Ballona Lagoon: One of SoCal’s Last Tidal Wetlands

Two blocks inland from Venice Beach and south of the Venice canals, this lagoon is more than just a body of water with a walking path alongside it.



Perhaps not awe-inspiring at first glance, this 16.2 acre saltwater wetland is a popular haunt for hundreds of species of native plants, marine life, and birds, including an impressive list of rare species.



Because the lagoon is an important waystation on the Pacific Flyway (route flown by birds migrating from Alaska to winter in Latin America), it’s a birder’s paradise. Keep an eye out for snowy egrets, mockingbirds, terns, and a gaggle of other feathered friends on your visit.

The lagoon has quite the past. Five hundred years ago, the lagoon was huge and formed part of the vast Ballona wetlands that stretched from Playa Del Rey to Santa Monica. In the early 1900s, developer Abbott Kinney used the lagoon to feed his Venice-inspired canals. With the discovery of oil in the 1920s, a swath of oil derricks moved onto the land now occupied by the wetland's surrounding fancy homes. The lagoon only reached its present state after environmentalists successfully fended off developers.



For fitness enthusiasts, a walk/run along the lagoon can provide a change of pace from the gym. The fresh, saltwater breeze is invigorating, and the path never feels crowded.



Watching birds frolic in the water and spotting colorful wildflowers are bonuses. If you’re some kind of Energizer bunny, you can drag out your workout by continuing on to Venice beach two blocks away.



The only thing that mystifies me about the lagoon are the surrounding homes. There’s nothing wrong with the homes per se, but many are big and tract home-like, almost defiant of the natural beauty surrounding them. Two homes have a sizeable lawn that stands in stark contrast to the wetland wildflowers just across the path. If you want a lawn, by all means have a lawn. But why pay the extra bucks to live in Venice alongside a nature preserve when you seem to crave a more suburbian aesthetic? I guess they want it all!



One home has funky art, which I find comical. Try to spot the sculpture above while you're there.

A good starting point for visiting Ballona Lagoon is Via Marina at Pacific Ave, where the lagoon empties into Marina Del Rey. There’s metered parking here.

Pacific Ave & Via Marina
Los Angeles, CA 90292

Self-Realization Fellowship Shrine: Spiritual Oasis on Sunset Blvd

Feeling disconnected? Or maybe you’re just looking for some peace and quiet away from LA’s traffic snarls? If so, the Self-Realization Fellowship Shrine in the Pacific Palisades is the place for you.



This hidden oasis covers 10 acres, but it feels smaller and cozier to me. The centerpiece is a spring-fed lake, which looks like it could have been part of the Fantasy Island TV series set.



Try to spot the turtles, ducks, swans, and huge koi fish. While the swans may appear serene, don’t mess with them at feeding time. We saw them double-team the volunteer bringing them food and rip his gloves off.



Surrounding the lake are hillsides covered in trees and colorful flowers. But the place is more than just a nature reserve. It’s also a spiritual sanctuary. It’s not uncommon to see people parked on benches with their eyes closed and their palms lying open on their laps. To some, this might sound freaky, but I just enjoyed watching them meditate and felt like some of their calmness was passed on to me.



Paramahansa Yogananda (I dare you to say that name three times fast after a few drinks!) founded the shrine in 1950 and believed all major religions share the same core truths. As a result, the shrine tries to honor the world’s 5 major religions and incorporates aspects of some. In addition to a Buddha statue nestled amongst the hillside flowers, there are plaques honoring the world’s 5 major religions near the entrance.



If you’re interested in finding out more about the swami/founder Yogananda, check out the museum on your way out. If you need some quiet inside time, head to the Windmill Chapel where you can hear a pin drop if you’re not in your meditation zone.

Last but not least, a portion of Gandhi’s ashes has been stored here. So if you’re trying to get inspired to nonviolently resist your obnoxious coworker’s snarky daily comments, set yourself down on the Gandhi Lawn for a spell.

Admission and parking are free, but donations are encouraged. Open Tuesday through Sunday.

Self-Realization Fellowship Shrine
17190 Sunset Blvd
Pacific Palisades, CA
90272
310-454-4114