Parks in and around the San Fernando Valley offer near endless options for outdoor exploration with stunning flowers, cooling waters, unique history and unsurpassed views. Here are a few places to try:

Anthony C. Beilenson Park & Lake Balboa

6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys; 818-756-9743, www.laparks.org/dos/aquatic/balboa.

Formerly known as Balboa Park, the 80-acre Anthony C. Beilenson Park features some of the most beautiful sights around.

A froth of pink highlights the park every spring when the cherry trees are in bloom, and the lake itself offers a cool respite during warm days.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and activities on and around the 27-acre lake include fishing, boating, walking/jogging, a picnic area, picnic pavilion, children’s play area and barbecue pits.

Pedal boats, kayaks and bicycles are available for rent. Note, pets are allowed but must be leashed and cannot go in the lake; the park is subject to closure during rainy weather; the only staff members on site are lifeguards at the lake.

BEST BET >> Grab the kids and get some cardio by renting a pedal boat that will cut through the water at your own pace. Prepare for laughter.

Garden of the Gods

Chatsworth; 310-589-3200, http://bit.ly/1Tc3hFy.

Movie history and outdoor beauty commingle in the 23-acre Garden of the Gods, which is located near the intersection of Santa Susana Pass Road and Topanga Canyon Boulevard.

The park’s moniker references its massive sandstone rock formations, which are visible on hikes through the area.

The region was once a familiar sight as part of the historic Iverson Movie Ranch, which was said to be the most photographed location ranch in movie history, with upwards of 2,000 films and hundreds of television episodes shot here.

Among them: “The Lone Ranger,” “The Grapes of Wrath,” “Bonanza” and “Tarzan, the Ape Man.”

Portions of the old stagecoach route that connected to Simi Valley over the Santa Susana Pass run through the park as well.

BEST BET >> Hike along the easy trail off Red Mesa Drive and take in the city views and rock formations.

Hansen Dam

11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace; 818-899-3779, http://bit.ly/1FC4Bg1.

For an all-around recreational experience, there may be no place better in the San Fernando Valley than Hansen Dam.

It offers a golf course, equestrian center, fishing lake, swimming lake and pool (with changing rooms and showers), boating, kayaking, and numerous other recreational facilities including barbecue pits, soccer and baseball fields (both unlighted) and a children’s play area. It’s open from 7 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily. Discovery Cube Los Angeles is nearby for kiddo science exploration.

BEST BET >> Watch or join in the annual Hansen Dam Triathlon, which is set for Aug. 21.

Los Encinos State Historic Park

16756 Moorpark St., Encino; 818-784-4849, http://bit.ly/1ScrwmB.

Not only does Los Encinos State Historic Park offer a glimpse into the area’s past and the Chumash, Tongvan and Tatavian people who lived there, it also provides ample opportunity for exploration.

Along with the original eight-room De la Ossa adobe that was the centerpiece of Rancho El Encino, the site features a blacksmith shop, two-story limestone building, a pond and natural spring, which provided a year-round source of water for the ancient, autonomous village of Siutcanga.

There are also exhibits and special programs, guided tours and picnic areas. The park is open Wednesday through Sunday.

BEST BET >> Opt for one of the guided tours to learn about the various inhabitants, who included Mission Indians as well as French, Basque and Mexico Californio families.

Mission San Fernando Rey de España

15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills; 818-361-0186, http://bit.ly/1OpnV8l.

The 17th of California’s 21 missions, built in 1797, is notable not only for its historic significance — although that is key — but also for what is nearby.

Comedian Bob Hope is buried in the mission’s Catholic cemetery and a memorial garden honors him; singer Ritchie Valens (real name Ricardo Valenzuela) also was laid to rest here. The “La Bamba” singer was killed at age 17 in a plane crash in 1959.

Others include William Frawley (Fred on “I Love Lucy”) and “The Rifleman’s” Chuck Connors.

