Urban Ranch Land

Though the Woolsey fire came close, Orcutt Ranch in West Hills was not touched, thankfully. The ranch is a 24-acre LA city park filled with vibrant citrus trees and lavish flowers—the perfect backdrop for wandering and pondering. And for Hollywood films. The historic adobe here played the role of Mia (Emma Stone) and Sebastian’s (Ryan Gosling) dream house in one of La La Land's fantasy sequences. Do as the stars might. Start at the glistening pond beside the parking lot. Chassé along the dirt path nestled between towering oak trees. Strut to your left and strike a pose in one of the log chairs.

Waltz down the stairs through the picnic area and pivot left where you will find a faux-classical statue atop a faux-medieval wall. A field of lush oak-shaded grass begs you to open your lunch pail and stay awhile. Then saunter to your left into a bamboo forest, crawl into the small stone alcove on your right, and pas de bourrée through the rose garden maze. That leads you right up to La La Land's fantasy home. It’s a popular site for weddings, but alas (spoiler alert!), not for Mia and Sebastian’s.

Orcutt Ranch is at 23600 Roscoe Blvd., West Hills. Park in the small lot near the entrance gates. It is approximately a 0.5-mile loop excluding the orange groves. Dog-friendly!