Itinerary: Topanga Canyon

You’ve driven past it, through it and around it to avoid the traffic, and, of course, find something easier on the eyes than all those brake lights on the 405.

For most Angelenos, Topanga Canyon is simply an alternate route for traveling between Malibu and the Valley. If you take the time to stop and smell the flowers, you’ll find that Topanga (a Native American word for “the place where the mountains meet the sea”) is crawling with rustic homes, art galleries and eclectic points of interest that just beg for you to stop the car.

Friday

If you fancy art, head over to the Howell-Green Fine Art Gallery (120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 107, Wed. through Sat., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., [310] 455-3991). The small art studio at the Pine Tree Circle Shopping Center features revolving exhibits of modern and contemporary art, including many works by local artists. More artwork can also be found next door at the Topanga Canyon Gallery (120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 109; Tue. through Sun., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; closed Mondays. [310] 455-7909).

Spend the evening at the most romantic restaurant in all of Topanga Canyon, the Inn of the Seventh Ray (128 Old Topanga Canyon Road, [310] 455-1311). This New Age restaurant, situated on a creek under a canopy of trees, serves organic fruits and vegetables, free-range chicken, hormone-free meat and local wines. The inn also has a bookstore where you can browse through paperbacks about self-discovery and spiritual enlightenment.

Saturday

Thrift shop junkies, antique hunters and vintage clothes fans must stop at Hidden Treasures (154 Topanga Canyon Blvd., [310] 455-2998). Every nook and cranny of this old house-turned-store has been decorated with merchandise. Sea nets, Victorian sofas, Indian saris, you name it. Even the rustic patio out back is cool--a fireplace burns next to a man-made waterfall under a canopy of twigs.

If you find yourself in Topanga over the summer months, check out the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum (1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., [310] 455-3723). Named for, and founded by, the actor who played Grandpa on TV’s “The Waltons,” this outdoor theater has been carved into the mountainside and hosts theatrical productions all summer long. The woods around the Theatricum are filled with tables for pre-show picnicking.

Sunday

Grab your bike or hiking boots (or your horse) and head to Topanga State Park (Entrada Road at Topanga Canyon Boulevard, [310] 455-2465), which offers outdoor enthusiasts a chance to feel miles from L.A., without going any farther than Pacific Palisades.

The park offers more than 9,000 acres and 35 miles of trails and fire roads. As you traverse the hills and canyons, you’ll find spectacular views of the ocean, the Valley and everything in between. Parking is $2, back-country camping permits are $1 per person.

Not in the mood to trek around the canyon? Go shopping. Topanga Homegrown (120 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., [310] 455-8781) offers an eclectic mix of artsy gifts. Bouboulina (108 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., [310] 455-1917) features hip women’s fashions and accessories.

And no shopping trip to Topanga is complete without a visit to Angel Lite (155 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., [310] 455-0031). The roadside crystal stand lets customers relieve their stress free of charge on its therapeutic Angel Lite tables.