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Peaceful Places: Los Angeles - 110 Tranquil Sites In the City of Angels and Neighboring Communities
by Laura Randall
Menasha Ridge Press
ISBN 978-0-89732-719-0
Published July 2010 - Paperback - 212 pages - $14.95

When thinking about the city of Los Angeles, the last thing that comes to mind is "peaceful".  But, as with most large cities, there are peaceful places to where one can escape the norm or the obvious.  Not everyone needs or wants to chase around a city and "do" all the museums and tourist attractions.  Laura Randall's book will tempt you to consider alternative things to see and do, and especially, to relax a little and enjoy the serenity for a change.  Very necessary in these stress-filled days of ours.  Whether you're a resident or a visitor, consider visiting many of the places in Randall's book, such as the delightful-sounding Aroma Cafe, the Waterfront Red Car Line, the Venice canals, the Margaret Herrick Library, Fern Dell, Taschen, Hidden Treasures, Serra Retreat, and The Charlie.  The sites on offer have been organized in a few ways: by category, by area, and alphanumerically, and Randall also offers a one-to-three stars rating.  Each site has been allocated a number and there are corresponding maps which help when planning your visit.  [It's all in the planning; making the most of any destination requires at least some foresight and a measure of planning.]  Addresses, telephone numbers, websites, admission, hours, and transportation to each locale is given for each site.  Whether it's gardens you like to visit, museums, walks, historical sites, beaches, shops, spiritual aspects, a nice place to have coffee, or whatever, you're bound to find your niche somewhere in L.A.  Many places are free which is a bonus in these recession-and-money-is-tight-times.  I wouldn't mind also visiting some of the islands, like Catalina or even a little trip on the Balboa Island Ferry.
Conclusion - I'm certainly going to consult this book before my next trip to Los Angeles.  Different and potentially very useful.