Though it’s officially defined as “the action or practice of spending time idly observing people in a public place,” people watching has evolved to become something more in today’s modern society. Indeed, the activity has almost taken on a social stigma all on its own, with folks choosing restaurants, bars and other trendy venues based on their fellow customers – and whether or not they will afford interesting “people watching characteristics.”

The phrase shouldn’t be confused with an un-kind act, intention of belittling, or “looking down” on a fellow citizen; to the contrary, it is more the action of observing others and their interactions in order to pick up on idiosyncrasies to try and guess another person’s “story.” Into this mix comes speech, relationship interactions, body language, expressions, clothing and activities, and in L.A. there are plenty of these kinds of opportunities in which to relax and check out new places while taking in the local crowd.

Here are our top suggestions for people watching near Woodland Hills, divided amongst parks/hiking and restaurants, shopping and bars.

Parks and Hiking

Serrania Park is the perfect Los Angeles locale in which to people watch, complete with children’s play area, picnic tables, restrooms, hiking trails and walking paths, and if you’re a dog lover, you’ll find no better canine-friendly spot in the area. The landscape is great, the fenced-off children’s play area is complete with plenty of shaded areas, and hiking the trails at Serrania has often been called “one of the true hidden gems of things to do in the Valley.” Serrania Park is located at 20726 Wells Drive in Woodland Hills.

If you’re looking for a truly unique people watching near Woodland Hills experience, the Top of Topanga Overlook will surely hit the spot. Accessed from Topanga Canyon Drive hovering above the San Fernando Valley, the overlook offers jaw-dropping vistas of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the spacious valley below – to say nothing of the nine-acre site encompassing restrooms, parking, intricate native landscaping, interpretive displays, benches, a drinking fountain and picnic areas. The Top of Topanga Overlook is located at 3400 North Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Woodland Hills.

Restaurants, Shopping and Bars

The Commons at Calabasas  is an outdoor mall that boasts plentiful shops like Kate Spade, Rolex and other high-ends, but also offers incredible people watching opportunities near the ponds, where you can admire the beautiful people, landscapes, and bronze statues while listening to the tunes of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra in the background. When hunger strikes, The Commons offers a plethora of restaurants including Jeni’s Ice Cream Shoppe, and the well-manicured grounds include ample free parking – an oddity in Los Angeles County. The Commons at Calabasas is located at 4735 Commons Way in Calabasas.

Invariably, many of us turn to people watching to pass the time – without even realizing it, perhaps, we decide whether those sharing our space, even temporarily, are smart, interesting, dull, happy or anxious. But there’s no harm in doing so, as long as intentions are harmless, and the aforementioned Woodland Hills spots are guaranteed hot zones for some serious people gazing while eating, shopping or sightseeing the afternoon away.