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!

Travel Town - Trains, Trains, Trains!

Trains at Travel Town Museum.

Trains played a large role in the creation and foundation of our country, and Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park gives visitors a chance to walk through and interact with that history.  In addition to picnic areas and displays of historical engines and train cars, visitors can climb up and pretend they are driving the engines, walk across the tracks, and even have parties in the dining cars.  There is a miniature train giving rides around the park, a gift shop and vendors with snacks.  Best of all, admission is FREE, and the park is open most days 10-4, with an extra hour on weekends and special children’s events throughout the month.  A great place to play, explore, and learn!

Secret Garden of San Marino - Huntington Gardens

Chinese Gardens at the Huntington Gardens in San Marino.

The Huntington Gardens are perhaps my favorite hideaway in Los Angeles, and a must see for tourists and locals alike.  The grounds include several themed gardens, including the newest Chinese garden (pictured above), a Japanese garden, Greek statues and fountains, rose and herb gardens, large sprawling lawns, and even an extensive desert garden which I highly recommend on a rainy day!  There is an interactive children's garden for the younger guests, or the young at heart, with interactive exhibits, fountains, tunnels, mist sprays, musical rocks and magnetic dust!  Annual passes are available, as well as one day admission, and the first Thursday of every month is free admission with reservation (call on the first day of the month before as tickets go fast!).  There are cafes on the grounds and picture taking is encouraged.  There are also several museums, a library with exhibit, and a tea room, all of which I will address in future blogs!