Five of our favorite local destinations for Angelenos.

Warm summer sun has us itching for a vacation. You, too?  There’s no need to venture far. Hidden treasures abound; you just need to know where to find them. From day trips to neighborhood spots, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorites.

A proper daycation: means a visit to The Huntington in San Marino (near Pasadena). Stroll through an astounding number of stunning themed gardens, check out the art collections and library, and finish with traditional English tea at the Rose Garden Tea Room (reservations required).

You can always go, downtown! The Los Angeles Conservancy offers docent-led walking tours of historic Los Angeles including the theatre and commercial district, the Biltmore Hotel, and Union Station. If you’d prefer to go at your own pace, you can download the “Strolling on 7^th Street” tour booklet on the website. There’s plenty of fascinating history right here!

For the kids—or the kid in you: head to Griffith Park and visit the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. You’ll be surprised at the number of exotic animals and endangered species including the visiting Elephants of Asia exhibit which helps support wildlife preservation. We recommend going on a mild day as the animals tend to be more active and the crowds smaller.

Bonus: Walk directly across the street and visit the Autry Museum of Western Heritage, a.k.a. the cowboy museum. Enough said!

Rest and relax: in the peaceful natural beauty of Ojai Valley. Just 90 minutes north of L.A., escape the crowds and traffic by heading to the least populated city in the county where art, music and nature thrive. For tranquil panoramic views stay at the Ojai Retreat, a beautiful bed & breakfast nestled on a 5-acre hilltop.

For an adventurous island escape: visit Channel Islands National Park. A short drive and boat ride away, these spectacular preserved islands are perfect for a half day or full day trip. Hike, kayak and explore to see what mainland California looked like 200 years ago. Be warned: the views are so gorgeous you may want to set up camp and stay another day.

Image via Flickr user Martinliao.