Beyond its overwhelming size, hot summers, and carpool mom traffic, the San Fernando Valley has long been an iconic part of Los Angeles. While west-siders and beach lovers might turn their nose up at the prospect of going “over the hill,” we longtime residents and lovers of the Valley stand strong and long — like Ventura Boulevard — in the face of their snobbery.

What is “The Valley”? Geographically speaking, it’s about 260 square miles nestled between a number of small mountain ranges. Some people might argue about including outskirt suburbs like Calabasas, Burbank, and Glendale, but simply put, those areas are just … not the City. Nor is the Valley the San Gabriel Valley or the Santa Clarita Valley. We’re talking the San Fernando Valley.

So what’s so great about The Valley? First of all, parking. There is so much of it — and in far, far fewer permit zones than ones that plague any and every city hood. And here are three more big reasons — the 101, the 134, and the 170. Hate on their traffic but you can’t deny their accessibility and even that they all have their own personalities. You also can’t beat the cost of living. The Westside’s $2,000/month studio apartment is the East Valley’s two-bedroom, two-bathroom, stainless steel appliances and amenities apartment.

Some people feel that part of the stigma associated with the Valley is that it’s not steeped in the intimate community vibe one might get in West Hollywood or Silver Lake, but that’s not really the case. The beauty of the Valley is that it’s actually filled with several diverse communities, each with its own tone, local hangouts, and hidden gems. Here are some to pay special attention to:

Brent’s Deli (Northridge)

Brent’s is arguably the best deli in the Valley, if not the whole county. Prepare for long waits or go at an off-hour. Regardless, take advantage of the deli counter and bring home some extra treats for later, because no doubt you will be craving them again soon. The rye bread rules.

Valley Performing Arts Center (VPAC) (Northridge)

Based at Cal State Northridge, the recently opened VPAC offers a vibrant and diverse lineup every season, and serves as the theatrical performance heart of the San Fernando Valley. Kudos are much deserved for bringing such a beautiful cultural center to this side of the hill.

Westfield Topanga (Canoga Park)

You’d be hard-pressed to think of something this mall doesn’t have. Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Macy’s, Target, sit-down restaurants, and a bangin’ food court. Along with comfortable rest areas, there’s even a carousel and play area for the kids. In addition to an abundance of parking, there’s also valet. We’re valley dwellers, not barbarians.

Bea’s Bakery (Tarzana)

With all its we-haven’t-redecorated-this-place-in-30-years charm, there is just nothing sweeter than a Bea’s black-and-white cookie. The deli connected to Bea’s isn’t half bad, but it’s pretty hard to concentrate on a turkey sandwich with the aroma of freshly baked bread and cakes permeating the air.

Lake Balboa and Woodley Park (Van Nuys)

There are a lot of parks throughout the Valley, but these two in particular will up the ante on any picnic. Lake Balboa offers boat rentals, bike paths, cherry trees, and a dense population of ducks, geese, and swans. Woodley Park is host to similar features but newcomers may not guess it also contains a breathtaking Japanese Garden.

Casa Vega (Sherman Oaks)

Casa Vega has been lighting up the northwest corner of Ventura and Fulton for more than 55 years and not just by the giant marquee outside. Its signature dated décor includes an abundance of Christmas lights, which you may appreciate because it’s a dark room and it’s not uncommon to see people whip out a cellphone flashlight to read the menu. The more traditional dishes are consistently good, the “edgier” dishes like the lobster enchiladas are addicting, and the margaritas are damned near perfect.

Nat’s Early Bite (Sherman Oaks)

Nat’s kicks it pretty old school and its regulars wouldn’t have it any other way. The corned beef hash is pretty popular and rightfully so, served up with Nat’s very own signature recipe. Worth the wait for its great portions, great service, and delicious, humungous menu.

Castle Park (Sherman Oaks)

Castle Park may be one of the most nostalgic, family-friendly places in all of the Valley. It features three different mini-golf courses, an arcade, a laser maze, batting cages, and is centrally located right by the 101–405 interchange. Frankly, there is nothing else like it around. If you want to mini-golf elsewhere, you’d better be ready to hoof it up to Oxnard, down to Anaheim, or out to Torrance.

Pinz (Studio City)

There is absolutely no reason to hassle with the traffic, expensive parking, and congestion to go bowling in Hollywood or downtown when Pinz is open til 1 a.m. Sunday though Thursday and until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. It provides all the fancy feels of “over the hill” with its free, ample parking, glorious cosmic bowling, great music, food, and bar, with only about half the pretension. Just a hop, skip, and jump away lies another valley treasure trove: Carney’s. That’s right — in Studio City you can get a delicious, cheap hot dog without waiting in a ridiculous line (hint, hint, Pink’s patrons).

Aroma Coffee & Tea Company (Studio City)

The Tujunga Village area in Studio City is charming with all its tchotchke shops and restaurants, including the infamous and recently relocated Henry’s Tacos and the new Vitello’s. The most popular spot on the strip is easily Aroma, with garden patios, reading rooms, pastries as big as yer head, and enough charm for the ages.

Republic of Pie (North Hollywood)

Deep in the heart of the NoHo Arts District are several hot spots worth checking out. Theaters (El Portal, Acme), bars (the Federal, Bow & Truss), bottomless brunches (Eclectic), and an indie movie theater (Laemmle NoHo 7) to name some, but a simple pie shop may be the superstar. Home to handmade artisan pies, teas, coffee, and a charming community help-yourself library, you’ll simply have to come back again and again because you won’t be satisfied trying just one slice. For the cold brew coffee fans, it’s on tap. And here’s a hint for tea lovers: decaf blood orange.

Tiki-No (North Hollywood)

There is actually a pretty great selection of Tiki bars in the Valley, so it’s not easy to pick just one out of the crowd. But only at Tiki-No can you order a Suffering Bastard and that counts for something, right? It may be a small bar with a small patio but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with rum drinks that’ll knock you right over.

Sushi (Everywhere)

Wanna try something funny? Google “Studio City, Sushi” or “Sherman Oaks, Sushi” or “Tarzana, Sushi.” You can do this for several valley suburbs and you’ll find yourself with dozens of acceptable choices. The most popular spots like Katsuya, Asanebo, Izaka-Ya, Sushi Iki, and 4 on 6 are natural choices that never disappoint, and if you’re feeling bold, it’s also fun to try a tiny, lesser-known spot like Sushi Don or Tomo Sushi.

Burbank Airport (Burbank)

Don’t even try to tell a Burbank Airport traveler that LAX is better. There’s no contest. Time to get from your car to the entrance? Mere minutes. Time to get through security? At least half of what it takes at LAX. Time to get to your gate? Next to nothing. Flying in and out of Burbank will stave off all those gray hairs for a few years more, guaranteed.

I love living in the San Fernando Valley. It’s a long way from the Valley’s most northwest corner to its furthest southeast pocket, but it’s filled to the brim with things to see and do. Too many to mention them all. The Valley’s appeal is harder to find and hold than the more obvious glitz and glamor of its competitors, but once you “get it,” it’s likely you’ll find yourself a Valley devotee and ardent defender for life. The Valley is a terrific place to live. It is home.