Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park

"»Urban Lake That Isn’t Echo Park Lake Balboa is less crowded than the beloved Eastside reservoir but provides an equally idyllic setting. Part of Van Nuys’s lush Anthony C. Beilenson Park, the sparkling 27-acre lake is flanked by gentle hills that call for a picnic. Rent a bicycle—they even have surrey bikes for the whole family—and cruise beneath the park’s canopy of cherry trees. If you’re missing Echo Park’s iconic swan boats, fret not—Balboa rents ’em out, too, for just $11 an hour."