Do It. Hike at Griffith Observatory.

This has to be my new favorite Los Angeles hiking spot. Although it's not quite as shady as Runyon, the view from the hills near the Griffith Observatory is unparalleled. You have the view of all of Los Angeles, including downtown's skyscrapers, the observatory, and an up-close view of the Hollywood sign.
The paths are also great. Not too steep an incline, well paved, and wide. When I went this weekend, it was packed, but even so the wide paths made passing and resting along the side easy without inconveniencing other hikers.

Parking is free and pretty ample and the trails are dog friendly. As my dog Homer and I went up the sidewalk to go to the trail closest to Griffith Observatory, we passed two other trails, so there's plenty of room to explore and enough reason to revisit.

I also hear this is an ideal spot to go for a sunset hike.

-- Lauren Williams

Photo credit: the BEAT.

Do It. Sharks and stars!

This weekend is your opportunity to learn stuff--for free--all over this city. It'll be like Shark Week or Nova, but your real life!

The next installment of Shark Lagoon Nights at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach happens this Friday from 6:00pm to 9:00 pm. The program is running through May, but this is your last opportunity in January to hang with sandtigers and touch bamboo sharks. There is also the vague mention of music, but I would just as soon go (possibly sooner go) if there wasn't. Either way, there will definitely be booze available and just how many times have you been able to say that you pre-gamed with sharks? Heck yeah, Friday night!

Griffith Observatory's monthly Star Party is also happening this weekend. From 2:00pm to 9:45pm, you can scope out (haha) visible planets and stars from the Observatory's gorgeous terraces and outside areas. Use of telescopes is also free to the public, but I would expect long lines and lots of grubby little fingers earlier in the afternoon. If you need a break, you can always catch a show in the planetarium.

-- Heather Robertson

Photo credit: Aquarium of the Pacific