More ambitious hikers can now try a 13-mile section of Backbone Trail by parking at the free lot near the trail head on Kanane-Dum Road, then returning to their car by boarding the shuttle at its stop on Malibu Canyon Road. And bicyclists can take advantage, too, by using the shuttles bike racks.

Since most people in LA are used to driving and not walking – this is a welcomed service (especially since the vans are air conditioned!)

Park Link Shuttle
Hourly stops 8-5:20 sat, Sun & Holidays.
1.888.734.2323

I was pleasantly surprised with Pinz. Yes it’s a bowling alley and the world over, they are almost identical. However, on Friday and Saturday nite’s after 8pm the pins come alive in neon colors and the music is cranked up so the Rock n’ Bowl can begin! The atmosphere is great and with a group, there were ten of us, it was like being a teenager again. Nothing wrong with that!

The shoes are not half as bad as I remembered. They didn’t quite color co-ordinate with my clothes but I don’t usually wear fluorescent green and pink at the same time! On site there is a Jerry’s Deli which enabled us to order giant size pizza’s and fries, cupcakes and beer!

To make the evening even better it turns out I’m a great bowler! I won both games, much to the guys annoyance. For all the girly girls, they have pink bowling balls which I’m sure added to my luck. The alley works on a first come first served basis , but there are lots of things to do while you wait. The music was great and we stayed until almost 1am. Time flies when your having fun!

Pinz Bowling.
12655 Ventura Blvd. Studio City, CA 91604
Tel: 818 769 7600

Having recently arrived in Los Angeles, I wanted to immerse myself in the LA life-style. So, I was at a party one night and I got talking to a girl who was raving about a Power Yoga class in Santa Monica. This sounded just up my street, as my attention span for exercise is limited and I really wanted to try something new.

So the following Tuesday, I arrived at Bryan Kest’s Power Yoga in Santa Monica. The studio runs classes seven days a week, from 5.30am (way too early for me!!!) right up until midnight! How fabulous is that? I had been warned to get there early as the class gets very busy. I don’t think I was prepared for just how packed it was. There is a really great atmosphere in the studio and I could tell straight away that the class has a loyal following. Having never gone to Power Yoga before, I needed to get a mat. luckily they have a great store on the premises that sells everything from mats to books and even clothing for yoga. Mats can also be hired at a charge of $2, but as I was determined that this would be a long term commitment, I figured it was better to buy one. I can’t even go to yoga without shopping!

I didn’t know one side of the yoga mat from the other but was assured it was all the same. Relief! The class teacher Ally, was really calming and even made novices, like me, feel welcome. The classes are all 90 minutes and believe me, at the end of it, you are sweaty and very hot. But it is well worth it!

It’s now my new thing and I even convinced a friend of mine, who hates physical exercise, to try it out. Another interesting thing is that the classes are donation based, so you can give as much or as little as you can afford. The recommended donation is $11. I also suggest you bring a towel and a bottle of water as it gets extremely warm. Power Yoga is all about working sensitively and working on both the wellbeing of your mind as well as your body. So far the balance is working out well and it is far more enjoyable than the gym. It is also very LA!

Tip: Parking available in Public Parking structure across the street, see website for details.

Bryan Kest’s Power Yoga
1410 2nd Street, 1st Floor.
Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Tel: (310) 458 9510.

Since 1896 this park has remained the largest regional park with over 4,000 acres, creating room for everyone without ever seeming busy. With over 50 miles of trails for hiking or biking, being active is easy. But if your feet can’t take the heat, hop on a horse and go western or jump in the pool to cool off!

There’s plenty of lazy activities too, from visiting the 113-acre Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum, the Merry Go Round or the Southern Railroad (just to name a few). Of course, sleeping under a tree is also a great way to spend time in this park. And if working out or under-working make you hungry but you forgot your picnic basket at home, not to worry. The Roosevelt Cafe has been serving up food for years; from sandwhiches to authentic bean burritos, they’ve got you covered.

