"Stargazing at Los Angeles's Window to the Cosmos Sitting nearMount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the Griffith Observatory has a vantage point that allows visitors great views of the HOLLYWOOD sign during the day, and even morefantastic views of the stars at night. The space has plenty of telescopes for stargazing, but it's also a great informal setting for learning about the universe, thanks to a large exhibit space and a 290-seat planetarium that puts on rotating shows about topics ranging from the northern lights to water—and possibly alien life—on other planets. There is no entrance fee for the institution and just a small admission price for the planetarium itself."

"L.A.'s Scenic Urban Island The Baldwin Hills Overlook affords some of the most unusual views in Los Angeles . From 511 feet high, not only can you see the entire L.A. basin with the downtown skyline, Hollywood sign, Santa Monica Mountains, and Pacific Ocean, but you get the southern perspective of Long Beach, San Pedro, and Palos Verdes. If you’re lucky and catch a clear day, you may even spot Catalina and the Channel Islands. This urban hike is a quick escape into nature but not without modern amenities including a bathroom, water fountain, picnic area and an entire learning center at the top. Take the time to educate yourself about the history, ecology and restoration of the land in order to truly appreciate the preciousness of park space and the fragileness of this natural urban island in the middle of the city sprawl below. Although the stairs to the top take only 10-20 minutes to ascend, they are taller and spread further apart than most stairs so be extra cautious with your footing. The stairs are a favorite amongst locals for exercise but for those looking for a less strenuous path, there is also the meandering switchback route. Even with the stairs, this is a shorter and less rigorous hike than others in urban L.A., so it's a great outing for all ages and fitness levels."

"A Bit of Local History Echo Mountain has a great deal to offer, from the switchback trail, which will give you a great workout on your way up the mountain (start early to avoid the blistering afternoon sun), to the views—on a clear day you can look out over Pasadena, Los Angeles , Santa Monica, and all the way to the Pacific. Next, there's the history. Take time to explore the ruins of the old resort and railway—small plaques post intriguing details and old photographs of what life was like for visitors on Echo Mountain (before it was destroyed by fires and mudslides). Trail access begins at the north end of Lake Avenue at the Cobb Estate Gate. Take lots of water, a picnic, and do be sure to give a good holler through the "Echo Phone" while you're there."

"Unique L.A.: The Big Parade A two-day walk that you can join or leave almost anywhere along the route, the Big Parade is a community stroll that starts at the Angel’s Flight Stairway in downtown Los Angeles and ends at the iconic Hollywood sign. Along the way, revelations include a secret dirt road between Silver Lake and Echo Park, the Music Box Stairs (site of a Laurel and Hardy film), and other quirky landmarks. Big Parade IV takes place May 19-20. —Aimee Bender By Afar Magazine"

"Be Brave and Bold at Mt. Baldy Whether sunshine or snow, a day at Mt. Baldy is a thrilling adventure above the clouds. At 10,068 feet the trek to the summit along cliff-hugging trails gets your adrenaline pumping. The best route is to tackle the steep 4.5 mile climb up the Ski Hut – Baldy Bowl trail, return down the 3 mile razor thin Devil’s Backbone trail and reward yourself with a pitstop for grub and brews at the Top of the Notch restaurant. From here, you can either continue down the remaining 3 miles or “cheat” by hopping the ski lift to skip this rather uneventful part of the trail. During snow season, Mt. Baldy is the closest ski resort to the city and offers 26 runs across three mountains. For those that prefer to spectate, you can enjoy a marshmallow-piled-high hot chocolate while looking out across the canyon, LA and the Pacific Ocean."

"Where They Walk (or Run) in L.A. In Los Angeles , the cliché is that people drive one block to get a soda. But there are lots of staircases hidden in the hills of L.A. In Silver Lake, I like a two-and-a-half mile loop of stairs known as the Music Box. Parts remind me of walking through a forest. It’s a workout. Access at the corner of Sunset Blvd. and Parkman Ave."

"Santa Monica...I love you! I have been walking, running, meditating, laughing, and training for a marathon along this trail for years. A perfect balance of inclines and flatness with ocean views to captivate your soul even when you are begging to get down the mountain all ready. The Santa Monica mountains are a criss cross into Topanga and Malibu. Just make sure you remember which trail you followed. You could easily end up in the valley if you make a wrong turn. By Susan Singer"

"Eaton Canyon Eaton Canyon has a great nature center if you want to learn about the local plants, animals, geology, and ecology. The exhibits and nature walks are kid-friendly. Hiking trails are also easily accessible from the nature center. The Eaton Canyon Falls trail is a fun and easy hike; it's cooler and more shaded than many of the local trails, and it follows a creek to a wading pool and waterfall—a great place to relax and cool down on a hot day."

"Hike into the Clouds on Catalina Island The 1.7 mile hike up the grueling Hermit Gulch Trail overlooks the Avalon harbor cradled between the evergreen shrubbed hills. You can make out the wakes of boats coming and going like airplane contrails in the ocean but you wouldn't expect the opposite side of the island to actually feel like you were in flight. Once at the summit, we discovered a view like that from a plane and descended into an endless layer of rolling pearly clouds."