The Griffith Observatory, with downtown LA behind
Beaches
1 MALIBU
Malibu’s celebrity locals don’t want you to know this, but you’re free to be on any beach as long as you stay below the high tide line. El Matador State Beach is arguably Malibu’s most stunning beach, you can spot sea lions, seals and dolphins at Westward Beach and watch surfers carve waves at Surfrider Beach.
For secret access points, see laurbanrangers.org/site/malibu.
2 VENICE BOARDWALK
Officially known as Ocean Front Walk, this famous boardwalk is where Jim Morrison and The Doors lit their fire and Arnold Schwarzenegger pumped himself to stardom. Now it’s a human zoo of chainsaw-jugglers, Speedo-clad snake charmers, a rollerskating Sikh minstrel, and a wacky carnival alive with hoola-hoop magicians, jazz combos and artists. As far as LA experiences go, it’s a must.