LA County: The Bohemian Oasis

An easy to miss turn off Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu takes you into the artistic community of Topanga Canyon. There you'll find small art studios, local theatre troupes and quaint boutiques.

It feels like Woodstock circa 1969. There's only one gravel road that goes round and round the canyon surrounded by pine trees that are hundreds of years old reaching up towards the sky. Along the path, you'll see local businesses that are open at unpredictable hours. You get the sense it's because no one living in the area feels compelled to maintain a nine to five lifestyle.

One of my favorite businesses is the Hidden Treasures vintage store. It's a trove of trinkets and costumes from the 1920s to today. You'll quickly get lost in a maze that takes you through one cubby and into the next until you realize you're back where you started with an arm full of things you never knew you wanted. There's house dresses from the 1950s, fur, clunky plastic accessories, fringe lamps, heavy persian rugs, pleather platform boots, hats and a little patio outside under the trees if you're seeking respite.

The Inn of the Seventh Ray

Just up the trail and over the small bridge, there's a series of cottages which are home to "The Inn of the Seventh Ray." It's a restaurant and spiritual center which serves up reenergizing and wholesome meals right next to the creek. It's the perfect place to spend quality time with a loved one away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday.

Topanga Canyon State Park

After lunch you can go on a stroll through the magnificent Topanga Canyon State Park or head back down the mountain for a little beach time on some of the most sublime stretches of sand in Southern California.