Favorite Places : BALLONA LAGOON COASTAL ACCESS PATH

“I take walks down the path by the Ballona Lagoon to the Marina del Rey Channel. It’s good for when you need to get the blood flowing through your mind. There’s some beautiful gardens and a lot of birds. The best thing is you see so many people, especially people walking their dogs. Everybody’s really friendly, and you have a sense of a community. Dogs sort of break down the social barriers and you feel more open about starting conversations. “

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The Ballona Lagoon Coastal Access Path is about a mile long, running from Washington Street to the Marina del Rey Channel and connecting to the newly restored Venice Canals. Ilene Weiss, president of the Ballona Lagoon Marine Preserve, says the path borders the only functioning tidal wetland in Los Angeles County. There are many species of crabs, clams, fish, and a wide variety of waterfowl and shorebirds, including the endangered least tern. For information, call (310) 306-5078.

Favorite Places columnist Jane Spiller welcomes suggestions for favorite places that are publicly accessible and free. Contact her c/o Voices.