BY EVAN HENERSON >LA.COM

PHOTOS BY ANDY HOLZMAN>LA.COM

Hippies, naturalists, artists and Bohemians of all sorts are drawn to this rustic canyon community in the Santa Monica Mountains. Nestled picturesquely between the San Fernando Valley and Santa Monica, Topanga offers countless delights.

Brimming with artists, Topanga is also the home of a pair of theater companies specializing in the works of William Shakespeare.

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1418 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
(310) 455-3723 www.theatricum.com

Operating during the summer months, the 35-year-old repertory festival founded by blacklisted actor Will Geer takes place in a rustic outdoor amphitheater that is also home to family concerts.

Los Angeles Shakespeare Company
1909 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
(310) 455-9400 www.shakespeare-usa.com

New to the Canyon, this company plans to stage all of Shakespeare's plays in the span of five years. Currently playing: "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

>food

From neighborhood hangouts to eclectic fare, the Canyon offers an assortment of chow-down choices.

Pat's Topanga Grill
1861 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
(310) 455-0533

Their breakfasts are cheap and bountiful and the surfboard and local art decor make this eatery a favorite with locals.

Abuelita's
137 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
(310) 455-8788
www.abuelitastopanga.com

Creekside and indoor dining are both available. The authentic Mexican food and killer margaritas are a potent combination.

Inn of the Seventh Ray
128 Old Topanga Canyon Road
(310) 455-1311
www.innoftheseventhray.com

Upscale organic and locally grown fare is served in a beautiful outdoor setting, with a good selection of vegetarian and raw food offerings.

 >recreation

Hikers, bikers, walkers and horse-ers co-exist side by side along the parks and trails - and even braving busy Topanga Canyon en route to and from the beach.

Topanga State Park
(310) 455-2465
www.parks.ca.gov

With 36 miles of trails, grassland and pristine Pacific Ocean views, the world's largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city will keep outdoorsmen of all abilities on the move.

>shop

The Man Store
120 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 110
(310) 455-8618
www.themanstoretopanga.com

Just like it sounds: gifts, clothes, games, etc. with the man in mind, but they do allow women in to shop.

Topanga Homegrown
120 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
(310) 455-8781
www.topangahomegrown.com.

Gifts, clothing, candles ... you'll find an eclectic mixture with low prices.