Ford Amphitheatre

Most denizens of Los Angeles have spent an evening under the stars taking in music across the street at the Hollywood Bowl. The far more intimate John Anson Ford Ampitheatre (capacity: a mere 1,241) is just as opulent, with the stage set into a hillside so it looks like the A-list of performers (Zero 7, Corine Baily Rae, Cat Power) are playing deep in some enchanted forest. No matter where you sit in this traditionally general admission space, it's always less than 100 feet from the stage. Fortunately, just like the Hollywood Bowl, you can bring your own food and drinks. Somehow this fantastic spot is still relatively under the radar. Discover it for yourself.