Drinks at Veranda bar, Hotel Figueroa

After a concert or basketball game at the Staples Center, enjoy drinks by the pool at Hotel Figueroa, a Moroccan-themed hotel dating back to the 1920s. (Hotel Figueroa / May 24, 2012)

—D.D.


Sweet and savory ice cream


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Expand your taste in ice cream and experience the savory-sweet side of frozen desserts at Neveux Artisan Creamery & Espresso Bar. Explore unique flavors such as Basil Olive Oil, Strawberry Balsamic, and Coconut Curry Lemongrass.

Cost: small, $3.75; medium, $4.50; large, $5.25

Contact info: Neveux Artisan Creamery & Espresso Bar, 7407 ½ Melrose Ave., Los Angeles; http://www.neveuxartisancreamery.com/

Categories: Eating, Kids

—D.D.

Explore the Getty Museum's Central Garden

Is there anything better than a stroll through the Getty Museum's Central Garden an hour before sunset on a sunny summer day? In a word: No. The garden was created by Robert Irwin and the design takes up 134,000 square feet. The tree-lined walkways, the stream and waterfall, the specialty areas — there's no other experience like it in Los Angeles. In the "Bowl Garden" alone you can find kangaroo paw, golden angels' trumpet, crape myrtle, floribunda roses, sage and verbena. The space feels majestic and intimate at the same time.

Cost: $15 for parking

Contact info: http://www.getty.edu/visit/see_do/gardens.html

Categories: Entertainment, Kids, Arts and Culture

A.S.

Escondido Canyon Park hike with dog

This one-mile trail leads to the base of Escondido Falls, a beautiful, 150-foot multi-tiered waterfall. Leashed dogs are welcome on the trail.

Cost: Free

Contact info: Escondido Canyon Park, 27200 Winding Way, Malibu; http://www.lamountains.com/parks.asp?parkid=12

Categories: Fitness, Kids

—D.D.

Contemplate serenity