Van Nuys

Many of Los Angeles’s highlights are within easy reach of Van Nuys, making it a smart choice as a place to base yourself during your visit. Two attractions that should be on every visitor’s itinerary is the fascinating Iceland Ice Skating Rink and the ever-popular Van Nuys Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park. Also, well worth the effort are the Sherman Oaks Castle Park and the Van Nuys Golf Course.

If the sun is out, follow the lead of the locals who know the area best and appreciate the nearby parks and reserves. There are some pleasant urban parks, so take a picnic blanket to the Anthony C. Beilenson Park in Encino.

To play golf in a new setting, hit the fairways such as the Woodley Lakes Golf Course.

Spend a few hours at the Sherman Oaks Galleria in Sherman Oaks for a satisfying dose of retail therapy.

After spending the day discovering the sights, sounds and smells of Van Nuys, put up your feet and relax in one of the area’s popular bed-and-breakfasts, hotels or short-stay apartments. For a good night’s sleep check out the Best Western Plus Carriage Inn, Sherman Oaks, the Airtel Plaza Hotel & Conference Center, and the popular Mikado Hotel, North Hollywood.