The Hollywood reservoir is hidden in between the Hollywood hills- it’s never busy and the 3 mile loop is always peaceful and great for self reflection meditation. 

Lovely food, superfriendly, good-looking space with great music.

The best ramen I had in LA, maybe anywhere. Even my food-critical son loved it.

Malibu's Point Dume Beach has got to be my favorite all time beach. Its a great place to get away from the city and leave your troubles behind. The beach mostly is a private, but you will definitely find beautiful seals and surfers.

Grocery-store carts and trash litter [Ballona Creek], joined by flotillas of foam-plastic cups after rainstorms. — Jane Engle, Los Angeles Times