Category: Local Gems

When you think of Chinatown you may just think of one particular place. What you’ll find though is both Old Chinatown and New Chinatown, both with their different exotic sights, incredible smells of authentic Chinese food, and the many different shops and stores that hold treasures for everyone.

Walking the streets of Chinatown is by far the best way to get around. It is a simple trolley ride on the Gold line or you could take the Dash Minibus B from downtown Los Angeles. You can jump off right as you get to the base of Chinatown and you’re on your way.

With the many shops, restaurants, and décor of the architecture, the color and appearance makes it a popular tourist spot, as well as a place locals like to go to experience a culture that may be far from the norm in Los Angeles. You’ll know when you reach Chinatown by the landmark East Gate on N. Broadway. From there you can start your own self guided tour of Chinatown or you can take one of the many guided tours that lead you in to the most well sought after parts of Chinatown that few people know about.

You’ll most likely start with the Golden Pagoda which is about 50 feet high and one of the last newer buildings that was built in Chinatown. Although typically a tourist spot, it is a sight to behold. You can then make your way over to The Seven Star Cavern Wishing Well. With the magnificent architecture around this wishing well, it’ll be hard not to see the splendor of Chinatown in all of the old and new glory.

Meander your way through the alleys and you’ll find some of the most sought after Chinese herbs that have been used traditional Chinese medicine and teas for thousands of years. Fresh and ready to be bought, you’ll learn quite a bit about prolonging your life with the likes of ginseng root, pearl pills, and even gecko lizards.

For a little fun you should stop by the fortune cookie factory and see how they are really made. Sure, it’s a little self indulgent, but who doesn’t want to know how those tiny papers really get in those cookies? While you are being self indulgent, it may be time to eat by now. The Stockton Street food market is just the place to stop. Whether it’s Dim Sum you’re craving or a more exotic cuisine that you have yet to try, you’ll find it here. You may even pick up a few authentic foods to take home and try to make yourself.

For the art and history lover, Chung King Road is a must. They will do art openings in the evening that give you a chance to enjoy the beautiful and moving pieces of art. After you take in your fair share of culture you can hit the bars or more restaurants to talk late into the night with your friends. Chinatown is more than just a place to buy silk; it is a cornucopia of knowledge, food, culture, and fun.

Located in the heart of Beverly Hills is a wonderful treasure: Roxbury Park. Roxbury Park is the perfect get away for those who would just like to take an afternoon to relax, use the grill, or rest under the shade of the canopy trees, Roxbury Park also provides plenty of activities for children, adults, and seniors. Whether it is taking a new class, learning a new sport, or simply enjoying the beauty of California, Roxbury Park is sure to please.

Athletics

For those seeking an athletic outlet, Roxbury Park offers many top of the line choices. There is a baseball field that also serves as a soccer field, 1 ½ basketball courts, 4 lighted tennis courts that rival those in the finest country clubs, and sand volleyball courts that are sure to provide hours of entertainment. The lush green hills look as if they roll endlessly and are the perfect backdrop for croquet and lawn bowling. If you’ve never played lawn bowling, don’t worry, the park also provides free classes, so all are invited to join in the fun.

Children At The Park

The children will love the large playground that features a pirate theme, and young children will enjoy playing in the designated toddler area. Preschool classes for children, such as Mommy and Me, community based senior activities, and adult classes are abundant. Some of the choices include yoga, creative writings, sculpting and other art related classes, as well as theater. The park also provides lunches for seniors between 11:15am to 12:15pm for $1.75.

Parties & Special Gatherings

Roxbury Park is the perfect place to host family reunions, special gatherings, or birthday parties. You must call ahead and reserve grills and picnic tables before your event. A permit may also be required so make sure to leave plenty of time before your function to get everything in order.

Park Rules

Be sure to read the rules before planning your trip to the park. Some of the rules include: making sure that dogs are kept on a leash no longer than six feet, no alcohol, smoking, or narcotics, children must be supervised; especially around water areas, and there are no bikes, skateboards, skates, or scooters allowed in the park.

Parking

Parking is metered, so be sure to bring plenty of change.

Nestled in the heart of Malibu, in the Santa Monica Mountains, lies a treasure waiting to be explored. The hiking trails in Solstice Canyon are the true star of Hollywood. With breathtaking scenic views of waterfalls, indigenous flora and fauna, a stream that flows year round, and numerous majestic Oaks, Alder, and Sycamore trees, the Solstice Canyon Park is great any time of year.

The canyons are a beautiful way to observe nature in all of her glory. It isn't uncommon to see animals such as deer, bobcats, quail, and mountain lions. There are over 45 mammal species that call the Solstice Canyon home, and over 380 bird species. The streams and lagoons are home to fish that are indigenous to the mountains, and are plentiful year round.

First opened as a public park in 1988, by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, today they are under the management of the National Park Service. With five hiking trails that range from easy to strenuous, Solstice Canyon is revered as one of California's national treasures.

