Check out Pan Pacific Park, a hilly retreat near the Farmers Market and CBS Studios, named for the Art Deco auditorium that, unfortunately, no longer stands at its edge.
Marina Oasis -- One of my favorite places in L.A. to get away from it all is a tiny, quiet, little-known park in Marina del Rey that overlooks the mouth of the harbor. All day long you can sit on a bench and enjoy the cool breeze as a never-ending parade of beautiful yachts and sailboats slowly works its way to the ocean or back to the marina. To reach this relaxing oasis, from Venice Beach drive to the south end of Pacific Avenue, turn left on Via Marina, and park in one of the metered spaces (bring quarters and binoculars).
Views -- It's not always easy to get a good city view in Los Angeles. Even if you find the right vantage, the smog may keep you from having any kind of panorama. But, as they say, on a clear day, you can see forever. One of the best views of the city can be had from Griffith Observatory. The view of Santa Monica Bay from the end of Santa Monica Pier is also impressive.
Topanga Canyon: Nature's Solution to L.A.'s Noise Pollution -- When you've had enough of cellphones, cement, and Mercedes, then it's time to take the short drive from L.A. to Topanga Canyon to bargain shop, drink margaritas, and play cowgirl for a day. Here's the game plan: Call Los Angeles Horseback Riding (tel. 818/591-2032; www.losangeleshorsebackriding.com) and make a reservation for a guided horseback ride in the late afternoon. Next, take the winding drive up Topanga Canyon Boulevard to tiny Topanga, one of the last art communities left in Southern California -- it was the former haunt of Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, and other music legends of the '60s and '70s -- and the perfect antidote to the dig-me L.A. scene. Spend an hour or so picking though the treasure-trove of vintage clothes, accessories, and antiques at Hidden Treasures (154 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd; tel. 310/455-2998), one of the funkiest little shops I've ever seen (the custom-made sea-theme toilet seat lids are mesmerizing). After the scenic horseback ride through the boulder-strewn Topanga canyons lined with oaks, sycamores, chaparral, and sage, finish off your relaxing day with a leisurely dinner in Topanga at Abuelitas (137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd.; tel. 310/455-8688; www.abuelitastopanga.com), a popular Mexican restaurant; or try the romantic Inn of the Seventh Ray.
