Point Fermin Park

To get here, you take Gaffey all the way south -- or you can take Pacific all the way to the end -- turn right just before the flashing red lights -- then left at the stop sign. There's ample parking -- and Walker's Cafe across the street from the park.

 Point Fermin Park is the southern-most point in Los Angeles. It can really throw you off, because it faces south. (On a clear day, you can see Catalina Island off in the distance). Its 37 acres wrap around the bluffs along Paseo Del Mar. There's a playground, an outdoor theater (where we get Shakespeare in the Park during the summers!) and a lighthouse. It's a great place for a picnic, and afterwards you can hike down the trails to the tide pools, or drive along Paseo to White Point Beach.

Stay for sunset. Although I don't RECOMMEND climbing out on the cliffs and sitting in the sea grasses with someone you love -- I've done it. It's great. Just don't fall. And don't get caught.