Where to Take Her

Because every man needs a plan, and some of us need that plan with pretty pictures, we present Where to Take Her: a series that answers a gentleman’s most pressing lifestyle questions and recurs whenever we get around to it. This go-round: strolls. Sally forth.

Key

Burkhart Saddle – Angeles National Forest – For the serious hikers in search of serious beauty, the Burkhart and Saddle Trails go from high elevation desert to snow-peaked mountain tops. Mission Workshop has your pack. And be sure to check conditions before you go.

Melrose Walk – West Hollywood – A.P.C, Violet Grey and Bottega Veneta are a few of the many places she’d want to visit on Melrose Place. Start at the corner of Sweetzer and head for Doheny. Take a pit stop at Alfred Coffee & Kitchen; end at Gracias Madre for guacamole and margs on one of L.A.’s best patios.

Monrovia Falls – San Gabriel – Monrovia Falls is a 2.6-mile hike that’s easy enough for kids and ends with a small waterfall. The trail is shaded and there’s a good amount of foot traffic, so it’s safe from dawn to dusk. After, go to the family-friendly China Red in Arcadia for some killer dim sum.

Music Box Stairs – Silver Lake – When L.A. had streetcars, stairs linked houses to the stops. The trolleys are gone, but the stairs remain. The Music Box Loop in Silver Lake is a 2.5-mile walk with great views of the city and houses. Here’s a detailed guide and map. Work your way east so you end at Knuckle & Claw for beers and lobster rolls.

Saddleback Butte – Antelope Valley – Now is the best time to visit Saddleback Butte: it’s wildflower season and the temps aren’t outrageously hot in this desert park. The Little Butte Trail is 2.5 miles and has good vistas for taking in the desert’s painted beauty.

The San Clemente Beach – San Clemente – The San Clemente Beach path runs for four miles along the shore, from North Beach to Calafia State Beach. It’s an easy path, you can stop and lay out on the beach, and it’s dog-friendly. Save time for Bloody Marys at Ramos House Café.

Venice Bike Ride – Venice Beach – Historic bungalows, Frank Gehry homes and Dennis Hopper’s metal house: Venice’s architecture makes it an outdoor museum. Best way to see it is by bicycle (rent some cruisers from the Bicycle Whisperer). Use the L.A. Conservancy’s guide for reference.