Ancients knew the power of a meandering labyrinth (different from a maze, which has dead ends). The compressed journey to the center and back out again mimics a spiritual quest to a shrine or mountaintop. Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens, L.A.'s best labyrinth, tucked off Adams Boulevard in densely urban Jefferson Park, is maintained by the Church of the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness and Peace Theological Seminary & College of Philosophy. Beyond the looping path of the travertine outdoor labyrinth, you'll find a tiered garden with ponds and shady alcoves — a perfect place for more than 150 visitors each month to get in touch with their inner spirit. The Beaux-Arts mansion and gardens were completed in 1913 by Italian wine baron Secundo Guasti. The house changed hands multiple times — famed director-choreographer Busby Berkeley added some flair in the 1930s, and a hippie commune occupied it for a few swingin' years in the 1970s. —Wendy Gilmartin

3500 W. Adams Blvd., Jefferson Park, 90018. (323) 737-4055, peacelabyrinth.org.

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