The LA Arboretum: More than just trees!

This peacock struts his stuff in the flower garden at the LA Arboretum.

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanical Garden has the unique duality of representing several continents worth of foliage while simultaneously being conveniently located just off of the 210 freeway in Arcadia.  Featuring lush jungles, sprawling lawns, stunning deserts and historical architecture tucked away among the trees, a day at the Arboretum is not only a stroll around the world but a walk through time.  There are classes for the whole family, from yoga, art and flower arranging to story time for the kids.  There is even a class on obedience training for your canine kin! As an added attraction, peacocks roam the grounds, sounding out their eerie cries and basking in picture perfect sunbeams.  Parking is free, and admission is low compared to other local gardens, with a free day once a month on the third Tuesday. Definitely worth a day or two of exploration, and don't forget the sun screen!

Tankland!

Many tanks greet you as you enter the American Military Museum.

Filled with actual military vehicles from across history, the American Military Museum is nestled behind a stand of trees off of Rosemead Blvd in South El Monte that you could have driven past a hundred times and never noticed.  However, this jewel of a museum is worth spending a day exploring!  From tanks to helicopters, jeeps to amphibious vehicles, the museum manages to cram years of history onto a few acres of land.  When you pay your admission, a reasonable $5 for adults, you are given a guide book to use that tells the history of each item in the park.  Prop helmets, belts and jackets are available if you want to take a picture and tell all of your buddys about the day you stormed the beaches of Arcadia.  They even host parties for the young, or young at heart.  There is not a lot of shade, so bring sun screen and wear comfortable shoes, but parking is free! 

The Ice Cream & Soda Pop Stop



Classic Banana Split at the Fair Oaks Pharmacy.



The Fair Oaks Pharmacy and Soda Fountain has been a local destination in South Pasadena since 1915.  With its delicious ice cream treats and old fashioned sodas its a little slice of the past, filled with tons of collectible items and gag gifts.  Sandwiches and salads are also served, as well as a variety of coffee drinks, if you're not jumping straight to dessert.  There is free parking around the corner, and lots of shops to browse to walk off the calories.  Great for a date, family outing or just to treat yourself, but if you're planning to order a sundae, bring a friend!  Portions are more than one person can handle!

Fill Your Cravings at Crave Cafe!

Crave Cafe in Studio City.

This is the perfect spot for you and your friends to stop by when you're wandering around the valley wondering what to do in the wee hours of the morning.  With a combination of salty and sweet treats, as well as sandwiches, salads and pizza, the Crave Cafe is a delicious place to satisfy the tastes of your whole group.  Prices are reasonable, but parking can be a trick durring peak hours.  With two locations in the valley, Sherman Oaks and Studio City, and open 24 hours most days (closed Sunday), I highly recommend stopping by for a crepe, burger, cupcake, pizza, mocha and baklavah!

Rock-in Hollywood - Hiking Vasquez Rock

Vasquez Rocks

 Possibly the most iconic rocks in film and television, Vasquez Rocks have been featured in such movies as Star Trek, Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey, Austin Powers and The Flintstones, and TV shows like The Lone Ranger, 24, and Numbers.  With its slanted slopes, the rocks make an ideal chance for the whole family to feel like expert mountain climbers and hike to the summit.  There are tons of smaller formations to explore as well; the park offers a full day's hike and plenty of adventure, as well as free parking and picnic areas!