Introduction to Outside LA

The area within a 100-mile radius of Los Angeles is one of the world's most diverse regions. You can find arid deserts, rugged mountains, historic towns, alpine lakes, and even an island paradise. I've covered a variety of the best attractions beyond Los Angeles County, such as the smog-free mountain communities of Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead, Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm amusement parks, SoCal beach towns such as Newport and Huntington Beach, and the ultimate L.A. weekend getaway, Catalina Island. From L.A., you can reach most of these scenic side trips in less than an hour by car or by boat -- for an easy, refreshing diversion from the big-city scene.