Jo-Ann Moss [email protected] www.vibrantcruises.com 503-656-5005

LOS ANGELES, CA

OVERVIEW

Introduction

The nation's second most-populous city (after New York), Los Angeles is a great place to do business or take a vacation. Its marvelous restaurants, Hollywood history, terrific nightlife, expansive green spaces, bustling beaches, diverse ethnic populations, eclectic cultural offerings, amusement parks and easygoing casual vibe converge in a vast Southern California landscape flooded with sunshine, filled with traffic and lined with palm trees.

Still the entertainment capital of the world, television shows and movies are filmed on the city's streets every day and star sightings are commonplace. Beyond the La La Land glamour, there are dozens of museums, sports facilities, shops for every budget, food trucks, world-class concerts, tranquil gardens and parks, ample venues for staying active and myriad experiences waiting to be discovered in the patchwork quilt of communities that make up greater LA.

Visitors should see Los Angeles at least once, though a single visit will hardly be enough to appreciate such a large area jam-packed with attractions and unique characters.

Sights—Back lots and soundstage tours at Warner Bros., Sony Pictures and Universal Studios; the mansions of Beverly Hills and Bel Air; people-watching on Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade and the Hollywood and Highland complex; luxury shops on Rodeo Drive and Robertson Boulevard; Griffith Park and the observatory; the Hollywood Sign; the gardens and art collection at the Huntington Library.

Museums—Paintings, sculpture, photography and architecture at the Getty Center or antiquities at the Getty Villa; Asian, European and American art at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art; modern art and contemporary exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art (including the Geffen Contemporary); contemporary art at The Broad museum; the Degas ballet sculptures at the Norton Simon Museum; exhibits on the art, history and culture of the American West at the Autry; famous and historic cars at the Petersen Automotive Museum; television and radio archives at The Paley Center for Media.

Memorable Meals—French-Californian cuisine at Patina before a performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall; Smorgasburg on Sunday; modern Italian at Osteria Mozza or Bestia; food truck fare; wine and power lunches on the A.O.C. patio; pastries and brunch at Republique; a burger from Father's Office; tableside smoked short ribs at David Chang's Majordomo; the tasting menu at Wolfgang Puck's flagship Spago; mix-and-match meals at one of the many food halls including downtown's Grand Central Market.

Late Night—Comedy and rock clubs on the Sunset Strip; live Cuban music and salsa dancing at El Floridita; drinks by the pool at the Roosevelt Hotel's Tropicana Bar; cocktails at rooftop bars around town including The Standard downtown and Spire 73; karaoke in Koreatown; riding the world's only solar- powered Ferris wheel at Pacific Park.

Walks—Los Angeles Conservancy walking tours of downtown; hiking in Runyon Canyon Park, Franklin Canyon Park or up to the old zoo in Griffith Park; a stroll through Descanso Gardens or around the Lake Hollywood Reservoir; meandering along the Venice Beach boardwalk and the South Bay Strand; watching surfers and wildlife along the sandy shores of Zuma Beach, El Matador or Surfrider; seeing the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the foot- and handprints in the TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt.

Especially for Kids—Disneyland; Six Flags Magic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor (for older kids); rides at Universal Studios and shopping in neighboring Universal CityWalk; the reptile house LAIR at the Los Angeles Zoo; seasonal exhibits at the Natural History Museum; the Space Shuttle Endeavour at the California Science Center; the all-glass Skyslide at OUE Skyspace; historic carousels at the Santa Monica Pier and Griffith Park; shark petting at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

Situated in a basin, the Greater Los Angeles area is framed by the Pacific Ocean (west and south) and mountains (north and east). It owes its somewhat Mediterranean climate to the desert valleys that spread out across Southern California and end at the coast. Los Angeles is made up of scores of independent communities and more than 80 different neighborhoods, whose often-indistinct boundaries are determined more by culture than geography. An extensive freeway system (some of which dates from the 1940s) connects the disparate parts of the city, covering more than 4,700 sq mi/12,000 sq km.

Downtown Los Angeles encompasses a cluster of skyscrapers about 15 mi/24 km from the ocean. It is home to the convention center, Staples Center, Santee Alley and the LA Fashion District, the jewelry district, the Arts District, Union Station, Broadway's restored Golden Age movie palaces, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, the Music Center, the Disney Concert Hall, the L.A. Live entertainment complex and some major museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and The Broad. A couple of miles/kilometers from downtown visitors will find the USC campus, Exposition Park and the Coliseum. South and immediately east of downtown are more economically depressed areas: South Central and, across the cement-lined Los Angeles River, East LA.

Radiating out from downtown, you go through the hipster haunts of Los Feliz, Echo Park and Silverlake to the east. Heading north and west, you'll find Hollywood (with its famous sign and literally star-studded streets), West Hollywood (the center of LA's vibrant LGBTQ community), affluent Beverly Hills and Brentwood (with mansions, manicured lawns and infamous murder sites), the quickly gentrifying Baldwin Hills and Culver City, mid-city, Westwood (home to the UCLA campus) and the beach towns of Santa Monica, Malibu, Marina Del Rey, Playa Del Rey and Venice (LA has 75 mi/120 km of coastline).

South of Venice Beach and a bit inland is Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Inglewood and the future home for LA's two NFL teams. The 298-acre Los Angeles District Stadium and Entertainment at Hollywood Park is scheduled to open in 2020 and host the Super Bowl in 2022.) .

The San Fernando Valley—known simply as The Valley by locals—lies beneath a ridge of hills to the north and extends west from Burbank to Calabasas. Roughly one-third of LA's residents live there. Northeast of downtown, the San Gabriel Valley (with its inexpensive but delicious Chinese restaurants) extends east from Pasadena to Arcadia and beyond.

Long before the rise of this sprawling metropolis, the Los Angeles basin was populated by peaceful Native Americans, attracted to the region by the natural springs that arose in the area because of seismic activity.

In 1781, a group of 44 Mexican settlers established the first non-native settlement of what was to become the most diverse city in the world. Among them were Spaniards, Africans, mestizos and Native Americans. They gave their dusty small town a very large name—El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles sobre el Rio Porciuncula (the Town of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels on the Porciuncula River).

The city came under the control of Mexico in 1821 and was transferred to the U.S. in 1848 with the rest of alta California when the Mexican-American War ended.

By the mid-1880s, a rail line connected Los Angeles to the East Coast. The railroad brought growth and boosted Southern California's agricultural production by introducing seedless navel oranges to the area. With help from an aggressive chamber of commerce, the idea of California as the last frontier and land of opportunity sparked a massive westward movement, and the population of Los Angeles jumped dramatically. In 1880, 11,000 people lived in the city. By the turn of the century, that figure grew to 100,000. Today, 4 million people live in Los Angeles proper and 6.2 million live within the county's 80 borders and 88 incorporated cities.

Among those who relocated to the "other" coast were moviemakers drawn by year-round sunshine and the desire to escape Thomas Edison who held most of the country's film patents. Over the decades, the city has also attracted everyone from dust-bowl migrants to business executives to waves of immigrants from China and Southeast Asia, Mexico and Central America, Europe and the Middle East. The city houses the largest Thai population outside of Asia (and the world's first Thai Town), the largest population of Pacific Islanders in the nation and the world's third-largest Hispanic population.

People from more than 140 countries—speaking 224 different languages and dialects—call Los Angeles home. Together they have forged a city that's the world's multimedia nerve center, an expanding tech bastion known as Silicon Beach, an international aerospace hub, the center of entertainment production, the capital of the Pacific Rim and a multicultural magnet.

Location

The Port of Los Angeles is in San Pedro, about 25 mi/40 km from downtown Los Angeles and 20 mi/32 km from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Occupying 43 mi/69 km of waterfront, it's at the southern end of the 110 (Harbor) Freeway. http://www.portoflosangeles.org.

The busiest seaport in the Western Hemisphere and the eighth busiest in the world, the Port of LA does more than US$284 billion in international trade. The port area is industrial (you'll see plenty of huge container ships and loading cranes), but pleasant thanks to recent additions of waterfront parks, plazas, art installations and bike lanes as well as street, traffic signal and sidewalk improvements.

Cruise ships dock at the busiest cruise complex on the U.S. West Coast: World Cruise Center. The Cruise Center is located at Berths 91, 92 and 93A/B. The two passenger terminals and two berths can accommodate four ships simultaneously.

