On a stretch of land adjacent to the Greek Theatre, trees loom, coyotes sniff, rattlesnakes roam — and the Vermont Canyon tennis courts rumble with activity. The spectacular sporting facility is patched into the wilderness of Griffith Park. Here you can escape the growls of traffic and rush of the freeway. Tuck your racket under your arm and warm up with a hike on the nearby trails. You'll want to snag the upper-level courts to admire the picturesque views and witness an extra thrill when your tennis ball flies past your opponent. Classes are available for both novice and advanced players. Expect an $8 fee after 5 p.m. and on weekends for an hour of playtime, but consider it a small price to pay for the opportunity to break away from urban confinement. 2715 Vermont Canyon, Los Feliz. (323) 664-3521, laparks.org.

—Sophia Kercher