed over 17,000 acres. Today, the park is situated on 575 acres and is rich with historical sites, hiking trails, and national landmarks.

Since the park is so large, there are numerous activities to engage in. However, many find that the plentiful hiking trails offer some of the most beautiful scenic views throughout all of Los Angeles. There are plenty of picnic areas and barbecue pits in addition to the hiking and walking trails. Some of the features of Elysian Park include the Buena Vista Meadow Picnic Area, the Portola Trail Historical Monument, Solano Canyon where the community garden is located, and the Victory Memorial Grove, where the WWI Memorial is situated).

In addition to the hiking trails, the Elysian Park Therapeutic Recreation Center has outdoor seating and is designed to hold up to 300 people. There is a therapeutic program available for children and teens. There are also several barbecue pits as well as basketball courts and an indoor gym that has weights for working out.

The Montecillo De Leo Politi Park is commonly referred to as the Old Lodge and has many hiking trails as well. Located inside of Elysian Park, Montecillo De Leo Politi Park is open Monday through Friday from dawn to 3:00 P.M. Saturdays and Sundays, it is open from Dawn to Dusk. You'll find plenty of barbecue pits and picnic tables for your family events, but it is best to make reservations beforehand. They also have unlighted tennis courts. To make reservations for park use call: (213) 485-1310.

Located in the heart of Los Angeles is a wonderful resource that helps foster an appreciation and deeper understanding of art, Barnsdall Art Park. The Barnsdall Art Park features international art displays and exhibits, as well as resources to strengthen the community's knowledge of art, and also houses the famous Hollyhock House, which was designed for Aline Barnsdall by Frank Lloyd Wright.

Things To See

When visiting Barnsdall Art Park there are four major features that you will want to enjoy. First, is the unique view of Hollywood, including a fantastic view of the landmark Hollywood sign. The Park is located on Olive Hill and is situated at the intersection of Hollywood and Vermont.

The second site is the Hollyhock House that was built between 1919 and 1923 by Frank Lloyd Wright for Aline Barnsdall. There are scheduled times that you may take guided tours of the home. For parties larger than ten people, reservations are recommended. Tours are available from Wednesday through Sunday at 12:30, 1:30, and 3:30 Pacific Times. Tickets for students and seniors cost $3.00 and adults cost $7.00. Children twelve years and under are free. It should also be mentioned that there is no photography allowed throughout the tours.

During your visit, you'll also want to see the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and the Barnsdall Gallery Theater. The Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery features many works of art by both local and international artists. The Barnsdall Gallery Theater features a number of theater groups and showcases live performances.

Classes & Art Workshops

The Barnsdall Art Pak is operated by the Community Arts Division of the Cultural Affairs Department. They also offer many art programs as well as workshops. In addition to these regular classes, the Junior Arts Center provides community art resources for children and youth. For more information or to find out the current list of workshops, visit: http://www.barnsdallart.com

Located off the coast of California, Catalina Island is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and plethora of activities. Whether it's spending a wonderful day golfing, or exploring the island on horseback, Catalina offers scenic splendor and activities everyone can enjoy.

Catalina is a hot spot for tourists and sees nearly one million tourists per year. The island is accessible by ferry or helicopter and day ferry tours are also provided. You can access the island by private boat and you’ll find that there are many cruise lines in California that make Catalina a favorite destination.

When visiting the island, you’ll have your choice of staying in one of the four star hotels and enjoying all of the amenities afforded by a luxury island resort. For example, the plush Catalina Canyon Resort and Spa offers benefits such as a garden courtyard and private balconies. The resort is styled in true Mediterranean architecture and you’ll wonder if you’re in Greece or Italy instead of California. The spa offers the best service and you’ll enjoy candlelit rooms where you experience the powerful healing benefits of aromatherapy and the most cutting edge trends of massage.

In addition, you’ll find that a trip to Catalina Island may also be explored best by staying in the campground, Two Harbors. You will need a permit to camp but you will find that the experience is well worth the stay. There are facilities available that include showers, toilets, a barbecue pit, lockers, and fresh water. You can choose to either set up your own tent or take advantage of one of the tent cabins that sleeps up to six people and includes cots, a stove, lanterns, and picnic tables. Whether you choose one of the exquisite hotels on the island or to experience the beauty of Catalina Island first hand while camping, you’ll discover that the island offers some of the most exciting adventures and exhilarating activities for all visitors.

