Set among nine acres of grass and sandy beach, Hansen Dam Aquatic Center is L.A.'s largest public pool, but it looks like a resort you'd see in Palm Springs, complete with cabana rentals and two impressive water slides. The modern, 1.5-acre walk-in pool overlooks the vast Hansen Dam Recreation Area and has an impressive view of the San Gabriel Mountain foothills, which makes it seem more like a vacation destination than just a day at the community pool. Over the last few years, Hansen Dam has become popular with large picnic groups, and the line to get in can take 40 minutes or more. It's best to arrive at least an hour after opening. The facility bans glass, knives, charcoal or improper swimwear, so it pays to read the rules before heading out. A swimsuit vendor and food truck are on-site and admission is $1 to $3.50. —Suzy Beal

11798 Foothill Blvd., Lake View Terrace, 91342. (818) 899-3779. laparks.org/dos/aquatic /facility/hansendamAQ.htm.

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