One of the biggest draws, the Griffith Observatory, is closed for renovations until next spring (it’s the same spot where James Dean filmed his showdown scene in “Rebel Without a Cause.”). However, the award-winning picturesque 5,700 seat Greek Theatre, which has attracted some of the biggest names in entertainment, is still going strong, offering an intimate setting under the stars.

Next time a stop light or Louis bag drives you crazy, head Griffith Park and forget city living – if only for a day.

Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone: (323) 913 4688

Enter in The Steps. All 1,700 of them.

Located at the end of 4th St just off San Vicente in Santa Monica, the steps are hard to miss; you’ll notice people stretching, socializing, breathing heavy or passing out in groups either at the top or the bottom. Rather narrow and steep, it can be hard to navigate when there’s crowds so I went in the evening (it’s lit).

The warm air smelled like sweat and for good reason; some people go up and down the steps for over half an hour. I was a one shot girl and felt the burn when I reached the top. Luckily there was a beautiful view of the ocean and the city lights twinkling. And it was only another five minute walk to Starbucks on 7th.

The bar is what you’ll be impressed with first. Don’t be intimidated by the beautiful people toasting creative cocktails over the crackling fire pit. They’re also loosening their belts with Beechwood’s amazing bar menu. Move over onion rings, these hipsters are rocking the Sweet Rock Shrimp Skewers and Goat Cheese and Eggplant with a baguette. You almost wouldn’t need to leave the bar scene, except I had a dinner reservation—drat! I was lead back to the dining room, a chic but cozy area with a ski lodge feel that made me right at home (if of course my home was a ski lodge, which, sadly it’s not).

I had the Roasted Vegetables with the spinach parsley pesto and my companions had the Steak and the Salmon, which were all delicious. The wine and beer lists were well stocked and well sampled by the likes of us. My only complaint was that I had no room for dessert! We were so well fed, and so pleased, but SO coming back soon to make sure we had a chance to sample everything on the menu.

Tip: To sample the scene without the green, just hit the bar area with a bunch of friends—have a couple drinks, split some appetizers or even a dessert (they have cupcakes, so you know I’ll be back!).

Beechwood
822 Washington Blvd. (Abbot Kinney)
310-448-8884

The Palisades is a palm-lined stretch of lawn and dirt paths overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Pacific Coat Highway. In 1999, $4.5 million was spent to renovate this 13- block long stretch along Ocean Ave that begins just north of the pier and ends at San Vicente Boulevard. Runners enjoy the flat, easy terrain, although it’s occasionally necessary to sidestep a homeless person snoozing beneath a tree.

Being a camera loving girl the photo ops are endless; the bluffs provides the best views especially at sunset, when the sky lights up in brilliant orange and red as it slowly disappears in the distance. Forgot your camera? Then enjoy a mirror-and-lens panorama that has documented Santa Monica for more than 100 years at the historic Camera Obscura. With a turn of the wheel of the rooftop turret, the city unfolds with 360 degrees of seaside bliss.

Whoever said the best things in life are free were right – well, if they’re referring to the Palisades at least.

Palisades Park
Along Ocean Ave in Santa Monica

Some quick thinking lead us to The Ivy on Robertson, known for its famous star break-ups and over-priced pizza. However, its white-picket fence, the shabby chic pillows on the benches outside, and the outdoor heaters perfect for a chilly afternoon drew us in.

We each ordered a large latte to warm our hands and a piece of lemon cake with white chocolate ganache and berries to share. We spent an hour savoring the coffees which were perfect and the cake that was so amazing we wish we’d ordered two pieces instead of one.

We dished, we celebrated, we watched the secret-service drop people off. When the sun had gone down and our cups were empty, we decided to head home after celebrating at a lovely place for under $20, knowing next time after the paycheques roll in we’ll spend more.

TIP: When a birthday drew near we headed to Ivy on The Shore in Santa Monica where we sipped champagne that made our homemade fruit sorbet of coconut, raspberry and vanilla stand out proving once again you can have atmosphere, an experience and fabulous food on a budget.

The Ivy
113 Robertson Blvd.
Los Angeles, 90048
(310) 274-8303