Secluded Staycations: Luxe, Little Known, Los Angeles Birding

One of the most rewarding aspects of birding is finding new and unexpected spots to point your binoculars. Bird enthusiasts in Los Angeles have an abundance of options when it comes to the sheer diversity of bird species and places to observe them in the local region, but the hunt for new places to explore is always part of the fun, and the more unlikely the better.

One surprising alternative to the same heavily trafficked parks and hiking trails is hidden in plain sight—some of the best hotels in the L.A. area feature spectacular birding from the comfort of their grounds and even the privacy of their rooms. In this time when we find ourselves keeping closer to home, these hotels offer opportunities for tranquil birding staycations without risking travel or crowds.

A Quiet Canyon Retreat

The Hotel Bel Air is a birder’s paradise with Old Hollywood pedigree tucked away in the canyons. The Bel Air has an elegant and distinctly Southern California style, updated in 2011 with a more contemporary feel that still nods to its rich history. The best birding at the Bel Air is on the canyon side rooms, which attract a host of avian visitors to their secluded private patios.

If you want to stretch your legs, the grounds of the Bel Air are extensive and designed almost like a botanic garden, with plant species labeled and ample room for observing the wildlife attracted to the lush foliage. One of my favorite garden flowers at the hotel is the pink abutilon that trails along the walking paths on the lake side of the property. The lake itself draws a variety of indigenous waterfowl and is also home to the Bel Air’s beloved swans, whose images appear as a recurring motif throughout the hotel. The Swan Lake Suite (a favorite of Cary Grant and Gene Kelly) boasts a breathtaking view of its namesake.

Greener Pastures on the East Side

The Langham in Pasadena is the East Side’s answer to the Hotel Bel Air, with a more traditional feel to its design. The Cottages at the Langham have patios that open onto the grounds, where the flowering plants attract hummingbirds and other pollinators just outside your door. If you choose instead to stay on the seventh floor of the main building, you’ll be treated to an eye level view of woodpeckers as they flit and peck about the treetops. Strolling the grounds in the early morning or dusk, expect to see (and hear!) geese flying in formation overhead.

If you’re looking to venture beyond the hotel grounds, the Huntington Library and Gardens and Descanso Gardens are both close by and offer more opportunities for safe and distanced outdoor exploring and are each home to more than one hundred species of birds. Both gardens currently require advance ticket reservations to maintain a reduced capacity for safe distancing.

A Breath of Fresh Air on the Beach

Lovers of sea and shorebirds will find their birding utopia at the modern and beachy Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica. The ocean-view rooms claim breathtaking Pacific Ocean vistas from their balconies where you can watch gulls soar through the air, sandpipers scamper across the beach, and pelicans make spectacular dives for fish.

If you keep your eyes on the waves, you may be treated with a view of a pod of dolphins or migrating humpback whales (look for the spouts!). Although the ocean is the main attraction at the Miramar, you can also roam to the readily accessible hiking trails in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, where red-tailed hawks make their home.

In Los Angeles, we’re lucky to have the biodiversity of the natural world so deeply integrated into the city itself, where it’s easy to enjoy the wellness benefits and calming presence of nature alongside the comfort of a polished urban environment. For bird loving Angelenos, adding new species to your life list while recharging in a serene environment is just a reservation away.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah’s work has been recognized by Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Real Simple, HGTV and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a “Ones to Watch” Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).   

How to Rebuild After a Fire: Finding Opportunities for Improved Health and Happiness

It has been a scary and challenging time for many living in California. Earthquakes are the most famous of the natural disasters that afflict California, but this past season’s wildfires and mudslides have taken a startling amount of lives and homes. Many of our dear friends have been forced to evacuate their houses, not knowing when they could return or what they would find when they arrived back.

Losing a home due to a natural disaster, like a wildfire, is extremely stressful and emotionally draining. It’s normal to experience increased anxiety, and many people are finding fulfilling basic needs challenging. While it may feel like there is no possibility of a bright side or a silver lining, recovering is possible. Consider this list of short-term and long-term goals that can help us begin rebuilding a sanctuary and feel happier and stronger with time.

“We don’t even know how strong we are until we are forced to bring that hidden strength forward. In times of tragedy, of war, of necessity, people do amazing things. The human capacity for survival and renewal is awesome.”

— Isabel Allende, feminist journalist, writer and humanitarian

#1: Short Term

We may face seemingly endless, tedious tasks that feel at odds with our surreal circumstances. It may feel like there is nothing to do and so much to do all at once. Give yourself grace and take care of things one at a time as they come up. Release yourself from any self-imposed deadlines and consider planning regular mental health breaks from working to restore order. Focus first on the most critical tasks:

• report the incident to your insurance company

• continue paying your mortgage, and inquire about forbearance options.

• wait until the fire department and the police clear you to return home before you enter

• secure your property from looters

• contact utility companies

• reroute or cancel subscriptions

Emotionally, we will need the support of family, friends, and the community. There are typically community programs to help us in a crisis, so allow yourself to lean on them when you can. Sometimes, people who care about us will say well-intended things, such as, things will get better, or you are so strong, etc. It’s okay if you aren’t yet ready for hope-filled sentiments. If you find yourself so exhausted that most tasks feel overwhelming, focus on small goals, like remembering to eat.

