Silver Lake Reservoir, Silver Lake:
The two mile circumference of the reservoir is one of the most popular jogging and walking spots on the north-east side of town. If running along the sparkling blue water isn't up your alley, you can do yoga in the grassy field that borders Silver Lake Blvd. and the reservoir. Have your furry friend with you? You can visit one of two dog parks–designated for large and small breeds. Afterwards, you can head down the block and enjoy a fantastic cup of joe at LAMill coffee. I recommend the Black Onyx if they have it.
Echo Park Lake, Echo Park:
Image via Wikipedia
Although this lake is most famous for its Lotus flowers (and they are pretty spectacular) it offers a number of fun distractions from city life. Try renting a paddle-boat for two. In the mood for an agua fresca con tamarindo? They've got you covered. What about corn on the cob with mayo, cotija, lime and chile? There's a guy selling that too. Or, you could just choose to sit on one of the many benches, and enjoy the fountains while watching an L.A. sunset.
Arlington Garden, Pasadena:
Photo by Julie Bien
Tucked into one of the older, wealthier neighborhoods of Pasadena, is this little gem. Wander through the olive and pomegranate trees, or read a book next to the orange grove. You can even (legally) bring a picnic and a bottle of wine to share at one of the many wooden tables in hidden alcoves throughout the park. It may seem small at first glance, but once you've started wandering through the property, you'll realize how immense and beautiful it really is. It's truly a little slice of heaven.
Brand Park, Glendale:
Photos by Julie Bien
This park has everything– beautiful gardens, well-maintained hiking trails, a Victorian house, a haunted library and a pyramid on top of a mountain in a cemetery! What more could you want? Nothing. That would be greedy.
Barnsdall Art Park, Silver Lake-Sunset Junction:
Image via Wikipedia
Located on a hill overlooking Hollywood, the Barnsdall Art Park is an oasis of grassy knolls, frisbee-throwers, off-leash dogs and a gallery with ever-changing exhibits. People come from all over the city to picnic here, read, meditate and soak up the L.A. sun. After sunset, everyone disperses, but until then, expect a crowd–the people (and their dogs) are part of what makes this such a pleasant place to spend a Sunday afternoon.
Descanso Gardens, La Canada:
Image via Wikipedia
While these gardens are beautiful (and beautifully wild) all year long, the time to visit is when the Camelias are in bloom. Can't make it then? Go to the cherry blossom festival. There's also an art gallery with rotating exhibits, an impressive duck pond (if you have little ones with you), and plenty of open areas for lazing about.
The L.A. Arboretum, Arcadia:
Photo by Julie Bien
If you've ever had the urge to play a game of backgammon while overlooking the San Gabriel mountains, surrounded by wild peacocks, look no further than the Arboretum. The land was formerly owned by “Lucky” Baldwin (of Santa Anita racetrack fame.) His Queen Anne cottage, carriage house and adobe home (among other buildings) have been restored as museums–and give an impressively intimate look into his life and the history of the land. So curl up in a chair on the porch of the Queen Anne house, sip a cold drink, and transport yourself to another era. Or just explore the many acres of gardens, lakes, waterfalls and flowers.
The Huntington Gardens, San Marino:
Image via Wikipedia
Each of the many themed gardens here is more enchanting than the last. The garden and adjoining library (with such gems as a Guttenberg Bible and original Shakespeare folios) is well-worth the entry fee. Within an hour, you can be transported from an Elizabethan rose garden to the Australian outback to a breathtaking Japanese landscape dripping with Wisteria blossoms over a Koi pond. Stop for food at the new pagoda in the Chinese garden, and feel transported to a Dr. Suess-esque land in the cactus garden. Whatever you do, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to leisurly explore–this is a place you don't want to rush through.
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