Get Outdoors

With El Nin~o a wet memory at the moment, why not spend the weekend outdoors?

Friday Evening

If you can weather the attitude, Sunset Boulevard between North La Cienega and North San Vicente boulevards in West Hollywood (otherwise known as Sunset Plaza) is an oasis of outdoor tables serving everything from dim sum (Chin Chin, 8618 Sunset Blvd., [310] 652-1818) to thin crusted grilled veggie pizzas (Cafe Med, 8615 Sunset Blvd., [310] 652-0445) to steak frites (Le Petit Four, 8654 Sunset Blvd., [310] 652-3863). Book Soup Bistro is less of a scene and has the added attraction of being adjacent to one of the city’s best bookstores. (8800 Sunset Blvd. at West Holloway Drive, [310] 657-1072).

Saturday

Take a day-trip north of L.A., where several outdoor diversions are waiting. In Newbury Park, the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center and the National Parks Assn. host the California Indian Storytellers Gathering. Saturday’s festivities begin at 9 a.m. with a blessing by a hereditary chief of the Chumash, followed by dancing and traditional stories at an outdoor fire ring. Sunday’s schedule will showcase contemporary Native American stories as well as a panel discussion on the importance of oral history in modern society. Children’s activities, cultural displays and Native American food are also part of the program. 4126 Potrero Road, Newbury Park (Wendy Drive exit off Highway 101). 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. (805) 499-2837.

Farther north, Point Mugu’s Naval Air Weapons Station’s annual air show fills the skies with flight demonstrations, civilian acrobatic acts and more. On the ground will be displays of aircraft, children’s rides, a home show and food booths. Las Posas exit off Highway 101. Gates open at 8 a.m. and demonstrations begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. Open-air unreserved seating free. Reserved seats $4-$35. (805) 989-8786.

Travel back to the 1860s at the Ojai Civil War Reenactment Saturday and Sunday on the shores of Lake Casitas. Uniformed combatants representing the North and South will re-create the battle of Gettysburg twice daily, at 1 and 3 p.m. There will also be models of Union and Confederate camps with period music, fashions and vendors. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. both days. Adults, $7; children ages 6-12, $4; children 5 and under, free. Take Highway 101 to California 33, to the Lake Casitas turnoff. (805) 496-6036.

Sunday

Spend the day exploring Topanga Canyon, with its spectacular vistas of the city, mountains and sea. Start with brunch at the Inn of the Seventh Ray. Although the new age cooking isn’t terribly inspired, a terrace seat among the trees and bubbling brooks is close to nirvana. There are two buffets (vegetarian and traditional), omelets and Belgian waffles with real maple syrup. 128 Old Topanga Road. (310) 455-1311.

Every Sunday at 1 p.m., Topanga State Park offers afternoon docent walks. Feel, smell and learn to identify blooms from the native plant community on this easy nature walk. Meet at the bulletin board near the parking lot at the Trippet Ranch entrance in Topanga. Bring water and wear comfortable shoes. Free. Parking $5. Approximately 2 hours. From Malibu, take PCH to Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Drive north to Entrada Road. Entrance on right, about 4 miles. (818) 888-6856.

Or take the kids to Pierce College for a Farm Walk. See sheep, pigs, cows, horses, chickens and goats on the college’s teaching farm. There will be sheep shearing, wool spinning, dairy demonstrations, horse activities, agriculture and animal science class information, nature walks and food at this festival. 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 6201 Winnetka Ave., Woodland Hills. $5 donation; children under 12 free. (818) 719-6463.