Note: All of these locations are in the Greater Los Angeles area.
1. Wayfarers Chapel
2. Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens
Location: San Marino
This gorgeous research institution hosts an impressive collection of 18th and 19th century European art. The library is also surrounded by 120 acres of botanical gardens, which include the expansive "Desert Garden" and majestic "Japanese Garden."
3. Abalone Cove Shoreline Park
Location: Rancho Palos Verdes
These cloistered tide pools are absolutely stunning at dawn, and a great place to take small children if they want to get up close and personal with a little marine life. The park also offers a mini playground, and lifeguards are on deck every weekend.
4. Eames House
Location: Pacific Palisades
This historic landmark was designed by Charles and Ray Eames in 1949, as a home that incorporated nature and the needs of post World War II couples coping with the modern age. It's also Ice Cube approved.
5. The Getty Villa
Location: Pacific Palisades
The Getty Villa is a part of the larger J. Paul Getty Museum, and serves as an educational center for ancient Greek and Roman art. It's also home to UCLA's Master’s Program in Archaeological and Ethnographic Conservation.
6. Mount Baden-Powell
Location: San Gabriel Mountains
Mount Baden-Powell offers some of the most pristine views you'll ever find in Los Angeles, and it's perfect for hiking. It was famously named after Lord Baden-Powell, who founded the Scout Movement in 1907.
7. Bradbury Building
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
This famed architectural landmark has been shown in over 63 feature films and television shows, including Blade Runner, (500) Days of Summer, Chinatown, Pushing Daisies, and The Artist. It's also the oldest commercial building in the city.
8. Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine
Location: Pacific Palisades
This "spiritual sanctuary" was founded in 1950 by meditation guru Paramahansa Yogananda, and is home to a wide array of plant and animal life from across the globe. It's a hugely popular destination among tourists who want to relax and find inner peace in their lives.
9. The Last Bookstore
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
The Last Bookstore is California's largest used and new book store, and is a favorite among book lovers for its impressive collection and laid back atmosphere. It also hosts musical performances, community meetings, and literary gatherings.
10. Virginia Robinson Gardens
Location: Beverly Hills
This posh estate was the private residence of Virginia Dryden Robinson and her husband, Harry Winchester Robinson, who was the heir to Robinson & Co. The home's gardens are now managed by the County of Los Angeles and are open to the public.
11. Watts Towers
Location: South Los Angeles
These beautiful sculptures located in the Watts community of Los Angeles were built over a period of 33 years (1921- 1954) by Italian immigrant Sabato ("Simon") Rodia. The structure was originally titled "Nuestro Pueblo," meaning "our town."
12. Descanso Gardens
Location: La Cañada Flintridge
This 150 acre botanical garden is especially popular around Easter, when its tulips are in full bloom. This stunning property also boasts a lilac garden, Japanese tea house, and bird sanctuary.
13. Murphy Ranch
Location: Rustic Canyon
This abandoned Nazi base was originally built in 1933 by Winona and Norman Stephens, and came with a sizable water storage tank, fuel tank, bomb shelter, and bunkers surrounding the compound. The site is now owned by the city of Los Angeles, and despite repeated calls for its demolition, it remains a popular attraction for hikers and tourists.
14. Mount Baldy
15. Malibu Creek State Park
Location: Calabasas
Malibu Creek State Park is a charming little getaway destination for Angelenos, and is a favorite shooting location for 20th Century Fox. The park has been featured in Planet of the Apes, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Pleasantville, and Secretary.
16. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Location: Simi Valley
Whether you agreed with his politics or not, the fact that you can board Air Force One in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is pretty damn cool. This is also the Gipper's final resting place — he's buried in the building's underground vault.
17. Sandstone Peak
Location: Santa Monica Mountains
Sandstone Peak offers some of the most memorable views you'll ever experience in sunny, Southern California. It's perfect for hikers, rock climbers, and all around nature enthusiasts.
18. Sunken City
Location: San Pedro
This too-cool-for-school surf spot was forged in 1929, when a landslide caused a number of homes to fall into the ocean. It's also close by to a few other notable San Pedro tourist destinations, including the Point Fermin Lighthouse, Cabrillo Beach, and the Korean Friendship Bell.