The Cruise Center staffs an information booth daily 9 am-3:30 pm at Berth 93. It has plenty of brochures about local attractions. Visitors can obtain discount cards for various local attractions, restaurants and shops.

There is daily Amtrak bus service available from the San Pedro Thruway Bus Stop (at the Catalina Terminal located at Berth 95). There's also a free shuttle bus from the Cruise Center. This station has no staff, and there are no ticket or baggage services. The Amtrak bus will take you to Union Station downtown, which connects you to nationwide train service as well as the Metropolitan Transit Authority's (MTA's) subway lines.

Taxis, rideshare services and limousines are usually readily available. You'll also find direct-line phones to hotels and rental car companies (they'll pick you up and take you to the agency office). Shuttles take passengers to and from 24-hour secured parking lots (expect to pay US$18 a day or US$2 per hour for the first 10 hours). Phone Parking Concepts at 310-547-4357 or toll-free 800-540-7275.

There are two rental car companies operating near the World Cruise Center. They both offer free pickup and drop-offs to the terminal.

If you have extra time before or after your cruise, you could explore some of the sights in the port area, including the public promenades along the waterfront between the Cruise Center and San Pedro. Metro Bike Share stations are located throughout the vicinity, and free vintage trolleys run from the Cruise Center parking lot to downtown San Pedro, making multiple stops along the waterfront, including the Los Angeles Maritime Museum and Cabrillo Beach. The trolley operates in a continuous loop every 25 minutes Saturday and Sunday noon-6 pm.

Catalina Sea and Air Terminal, which provides daily ferry service and helicopter rides to Catalina Island, is located at Berth 92 and features two restaurants. http://www.catalinaexpress.com.

Popular excursions may include tours of Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood or Venice and Santa Monica. You can also spend a day on your own at Disneyland in nearby Anaheim or Universal Studios, shopping on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, lunch at the Farmers Market and the Grove, the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, Olvera Street, exploring the beaches, helicopter tours, whale-watching tours (in season) and sightseeing buses. Check with your travel agent for additional information.

Potpourri

Los Angeles has the shortest abbreviation (LA) for the longest name of any city in the world. When the city was founded, the full name was El Pueblo de Nuestra Senora la Reina de Los Angeles sobre el Rio Porciuncula.

LA's La Brea tar pits have yielded 100 tons of Ice Age bones representing more than 400 species of animals. The first LA homicide victim might have been the 9,000-year-old La Brea Woman, found in the tar pits in 1914 with a fractured skull. In 2006, a pit containing the remains of giant sloths and a mammoth named Zed was discovered.

The Angels Flight in downtown—a funicular that has transported folks from Hill Street to Grand Avenue on Bunker Hill since 1901—is the world's shortest incorporated railway.

More than 1,500 painted murals decorate walls throughout Los Angeles, making it one of the world's mural capitals.

LA is the only city in North America to have hosted the Summer Olympics twice. It will welcome them for a third time in 2028.

The first Academy Awards ceremony was a private dinner held at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood on 16 May 1929. The 270 people in attendance each paid US$5 per ticket to attend the event where Wings became the only silent film ever to win Best Picture.

The iconic Hollywood sign was originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for the real estate development Hollywoodland. It was designed to last only 18 months, but was left up for years. It fell into disrepair in the '60s and '70s and was often vandalized. In 1973 alone, the third O fell down the mountain, an arsonist set fire to the bottom of the second L and pranksters altered the landmark to read "Hollyweed" to advocate legalizing marijuana. It was restored in 1978 by private donors, including Hugh Hefner of Playboy fame, Gene Autry, Alice Cooper and Andy Williams.

In the 1920s, Los Angeles produced one quarter of the world's oil. The city still sits on top of the third largest oil fields in the U.S. You can see pump jacks dotting the LA basin—some are hidden by tall decorated towers, like the one painted with flowers on the way to Century City from Beverly Hills on Olympic Boulevard.

The Moscow Mule was invented at the Cock 'n Bull restaurant in the late 1930s when the ginger beer-making owner Jack Morgan teamed up with a Smirnoff vodka executive named John G. Martin.

Two restaurants, Cole's and Philippe's, both of which are still operating, claim to be the birthplace of the French Dip sandwich.

LA installed the world's first parking meter in 1942.

Dying to find a unique souvenir? Drop by the LA County coroner's office where themed hats, housewares, magnets and more are sold in the gift shop, Skeletons in the Closet.

If it were a country, Los Angeles County would be the 20th largest economy in the world.

SEE & DO

Sightseeing

Los Angeles is a city of visual delights. It has more museums than any other U.S. city. It's worth a trip there just to tour the museums built around the impressive collection of controversial business tycoon J. Paul Getty.

In the middle of the city in the Miracle Mile neighborhood, Museum Row (Wilshire Boulevard) is home to many renowned museums. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (the Oscars Museum) is scheduled to open next door to LACMA in 2020. There are also a handful of more niche and offbeat museums worth looking into all across town.

Downtown, a stroll through Olvera Street, the birthplace of LA, is essential, as is the ascent of Bunker Hill, once the city's most fashionable place to live. The grand Rafael Moneo-designed cathedral, Our Lady of the Angels, is worth a stop if you're in the area.

Of course, the traditional LA icons are still in place. The starstruck will want to cruise the revitalized Hollywood Boulevard (in Hollywood), and a drive down the Sunset Strip is a visual adventure filled with giant billboards, strip clubs, boutique shops and storied hotels.

Some tourists like to visit the stars of yesterday in lush cemeteries such as Forest Lawn, Westwood and Hollywood Forever.

A must for first-time visitors is Universal City, home of Universal Studios, and the adjacent Universal CityWalk north of downtown. You could easily spend a day there.

While you're checking off highlights, take time to savor experiences that don't always make the guidebooks: breathtaking views from a downtown high-rise, rooftop bar or a beachside cafe, street art and murals that tell the story of the city's people, the architecture that reflects dozens of design styles and eras, and interacting with the residents themselves—as friendly, diverse and cosmopolitan a crowd as you're likely to find anywhere.

Historic Sites

Griffith Observatory 2800 E. Observatory Road One of the city's most recognizable landmarks, this stylish art-deco observatory, opened in 1935, sits 1,134 ft/346 m above sea level on Los Angeles, California 90027 Mount Hollywood and was immortalized in the movie Rebel Without a Phone: 213-473-0800 Cause. Catching the planetarium shows has been a rite of passage for http://griffithobservatory.org Angelenos for decades. The observatory features exhibits, lectures and powerful telescopes. Tuesday-Friday noon-10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-10 pm. Observatory admission free, planetarium US$7 adults. 2800 E. Observatory Road (in Griffith Park), Los Angeles. Phone 213-473-0800. http://griffithobservatory.org.

Hollywood Sign Los Angeles, California 90048 Arguably the most famous sign in the world, the Hollywood sign has become more than merely a Los Angeles icon. Perched on top of Mount Lee, the tallest peak in the city of Los Angeles, the sign is a http://www.hollywoodsign.org symbol of glitz, glamour, showbiz and dreamers. Once lit by 3,700 light bulbs, its original purpose was far less glamorous, however, as it was initially erected as "Hollywoodland" in 1923 as a means of advertising a real-estate development in Beachwood Canyon. From the 1940s to the 1970s, time was not kind to the sign (built to last only 18 months). Because of public outcry, the city restored the sign in 1947, shortening it to Hollywood, and again in 1973 when it was designated as a Historic Cultural Monument. In 1978, after a storm made it clear how structurally unsound it was, Hugh Hefner led the fundraising charge and it was rebuilt.

Today, you can best view the sign by heading north on Gower Boulevard (which runs perpendicular to Sunset and Hollywood boulevards) to Beachwood Canyon Drive. To get even closer, you'll have to hoof it. Three trails of varying difficulty are available including Canyon Drive Trail, which features a side stop at the Bat Cave from the '60s Adam West Batman TV series, and Cahuenga Peak Hike, which deposits you behind the sign. The closest you can get is within 300 ft/95 m of the sign (any closer and you will be trespassing), but it is still a great backdrop for some very LA photos. The sign can also be seen at a distance from Griffith Observatory and park, the Hollywood and Highland complex and the Hollywood Reservoir. http://www.hollywoodsign.org.