Getting Here

Getting to Solstice Canyon is quite simple. Travel along Pacific Coast Highway until you reach Corral Canyon Road. Turning on Corral Canyon Road, you'll see a large white fence with a gate off to the left side. Once you enter the park you will pay for parking, so inquire about direct routes to the trail you are looking for.

Solstice Canyon has five trails designated for hikers. Three of these trails are deemed easy and are great for the novice hiker or for those who just want to enjoy a leisurely scenic hike.

Dry Canyon Trail

Easy (1.2 miles): This trail is a great hike for the novice hiker. You'll enjoy viewing the 150-foot waterfall at the end of your journey. Be sure to bring plenty of water for your journey, and don't drink the water in streams, as they are not deemed suitable for drinking. When hiking, remember that you must always yield the right of way to horseback riders.

TRW Loop Trail

Easy (1.5 miles): The TRW Trail is a nice gentle hike. While on your journey you will pass through many oak trees. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, the Peregrine Falcon, and the Red Tailed Hawk. There are also a number of snakes that are indigenous to the region, so it is best to avoid snakes, as the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is venomous. Fortunately, it is the only venomous snake that lives in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Solstice Canyon Trail

Easy (2.1 miles): When hiking through the Solstice Canyon Trail be sure to keep a watchful eye out for the famed, Keller House. This is an excellent way to view some of Malibu's past history. If hiking with dogs, the dog must remain on a leash at all times, and they are only allowed on trails as well as access roads.

Rising Sun Trail

Moderate (3 miles): It is believed that this trail derives its name from a winery that was founded by Matthew Keller during the later 1800's. You'll enjoy the scenic views of the ocean while hiking along this trail.

Sostomo Trail/ Deer Valley Loop

Moderate/Strenuous (7 miles) This trail is the most strenuous and should be tackled by the seasoned hiker. This trail is beautiful and provides a breathtaking scenic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Located in the Pacific Palisades, Will Rogers State Historic Park is one of Los Angeles’s best kept secrets. One of the most popular and highest paid actors of his time, Will Rogers purchased this 186-acre property during the 1920’s as a retreat for his friends and family. An avid rider and horse fanatic, Will Rogers built an expansive ranch which included a 31-room ranch house, stable, corrals, riding ring, and a polo field. In 1935, Will Rogers was the victim of a tragic plane crash, and following his wife’s death in 1944, the ranch was converted into a State Park.

One of the most popular activities to enjoy at Will Rogers State Historic Park is hiking. Take the easy/moderate 3-mile trail loop up to Inspiration Point where you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and the Pacific Coast. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, head up along the Backbone Trail into the Santa Monica Mountain. The trail offers a fantastic opportunity for mountain biking, horseback riding (BYOH – Bring Your Own Horse), and hiking – leading you as far as Point Mugu State Park in Malibu.

Will Rogers State Park is also popular for picnicking – there is tons of green space available for you to set up and enjoy picnic (first picture below).

For something completely different, head up to the park on the weekends for an exciting polo match. The polo field (second picture below) is the only regulation size field in Los Angeles County; in fact, it’s the only polo field period. During the season (April through October), the Will Rogers Polo Club holds matches on Saturday – from 2pm to 5pm, and Sunday – from 10am to 1pm. The matches are absolutely free to the public, so if you’ve never seen a game of polo in person, make sure to come by and check it out.

Getting Here

Getting to the park is quite simple. Take Sunset Blvd westbound towards Pacific Palisades and make a right on Will Rogers State Park Rd. You’ll take the road for about half a mile until you reach the park entrance. Entrance to the park is free but there is a $7 fee for parking.

If you’re in the mood for a little drive, head up along Piuma Rd in Malibu for a breathtaking experience. The drive up to the lookout is exceptionally charming; you’ll enjoy picturesque views of the Pacific Coastline as you traverse the windy road. There are quite a few spots along Piuma Rd to take in a view, but there are two that I am particularly fond of. The first one, which will be discussed in this post, is a large dirt area overlooking the canyons. The other spot is a little more secluded and does require a little more effort to get to.

Once you reach the overlook, you can park your car on the dirt area. There are two large picnic tables available so feel free to bring along some food or even a board game. I strongly suggest that you take a warm sweater or coat with you because it does tend to get a little breezy up there.

Getting Here

You can get to the overlook from either Calabasas or Malibu. If you’re headed from Malibu, travel eastbound along Malibu Canyon Rd and make a right on Piuma Rd. Alternatively, if you’re coming from Calabasas, go westbound along Las Virgenes Rd and make a left on Piuma Rd.

Once you’re on Piuma Rd, you’ll drive for about 10 minutes until you reach a large dirt area which overlooks the canyons. Since there are no cross-streets on the way up, you’ll have to just keep your eyes open. The overlook will be on your left side as you come around the bend (click here for a map) and you’ll also be able to see it above you as you’re coming up Piuma Rd.

