& BEYOND

There is rich terrain to explore beyond the borders of your own neighborhood, no matter where you’ve drawn that metaphoric line. To the south lies San Diego with its distinctive entertainment and cultural mix. Head east and eventually urban sprawl melts into a desertscape that is as breathtaking as it is unforgiving. North has its own set of treasures in Ojai’s artists’ enclave and Santa Barbara’s historic district and tempting beaches, accessorized with barbecue pits on the sand--a trend worth spreading.

All of which is to say, when you’ve tired of your own environs and the local beach has lost its early-season allure, look beyond ... where the options are virtually unlimited.

A change of pace is only a short drive away. The challenge comes in choosing a direction.

In the grab bag of possibilities, take 10 of your closest friends out for an ostrich egg brunch. Don’t have 10 friends? Try the emu omelet for five. Watch the up-and-coming sluggers and string players at their summer jobs. Or leave your worries behind at Sycamore Springs, where stress evaporates in hot tubs of bubbling mineral water. For stargazing, don’t think Beverly Hills or Hollywood. There’s a solar eclipse this summer, and the best viewing is definitely out of town.

Tired of driving? Hop a train instead. The trip to San Diego is as relaxing as the destination. Or if you like your trips with more edge, there’s Burning Man, or the shaking ladies of the Miss Exotic World competition.