1. Griffith Park

Griffith Observatory is still closed, however all other museums in the park are open again.

It’s easy to forget you’re still in the city as you trek through the mix of native chaparral and landscaped paths that covers this rugged park. But take one look out from the iconic Griffith Observatory and you’ll find yourself face-to-face with the L.A. Basin as it stretches out to the ocean. Griffith’s myriad attractions and wilderness caters to all types: intrepid hikers can explore the Bronson Caves and visit Amir’s Garden; easygoing weekenders can relax in the shaded, verdant passage through Fern Dell or the picnic tables at Crystal Springs; kid-toting visitors can board the steamers at Travel Town or explore the archaic cages at the Old Zoo; and pop culture lovers can catch a show at the Greek Theatre or visit Walt’s Barn (a transplanted shed where Disney himself would tinker away with model trains).

2. El Dorado Nature Center and Regional Park

Slip away from the everyday grind at this 105-acre plant and animal sanctuary in Long Beach. Start at the visitor center and you’ll find two miles of dirt trails and a quarter-mile paved path that wind around two lakes, a stream and forested areas. The Nature Center is part of the larger El Dorado Regional Park; its western half is dedicated to sports fields and a golf course, while the eastern half features fishing lakes, trails, playgrounds and an archery range.

3. Tongva Park

This parking lot turned park is an idyllic and thoughtfully designed ocean-adjacent oasis that harbors a playground, meadows, small waterfalls, walking paths and a conch-like wireframe lookout by the Pacific. Artist Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle’s kinetic sculpture Weather Field anchors the park as a minimal, serene and instantly memorable landmark. Most that come to Santa Monica will flock to Palisades Park—for good reason, as the ocean views from the palm and eucalyptus-lined paths are breathtaking—but our allegiances lie with this low-key spot.

4. Echo Park Lake

A former reservoir turned public recreation area, the historic Echo Park Lake has become a family-friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms, fountains and the Lady of the Lake statue. You can push your way through the lake in a pedal or swan boat ($11 per hour) or stroll around the path that hugs its borders. Make sure to stop at the revived boathouse and its breakfast pit stop Beacon.

5. Grand Park

Most in-person programming is currently suspended.

The ongoing mission to turn Downtown L.A. into a vibrant cultural hub got a lift when a portion of Grand Park’s 12 acres officially opened to the public in July 2012. Dotted with picnic lawns, a fountain, pink benches and plenty of nooks from which to sit and people-watch, Grand Park is a bright urban oasis that proves the city has a sense of romance. The park hosts performances, gatherings and other community events.