Allow yourself to grieve and make time for self-care. You may find it helpful to talk about what happened, rest, eat well, and practice stress relief through regular exercise, deep breathing, or any other method that works for you.

Most importantly, try to allow yourself to feel joy when you can. Be with your loved ones and relish anything that brings you happiness. As you are sitting with and processing grief, also be open to experiencing happiness when small, good things happen. Visiting public beaches, gardens, or parks will allow you to reconnect with the natural world amidst the present chaos. If your area’s air quality isn’t safe for outdoor excursions or recreational areas are closed due to dangerous conditions, consider traveling to a safer neighborhood.

Here are a few places to consider:

South Bay

Fred Hesse, Jr. Community Park - A favorite spot of locals in Rancho Palos Verdes for the walking path with expansive coastal sunset views. Rabbits, birds, and other wildlife are frequently observed in this park.

Madrona Marsh Preserve and Nature Center - A vernal marsh supporting valuable and threatened species in Torrance, CA. As an urban oasis, Madrona Marsh provides food and rest for migration birds on the Pacific Flyway

White Point Nature Preserve - Self-guided and docent-guided nature walks in San Pedro, a beautiful expansive space with California native plants, a nature club for kids, located just across the street from beach access.

Los Angeles

Descanso Gardens - This garden, nestled in La Canada, allows guests year round, and features renowned botanical collections and peaceful, meandering walking paths.

Getty Center - The Getty Center features an extensive art collection, modern architecture, and manicured gardens all in one location with a breathtaking view of the city.

Huntington Gardens - The Huntington Library features an art collection, restaurant, and large grounds with more than 15 gardens with their own curated botanical collections.

Santa Barbara County

Lotusland - Once a private residence, Lotusland is one of the most unique private gardens in the world, with a huge variety of plant species and beautiful flowers.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden features extensive gardens and guided tours exploring California’s native plants and their uses.

San Francisco

San Francisco Botanical Garden - This large garden is perfect for meditation, tours, classes, and family outings. A collection of plants from around the world are featured here.

Conservatory of Flowers - This garden's motto is, “Connecting people and plants in a place of exceptional beauty.” Tours, exhibits, and a plethora of tropical and aquatic plants provides a beautiful and natural space to recuperate.

Regional Parks Botanic Garden - This park provides a haven for redwood trees and other endangered plants, with winding trails and a backdrop of stunning landscapes. Fans of California scenery will find plenty to admire here.

“I think when tragedy occurs, it presents a choice. You can give in to the void: the emptiness that fills your heart, your lungs, constricts your ability to think or even breathe. Or you can try to find meaning.”

— Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook

#2: Long Term

When you are ready to begin again, take the time to figure out what you value most. Make long-term plans to achieve this while continuing mental and emotional health practices, like spending time with family and close friends, exercising, taking walks, and journaling.

Consider your ideal situation. What would make you feel happy and healthy? What do you value? How do you want to live? What brings you comfort, joy, and peace of mind? What did you always want to improve but didn’t have the time or opportunity to fix?

For those recovering from a total loss, it may be helpful to journal about the spaces and items that were most cherished, most familiar, or most depended on in daily use. This can be a starting point for grieving and the first step in considering which elements we may want to rebuild or replace, as well as other elements that we may be ready to let go.

For those recovering from a partial loss, are there things you wish to keep but are now damaged? Artisans and art conservators can bring some treasured pieces back to life. Restoration can also save furniture damaged by smoke, mold, and water. Restoring a beloved object can be a cathartic step and very meaningful to recovery.

When the time comes to rebuild, consider opportunities to experience more pleasure and beauty in daily life. Incorporating biophilia and healthy materials while creating a serene, personal space are simple ways of working toward improved health and happiness. Planning our homes to prioritize our physical and mental needs can create a life that fully supports us.

Our capacity for growth and emotional recovery is limitless. Knowing that we all need support in a crisis, do not attempt to go it alone. Consider leaning on friends, family, counselors, and community members. Allow yourself time to deeply mourn what has happened, and know that we are grieving with you.

Just as the wild lands of California will grow again from the ashes, so will the people of Los Angeles, Pacific Palisades, Alta Dena, and beyond.

This article was originally published 12/19/18 and updated 01/10/25.

Sarah Barnard is a WELL and LEED accredited designer and creator of environments that support mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing. She creates highly personalized, restorative spaces that are deeply connected to art and the preservation of the environment. A certified California Naturalist, Sarah believes in celebrating nature through responsible design that works symbiotically with the local environment.

An advocate for consciousness, inclusivity, and compassion in the creative process, Sarah has appeared in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, Vogue, HGTV, and many other publications. In 2017 Sarah was recognized as a "Ones to Watch" Scholar by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and has been awarded "Best of Houzz Design" for seven consecutive years. Sarah's MFA in visual arts from Claremont Graduate University informs her practice and innovative approach toward interior design as creating a living work of art.