Olvera Street 845 N. Alameda St. Dating from 1781, Olvera Street is the birthplace of Los Angeles. Fifty- minute walking tours, offered Tuesday-Saturday, take visitors through Los Angeles, California 90012 the downtown historic district of El Pueblo de Los Angeles, which was Phone: 213-628-1274 once the center of the town. There are 27 historic buildings including the http://www.olvera-street.com Avila Adobe and the city's first church and firehouse, a traditional plaza and a Mexican marketplace. Purchase crafts, eat taquitos, watch traditional dancers and enjoy mariachi music. Bounded by Alameda, Arcadia, Spring and Cesar Chavez streets, Olvera Street is across from Union Station. The El Pueblo Visitors Center offers a free film, Pueblo of Promise, about the history and the development of Los Angeles. Daily 10 am-8 pm. Admission free. 845 N. Alameda St. (downtown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-628-1274. http://www.olvera-street.com.

TCL Chinese Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame 6925 Hollywood Blvd. The hand- and footprints of movie stars imprinted in the cement in the forecourt of TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly known as Grauman's Los Angeles, California 90028 Chinese Theatre) are the most famous in the world. Part of the Walk of Phone: 323-465-4847 Fame is on the sidewalk in front of the theater. It extends for more than http://www.tclchinesetheatres.com; 2 mi/3 km along Hollywood Boulevard and side streets and is made up http://www.walkoffame.com of more than 2,600 brass and terrazzo star plaques honoring entertainers in five categories. The ornate theater, opened in 1927, shows first-run movies daily. The outdoor courtyard is open 24 hours a day. There is an information center on the first level where you can get maps, info and a two-hour parking validation. A 30-minute theater tour is offered daily. 6925 Hollywood Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-465-4847. http://www.tclchinesetheatres.com; http://www.walkoffame.com.

Union Station 800 N. Alameda St. The last of America's great rail stations to be built, this grand mix of art-deco, Moorish and California mission architectural styles is an LA landmark. The station hosts Amtrak trains, Metrolink trains and the Los Angeles, California 90012 Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) subway. Take the Blue Line south to downtown Long Beach, the https://www.unionstationla.com Red Line through Hollywood to North Hollywood and the San Fernando Valley, the Purple Line to Koreatown, the Expo Line (turquoise) to Culver City or the Gold Line northeast to Pasadena. FlyAway buses link the station to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Refurbished to its 1930s splendor, the enormous lobby is home to a gift shop, newsstand and several grab-and-go restaurants. Traxx, a sit-down fine dining option, serves new American dishes and craft cocktails in a setting that celebrates the heyday of train travel. Concerts, DJ sets, holiday markets, film screenings, dance performances and other special events are held sporadically. Parking US$8-$16 per day. 800 N. Alameda St. (downtown), Los Angeles. Toll-free 800-872-7245. https://www.unionstationla.com.

Watts Towers 1727-1765 E. 107th St. These 17 sculptural towers, located about 10 mi/16 km from downtown, are made of steel and covered with colorful bits of glass, pottery and Los Angeles, California 90002 shells. Built without machinery, scaffolding, bolts or rivets by Italian Phone: 213-847-8343 immigrant Simon Rodia over a 34-year period, these structures remain http://www.wattstowers.us an extraordinary testament to what a single man with a vision can create. Note that the towers are always undergoing refurbishing, so it's possible one might be covered in scaffolding during your visit. Tour guides are available Thursday-Sunday until 3 pm. The Watts Tower Art Center houses folk-art exhibits. Wednesday-Saturday 10 am-4 pm, Sunday noon-4 pm. US$7 adults. 1727-1765 E. 107th St. (in the Watts neighborhood, south of downtown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-847-8343. http://www.wattstowers.us.

Annenberg Space for Photography 2000 Avenue of the Stars, No. 200 Located at the former site of the Shubert Theatre in the shadows of Century City skyscrapers, this exhibition space hosts a handful of Los Angeles, California 90067 themed print and digital photography installations. This tiny museum is Phone: 213-403-3000 worth a special visit only when what's on display interests you, if https://www.annenbergphotospace.org photography is a personal hobby or if you want to attend a workshop or master class. There's also a well-curated gift shop. Wednesday-Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Free. 2000 Avenue of the Stars, No. 200, Los Angeles. Phone 213-403-3000. https://www.annenbergphotospace.org.

Autry Museum of the American West 4700 Western Heritage Way The Autry Museum of the American West is devoted to the preservation, acquisition and study of fine art, books, manuscripts and artifacts that Los Angeles, California 90027 document the history, ecology, weapons (there's an ongoing exhibit on Phone: 323-667-2000 the Colt revolver and its impact on the frontier) and culture of the http://theautry.org American West since the 1600s. The sprawling buildings, with red-tiled roofs, center on a dramatic inner courtyard, and a life-size bronze sculpture of benefactor Gene Autry—Back in the Saddle Again—greets visitors. Westerns are screened in the theater and seasonally on the lawn, and there's a special children's gallery. Tuesday-Friday 10 am-4 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5 pm. US$14 adults. 4700 Western Heritage Way (across from the Los Angeles Zoo), Los Angeles. Phone 323-667-2000. http://theautry.org.

Barnsdall Art Park and Hollyhock House 4800 Hollywood Blvd. The Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Hollyhock House (the first building in Los Angeles designed by Wright) was constructed atop Olive Hill Los Angeles, California 90027 between 1919 and 1921 as the private residence of oil heiress Aline Phone: 323-913-4031 Barnsdall. (Hollyhocks were her favorite flower.) The Los Feliz estate http://barnsdall.org/hollyhock-house was donated to the city and has since been preserved and opened as a museum within the Barnsdall Art Park. The modernist house reflects the attitude and style of California at that time, with large glass doors, porches and rooftop terraces. Many of Wright's other projects in other cities are better preserved and stocked with more original pieces, but design diehards will think it is a worthwhile stop. The city added a gallery and theater and holds free workshops at the compound on Sunday. During the summer, wine tastings and picnics are held there. House Thursday-Sunday 11 am-3 pm. Park 5 am-10 pm. US$7 adults. 4800 Hollywood Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-913-4031. http://barnsdall.org/hollyhock-house.

California Science Center 700 State Drive The 112-ft-/34-m-high glass atrium in the Science Court is the focal point of the museum through which visitors can enter and explore the Los Angeles, California 90037 permanent and special exhibition areas. The interactive Ecosystems Phone: 323-724-3623, galleries take visitors to eight different ecological environments from http://www.californiasciencecenter.org forest wonders to the icy poles. Visitors can watch chicks hatch, learn about organs with the help of a 50-ft/16-m body simulator, test their building skills or see the Endeavour space shuttle. The Air and Space Gallery houses special exhibits about space exploration and the history of air travel. With a movie screen towering seven stories high, the IMAX Theater shows 2-D and 3-D themed films. Weekday afternoons are usually the best time to visit, as mornings are often crowded with children on field trips. Daily 10 am-5 pm. Free general admission. 700 State Drive (in historic Exposition Park), Los Angeles. Phone 323-724- 3623, http://www.californiasciencecenter.org.

Craft and Folk Art Museum 5814 Wilshire Blvd. All art is folk art at CAFAM—be it Polynesian body tattoos, political posters, sculptures made out of books, ancient Indian cave paintings or Los Angeles, California 90036 black-and-white photographs of Iranian society. The exhibitions are Phone: 323-937-4230 interesting, but the workshops and events tied to the shows that turn http://www.cafam.org onlookers into artists are the real draw. Hundreds gather to create items such as beaded jewelry on monthly craft nights. Tuesday-Friday 11 am- 5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-6 pm. US$9 adults. 5814 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-937-4230. http://www.cafam.org.

Fowler Museum 308 Charles E. Young Drive N. Located in the School of Arts and Architecture on the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) campus, the Fowler exhibits global arts Los Angeles, California 90024 and explores cultures from Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. Phone: 310-825-4361 Exhibits focus on both historic and present works from international https://www.fowler.ucla.edu artists. Wednesday noon-8 pm, Thursday-Sunday noon-5 pm. Free. 308 Charles E. Young Drive N. (Westwood, inside UCLA), Los Angeles. Phone 310-825-4361. https://www.fowler.ucla.edu.

Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Drive Perched high above the 405 Freeway, the hilltop Getty Center is the travertine masterwork of acclaimed modernist architect Richard Meier and consists of five two-story pavilions that house the museum, Los Angeles, California 90049 research and conservation centers, and the foundation offices. This billion-dollar repository of fine art Phone: 310-440-7300 contains collections of European paintings and decorative arts, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture, http://www.getty.edu/visit/center furniture, photography, drawings by Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and rotating exhibitions of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. The panoramic views of the vast LA basin floor from the mountains to the ocean and spectacular gardens designed by artist Robert Irwin are reason enough to visit. Take the tree-lined walkway that leads you through an extraordinary garden experience. The path descends to a plaza where bougainvillea-covered rebar trellises hold court over a stream, cactus garden and lush maze. The cafe and museum store will tempt you to linger for hours. Tuesday-Friday and Sunday 10 am-5:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-9 pm. Free admission. Limited parking US$15. 1200 Getty Center Drive (off the San Diego 405 Freeway between Brentwood and Bel Air), Los Angeles. Phone 310-440-7300. http://www.getty.edu/visit/center.

Grammy Museum 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A-245 Located inside the L.A. Live complex downtown, the museum has four stories of exhibits dedicated to the history of music, the recording Los Angeles, California 90015 process and, of course, the Grammy Awards (originally, the Phone: 213-765-6800 Gramophone Awards). Music fans can spend hours viewing the http://www.grammymuseum.org interactive exhibits and artifacts. It also holds screenings of music- related films, educational workshops, concerts, and Q&As with musicians and other music industry folks. Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:30 am-6:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-8 pm. US$15 adults. 800 W. Olympic Blvd., Suite A-245, Los Angeles. Phone 213-765-6800. http://www.grammymuseum.org.

Hollywood Museum 1660 N. Highland Ave. Sure, it looks a little tacky from the outside, but this really is the place to see Hollywood memorabilia. More than 10,000 items are on display, Los Angeles, California 90028 including costumes from recent films as well as historic props and horror Phone: 323-464-7776 movie memorabilia downstairs in the "Dungeon." The beautiful lavender http://www.thehollywoodmuseum.com art-deco lobby is a sight in itself—the building was once owned by cosmetics pioneer Max Factor. Wednesday-Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Two weeks advance notice is needed to set up guided tours. US$15 adults. 1660 N. Highland Ave. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-464-7776. http://www.thehollywoodmuseum.com.

Japanese American National Museum 100 N. Central Ave. This museum is the first in the U.S. dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans of Japanese ancestry. Located in Little Tokyo, the Los Angeles, California 90012 museum is a true union of Eastern and Western culture, community and Phone: 213-625-0414 spirit. The elegant sandstone, granite, steel and glass building features http://www.janm.org a grand sweeping stairway, cherry paneling and a centrally located collection space. The focal point of the collection is a relocated concentration camp barracks from Heart Mountain, Wyoming. Dismantled, transported and reassembled in the museum, it stands as silent testimony and tribute to the internment experience of hundreds of Japanese Americans during World War II. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday-Sunday 11 am-5 pm, Thursday noon-8 pm. US$12 adults. 100 N. Central Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 213-625-0414. http://www.janm.org.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 5905 Wilshire Blvd. LACMA's permanent collection consists of more than 135,000 works, making it the largest nonspecialized art museum west of Chicago. Its Los Angeles, California 90036 comprehensive range of works includes everything from antiquities to Phone: 323-857-6010 modern pop art, excellent Asian and Islamic art collections, and http://www.lacma.org European, American and Hispanic contemporary paintings and sculpture. A master plan by architect Renzo Piano (who designed the Pompidou in Paris and the Menil Collection in Houston) adds coherence to the maze of buildings and styles on the 20-acre/8-hectare campus that includes the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (not to be confused with the museum downtown), the Ahmanson Building, the Bing Theater, a separate pavilion containing Japanese art and LACMA West, the former May Company building. LACMA hosts impressive temporary exhibitions, lectures, film series and free jazz on Friday night. Stop by Ray's & Stark Bar for farm-to-table cuisine and stiff drinks. C+M meets all caffeine needs. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 11 am-5 pm, Friday 11 am-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-7 pm. US$25 adults. 5905 Wilshire Blvd. (Museum Row), Los Angeles. Phone 323-857-6010. http://www.lacma.org.

Museum of Contemporary Art 250 S. Grand Ave. MOCA has three locations in town: the main building downtown, the Geffen Contemporary (152 N. Central Ave., Little Tokyo) and MOCA Pacific Design Center (8687 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood). Los Angeles, California 90012 There's also a related Michael Heizer work on display in the Nevada desert. MOCA has one of the Phone: 213-626-6222 country's best collections of contemporary art (after 1940), with a strong emphasis on abstract http://www.moca.org expressionism and pop art by the likes of Lichtenstein, Rothko and Claes Oldenburg. More than 20 revolving exhibits are shown annually, with large-scale temporary exhibits at the Geffen Contemporary. The museum's cafe, Lemonade, is a trendy, casual hometown hero serving salads, soup, pastries and the titular drink in flavors such blood orange. Note that museum locations may be closed during exhibit installations. Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11 am-6 pm, Thursday 11 am-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-5 pm. General admission US$12 (admission grants same-day entrance into both downtown locations). 250 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 213-626-6222. http://www.moca.org.

Museum of Tolerance 9786 W. Pico Blvd. Animated exhibits and an interactive time machine examine racism, Los Angeles, California 90035 prejudice and human rights abuses in their many forms throughout history, including the American Civil Rights struggle, terrorism and the Phone: 310-553-8403 exploitation of refugees, women and children. The main focus of the http://www.museumoftolerance.com museum is how these issues motivated Hitler and the Holocaust. A separate experiential Anne Frank exhibit narrated by Academy Award- nominated actress Hailee Steinfeld requires an additional hour and separate admission. Sunday-Friday 10 am-5 pm. US$15.50 adults. 9786 W. Pico Blvd. (Century City), Los Angeles. Phone 310-553-8403. http://www.museumoftolerance.com.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County 900 Exposition Blvd. The Smithsonian of the West Coast, the Natural History Museum (founded in 1913) is a world-class leader in research, exhibitions and Los Angeles, California 90007 education of natural and cultural history thanks to more than 33 million Phone: 213-763-3466 specimens and artifacts. Housed in a huge, ornate Spanish http://www.nhm.org Renaissance building, the museum is surrounded by gardens. Exhibit halls are devoted to birds, gems and minerals, Southern California's natural and cultural history, shells, Zuni fetish carvings, pre-Columbian artifacts and Native American life, though the Dinosaur Hall is easily the most popular attraction at the museum. The Discovery Center has interactive children's displays and an insect zoo. There are also three large halls with old-fashioned dioramas of taxidermied animals in recreated natural settings. The Nature Lab downstairs features educational programming with live animals. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. US$12 adults. Parking from US$10. 900 Exposition Blvd. (in Exposition Park), Los Angeles. Phone 213-763-3466. http://www.nhm.org.

Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits 5801 Wilshire Blvd. More than 3 million fossils of plants and animals trapped in muck, some dating back 40,000 years, have been retrieved from these tar pits, which Los Angeles, California 90036 are believed to have the largest collection of Ice Age artifacts in the Phone: 213-763-3499 world. The mid-century Observation Pit has reopened after 20 years http://www.tarpits.org and is free with museum admission. Guided tours are free with admission as well. Go next door to watch fossils being cleaned in the paleontology lab at the small but fun Page Museum. There are also exhibits of Ice Age animal skeletons, animatronic dioramas, a Pleistocene Garden (features era-appropriate native vegetation) and a film presentation. Daily 9:30 am-5 pm. US$12 adults; parking US$10. 5801 Wilshire Blvd. (Museum Row), Los Angeles. Phone 213-763-3499. http://www.tarpits.org.

Petersen Automotive Museum 6060 Wilshire Blvd. It's hard to miss the Petersen's shiny facade, designed by architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox. A cherry red building wrapped in squiggly steel Los Angeles, California 90036 lines—evoking speed—is perfect for a car museum, controversial as it Phone: 323-930-2277 may be. Inside, the cavernous 100,000-sq-ft/9,290-sq-m space holds http://www.petersen.org rotating exhibits of cars and motorcycles—past, present and future. After an extensive renovation of the Vault, about 250 vehicles are exhibited at any given time from the museum's permanent collection as well as traveling shows. The venue also hosts cruise-ins, auctions and movies. Drago Ristorante dishes up elevated Italian fare. Daily 10 am-6 pm. US$16 adults. 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-930- 2277. http://www.petersen.org.

Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. More than just a museum, the Skirball is a Jewish cultural institution that puts on concerts, screenings, comedy shows and literary programs in Los Angeles, California 90049 addition to its rotating exhibitions on wide-ranging topics such as Ruth Phone: 323-440-4500 Bader Ginsberg, rock billboards of the Sunset Strip, baseball and Ansel http://www.skirball.org Adams' photographs of a Japanese American incarceration camp. Admission includes entry to Noah's Ark, a playground-like installation kids can climb on and touch that tells the Biblical tale, but entry to the ark is timed every 30 minutes; advance tickets recommended for peak times. Free guided docent tours of select exhibits are available. Ziedler's Cafe is recommended if you're in the mood for kosher, pescatarian dishes. Tuesday-Friday noon-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5 pm. US$12 adults. 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-440- 4500. http://www.skirball.org.

The Broad 221 S. Grand Ave. Designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, this contemporary art museum houses the collection of philanthropists Eli and Edith Broad. Located Los Angeles, California 90012 next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall and across the street from the Phone: 213-232-6200 Museum of Contemporary Art, the stark white building evokes both https://www.thebroad.org scales and feathers with its organic exterior. Inside, the curving entrance leads visitors up to two floors of contemporary art. The collection's more than 2,000 works are by internationally renowned artists, post-war through today. Pre-reserved tickets are highly recommended—the wait to get tickets on-site often exceeds an hour. Separate reservations are required to view Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirrored Room," which is worth the extra step. Tuesday and Wednesday 11 am-5 pm, Thursday and Friday 11 am-8 pm, Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday 10 am-6 pm. Free. 221 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 213-232-6200. https://www.thebroad.org.

UCLA Hammer Museum 10899 Wilshire Blvd. The museum was started to showcase the art collection of Armand Hammer, an industrialist and philanthropist whose offices were across Los Angeles, California 90024 the street, and includes paintings by Rembrandt and Goya, drawings by Phone: 310-443-7000 Leonardo da Vinci and prints by Daumier. Since the University of http://hammer.ucla.edu California, Los Angeles (UCLA) took over management of the museum, it has shifted its temporary exhibits to focus more on contemporary and emerging artists. In addition, the museum hosts a slate of free music, dance, film, lectures, poetry and other programs. The bookstore carries 10,000 titles on design, art and architecture, including many rare finds. A renovation scheduled to complete in 2020 will add more gallery and public space, and expand and increase exterior visibility. Free tours led by student educators are held most Saturdays at 1 pm. Tuesday-Friday 11 am-8 pm, Saturday and Sunday 11 am-5 pm. Free. 10899 Wilshire Blvd. (Westwood Village), Los Angeles. Phone 310-443-7000. http://hammer.ucla.edu.

Los Angeles is a patchwork quilt of communities sewn together by freeways and streets. From Atwater Village to Westwood, there are dozens of neighborhoods that make up this sprawling city, each with its own personality, specialties and quirk.

In the midst of this urban landscape are diverse ethnic communities. Some of them, such as Chinatown or Olvera Street, are easier to discern because they loudly announce themselves with gates, celebrations and themed architecture. Others are indicated only by a single street sign.

And even with distinctive signage, Los Angeles is an ever-changing city. As ethnic populations grow and shift, areas become trendy and the housing market prices early residents out so historical designations are often misleading or no longer applicable.

Beverly Hills Los Angeles, California 90210 Home to designer shops on Rodeo Drive, the original Sprinkles cupcake vending machine, the Paley Center for Media, Museum Of Tolerance, http://www.beverlyhills.org the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts and palatial estates of the rich and famous, Beverly Hills is located in the heart of Los Angeles—but as its own incorporated city, it is politically separate. Ever since Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford moved there in 1919, celebrities have called Beverly Hills home, and you may see them browsing the boutiques or sipping a latte at Urth Caffe on quiet weekdays. The area of the most interest to visitors (where the shops and restaurants are located) is triangular in shape, bordered by Olympic Boulevard to the south, Rexford Drive to the east, and where North Santa Monica Boulevard and Wilshire Avenue meet to the west. The city provides a handful of parking structures; look for the red diamonds that indicate you get two hours of free parking. http://www.beverlyhills.org.

Chinatown Bordered by Cesar E. Chavez, Alameda, Yale Shops, restaurants, trendy bars and alternative art galleries line this downtown district, which fans out from Gin Ling Way (Street of the and Bernard streets Golden Palace). Most Chinese-Americans have moved to Monterey Los Angeles, California 90012 Park and other areas in the San Gabriel Valley, leaving Chinatown to be Phone: 323-721-0774 largely populated by Vietnamese and other Southeast Asians. Plenty of http://www.chinatownla.com historical sites, ornate gates, shops, herbalists and Chinese restaurants remain. This is the place to go for Chinese New Year celebrations. Live music and art events are held there on Friday nights in summer. Fall brings the Moon Festival and CicLAvia (an organization dedicated to revitalizing public spaces through car-free street events). The Chinatown Business Improvement District offers an Undiscovered Chinatown Tour on the first Saturday of every month 10:30 am-1 pm; reservations required. Bordered by Cesar E. Chavez, Alameda, Yale and Bernard streets, Los Angeles. Phone 323-721-0774 for Chinatown Center. Phone 213-680-0243 for walking tour. http://www.chinatownla.com.

Culver City Los Angeles, California South of Beverly Hills and sandwiched between downtown and the 405 Freeway, the rebirth of this neighborhood steeped in movie history https://www.culvercity.org (Sony and Culver Studios are there; tales of munchkin escapades at Culver Hotel during Wizard of Oz filming are legendary) chugged along slowly and quietly for years. Now it can hold its own when Angelenos debate where to hang out or buy a house. There is the Kirk Douglas Theatre (run by the Center Theatre Group), a chamber orchestra, a year-round Tuesday farmers market, and plenty of restaurants and bars worth checking out. Design enthusiasts can spend hours rummaging around the old Helms Bakery site, now home to several interior design and furniture businesses. Get active by hiking up to the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook or pedaling down the Ballona Creek bike trail. https://www.culvercity.org.

Downtown 600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 870 The revitalization of downtown Los Angeles has been germinating for many years, first taking root with the opening of the Staples Center in 1999, followed by the Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Los Angeles, California 90017 Hall in 2003. Since then, old skyscrapers and warehouses have been rehabbed as luxury lofts and retail http://www.downtownla.com complexes, top-notch hotels such as the Ace and the InterContinental moved in, art galleries and boutiques popped up, restaurants from top chefs grew months-long waiting lists and rooftop bars became trendy hangs. Now it is downright lively at all hours of the day. Get cultured on Grand Avenue, at the concert hall, MOCA, the Music Center, the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, multiple world-class theaters including the Ahmanson, and The Broad. The pedestrian-friendly downtown area sponsors regular art walks and street fairs. There's a seasonal ice rink in Pershing Square. The Staples Center and L.A. Live, a retail, entertainment and hospitality complex, are mere steps from each other on a prime stretch of downtown's Olympic Boulevard known as South Park.

Adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton and J.W. Marriott high-rise, the campus includes the Microsoft Theater, the Grammy Museum, the Conga Room, a movie theater, the Team LA store and numerous restaurants. Even Brooklynites deemed the area worthy of setting up a second chapter of their weekly Sunday food and crafts market, Smorgasburg. Because of all the unused warehouses and large lots, downtown is also where pop-up experiences are held. 600 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 870, Los Angeles. http://www.downtownla.com.

Hollywood Los Angeles, California 90028 Although Hollywood is no longer the center of movie production (most studios have moved over the hill to the Valley or west to Culver City), it still attracts plenty of tourists interested in Tinseltown history. http://www.hollywoodchamber.net Visitors can walk the star-studded sidewalk, pose with costumed characters and compare hand- and footprints to those of movie stars in front of the TCL Chinese Theatre. Catch a film at restored movie palaces such as Disney's El Capitan, the Cinerama Dome or the Egyptian. Have brunch while watching card tricks at the famed Magic Castle. The area is anchored by the Hollywood and Highland complex and the Dolby Theatre (where the Academy Awards are held each year). The Hollywood Roosevelt offers a historic stay with an infamous pool scene. The Metro Red Line station is located beneath Hollywood and Highland, and parking is available. For the less adventurous, this area offers lots of recognizable chain restaurants and stores, although branching out and trying something local is always recommended. An info booth is located on the street level at 6801 Hollywood Blvd.

