Spend a Day of Self-Care at These Serene Spots Around the City

Hoping to escape the hustle and bustle of city life? Despite the fact that Los Angeles is buzzing with happening nightlife, packed restaurants, renowned museums, epic sporting events and more, it is possible to find a slice of silent heaven amid all the chaos. From the sandy and peaceful beaches of Malibu to the quiet streets of San Gabriel, taking a break from the busy lifestyle that tends to consume Angelenos is a must every once in a while. If you’re in need of some serious R&R, we’ve got you covered with our list of the best places to enjoy some gosh darn peace and quiet in LA. 

 

Tea at Shiloh

Nothing says cozy like a piping hot cup of tea. Tea at Shiloh is a one-of-a-kind tea house that caters to a late-night crowd in the heart of DTLA. Rather than your standard bar or club, Tea at Shiloh strives to create a more welcoming and peaceful ambiance for night owls looking to entertain themselves without the chaos. In addition to curated herbal blends, you’ll also be able to partake in arts and crafts during the late-night tea service. Be sure to reserve your spot on their website before your visit.

Location: DTLA

 

Cerritos Public Library

The spacious and modern Cerritos Public Library is a must-visit for bookworms. The contemporary exterior looks more like a museum than a library, while the interior is filled to the brim with winding shelves of fiction, non-fiction and everything in between. Need a breath of fresh air between chapters? Head outside and sit by the massive sculpture or claim one of the quiet benches out front. There are also plenty of private study rooms that can be reserved in advance, along with a teen and children’s studio to encourage learning for all ages. 

Location: Cerritos

 

Mary Lane Cafe

Kick back in with a coffee in hand at one of the quaintest cafes in the San Gabriel Valley. Mary Lane Cafe is a locally-loved and family-owned eatery that serves delicious comfort cuisine all day long. The pancakes are without a doubt the most popular item on the menu, and though you can’t go wrong with classic buttermilk, you can also up the ante with additions like chocolate chips, bananas, blueberries and more. If savory is more your style, opt for the breakfast sandwich and a side of strawberry preserves. 

Location: San Gabriel Valley

 

Averill Park

Located on the outskirts of LA in San Pedro, Averill Park is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll during any day of the week. Take in the tranquil surroundings as you cross over stone bridges, listen to the trickling creeks and admire the hundred-year-old trees that are scattered across the park. There is also a quiet gazebo, picnic tables and barbeque pits, perfect for intimate gatherings with family or friends. Even if you don’t live nearby, Averill Park is worth a visit for those hoping to enjoy a change of scenery and find their new favorite park. 

Location: San Pedro

 

Hideko Spa 

Enjoy a different kind of spa day at the Hideko Spa in Brentwood. This Japanese spa adds a modern twist to its traditional treatments. The authentic Japanese-style treatment rooms create a zen atmosphere where you can melt into the table before unwinding in the hydrotherapy bathtubs and showers. Best of all, all products used are 100% organic, ensuring that even the most sensitive of skin is catered to. In addition to single and couples massages, you can also book a gold facial that will leave you glowing for weeks on end. 

Location: Brentwood

 

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens

Escape to the spiritual oasis that is the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens. The walking labyrinth is the true highlight of this property, allowing guests to put their minds at ease as they walk around and trace the pathway with their steps. Whether you’re looking to reduce stress or induce a meditative state, this worldwide practice works wonders. The Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens also features several trickling fountains, eye-catching flowers and benches throughout, ensuring that you can find your own sense of solitude and peace while walking around. 

Location: South LA

 

Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens

Escape into the tranquility of nature at the Lake Shrine Meditation Gardens in Pacific Palisades. Located just up the street from the beach, these peaceful gardens are the ultimate place to unwind with your favorite book during a quiet morning. If you want to get your steps in, take a stroll around the pond, checking out all of the cozy nooks and corners on your way. There are plenty of secret benches to claim, and you might even spot some swans during your visit. While the gardens are free to visit, you’ll need to make a reservation in advance of your arrival.

Location: Pacific Palisades

 

Getty Villa Museum

The Getty Villa Museum sits just on the outskirts of Malibu, offering panoramic ocean views and breathtaking gardens that are loved by locals and visitors alike. Admire the unique Greek and Roman architecture indoors before heading outside to check out the greenery, sculptures and fountains in the garden. Though you’ll have to pay for parking, admission is totally free at this recreated Roman country home. Transport yourself to the past as far back as 4,000 years as you take in the views and sit amongst the ancient artwork. 

Location: Pacific Palisades

 

SOAR at South Coast Botanic Garden

Launching during the spring season of 2024, SOAR at South Coast Botanic Garden is bringing tropical butterflies to the city. Immerse yourself in a world of flying colors and delicate magic as you watch the breathtaking butterflies flutter past you. Those hoping to connect with nature or enhance their photography skills will have the perfect opportunity to practice patience as they observe these unique and fleeting creatures. If you’re lucky, you might even get the chance to see a butterfly emerge from its cocoon as it embarks on a new chapter of life. 

Location: Rolling Hills Estates

 

Lost Books

Get lost in a sea of literature at Montrose’s transportive and magical Lost Books store. Upon walking through a tunnel of greenery, guests are greeted with shelves upon shelves of paperbacks and hardcovers. An abundance of plants can be seen in every corner, creating a calming and immersive ambiance that connects you to nature despite being indoors. There is also a vinyl section featuring old-school records and timeless classics that music fanatics will adore. As the name suggests, don’t be surprised if you lose sense of time.

Location: Montrose

 

El Matador State Beach

Depending on where you go, even the beaches in LA can have too much hustle and bustle. Thankfully, El Matador State Beach is a tucked-away haven that sits far on the outskirts of Malibu. From tide pooling to birdwatching, the striking beach provides a true slice of paradise along the coast. The sea stacks and caves are also great for exploring during low tide, and there are several picnic tables for visitors hoping to post up for the entire day. 

