SoCal Characters

Admire art, collected from ancient to modern times, at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. With over 100,000 pieces dating from all points in history, LACMA's seven-building complex is the largest encyclopedic museum west of Chicago and has reached international notoriety. Besides both permanent collections and traveling exhibits, the museum also hosts film and concert series.

Get some fresh air at Griffith Park. This huge municipal park is filled with fun activities and attractions for the whole family. See the true stars of Hollywood at the Griffith Observatory and its planetarium. Ride the miniature rails on the Stockton Terminal locomotive and learn about transportation at the Travel Town Museum. Go around the merry-go-round or get on a real pony for a safe, fun ride around the track.

Missed a Farmer's Market? Head over to Tom's Farms for fresh produce, homemade sweets, a variety of wines and beers, cheese and even a furniture store. You might want to grab a bite to eat while you are out there as well, at the hamburger or Mexican restaurants. On the weekends, be sure to stop by the crafts fair for some live music and local vendors. There is even a petting zoo for the kids.

If you are willing to travel a bit out of the main LA area, be sure to add the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden to your destinations list. This gorgeous, 127-acre garden and outdoor oasis is nestled into the low-key San Gabriel town, near the mountains. The Arboretum houses luscious plant collections from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species.