Farther east, attend a show at the Pantages, check out up-and-coming musical acts at Hotel Cafe, shop for vinyl at the giant Amoeba Records, boogie till the wee hours atop the W Hollywood and see the iconic Capitol Records building. http://www.hollywoodchamber.net.

Koreatown The neighborhood is loosely defined by Beverly One of several ethnic communities that make up the Greater Los Angeles area, K-Town is like a small piece of Seoul embedded in the and Olympic boulevards and Wilton Place and middle of the city, densely packed with smoky all-you-can-eat barbecue Vermont Avenue joints, noraebang (Korean karaoke "singing rooms"), Boba cafes, Los Angeles, California bowling alleys, confectioneries slinging Instagram-worthy cotton candy and ice cream concoctions, and more restaurants per square mile/kilometer than anywhere else the U.S. Stay and play at The Line hotel, stroll the Da Wool Jung pavilion garden, see a concert at the ornate Wiltern and grab K-Pop CDs and kooky tchotchkes as souvenirs at any of the little boutiques. The neighborhood is loosely defined by Beverly and Olympic boulevards and Wilton Place and Vermont Avenue, Los Angeles.

Little Tokyo Los Angeles, California 90012 Little Tokyo is located southwest of Union Station and has four shopping courts within its boundaries. A commemorative timeline on the sidewalk Phone: 213-880-6875 guides visitors from 19th-century immigration through World War II http://www.visitlittletokyo.com internment camps. The Japanese American National Museum, which chronicles more than 100 years of Japanese-American history, also features the tranquil Chado Tea Room. Museum-sponsored, two-hour walking tours take place one Saturday a month and include museum admission. The neighborhood is bordered by First, Alameda, Third and Main streets and blends almost seamlessly into the Arts District next door with its hipster haunts, exquisite restaurants, galleries and the Angel City Brewery. Tours US$15 per person. Phone 213-880-6875. http://www.visitlittletokyo.com.

Santa Monica 2427 Main St. The quintessential SoCal beach town, Santa Monica is one of the most Los Angeles, California 90405 walkable parts of LA. Stroll along the beach, picnic in a neighborhood park, brave amusement rides on the pier or shop until you drop on the https://www.santamonica.com Third Street Promenade, Montana or Main Street. The weather almost always cooperates there, although it can get chilly at night even in the summer. The neighborhood is generally bordered by Montana Avenue, 26th Street, Ocean Park Boulevard and the Pacific Ocean. There are many fantastic and luxury hotels to stay at on the sand or with direct views of the waves. Visitor Center Monday-Friday 9 am-5:30 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-5 pm. 2427 Main St., Los Angeles. https://www.santamonica.com.

Silver Lake, Echo Park and Los Feliz Los Angeles, California 90027 Since Beck emerged from the local music scene in the early 1990s, Silver Lake and its neighboring Eastside communities of Echo Park (slightly grungier) and Los Feliz (slightly tonier) have been http://www.silverlakechamber.com considered hipster ground zero with indie record stores, vintage and modern boutiques, tattoo and piercing parlors, an abundance of street art and amazing restaurants. Although they have quickly gentrified and are now home to lots of well-to-do but still funky families, all three still have an artsy, alternative vibe at their hearts. An eclectic nightlife of late-night music clubs, retro movie houses, dive and theme bars, old-school arcades and 24-hour corner diners keep the fun going until the wee hours. Many Los Feliz shops and restaurants are on Vermont and Hillhurst avenues; while Silver Lake businesses are scattered everywhere, including on Sunset, Hyperion and Silver Lake Boulevard, around the reservoir (the namesake "lake"). The main drags of Echo Park in terms of visitors are Sunset Boulevard and Echo Park Avenue. Los Feliz is the gateway to Griffith Park. Echo Park Lake is a great place to spend a sunny day on a pedal boat. http://www.silverlakechamber.com.

Venice Beach Los Angeles, California 90291 The carnival atmosphere runs year-round in Venice Beach. Famous for its oceanfront boardwalk, Muscle Beach and canals, this beachfront neighborhood and birthplace of skateboarding hosts an http://www.venicebeach.com eclectic blend of hippies, artists, students, street performers, burnouts and tourists, making for some of LA's best people-watching. The boardwalk starts at the end of Venice Boulevard and has a children's play area and a plaza. Most of the Venice waterway system, built in 1904, has been filled in, but the remaining grid of four canals between Venice and Washington Boulevard sports luxury homes. To get a look, take Venice Boulevard east from Pacific Coast Highway to Riviera Avenue and turn right. Downtown Venice is also lively, with art galleries, shopping (from flea markets and farmers markets to trendy independent boutiques) and numerous nightlife options. Parking is available on the street and in city lots. Avoid pricey private lots. The downtown triangle is formed by Main Street, Abbot Kinney Boulevard and Grand Boulevard. http://www.venicebeach.com.

West Hollywood Los Angeles, California 90069 This out-and-proud independent city, surrounded by the city of Los Angeles and west of Hollywood proper, is home to LA's lively and http://www.weho.org fabulous LGBTQ community. In less than 2 sq mi/5 sq km, West Hollywood includes the Pacific Design Center and surrounding furniture and design shops, the famous Sunset Strip, and the clubs, shops and restaurants of Santa Monica Boulevard. Annual events include the Pride Parade in summer, a book fair in September, and a wild and ribald street carnival on Halloween. The city is oddly shaped, but generally bordered by Sunset, Fairfax/La Brea, Melrose and Doheny. Toll-free 800-368-6020. http://www.weho.org.

Westwood 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 360 Home to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Westwood is distinctly a college town on the west side of Los Angeles. It is also a Los Angeles, California 90024 good neighborhood to explore on foot, maybe attending a NCAA Phone: 310-470-1812 sporting event on campus, taking in an exhibit at the Hammer Museum, http://www.thewestwoodvillage.com visiting stars in their final resting places at the Westwood Village Memorial Park and Mortuary or stopping in for a movie at one of the many historic theaters in the area. Bordered by Brentwood, Bel-Air, Century City and Beverly Hills, its boundaries are Olympic Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard, Veteran Avenue and the 405 Freeway. Monday- Friday 8:30 am-5 pm. 10866 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 360, Los Angeles. Phone 310-470-1812. http://www.thewestwoodvillage.com.

Griffith Park 4730 Crystal Springs Drive At 4,210 acres/1,704 hectares, this is the largest park and urban wilderness area in the U.S. In addition to plenty of undeveloped Los Angeles, California 90027 chaparral-covered terrain, it also has tennis courts, a golf course, picnic Phone: 323-644-2050 areas, a merry-go-round, pony rides, the original Bat Cave (from the https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark Adam West TV series), a working scenic train, a railroad museum and hiking trails. The Griffith Observatory sits on a promontory in the park, overlooking the greater Los Angeles basin. The LA Zoo, the Autry and the Greek Theater are also located within the park. Daily 5 am-10:30 pm. Bridle trails, hiking paths and mountain roads close at sunset. Plenty of free parking. 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles. Phone 323-644-2050. https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark. Paramount Studios 5515 Melrose Ave Get a behind-the-scenes look at the daily workings of a long-time film and TV studio. Tours last two hours and are conducted daily by advance Los Angeles, California 90038 reservation only. A weekday four-and-a-half-hour VIP tour that claims to Phone: 323-956-1777 be more "insider" includes lunch, afternoon hors d'oeuvres and http://www.paramountstudiotour.com arranges meet-and-greets with archivists and backlot tradespeople. Photo ID required. Still photography allowed in some areas, but no video cameras are permitted. If you're lucky, you might see a celebrity as this is an active lot. From US$58 per person. 5515 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles. Phone 323-956-1777. http://www.paramountstudiotour.com.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro Opened in 1935 and located on San Pedro's Cabrillo Beach, this aquarium focuses on endemic Southern California marine life such as Los Angeles, California 90731 bluebanded goby, paddock clams and bottlenose dolphins. Facilities Phone: 310-548-7562 include a teaching lab and an outdoor tidepool touch tank. The http://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org aquarium organizes tidepool walks and whale-watching tours during the annual migration of the Pacific gray whale, typically December-March. Contact the museum for details. Tuesday-Friday noon-5 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Suggested donation US$5 adults. 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro, Los Angeles. Phone 310-548-7562. http://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens 5333 Zoo Drive More than 1,000 furry, feathered and scaly creatures live in this large, hilly Griffith Park compound. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes to help Los Angeles, California 90027 cover a lot of terrain. Special attractions include the Rainforest of the Phone: 323-644-4200 Americas, the Elephants of Asia, animal shows and lectures, the goofy http://www.lazoo.org meerkats in their open-air manor, the LAIR reptile house and a children's petting zoo. A tram provides shuttle service to the different areas. Seasonal events such as Boo at the Zoo, Reindeer Romp and L.A. Zoo Lights are worth a return visit. Daily 10 am-5 pm. US$22 adults. 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles. Phone 323-644-4200. http://www.lazoo.org.

