For the capital of urban sprawl, Los Angeles offers a surprising wealth of outdoor experiences that go beyond the city’s famed entertainment and culinary exploits. Beyond the hustle of city streets, L.A. is home to an array of hiking opportunities across its diverse terrain, from the coastal paths that trace the Pacific shoreline to the rugged trails of the Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains. Alongside these natural ventures, there are even some undiscovered beaches offering serene escapes from the metropolis’s perpetual buzz.

Complementing these outdoor adventures, L.A. offers a varied dining scene that takes full advantage of Southern California’s bountiful landscape and climate. Restaurants like Inn of the Seventh Ray cater to those seeking a meal surrounded by nature. Located in an idyllic creekside setting in Topanga, this spot has been a haven for nature enthusiasts and romantics alike for years. Offering a menu that indulges vegetarians alongside dishes that appeal to all palates—it’s a must-visit for those looking to dine in the heart of nature.

In Los Feliz, the Alcove Café & Bakery transforms its in-town location into a verdant outdoor dining haven. Its sprawling patio, surrounded by lush landscaping, suggests a quaint village rather than a bustling city locale. The café uplifts the culinary experience with top-tier dishes ranging from a variety of cuisines, accompanied by an interesting selection of wines.

Saddle Peak Lodge, nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains, provides another rustically opulent dining experience. Its storied past as a Pony Express stop, brothel, and hunting lodge adds layers of intrigue to the dining experience. Today, diners can enjoy meals in rooms adorned with moose heads and timbered walls or opt for outdoor seating to take in the mountainous surroundings.

Lastly, a unique blend of French cuisine and cowboy culture can be found at Le Chêne, a short drive from Los Angeles. Here, guests can pair classic French dishes like duck à l’orange or beef bourguignon with a fine Châteauneuf-du-Pape, perhaps while donning a Stetson, in a setting that boasts a wine cellar with 30,000 bottles.

These venues underscore Los Angeles’s capacity to surprise and enchant, reminding us that the city’s charm extends far beyond its urban core into the rustic and the idyllic, where culinary excellence meets the great outdoors.