EAST HOLLYWOOD. Barnsdall Art Park is a bit unusual as a park, given that its most prominent feature isn't nature. Rather, it promotes cultural programs and delivers arts-related offerings to the public. Among the attractions are galleries, studios, a theater, and sculpture gardens. In addition, the park is home to Frank Lloyd Wright's 1921 Hollyhock House. This structure, Wright's first in LA, sought to find an architecural vocabulary for residences in Southern California. Rooftop terraces and outdoor living spaces merge with the interior, taking advantage of the climate and the views. Tours of the house are available.

GRIFFITH PARK. Located in the southwest corner of Griffith Park. When visiting the caves, you'll probably feel as if you've been here before. They've been Batman's hideaway, the last stand for many a gunslinger in Bonanza and Gunsmoke and the moon's surface for sci-fi favorites including Star Trek. Take the east side of the road up through the white gate (trail sign 49) and travel a quarter mile to the gate.

EXPOSITION PARK. Originally a farmers market, Exposition Park is now home to a variety of cultural and recreational centers, along with a lovely 7½ acre rose garden. Among the attractions are the Natural History Museum, California African-American Museum, LA Swimming Stadium, LA Memorial Coliseum, and California Science Center. Admission to the park and rose garden are free, and although area parking can be a challenge (and will cost $5-10), a visit is definitely worthwhile.

BEVERLY HILLS. From its hilltop location, Greystone offers spectacular views and a quiet retreat from the busy city. Formal gardens, winding paths, and huge redwoods create a rarefied atmosphere that is at once calming and invigorating. You may prefer to simply wander the grounds, but take time to peek through the windows of the 1928 Doheny Mansion, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. If it seems familiar, that's because the mansion and grounds are a favorite movie location, and have featured in films like "Indecent Proposal" and "The Witches of Eastwick." Unfortunately, the mansion is not open for tours, but there many special events held inside, such as summer symphony concerts, and "Music in the Mansion" concerts during the winter.

GRIFFITH PARK. Situated on 4100-plus acres in the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park is home to a number of museums and attractions. In addition to hiking trails and bridle paths, it offers visitors pony rides, miniature railroad rides, and bike rentals. Located within the park are LA Zoo, a merry-go-round, LA Equestrian Center, Travel Town Museum (dedicated to transportation), the venerable Greek Theater outdoor performance space, Autry Museum of Western Heritage, and Griffith Observatory, which has been a popular destination for decades.