Located in Beverly Hills and part of the Santa Monica Mountains, Franklin Canyon Park provides a fantastic opportunity for hiking, picnicking, and breathtaking views of the city. This 600+ acre gem offers over 5 miles hiking along 3 major trails with various difficulty levels:

Discovery Trail

Easy (20 minutes / 0.3 miles): The easiest of the three, the Discovery Trail is a short loop that will take you about 20 minutes or less to complete. You can access the Discovery Trail from the southern entrance to the park.

Berman Trail

Easy/Intermediate (40 minutes / 1 mile): The Berman trail is about a mile in length and is moderately difficult. This trail connects to the northern entrance at Mulholland and provides for a scenic hike across the Santa Monica Mountains.

Hastain Trai

Intermediate (90 minutes / 2.3 mile): Although it’s the most popular trail at Franklin Canyon Park, the Hastain Trail is also the most strenuous. Gradually increasing as you make your way up trail, you’ll eventually reach a scenic overlook of the city; from here you can enjoy panoramic views of West Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean.

Getting Here

There are two access points that feed into Franklin Canyon Park – one from the south and one from the south

From The South (Los Angeles-Beverly Hills): Travel north along Beverly Dr (towards Coldwater Canyon). Make sure you pay attention to the signs because you’ll have to turn left in order to continue along N Beverly Dr (otherwise, you’ll head up Coldwater Canyon). As soon as you reach Fire Station No. 2, keep your eyes open for Franklin Canyon Dr – it’ll be the third street on your right. Make a right turn onto Franklin Canyon Dr and then take the road until you reach the park entrance at Lake Dr.

From The North (San Fernando): To northern entrance can be accessed via Franklin Canyon Dr from the Mulholland Dr & Coldwater Canyon Intersection – you’ll see a sign that reads, “Road Closed 800 Feet. Sunset to Sunrise”. From here, simply follow the paved road until you reach the Sooky Goldman Nature Center. Alternatively, you can continue about 1.5 miles along Franklin Canyon Dr until you reach the southern entrance at Lake Dr.

Parking

Parking is available at Franklin Canyon Ranch (southern entrance), along Lake Dr, or at the Sooky Goldman Nature Center (northern entrance).

Additional Images (click to enlarge)

If you’re looking to infuse a little romance into your relationship, head out to Long Beach for an enchanting gondola ride. Located along East Ocean Blvd, Gondola Getaway will take you on a gentle 50-minute cruise through the waterways of Naples Island in Alamitos Bay.

Salami, cheese, and bread are provided for you by Gondola Getaway; you also get your very own gondolier to serenade you. Consider bringing a bottle of champagne along – it makes for a much more intimate experience and they don’t have a problem with it.

Gondola Getaway recommends that you make reservations at least 2-3 weeks in advance.

The cost is $75 for two people (tip not included).

Located in Malibu, El Matador State Beach is a small and secluded strand of beach which offers visitors a fantastic escape from the bustling of city life. This local gem is one of three “pocket beaches” that make up the larger Robert H. Meyer Memorial SB – situated along Pacific Coast Highway between Point Dume and Leo Carrillo. It’s not the easiest beach to find, but you’ll appreciate making the extra effort once you finally get there. Lined with gentle white sand and picturesque views, the El Matador shoreline is home to an exquisite series of rock formations and shallow caves for you to explore.

Unless you arrive on a busy summer weekend, chances are you’ll have a good piece of the beach all to yourself. Take this opportunity to bring along someone special for a romantic picnic or to enjoy a spectacular sunset – or both. Alternatively, the solitude of El Matador offers the perfect getaway after a long and stressful week.

The beach also offers fantastic views of the Pacific coastline and it’s great for swimming and/or sunbathing. If it's not a busy summer day, there will be no lifeguard on duty so try to be careful out there.

Getting Here

Getting to El Matador State Beach can be a tad difficult and it does require a little hiking along a steep dirt trail. Therefore, it’s probably not the best places for children and it’s pretty much inaccessible for the handicapped.

If you can’t find any spots along PCH, there is a paid parking lot at the top of the bluff with a path leading to the beach. Parking is $4 and you can obtain your pass from the meter box.

*Photograph courtesy of California Coastal Records Project

If you’re looking to enjoy a sunset/sunrise or just a view of the Pacific Coast during the day, there’s an ocean lookout in the Pacific Palisades where you can sit back and take it all in. The bluff has about a half dozen benches to choose from, or alternatively, you can park your car in the cul-de-sac and enjoy the view from there. Since it’s a residential neighborhood, you should do your best to keep the noise down.

Getting There

If you're traveling westbound along Sunset Blvd, you’ll want to make a left turn on El Medio Ave. Once you’re on El Medio Ave, simply drive all the way down till the road ends and park your car. If you take the Freeway, simply take PCH to Sunset Blvd and make a right. Once you reach El Medio Ave, you’ll want to make another right.

Just in case, here are the directions.