This charming New England-style B&B is another one for winding down rather than sightseeing. Not only is it about a half-hour drive from Los Angeles’ major sights (though less than 10 minutes from LAX), it deserves your full attention—and you deserve its soothing ways. I found it an ideal recharging station between bursts of frenetic activity in L.A. and points south. The inn stands at the edge of the Ballona Wetlands, a bird sanctuary separating Playa del Rey from Ballona Creek and Marina del Rey just beyond. White linens and slipcovers, along with fresh breezes admitted by the many large windows, create a bright, airy environment. Guest rooms range from standard queens to a grand suite and offer various combinations of marina or sanctuary views, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, and sun-soaked decks. You can walk to the beach at the end of the street or check out a bicycle and follow the nearby 30-mile-long coastal path. Fun fact: The old horse ring slowly being reclaimed by the wetlands just beneath the inn’s windows was used by Elizabeth Taylor while filming “National Velvet.”