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Top Places To Relax In Los Angeles

610 header park Griffith_Observatory_entrance_lawn_with_Hollywood_sign1
(credit: Wikipedia/Serouj)

Although most of Los Angeles tends to be made up of urban sprawl, the City of Angels is still a very energetic metropolis with lots of activity happening all around the Southland. So what does a local do to try to bring things down a notch? Simple. Just seek out one of the following five places with the mindset that the object of your journey is to find some peace and quiet in order to relax. 

Broad Beach
(Credit: City of Malibu)

Malibu
23825 Stuart Ranch Road
Malibu, CA 90265
(310) 456-2489 
www.malibucity.org

In Malibu, become one with the sea by either sitting on the sand and admiring the waters or by digging your toes in the surf for a real touchy, feely experience. You'll understand why many compare this Los Angeles area oasis to heaven on earth.

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Los Angeles Flower Mall (credit: www.laflowerexchange.com)

Los Angeles Flower District
766 Wall St.
Los Angeles, CA 90014
(213) 627-3696
www.laflowerdistrict.com

For those who want to tiptoe through more than their own backyard tulips or other kinds of blooms, the Los Angeles Flower market offers a wide range of flowers, many of which are California-grown. Get up early to head to the six block marketplace, where you will be able to wander among the ware of almost 200 dealers for hours. The Los Angeles Flower Market also sells plants, like bougainvillea, succulents, air plants + ferns, so if you are looking to incorporate plants into your decor - or buy something rad for your home or yard - consider purchasing from- the flower market!

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(credit: ecna.org)

Eaton Canyon
1750 N. Altadena Drive
Pasadena, CA 91107
(626) 398-5420
www.enca.org

Eaton Canyon is a 190-acre zoological, botanical, and geological nature preserve situated at the base of the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains. Visitors can enjoy its hiking trails, equestrian trails with a staging area, picnic areas, seasonal stream, rocks and minerals, various natural habitats, native plants, and wildlife. Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Related: Best Scenic Drives Near Los Angeles

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(credit: Lake Shrine Temple)

Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple
17190 Sunset Blvd.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-4114
www.lakeshrint.com

One of LA's most beautiful hidden gardens, the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine lies a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean, on Sunset Boulevard in Pacific Palisades, California. The tranquil space forbids any stress or worry and instead invites pure tranquility as you wander among the lush garden and gorgeous ponds and water features. It may not be the Garden of Eden, but this is about as close as you can get.

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(credit: David McNew/Getty Images)

Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA
(323) 913-4688
www.laparks.org

Since Griffith Park is so huge (it's the largest municipal park in the country) and since this highly sought after expanse has such varied terrain, certain relaxation seekers will want to find their own special place among the fields. Ferdell is arguably the most peaceful part of this urban oasis. Spend the day lying out under the shade of a tree, or take a walk past the trickling streams and gorgeous plant life.

Related: Best Observation Decks In Los Angeles

Freelance travel writer Jane Lasky, contributes to publications such as Travel + Leisure, Vogue and Esquire. Her weekly sojourning column ran in 40 newspapers for 20 years. Jane is anything but an accidental tourist and always travels with her pillow. Check out her articles on Examiner.com

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