I'm continually amazed at the variety of what L.A. has to offer. Having lived here for 8 years, I feel as though I'm barely scratching the surface of what there is to offer.

Along those lines, I thought it might be nice if people shared their local destinations that may have gone under the radar, but that have something interesting to offer none the less.

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Destination: NOT A CORNFIELD
Location: Just north of Chinatown MAP
Description: NOT A CORNFIELD is a project (now nearly over ) that took an old brownspace left over by the removal of a railyard and successfully converted the space to a cornfield for one growing cycle.


Yes, that's downtwon, a big open field, a tractor, and palm trees.

 

Yes Dave,

That piece of land you are looking at is probably worth eleven gizallion dollars.

Earl

 

I think this is a cool idea for a thread, but I can't come up with anything! I've lived in San Diego all my life, and I can't think of anything to direct people to.

I could tell a tourist where to go, and what to skip, but no great secret spots for locals are coming to mind.

 

Destination: UCLA Hanna Carter Japanese Garden
Location: Just north of UCLA
Description: The UCLA Hanna Carter Japanese Garden is located just North of UCLA and offers a seculded (and nearly private) Japanese Garden experience right in the heart of the city. Parking Reservations Are REQUIRED since there are only two parking spots which means, since there is no street parking, you will have the place to yourself (or at most share it with the occupants of one other car).

The entrance to the gardens is somewhat non descript and the gardens are hidden from view of the street by a fence and trees. Upon entry to the gardens you will find yourself at the base with a large hill in front of you on which about 3/4 of the gardens are located on.







More Photos Here

 

I'm with bee100n. Great idea, but I've got nothing to contribute. I've only lived in San Diego for 5 1/2 years, though I think by California standards that qualifies me as "Native".

 

You all need to check out Bronson caves. Many a TV show and movies have been shot there. And for those with a penchant for adventure and disregard for trespassing signs the old Errol Flynn estate is an "interesting" trip. If you ever go there, say hi to the ghost of the lady in white at the tennis Court for me.

 

You may have been to Griffith Park, and checked out the observatory, etc, but hidden on top of the hill overlooking the park, Glendale and it's surrounds is Amir's Garden. Amir was just a random guy who started a garden on top of this hill that was ravaged by fire in 1971. Amir made it his life's work to tend to this garden for 4-8 hours a day for 31 years until his untimely death.

"Dialameh began his Garden in 1971 after a major brush fire ravaged the area. Long before, he regularly hiked the Mineral Wells trail through Toyon Canyon on his way across Griffith Park. The remains of the fire really troubled him. "I said to myself, 'This is really ugly. Somebody ought to build a garden here.' So I said, 'I'll do it' ...and I did...

Amir Dialameh passed away unexpectedly in late 2003, leaving behind a verdant five-acre gift to the citizens of Los Angeles. His gift is still maintained by volunteers and volunteer groups with assistance when possible from the City of Los Angeles Park Rangers and park maintenance workers.

"Only in America can a man build something like this," Dialameh said in a 1983 interview on the day the City of Los Angeles dedicated Amir's Garden by formally placing a sign at its entrance.

"This country was built by volunteers. I believe everyone should do something for his community.... I built a garden."

*Excerpted from http://www.amirsgarden.org/

 

You mean besides high taxes, horrible traffic, and dimished standard of living?

In any event, there's a great little seafood joint on the PCH just north of Pepperdine on the right called Malibu Seafood Patio. It's just as you get to the bottom of the hill. Much better than Neptune's Net and they sell fresh seafood that you can take home with you. The clam chowder is among the best anywhere. Of course this is the perfect place to stop while blasting through the canyons... That's my $0.02.

Matt