I love living in a city where I can easily go hiking during the day and be home by dark. Griffith is just massive and untamed, it has a wild feel about it in places. Views of LA, the ocean, and the Hollywood sign.
Right by my apartment, I can't help but come here often. It's situated right around the historic La Brea Tar Pits. One needs to spend an entire day here. Also love their magazine/book store.
One of my favorite local record stores. They stock over 15,000-20,000 LP’s and 12" singles and have a great selection. I usually stick to the left side of the shop where soul, disco, and international records are.
If you find yourself in Malibu for any reason, stop by the Pepperdine university campus and check out this grass field. If there aren't any lacrosse practices happening, then you can sit and fell like you're on the edge of the world.