Home to the Sepulveda Basin Nature and Wildlife Preserve, hiking trails, Lake Balboa, as well as some interesting niche sporting arenas, Woodley Park offers plenty of nature and activities to provide a full day of exploration and fun in the park. All you have to bring is a picnic, sunscreen, those sensible shoes we mentioned above and a yen for exploration.

Situated in a dry land flood control basin (meaning that in years of heavy rain, extra water from the Sepulveda Dam is channeled here to prevent flooding elsewhere), the park gives a glimpse of what you would have found here long before the strip malls brought their own brand of wildlife to the San Fernando Valley.

As for the activities, in addition to the Japanese garden detailed above, the archery range offers free beginner lessons on Saturday mornings http://www.woodleyparkarchers.com/ ; Lake Balboa has pedal boats for rent in the summer http://www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/balboa/rentals_resr.htm, or a lovely walk around the perimeter anytime; there are also plenty of good old-fashioned hiking trails http://www.latrails.com/hike/index.html. This is only the beginning of all the park has to unveil (we haven't even mentioned the model airplane field).

Grab a blanket and put a picnic together at home, or stop at the Whole Foods off the 101 at Coldwater and pick one up on the way. Then find a nice spot under the Willows, Cottonwoods and Sycamores – we think across from the cricket pitch, where the teams play in traditional white uniforms, is a particularly romantic spot.

Tip: Because of the wildlife preserve, dogs are not allowed in most of the park. And though they do have an off-leash dog park, we recommend you leave the furries at home so you can fully enjoy your day.