Sean Astin

The actor plays the hobbit Sam in “The Lord of the Rings.”

Flashback Friday: On a recent Friday we went to the Silent Movie Theater on Fairfax to see, on the recommendation of my father [actor John Astin], a film by Harold Lloyd that he loved when he was a kid. In L.A., one of my favorite things to do is spend time with my dad. We might go to Guido’s restaurant on Santa Monica Boulevard, right by Bundy. It’s just like it sounds, an old-school Italian restaurant, dark and moody, expensive, and someone comes around with a violin.

Museum With a View: My daughter, Alexandra, or Ali, turned 5 last month, and we take her everywhere. We absolutely love the Getty Center. Not necessarily to take in an exhibit--it’s just a great space. In the afternoon, most people are leaving, but it’s open until 9. Then we ride the tram and find a place on the grass to sit and get a cup of coffee and take in the city sights. I love views. At night, driving on Mulholland, I love to park on one of those turnouts and look out over the Valley, feeling like I’m on top of the world a little, instead of at the world’s mercy.

Bowling Season: Saturday night at the Hollywood Bowl, we take a picnic, or we get stuff there. I love classical music, but it’s always fun to go when they’re doing a movie music program and John Williams is there conducting. Sometimes they have great jazz, and we’ll go with my aunt and uncle. It’s such a great venue, it doesn’t even matter.

Good Paddling: With my godfather I might go to Venice Beach--if you get there early on the weekends--to play paddle tennis. It doesn’t cost anything, and it’s a great workout. It’s like being in a time capsule because the public is walking by.

Peak Dining Experience: Saddle Peak Lodge [in Calabasas] might be a great dinner on Sunday night. It’s like you’ve left L.A. You drive through the country and arrive at this little ... it’s like a chateau or a hunting lodge.