Guest Contributor

There aren’t many hiking trips in Southern California will show you both a rare natural phenomenon and some of the state’s history, but the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve does just that.

It's Oscar season, and what better way to celebrate than by visiting the famous Hollywood sign? It may be true that the only way to get to Carnegie Hall is by practicing, but there are several different routes that can be taken to the top of Mt. Lee, where the famous sign is located.

If dinner and reruns of Pretty Woman don’t sound appealing to you love birds, here are some alternative options to woo your significant other. To everyone else, these events are a wonderful opportunity to wash out that depression with some hard liquor and like-minded individuals as you try to fall in bed with a stranger.

Self-confidence is a universally attractive feature on people. L.A. seems to have its own definition of this trait, though. Read on for overheard conversation on scrapbooking, Carrot Top and wizards.

Some of the famous hikes in the L.A. area require physical fitness, acclimation to altitude, tenacity and a willing to tackle the unknown. However, there is only one prerequisite to walk on the 0.25-mile Culver City Nature Trail: a pulse.

If you and your loved one like sunsets, flowers and walks along the beach, there’s a secluded little spot in Long Beach that might be a perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day plans.

A boss that acknowledges the realities of Super Bowl Sunday? Refreshing. This week’s Overheard in L.A. round-up includes overheard conversation on Robin Hood, Portia de Rossi and the big-bang theory.

The Thursday night opening of Early Morning Opera's Abacus at REDCAT felt like a joyful reunion for L.A.'s art scene. Abacus got its start at the REDCAT NOW Fest in 2009 and has since traveled to various residencies and performance venues, including the 2012 Sundance Film Festival.

Mapquest and Google Maps don’t show it. Countless people who live and work in Torrance drive right by it and have no idea. Yet it’s there and very real: the 10-acre Madrona Marsh Nature Preserve, an urban oasis right in the middle of Torrance.

There are a few waterfalls that are unknown even to veteran hikers—such as the small one off the Frascati Trail on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Following recent rains, hikers can see this five-foot cascade and enjoy its musical flow.