At the mission itself, several buildings have been restored, including the church, monastery and some quarters around the quadrangle.

BEST BET >> Stroll around the grounds and the cemetery to soak in the area’s past, both real and celluloid.

Theodore Payne Foundation for Wild Flowers and Native Plants

10459 Tuxford St., Sun Valley; 818-768-1802, theodorepayne.org.

Wander through the grounds here and you’ll see why native plants have become so popular.

A breathtaking array of succulents and so much more are on display, offering a visually stunning garden showcase.

The nonprofit retail nursery is open year round; more than 900 unique species and cultivars are presented annually.

Its Poppy Day and spring plant sale are held each April. The foundation was established in 1960 and is dedicated to the “understanding, preservation and use of California native flora.”

It’s named for Theodore Payne, a pioneering Los Angeles nurseryman, horticulturist and conservationist widely considered to be the father of the native plant movement in California.

BEST BET >> Strike up a conversation with one of the staff or volunteer experts for ideas to use around your own garden.

Topanga State Park

Los Angeles; 310-455-2465, http://bit.ly/1qNBp1c.

Hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders can check out the 36 miles of trails that crisscross this park and run through open grassland, live oaks and offer spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.

Located in the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, the park is bordered on the south by Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, on the west by Topanga Canyon and on the east by Rustic Canyon.

A number of geologic formations can be found here, including earthquake faults, marine fossils, volcanic intrusions and a wide variety of sedimentary formations.

The park is entirely within the city of Los Angeles, and it is considered the world’s largest wildlands within a major city. Note, dogs are not allowed on the park trails, fire roads or in the back country.

BEST BET >> Start your visit in the park at Trippet Ranch, once a “gentleman’s ranch” for weekend getaways from the city.

Residents of the San Fernando Valley and the greater Los Angeles area have access to a variety of parks and recreation centers.

CITY OF LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS

Check website for details and more parks: www.laparks.org.

Griffith Park: More than 4,200 acres make up the nation’s largest municipal park and urban wilderness area. Hours: 5 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. Bridle trails, hiking paths and mountain roads close at sunset. 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, 323-644-2050.

Hansen Dam Recreation and Aquatic Center: Boating, fishing, jogging, swimming, picnicking. Recreation center hours: 7:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Aquatic center hours: call or check website. Recreation center, 11770 Foothill Blvd., 818-899-6016. Aquatic center, 11798 Foothill Blvd., 818-899-3779, Lake View Terrace.

Lake Balboa/Anthony C. Beilenson Park: Fishing, playground and more. Sunrise-sunset daily. 6300 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys, 818-756-9743.

O’Melveny Park: Hiking trails, jogging path, picnic tables. Sunrise-sunset daily. 17300 Sesnon Blvd., Granada Hills, 818-363-3556.

Sherman Oaks Castle Park: Batting cages, miniature golf. Hours: 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday; 9 a.m.-midnight Saturday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Sunday. Check website for other hours during schools’ spring, summer and winter breaks. 4989 Sepulveda Blvd., Sherman Oaks, 818-756-9459.

Stoney Point Park: Bridle paths, hiking trails, rock climbing. Sunrise-sunset daily. Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Chatsworth Street and the 118 Freeway, Chatsworth, 818-756-8060.

Woodley Park: Archery range, cricket fields, Apollo 3 Flight Field (818-609-7633), picnic tables, wildlife area. Sunrise-sunset daily. Heavy rain closes the park. 6350 Woodley Ave., Van Nuys, 818-756-8060.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY PARKS

Check website for details and more county parks: www.parks.lacounty.gov

Crescenta Valley Community Regional Park: Walking trail. Hours: 9 a.m.-sunset daily. 3901 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta, 818-249-5940.

El Cariso Community Regional Park: Fitness zone, horseshoe pits, pool, running track, tennis courts. Sunrise-sunset daily. 13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar, 818-367-5043.

