Best Places For Fall Colors In Los Angeles
(credit: istockphoto)
Los Angeles has a lot of things that the rest of the country doesn't have like movie studios, an abundance of celebrity sightings, famous restaurants and bars and notorious historical sites. But there's one area where it falls way short: the change of seasons. Instead of the traditional four seasons, LA really only has two: warm and really hot. With climate conditions like this, things go from green to brown in a hurry, leaving the city color deficient compared to the other 49 states. While you have to go looking for it, LA will definitely make it up to you when you check out any of these five designations for the best fall colors.
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden
301 N. Baldwin Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91007
(626) 821-3222
www.arboretum.org
The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a magnificent 127 acres of plants, trees, flowers and wildlife you have to see to believe. The flora and fauna located on the property includes Native American, Rancho Period and late 19th century living treasures. The main grounds are open seven days a week with exceptions during the Christmas season.
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Rustic Canyon Park
601 Latimer Road
Santa Monica, CA 90402
(310) 454-5734
www.laparks.org
The Rustic Canyon Park is a one-stop shop for all of your outdoor fall needs. Equipped with tennis, basketball and baseball facilities, a villa-style rec center and a lovely picnic area, this shaded park looks like it came straight out of a movie. To keep this park the idyllic setting that it is, rules and permits are applied for certain activities.
Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple
17190 W. Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-4114
www.lakeshrine.org
This beautiful and picturesque setting located in the Palisades is the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. While this park is run by a non-denominational order, it openly welcomes visitors without solicitation to convert. Enjoy the former Hollywood film set's 10 acres of luscious gardens as well as the Dutch windmill chapel, the Mississippi houseboat and gliding swans. There's also a shrine containing some of Gandhi's ashes enclosed by a gilded lotus gate.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
4100 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90056
(323) 298-3660
www.parks.lacounty.gov
Another one-stop-shop is the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. As one of the largest open spaces in Los Angeles, it is one of the city's best-kept secrets. Offering picnic tables, volleyball and basketball courts, a baseball diamond, a soccer field, a Japanese garden, a trout and catfish fishing lake, a 10-station workout course and hiking trails with some of the best views of the city, it's great for an outdoor date or family outing. There's also a monthly Audubon Society bird watching walk. ;