Whether you are planning the wedding of your dreams, looking for a romantic get-a-way for two, or planning a family vacation, you’ll find that Catalina Island meets your expectations and then some more. Activities abound and in addition to the swimming, boating, horseback riding, and other outdoor adventures, you’ll also find that Catalina offers a number of planned events. From outdoor nature hikes and learning adventures to cultural art displays, Catalina offers numerous activities and events to enhance every visitor’s experience. The Catalina Museum also provides insight into Catalina Island’s rich history and is a great way to learn more about this fascinating island.

 

Additional Information On Catalina Island

Boating & Kayaking Opportunities
Catalina Island: Dining
Getting There
History
Horseback Riding
Catalina Island Nightlife
Water Sports & Activities

 

When you think of Chinatown you may just think of one particular place. What you’ll find though is both Old Chinatown and New Chinatown, both with their different exotic sights, incredible smells of authentic Chinese food, and the many different shops and stores that hold treasures for everyone.

Walking the streets of Chinatown is by far the best way to get around. It is a simple trolley ride on the Gold line or you could take the Dash Minibus B from downtown Los Angeles. You can jump off right as you get to the base of Chinatown and you’re on your way.

With the many shops, restaurants, and décor of the architecture, the color and appearance makes it a popular tourist spot, as well as a place locals like to go to experience a culture that may be far from the norm in Los Angeles. You’ll know when you reach Chinatown by the landmark East Gate on N. Broadway. From there you can start your own self guided tour of Chinatown or you can take one of the many guided tours that lead you in to the most well sought after parts of Chinatown that few people know about.

You’ll most likely start with the Golden Pagoda which is about 50 feet high and one of the last newer buildings that was built in Chinatown. Although typically a tourist spot, it is a sight to behold. You can then make your way over to The Seven Star Cavern Wishing Well. With the magnificent architecture around this wishing well, it’ll be hard not to see the splendor of Chinatown in all of the old and new glory.

Meander your way through the alleys and you’ll find some of the most sought after Chinese herbs that have been used traditional Chinese medicine and teas for thousands of years. Fresh and ready to be bought, you’ll learn quite a bit about prolonging your life with the likes of ginseng root, pearl pills, and even gecko lizards.

For a little fun you should stop by the fortune cookie factory and see how they are really made. Sure, it’s a little self indulgent, but who doesn’t want to know how those tiny papers really get in those cookies? While you are being self indulgent, it may be time to eat by now. The Stockton Street food market is just the place to stop. Whether it’s Dim Sum you’re craving or a more exotic cuisine that you have yet to try, you’ll find it here. You may even pick up a few authentic foods to take home and try to make yourself.

For the art and history lover, Chung King Road is a must. They will do art openings in the evening that give you a chance to enjoy the beautiful and moving pieces of art. After you take in your fair share of culture you can hit the bars or more restaurants to talk late into the night with your friends. Chinatown is more than just a place to buy silk; it is a cornucopia of knowledge, food, culture, and fun.

When the Queen Mary first launched on September 26, 1934 it was considered to be the ship of the future. Weighing in at an impressive 81,237 tons it was larger than the Titanic and faster than any ship made previously. The maiden voyage set sail on May 27, 1936 and to all accounts was a major event.

John Brown and Company out of Scotland built the Queen Mary to be a weekly express from Southampton England to New York to be one of the fastest ships on the ocean at that time. It certainly held up to that name as it did indeed garner the record for the fastest North Atlantic crossing in 1937. For 3 years she traveled back and forth bringing the rich and elite across the Atlantic in luxury and style. In 1939 she was on a trip when World War II started and was ordered to become a troopship to carry soldiers from Australia and New Zealand to the United Kingdom.

After the war had completed, and Queen Mary narrowly escaped being sunk by the orders of Adolf Hitler and his U boats, the Queen Mary was used as a transatlantic passenger trade until 1958. Then the jets were starting to fly and it seemed that people wanted quicker ways to get across the Atlantic Ocean. Finally in 1966 it was put up for sale and bought by H.E. Ridings of Long Beach California where it still resides today.

