When city life gets to be too much, Angelenos have a variety of options at their disposal for a quick get-away.
Every so often, even for the biggest of city lovers, the hectic Los Angeles lifestyle can be a bit tiring. Luckily, the city of angels offers a few underappreciated landmarks that allow for withdrawal and moments of serenity. Unlike most boisterous urban lands, choose to find your sense of peace anywhere from the top of the mountains to the edge of the ocean. Here is a list of five places that locals go to escape the crowd.
1. Getty Villa
Hop on a soothing computer-operated tram ride to get to the Getty Villa, one of two locations at the J. Paul Getty Museum. Perched above the 405 freeway in the Santa Monica Mountains, the educational center/museum is dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria. The property also boasts four gardens, a Mediterranean cafe, and a shop with books, jewelry, and gifts.
Location: Getty Villa, 17985 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades, CA, USA
2. Huntington Library: Arts Collection & Botanical Garden
This hidden treasure is sure to leave your mind relaxed and your soul refreshed, leaving you to forget that you’re in the busy city. The Huntington Library is a combination of glorious gardens, delightful art collections, and a lovely facilities house. If you’re looking to refuel after strolling through the various green-life, stop for a drink in the tea room.
Location: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA, 91108
3. Griffith Park
Right in the middle of Los Angeles resides one of the largest parks in the United States. Griffith Park is 4,000 acres of trails and untamed chaparral, with highlights including the Griffith Observatory, the L.A. Zoo, and Travel Town, a train museum. With so much history embedded in the land and gorgeous views, one of Los Angeles’ most important landmarks is the perfect getaway for a peaceful day outdoors.
Location: Griffith Park, 4730 Crytal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, CA, USA
4. Mulholland Drive
Though Mulholland Drive may not necessarily be the road less traveled, it definitely offers a view that is a sight for sore eyes. Relax while cruising through the winding road that cuts through the Santa Monica Mountains to the Hollywood Hills. Accompanied by the perfect playlist, a drive down one of the first roads in LA will be sure to make you appreciate calling this place home.
Location: Mulholland Drive, CA, USA
5. El Matador State Beach
One of the most beautiful and hidden beaches in the Los Angeles area is Malibu’s El Matador State Beach – 1/3 of beaches within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. Enjoy all the beauty So-Cal has to offer by finding your inner zen watching the sunset or exploring the sea caves down the steep path to the rocky shore.
Location: El Matador State Beach, 32350 El Matador Beach Road, Malibu, CA, USA