Jessica Louise

Hit the beach, Venice Beach! Walk along the circus-like boardwalk or stroll through the sand at this beachfront district. Catch some surf or just take in the sun while you explore this bustling area. Forgot to bring swimwear? No worries. Venice beach also has a skate park, a bike trail and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. There's no outdoor beauty like the kind you'll find at the beach.

Learn about the Ice Age at the La Brea Tar Pits near the Page Museum. One of the world's most famous attractions for fossil localities, the La Brea Tar Pits provide a window into the past through plant and animal fossils. The Page Museum displays the collection of found specimens (including giant mammoths and saber-toothed cats), and offers the opportunity to watch bones being cleaned and repaired in the Laboratory.