Go wild at the LA Zoo!

Up close and personal in The Lair.

The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens has some fantastic animal exhibits that have recently been added or updated.  If you haven't gone lately, its time to rediscover LA's wild side!  There are hundreds of animals to view and discover, from all over the world, from land and sea.  The newly renovated Elephants of Asia habitat features live Elephant training displays in the morning, while The Lair allows visitors to get as close as they dare to reptiles from across the globe.  The Aviary allows you to walk through a forest filled with rare birds.  The Animal Care Center houses many young and newly born animals that need special care, and is a great place to see some of the more shy creatures up close.  It's a great learning experience for the kids with hands on exhibits and shows, or a fun date as you go on a world safari in a single day! Defiantly get a souvenir cup, as it only costs slightly more than the standard drink and allows for discount refills throughout the park.  Go for the day, or get an annual pass and make your morning or afternoon jog an adventure!

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!

Hiking the Hummingbird Trail

Sandstone formations along Hummingbird Trail. 

Just over the hill from the San Fernando Valley, you can find some rugged terrain filled with geographic wonders and adventure.  Hummingbird Trail starts at Kuehner Drive, just 0.2 miles north at the Kuehner exit off of the 118 fwy, and leads you through canyons, boulders and massive formations of sandstone from the Cretaceous Period.  The elevations of over 1,000ft at the top of the trail present beautiful views of the valleys and, on a clear day, the ocean.  Not for the faint of heart, Hummingbird Trail is a moderately challenging hike, though a path is marked out with painted arrows to guide you along the easiest route.  The brave can explore rock formations, caves and crevasses along the way.  The trail is 5 miles long, round trip, with no restrooms other than those nature provides, but there is free parking at the trail head on Kuehner Drive.  Hikers should be alert for rattlesnakes and mountain lions, though the number of people on the trails suggests these are rarely sighted.  Personally, I was enchanted by the wild bunnies and ground squirrels, and awed by the incredible rock formations.  Definately a sight to see.