Location: Western Malibu

 

Greystone Mansion & Gardens

Perched in the hills of Beverly Hills, Greystone Mansion & Gardens feels more like stepping into a period film set than a city park. The sprawling 18-acre estate was originally built for the Doheny family in the 1920s, and today, its terraced gardens, fountains and sweeping views over Los Angeles are open to the public daily. While most visitors come to wander the quiet pathways or lounge by the reflecting pools, those who plan ahead can peek inside the mansion itself during special programs on select weekends. The property is also known for its Hollywood pedigree. Greystone has played a backdrop in countless films and TV shows, so don’t be surprised if it all feels a little familiar.

Location: Beverly Hills

 

Vista Hermosa Natural Park

Nothing says unexpected escape like stumbling upon Vista Hermosa Natural Park just steps from downtown. This 10-acre green space feels like a pocket of wilderness, with winding trails, shaded oak groves and grassy meadows that invite you to pause for a picnic or simply take in the skyline views. Kids can explore the nature-inspired playground, while locals often gather on the soccer field or in the small amphitheater tucked into the grotto. Whether you’re lacing up for a short stroll, catching a community program or just seeking a breather from city streets, Vista Hermosa makes it easy to recharge without ever leaving LA.

Location: Westlake/Downtown LA

 

Barnsdall Art Park

Nothing says artsy escape like an afternoon at Barnsdall Art Park. Perched on Olive Hill in East Hollywood, this cultural hub is best known for Hollyhock House, Frank Lloyd Wright’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Los Angeles. Beyond the architecture, the park itself offers grassy lawns perfect for lounging, galleries to wander and a front-row view of the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. Regular events keep the space buzzing, from art shows and family workshops to the popular summer wine tastings on the west lawn. Whether you’re here for the design history, a glass of cabernet at sunset or just a quiet spot to recharge, Barnsdall blends creativity and calm in one unique hillside setting.

Location: East Hollywood

 

The Japanese Garden (SuihoEn)

Nothing says serenity like The Japanese Garden at the Tillman Water Reclamation Plant. Tucked away in the San Fernando Valley, this 6.5-acre escape feels like a portal into another world, blending authentic Japanese design with California’s bright light and open skies. Stroll the dry Zen garden with its stone formations and wisteria arbor, then follow the winding paths past koi-filled lakes, waterfalls and hand-carved lanterns. An authentic teahouse anchors the garden, offering yet another moment to pause and reflect. Built to showcase the beauty of reclaimed water, SuihoEn, meaning “garden of water and fragrance,” remains one of LA’s most tranquil places to recharge season after season.

Location: Van Nuys

 

The Last Bookstore

Nothing says wonderland for book lovers like The Last Bookstore. Spanning 22,000 square feet inside DTLA’s Spring Arts Tower, this literary labyrinth is home to more than half a million books, records and curiosities. Beyond the shelves, you’ll stumble upon art installations, hidden tunnels and cozy nooks that make browsing feel like an adventure. Whether you’re hunting for a rare vinyl, trading in your paperbacks or just snapping a photo in the famous book tunnel, it’s easy to lose track of time here. Equal parts bookstore, gallery and gathering place, The Last Bookstore proves that real stories still live between real pages.

Location: Downtown LA

 

Mosaic Tile House

Nothing says kaleidoscope escape like the Mosaic Tile House in Venice. This live/work home turned art installation has been transformed over decades by artists Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran, who covered nearly every inch of the property in vibrant hand-painted tiles, mirrors and sculptures. Touring the space feels like stepping into a living canvas: each corner bursts with color, whimsy and detail that tells a piece of the couple’s story. It’s part home, part gallery, part dreamscape and entirely unforgettable. Visits are by guided tour only, so plan ahead to experience one of LA’s most imaginative and offbeat sanctuaries.

Location: Venice

 

Venice Canals

Nothing says unexpected romance like a stroll through the Venice Canals. Abbot Kinney created these canals in 1905 as LA’s take on Italy, and today they wind past some of the city’s most enviable homes. Wooden footbridges rise above the water, making every corner picture-perfect, especially when holiday lights sparkle across the canals. Afternoons feel breezy and bright, while evenings turn hushed and glowing. Walk alone, wander with a date, or imagine life inside those glass-walled kitchens. The Venice Canals remain a dreamy detour that shows LA can still surprise.

Location: Venice

 

Los Angeles Central Library

Nothing says quiet retreat like the Los Angeles Central Library. In the heart of downtown, this historic landmark blends serenity with jaw-dropping design, from soaring murals to gleaming art deco details. Endless rows of books invite you to wander, while tucked-away reading rooms whisper, stay a little longer. Beyond the stacks, rotating exhibits and galleries transform an ordinary afternoon into a cultural escape worth lingering over. Step outside into Maguire Gardens for a bit of fresh air before diving back into your novel. It’s the perfect mix of culture, calm and classic LA architecture, all free for anyone who walks through the doors.

Location: Downtown LA

 

Exposition Park Rose Garden

Nothing says timeless beauty like the Exposition Park Rose Garden. Tucked beside the Natural History Museum, this seven-acre garden has bloomed since 1928 and still charms Angelenos today. More than 200 rose varieties circle a sparkling fountain, creating a dreamy backdrop for strolls and lazy afternoons. From April through November, the air fills with weddings, photo shoots, and locals seeking quiet moments. During winter, caretakers focus on the roses, ensuring fresh blooms return for another dazzling season. No matter when you visit, this historic garden proves that peace and petals never go out of style.

Location: Exposition Park, South LA