Today, Queen Mary is on the National Register of Historic places and serves as a hotel, entertainment venue, and a museum. It is an extremely popular tourist attraction that brings people in from all over the world. You can choose a self guided ship walk tour that takes you from the engine to the wheelhouse, or you can have a daily guided tour that explores the elegant bygone era. You can even go on the special tour called The Ghost and Legends tour that talks about the paranormal experiences of the Queen Mary which people swear have taken over the ships at certain times.

Many people come to the Queen Mary to stay in one of the 365 original staterooms, 8 of which are luxurious suites of their time. Each room is artfully appointed in the style of the 1930’s and 1940’s with original artwork and much of the art deco feel that it had in the past. The room rates are very reasonable depending on the season and you can buy packages that include dinner or show tickets. After checking in you can experience award winning dining in many of the waterfront restaurants such as the Sir Winston restaurant or you can just grab a quick bite to eat at The Promenade Café if you are in a rush to get back to your self guided tour of the Queen Mary.

Visiting and staying on the Queen Mary is like taking a step back in time to the more elegant and fascinating bygone years. It is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills is a wonderful treasure: Roxbury Park. Roxbury Park is the perfect get away for those who would just like to take an afternoon to relax, use the grill, or rest under the shade of the canopy trees, Roxbury Park also provides plenty of activities for children, adults, and seniors. Whether it is taking a new class, learning a new sport, or simply enjoying the beauty of California, Roxbury Park is sure to please.

Athletics

For those seeking an athletic outlet, Roxbury Park offers many top of the line choices. There is a baseball field that also serves as a soccer field, 1 ½ basketball courts, 4 lighted tennis courts that rival those in the finest country clubs, and sand volleyball courts that are sure to provide hours of entertainment. The lush green hills look as if they roll endlessly and are the perfect backdrop for croquet and lawn bowling. If you’ve never played lawn bowling, don’t worry, the park also provides free classes, so all are invited to join in the fun.

Children At The Park

The children will love the large playground that features a pirate theme, and young children will enjoy playing in the designated toddler area. Preschool classes for children, such as Mommy and Me, community based senior activities, and adult classes are abundant. Some of the choices include yoga, creative writings, sculpting and other art related classes, as well as theater. The park also provides lunches for seniors between 11:15am to 12:15pm for $1.75.

Parties & Special Gatherings

Roxbury Park is the perfect place to host family reunions, special gatherings, or birthday parties. You must call ahead and reserve grills and picnic tables before your event. A permit may also be required so make sure to leave plenty of time before your function to get everything in order.

Park Rules

Be sure to read the rules before planning your trip to the park. Some of the rules include: making sure that dogs are kept on a leash no longer than six feet, no alcohol, smoking, or narcotics, children must be supervised; especially around water areas, and there are no bikes, skateboards, skates, or scooters allowed in the park.

Parking

Parking is metered, so be sure to bring plenty of change.

Nestled in the heart of Malibu, in the Santa Monica Mountains, lies a treasure waiting to be explored. The hiking trails in Solstice Canyon are the true star of Hollywood. With breathtaking scenic views of waterfalls, indigenous flora and fauna, a stream that flows year round, and numerous majestic Oaks, Alder, and Sycamore trees, the Solstice Canyon Park is great any time of year.

The canyons are a beautiful way to observe nature in all of her glory. It isn't uncommon to see animals such as deer, bobcats, quail, and mountain lions. There are over 45 mammal species that call the Solstice Canyon home, and over 380 bird species. The streams and lagoons are home to fish that are indigenous to the mountains, and are plentiful year round.

First opened as a public park in 1988, by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, today they are under the management of the National Park Service. With five hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, Solstice Canyon is revered as one of California's national treasures.

Getting Here

Getting to Solstice Canyon is quite simple. Travel along Pacific Coast Highway until you reach Corral Canyon Road. Turning on Corral Canyon Road, you'll see a large white fence with a gate off to the left side. Once you enter the park you will pay for parking, so inquire about direct routes to the trail you are looking for.

Solstice Canyon has five trails designated for hikers. Three of these trails are deemed easy and are great for the novice hiker or for those who just want to enjoy a leisurely scenic hike.

