Within 3 hours of LA: Where to go

Outside Los Angeles, the relaxed towns, arty events and unexpected food scenes exemplify the best of California's creative and mellow culture...

... but don't forget the nature: dramatic national parks, surreal flim locations and meditative sunset spots also mark our list of places to go within 3 hours of LA

About One Hour from Los Angeles...

History meets art in this Spanish-style beachfront city that has it all: a mission, art museums and famous painters, world-class restaurants and a thriving university scene.

After a day at the beach and the requisite lobster tacos, round things off at The Rec Room Comedy Club for longer, more in-depth sets where new material is performed.

This mountain town has been working on its reputation as a center of spiritual wellness for decades now. Wander through Libby Park's old oak trees or criss-cross one of the two dozen hiking trails.

About Two Hours from Los Angeles...

File under "Foodie Scene, Most Unexpected." Basque shepherds and vintners helped settle America's breadbaset in Central California in the 19th century and the community is still going strong.

Alpine cottages, secluded A-frames and cozy log cobains give this tiny mountain hamlet its fairy-tale feel. Mountain-biking trails trace their way through the foothills and backcountry.

While it started as a spring break destination, the Palm Springs desert communities now cater to shoppers, spa-lovers, and, as always, a thriving gay scene.

About Three Hours from Los Angeles...

While it started as a spring break destination, the Palm Springs desert communities now cater to shoppers, spa-lovers, and, as always, a thriving gay scene.

Iron Man, Star Trek and almost every single western movie ever finds themselves in Alabama Hills, just west of Lone Pine. This desert-like scrub has been the backdrop for hundreds of shoots.