Hollywood and Highland 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 170 This entertainment complex includes the Dolby Theatre, the home of the Academy Awards ceremony, as well as many upscale boutiques, Los Angeles, California 90028 Madame Tussauds Hollywood, a bowling alley, the TCL Chinese Phone: 323-467-6412 Theatre, and popular retail chains and restaurants. Recently added was http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com Inn Ann, a modern kaiseki restaurant at Japan House, which also offers cooking classes and a design and art gallery. Babylon Court, inspired by the elaborate sets from D.W. Griffith's 1916 silent film Intolerance, offers visitors a place to pause, cool off with a run through the fountain and take in a panoramic view of the Hollywood sign from the complex's upper levels. The Hollywood and Highland center sits atop a six-story underground-parking structure and the MetroRail red line subway station, making it easy for visitors to park and walk around the area. Monday-Saturday 10 am-10 pm, Sunday 10 am-7 pm. Parking US$2 for two hours with validation (the visitors center on the street level also provides validation). 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 170, Los Angeles. Phone 323-467-6412. http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com.

OUE Skyspace LA 633 W. Fifth St. At the top of the U.S. Bank Tower, Skyspace gives way to outdoor terraces offering panoramic views of the city. You can also experience Los Angeles, California 90071 the Skyslide, a 45-ft/14-m all-glass slide on the exterior of the building Phone: 213-894-9000 almost 1,000 ft/305 m above LA. Daily 10 am-10 pm. General admission https://oue-skyspace.com US$25. 633 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-894-9000. https://oue- skyspace.com.

Recreation

The Los Angeles Basin abounds with recreational opportunities. Ride horses near the Hollywood Sign, work out at Muscle Beach, rollerblade along the beach from Santa Monica to the South Bay, zipline in Wrightwood, scuba dive on Catalina Island or hit the links all over the county.

The temperate climate of LA blurs the distinction between seasons, so it's possible, for instance, to ski Mount Baldy at dawn and surf the last few waves on Malibu's Zuma Beach at sunset or hike around the Angeles National Forest or the Santa Monica Mountains before kayaking in the LA River. Angelenos, tempered by natural and unnatural disasters, joke about LA's seasons being drought, sunny, less sunny and June gloom, but they can usually count on warm weather when they're planning outdoor activities, even in months where other parts of the U.S. are blanketed by ice and snow. If it does rain, be prepared for everything to take almost twice as long, especially driving, because locals are not used to it.

Massive wildfires are becoming even more of a concern across the state and have caused freeway and attraction closures with a growing regularity that might suddenly affect your travel plans.

Beaches

The city's many miles/kilometers of coastline beckon sun and sand worshippers from all over the globe. Many of the area beaches have restrooms, restaurants, boardwalks and volleyball courts.

Keep your eye out on Venice Beach for a burgeoning Schwarzenegger at Muscle Beach Gym, buy cheap sunglasses and drink in the humanity swarming around you. Manhattan Beach's pier and roundhouse is a California State Historic Landmark. You'll find lots of amenities and gorgeous sand at Hermosa Beach. Santa Monica Pier is a popular place to visit, as are the sandy beaches on either side of the boardwalk.

Malibu's beaches attract surfers, SUP fans and stars. There are also more intimate, covelike and rocky options along that stretch of the Pacific Coast Highway heading toward Ventura. The best tide-pooling and whale spout-spotting is usually on the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

Although Los Angeles is known for its automobile culture, street bicycle lanes and paved paths are added constantly, beaches are bike friendly and the hills are full of trails for mountain bikers. Some of the best mountain bike trails can be found in Malibu Creek State Park. Ballona Creek, the Los Angeles River, the Whittier Greenway, the San Gabriel River Trail, Santa Clarita and Arroyo Seco are all excellent bike paths as well.

Helmets are required by law, so be sure to get one with your rental.

In a few cities such as Santa Monica, electric scooters by companies including Bird and Lime are giving bikes a run for their money. They can be found scattered on street corners all over, and payment and rentals are all handled through an app.

Just Ride LA 1626 S. Hill St. A family-owned bike shop located downtown, it also does repairs and sells new bikes. Reservations recommended at least three days in Los Angeles, California 90015 advance. Locks and helmets are an additional fee. Monday-Saturday 10 Phone: 213-745-6783 am-7 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm. Daily rentals from US$30. 1626 S. Hill St., http://justridela.com Los Angeles. Phone 213-745-6783. http://justridela.com.

LADOT Bike Program Los Angeles, California The LA Department of Transportation offers a bike share program in downtown Los Angeles. LADOT also provides maps and information http://bike.lacity.org about bike parking and events on its website. http://bike.lacity.org.

Griffith Park Golf Course 4730 Crystal Spring Drive Located on the southern edge of Griffith Park, this golfing area has four different courses (three are named after presidents): Wilson Golf Los Angeles, California 90027 Course, 18-hole, par 72; Harding Golf Course, 18-hole, par 72; Phone: 818-291-9980 Roosevelt Golf Course, nine-hole, par 33; and Los Feliz, a par-3 course. https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark You'll need to get a golf registration card in order to reserve tee times using their 24-hour phone lines. Daily 5 am-10:30 pm. 4730 Crystal Spring Drive (in Griffith Park), Los Angeles. Phone 818-291-9980 for registration card. https://www.laparks.org/griffithpark.

Westchester Golf Course 6900 W. Manchester Blvd. Just north of the airport, this 18-hole course is a par 64. Daily until 10 pm. 6900 W. Manchester Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 310-649-9173. Los Angeles, California 90045 http://www.westchestergc.com. Phone: 310-649-9173 http://www.westchestergc.com

Backbone Trail 406 Adelaide Drive Hundreds of smaller trails, ocean views, rock formations and Hollywood history make up the scenic Backbone Trail, which snakes along 67 Los Angeles, California 91302 mi/108 km of the Santa Monica Mountains, from Will Rogers State Phone: 805-370-2301 Historical Park to Point Mugu State Park. Its Mediterranean ecosystem http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/backbonetrail.htm is found in only five places in the world. Some of it can be covered on horse or mountain bike. For complete trail listings, group-hike schedules and potential closures, contact the California Department of Parks. Visitor center daily 9 am-5 pm. 406 Adelaide Drive, Los Angeles. Phone 805-370-2301. http://www.nps.gov/samo/planyourvisit/backbonetrail.htm.

Griffith Park Hiking 4730 Crystal Springs Drive Easily accessible trails lead to excellent lookouts over the city and take hikers up to to 1,625 ft/495 m above sea level. On the south side, off Los Angeles, California 90027 Los Feliz Boulevard, catch the Fern Dell trailhead past the Observatory Phone: 323-644-2050 to Dante's View and Mount Hollywood for sweeping views of LA. The http://www.laparks.org/griffithpark Mount Lee trail takes hikers close to the world-famous Hollywood sign. Others will take you by the defunct cages of the old zoo or the caves used on the Adam West Batman TV show. Refuel at the Trails Cafe. Trail maps are available. Daily 5 am-10:30 pm, but mountain roads close at sunset. 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles. Phone 323- 644-2050. http://www.laparks.org/griffithpark.