Dry Canyon Trail

Easy (1.2 miles): This trail is a great hike for the novice hiker. You'll enjoy viewing the 150-foot waterfall at the end of your journey. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your journey, and don't drink the water in streams, as they are not deemed suitable for drinking. When hiking, remember that you must always yield the right of way to horseback riders.

TRW Loop Trail

Easy (1.5 miles): The TRW Trail is a nice gentle hike. While on your journey you will pass through many oak trees. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Red Tailed Hawk. There are also a number of snakes that are indigenous to the region, so it is best to avoid snakes, as the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is venomous. Fortunately, it is the only venomous snake that lives in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Solstice Canyon Trail

Easy (2.1 miles): When hiking through the Solstice Canyon Trail be sure to keep a watchful eye out for the famed, Keller House. This is an excellent way to view some of Malibu's past history. If hiking with dogs, the dog must remain on a leash at all times, and they are only allowed on trails as well as access roads.

Rising Sun Trail

Moderate (3 miles): It is believed that this trail derives its name from a winery that was founded by Matthew Keller during the later 1800's. You'll enjoy the scenic views of the ocean while hiking along this trail.

Sostomo Trail/ Deer Valley Loop

Moderate/Strenuous (7 miles) This trail is the most strenuous and should be tackled by the seasoned hiker. This trail is beautiful and provides a breathtaking scenic view of the Pacific Ocean.

If you happen to be fascinated by ghosts and find yourself in the South Bay area, here are a couple spots that you may find interesting.

Point Vicente Lighthouse – Palos Verdes

The ghost of a tall woman is at times seen walking around the lighthouse. She is believed to be the former wife of the original Lighthouse keeper, who fell off a cliff.

Drum Barracks – Wilmington

The Drum Barracks is an original civil war outpost. The dominant ghosts in the building are of a man, presumably an officer and a woman called Maria. There are also reported sightings of children, Apaches, and civil war soldiers.

Point Vicente Lighthouse
31550 Palos Verdes Dr W
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275
Website

Drum Barracks
1052 Banning Blvd
Wilmington, CA 90744
Website

Everyone knows what raw cuisine is right?

I’m actually kind of ashamed to admit it, but I only learned about raw cuisine a few days ago. A friend was suggesting that we add it to the site and I had no idea what they were talking about. Isn’t that the same thing as Vegan, I asked? Not quite. Well for those you who are like me and don’t know much about it, let me cover some of the basics.

Unlike the traditional vegetarian or vegan dishes, raw cuisine consists of organic foods that are uncooked, unprocessed, and have not been heated above a certain temperature (usually between 95 and 110 degree Fahrenheit). Furthermore, an individual whose diet consists of raw food isn’t necessarily a vegetarian or vegan…many consume raw eggs, fish, and even meat (although the majority of restaurants won’t serve raw meats/fish for health reasons).

The rationality behind consuming uncooked (or raw) food is primarily for the health benefits. Many believe that they are able to prevent and/or cure many common ailments that are derived directly (or indirectly) from the consumption of processed foods. They advocate that eating uncooked food maintains enzymes which aid in digestion (cooking the food destroys these enzyme). In turn, these enzymes allow for enhanced digestion, stimulation of the immune system, and a decrease of toxicity in the body.

For those of you interested in giving raw cuisine a shot, here are some fantastic restaurants around Los Angeles that specialize in raw cuisine:

 

Los Angeles

Leaf Cuisine
11938 W Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-390-6005

Hours:
Monday-Saturday: 8am to 9pm
Sunday: 10am to 9pm

Taste of the Goddess Cafe (at the Ona Spa & Hair Salon)
7373 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-933-1400

Hours:
NA

 

Sherman Oaks

Leaf Cuisine
14318 Ventura Blvd
Sherman Oaks, CA 91423
818-907-8779

Hours:
Open daily from 10am to 9pm

 

Silver Lake

Cru
1521 Griffith Park Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
323-667-1551

Hours:
Wednesday-Monday: 12pm to 10pm
Closed Tuesday

 

West Hollywood

Leaf Cuisine
8365 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

Hours:
Open daily from 9am to 9pm

Taste of the Goddess Cafe
7253 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
310-874-7700

Hours:
Monday-Tuesday: 10am to 7pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 10am to 9pm
Sunday: 10am to 6pm