Placerita Canyon Nature Center: Hiking trails are open sunrise-sunset daily. Center hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday (closed on major holidays). 19152 Placerita Canyon Road, Newhall, 661-259-7721.

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park: Scenic area with an interpretive center. Sunrise-sunset daily. 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce, 661-268-0840.

Veterans Memorial Community Regional Park: Disk golf course. Sunrise-sunset daily. 13000 Sayre St., Sylmar, 818-833-7550.

SANTA MONICA MOUNTAINS NATIONAL RECREATION AREA

The National Park Service partners with local, private owners and the state to manage the recreation area. Sites to visit include beaches, canyons, historic houses, cultural and nature centers, former movie ranches and open space preserves. www.nps.gov/samo

Anthony C. Beilenson Interagency Visitor Center at King Gillette Ranch: Variety of programs and information on the Santa Monica Mountains. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily except holidays. 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas, 805-370-2301.

Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center: Variety of cultural, history and nature programs. Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Entrance is at Lynn Road and Via Goleta, Newbury Park, 805-370-2301.

DOG PARKS

Calabasas Bark Park: Check website for rules. Hours: 5 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. 4232 Las Virgenes Road, 818-224-1600, www.cityofcalabasas.com.

Crescenta Valley Community Regional Dog Park: Hours: 9 a.m.-sunset. Located in the northwest part of the park, 3901 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta, 818-249-5940, www.parks.lacounty.gov.

Griffith Park Dog Park: Separate, fenced area for small or timid dogs. Hours: 5 a.m.-10:30 p.m. daily. Closed for maintenance, 6-10 a.m. Tuesdays. Located at north end of the soccer fields on North Zoo Drive, 323-913-4688, www.laparks.org.

Laurel Canyon Dog Park: Gated area for small or timid dogs; enclosed children’s playground. Sunrise-sunset daily. Closed for maintenance, 6-11 a.m. Fridays. 8260 Mulholland Drive, Studio City, 818-769-4415, www.laparks.org.

Sepulveda Basin Dog Park: Gated area for small dogs. Sunrise to sunset daily. Closed for maintenance, 6-11 a.m. Fridays. 17550 Victory Blvd., Encino, 818-756-7667, www.laparks.org.

Whitnall Dog Park: Adjacent parks for big and small dogs. Sunrise-sunset daily. Closed for maintenance, 6-10 a.m. Tuesdays. 5801 1/2 Whitnall Highway, North Hollywood, 818-756-8190, www.laparks.org.

YEAR-ROUND POOLS

Hubert H. Humphrey Recreation Center: 12560 Filmore St., Pacoima, 818-896-0067, www.laparks.org.

San Fernando Regional Pool: 208 Park Ave., San Fernando, 818-256-2033, www.parks.lacounty.gov.

Van Nuys Sherman Oaks Recreation Center: 14201 Huston St., Van Nuys, 818-783-6721, www.laparks.org.

SKATE PARKS

Andres and Maria Cardenas Skate Park: 14740 Blythe St., Panorama City, 818-781-3952, www.laparks.org.Hansen Dam Skate Park: 11770 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, 818-899-6016, www.laparks.org.

Lanark Skate Plaza at Lanark Recreation Center: 21816 Lanark St., Canoga Park, 818-883-1503, www.laparks.org.

North Hollywood Skate Park: 11430 Chandler Blvd., 818-763-7651, www.laparks.org.

Pedlow Skate Park: Check website for fees, hours and rules. 17334 Victory Blvd., Encin, 818-654-5296, www.laparks.org.

Paul Rodriguez Skate Park: 10731 Laurel Canyon Blvd., Pacoima, 818-834-5172, www.laparks.org.

Sunland Skate Park: Closed for renovation. 8651 Foothill Blvd., 818-352-5282, www.laparks.org.

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This article is part of the Los Angeles Daily News’ coverage for the annual Good Life Magazine, which celebrates the things that make the San Fernando Valley a fun and unique place to live. Look for Good Life 2017 in the Friday, May 26 edition of the Daily News.