Some people travel for the sites, others for spiritual awakening. This time, I traveled in search of the answer to the age-old question: Where’s the beef? Apparently, it's at Alisal Ranch, where a BBQ Bootcamp is three days of meat, fire, and cowboys of both the real and wannabe variety.
Drive down the winding canyon road to the Pacific Coast Highway to Topanga State Beach. It's been drawing surfers since the 1950s, but if you're not into hanging ten, try kayaking, swimming, or fishing instead. http://fathomaway.com/guides/usa/los-angeles/itineraries/best-day-ever-topanga-canyon/
The largest park within city limits, with 36 miles of trails. Start at Trippet Ranch, where there's always a few deer running around the meadow. http://fathomaway.com/guides/usa/los-angeles/itineraries/best-day-ever-topanga-canyon/
This self-serve family-style restaurant, is the perfect place to end your day. You can eat tacos with the kids on the outdoor patio or, for the adults in your party, hang out at the friendly bar with your new Topanga friends. http://fathomaway.com/guides/usa/los-angeles/itineraries/best-day-ever-topanga-canyon/
Eagle Rock is a massive boulder outcropping that's been called the most interesting geological formation in the Santa Monica Mountains. For a new perspective on LA, look to the northwest to see the giant grid of the San Fernando Valley spreading out before you. http://fathomaway.com/guides/usa/los-angeles/itineraries/best-day-ever-topanga-canyon/
Classic rock fan? Pay your respects to Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson, the Canned Heat singer who died in 1970 at the age of 27 at his bandmate's house on Topanga Canyon Boulevard. You could also poke your head into the Inn of the Seventh Ray, supposedly the titular roadhouse in the classic Doors tune "Roadhouse Blues." http://fathomaway.com/guides/usa/los-angeles/itineraries/best-day-ever-topanga-canyon/
Wake up at Topanga House, a mid-century modern rental high in the mountains on Old Topanga Canyon Road, and start your day with a cup of coffee while lounging in the home's park-like yard. Rabbits, lizards, and California quail cubbies will join you in enjoying the sunshine. http://fathomaway.com/guides/usa/los-angeles/itineraries/best-day-ever-topanga-canyon/
What's to Love: It's an escape to nature, but with fine dining, lush linens, and a night sky full of stars that feels like it's your own.
Good to Know: There are no phones in the rooms or villas and cell service is spotty. In other words, heaven.
What's to Love: A Prohibition-era summer camp turned artist retreat with every camp activity from canoeing to archery. A favorite with muscisians, artists, and adventurer types.
Good to Know: If you book a teepee, boy scout cabin, or the three-story treehouse, bring extra batteries for your flashlight.
What's to Love: In a city not known for romance, a quirky two-room inn created by the founder of Designtripper in the center of Corktown, a hot little Detroit neighborhood. (They also own the infamous Slows BarBQ.) Many pieces in the gorgeous rooms are for sale.
Good to Know: Run downstairs to Astro Coffee for a flat white, egg sandwiches, and a thick slice of chocolate hazelnut cake, and have breakfast in bed.