Lake Hollywood Reservoir Los Angeles, California Walkers, joggers and bikers like this more than 3 mi/5 km path around the gleaming man-made lake below the Hollywood sign. Forget the fact Phone: 323-463-0830 that it's a municipal water facility—it looks enough like a real lake to be a peaceful getaway. Walking over the elegant 1924 Mulholland Dan is a highlight. High-voltage stars and their personal trainers sometimes jog there. Drive up Lake Hollywood Drive from Barham Boulevard. The road twists and turns, but in five minutes you'll be in the undeveloped hills at the entrance gate to the reservoir. Most of the path is flat and easy. Daily 6:30 am-sundown. Free. Phone 323-463-0830 for recorded information.

Runyon Canyon Park 2000 N. Fuller Ave. This 160-acre/65-hectare park is at the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountains. Many trails there are some of the most accessible and most Los Angeles, California 90046 popular, but it can get crowded. Dog-owners flock to these trails as Phone: 818-243-1145 there are several off-leash areas. 2000 N. Fuller Ave., Los Angeles. https://www.laparks.org/park/runyon-canyon Phone 818-243-1145. https://www.laparks.org/park/runyon-canyon.

San Vicente Boulevard San Vicente Boulevard, Brentwood Tree-lined San Vicente Boulevard—from Palisades Park's cliffside steps to the center of Brentwood—is favored by Westsiders who jog or walk in Los Angeles, California the evening after work. The grassy strips are filled with runners along the center of the boulevard starting at Bringham Avenue and going west, stopping at Brentwood Country Club golf course. San Vicente Boulevard, Brentwood, Los Angeles.

Catalina is the most accessible and the most popular island for underwater activities. Of all the Channel Islands, it's also the only one that has dive operators on it. Boat diving is available, or you can head off from the shore.

If you plan to dive one of the Channel Islands other than Catalina, make arrangements in advance (May-November are the most popular months) and be sure to ask about current conditions.

Catalina Divers Supply 126 Catalina Ave. A full-service diving facility on Catalina Island that offers scuba, snuba and snorkeling experiences for every level as well as classes and Los Angeles, California specialty courses. 126 Catalina Ave. (Green Pleasure Pier), Los Phone: 310-510-0330 Angeles. Phone 310-510-0330. https://www.catalinadiverssupply.com. https://www.catalinadiverssupply.com

Diving Catalina Los Angeles, California Providing scuba and snorkeling tours and courses for the whole family as well as access to Casino Point Dive Park, night diving, power scuba Phone: 310-510-8558 diving and kelp forest dives. Phone 310-510-8558. https://divingcatalina.com https://divingcatalina.com.

With the world's aspiring actors and actresses flocking to the city, it's no wonder Los Angeles is home to so many fitness centers. National gym chains are all represented as well as locally owned and operated outfits, but to truly exercise like a local either go outside for your sweat session or try a newfangled workout craze such as SURFSET, goat yoga or Rise Nation. Facilities scattered throughout the Southland offer everything from aerial silks and boxing to pole dancing, HIIT, spinning and Zumba. Bay Club 6833 Park Terrace With locations in Pacific Palisades, El Segundo, Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills and Manhattan Beach, the large centers and Los Angeles, California 90045 country clubs can usually meet the whole family's wellness needs, with Phone: 310-216-3060 Olympic-sized pools, basketball, reformer Pilates, tennis courts, kids' https://www.bayclubs.com clubs, high-energy classes and spa services. Offerings and equipment vary by location. Most class times are geared toward the after-work crowd, but the cardio- and weight-training areas are well-equipped for a good workout anytime. Monday-Friday 5 am-10 pm, Saturday and Sunday 7 am-7 pm. US$20 for a one-day pass. 6833 Park Terrace (in the Howard Hughes complex), Los Angeles. Phone 310-216-3060. https://www.bayclubs.com.

Ketchum-Downtown YMCA 401 S. Hope St. This downtown full-service fitness center is one of the best in the city Los Angeles, California 90071 with swimming, sports, cardio classes and machines, and an entire Phone: 213-624-2348 weight room. The floor-to-ceiling windows afford nice city views while you work out. Monday-Thursday 5 am-9:30 pm, Friday 5 am-9 pm, http://www.ymcala.org/ketchum Saturday and Sunday 8 am-4 pm. US$25 day pass. 401 S. Hope St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-624-2348. http://www.ymcala.org/ketchum.

Surfing may have originated in Hawaii, but it was Southern California that made it legendary. Gidget movies and Beach Boys songs mythologized the sport.

If you're already a surfer, you can check the wave conditions and best surf spots via websites such as https://forecasts.surfer.com and https://www.surfline.com.

If you're a beginner, you might consider lessons with one of the many outfits in LA.

Nightlife

A variety of nightspots, from dive bar to diva-worthy, throughout the city keep Angelenos hopping till 2 am. Downtown, Santa Monica or Hollywood and the Sunset Strip have a particularly eclectic mix of dance clubs, burlesque shows and bars. Cover charges vary, and some even require memberships.

There are often long lines to get in and at some entrance is based on looks, that night's gender ratio or the whim of the doorman. (Unfair, but true.)

Note that street parking is hard to find on the Strip and in Hollywood, and if you are lucky enough to score a spot street-side, remember to carefully check signs for restrictions and hours. Your best bet is to use valet service or find a flat-rate lot.

The nightlife is as distinct and diverse as the city's residents, so you'll find live music from every corner of the world. An evening at a comedy club can provide a rollicking good time. Los Angeles has embraced the escape room and full-immersion fear experience trends as well.

Generally, dance clubs start hopping around 10 pm, but comedy clubs often open earlier (around 7 pm). Bars stop serving drinks at 2 am, but some after- hours clubs will keep the good times rolling sans alcohol well into the dawn hours. Note that the late-night scene in LA is constantly changing, do your research before committing to a night-out plan.

Bars, Taverns & Pubs

Breakroom 86 630 S. Ardmore Ave. Nightlife impresarios and brothers Mark and Jonnie Houston created a time machine to take partiers back to the K-Town of their 1980s youth at Los Angeles, California 90010 The Line Hotel. DJs (occasionally ones whose day job is singing in a Phone: 213-368-3056 popular band) spin lots of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Duran Duran and http://www.breakroom86.com/calendar everything new wave and old-school hip-hop at regular theme nights with live Flashdancers and titles inspired by seminal movies such as Less Than Zero and The Breakfast Club, while partiers slurp boozy push-pops. There are private karaoke rooms with packages that include a retro Atari video game system, a refrigerator and a Simon Says handheld game. Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-2 am. 630 S. Ardmore Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 213-368-3056. http://www.breakroom86.com/calendar.

El Carmen 8138 W. Third St. Black-velvet paintings of Mexican wrestlers and bull heads watch over you as you drink—likely tequila, as it stocks more than 300 kinds. If you Los Angeles, California 90048 find yourself horizontal after one too many margaritas, you'll be staring Phone: 323-852-1552 at a ceiling full of Mexican wrestler masks. Be prepared for serious http://elcarmenla.com crowds on weekends. Daily 5 pm-2 am. 8138 W. Third St., Los Angeles. Phone 323-852-1552. http://elcarmenla.com.

Good Times at Davey Wayne's 1611 N. El Centro Ave. Another era-specific hang from the Houston Brothers, this one is named after their dad. You enter by going through a refrigerator and instantly Los Angeles, California 90028 the nostalgic cocktails and decor will throw you back to a funky 1970s Phone: 323-962-3804 house party. Think shag carpet, stone walls, old Polaroids, a sno-cone http://goodtimesatdaveywaynes.com cart (alcoholic of course), roller-skating shows, pea green furniture, macrame hammock chairs and a trailer bar on the porch. Monday- Friday 5 pm-2 am, Saturday and Sunday 2 pm-2 am. 1611 N. El Centro Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-962-3804. http://goodtimesatdaveywaynes.com.

Red Lion Tavern 2366 Glendale Blvd. For more than 55 years, Silverlake has enjoyed authentic Bavarian and German fare at this neighborhood tavern. A mellower crowd hangs out Los Angeles, California 90039-3209 downstairs and listens to the lounge performers, but hipsters and Phone: 323-662-5337 smokers prefer the action upstairs on the beer garden patio. Be http://www.redliontavern.net prepared to stand with your drinks since it's notoriously difficult to find a place to sit, especially on trivia nights or weekends. Daily 11 am-2 am. 2366 Glendale Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-662-5337. http://www.redliontavern.net.

Spire 73 900 Wilshire Blvd. Located at the top of the InterContinental Los Angeles Downtown, on the 73rd floor, this is the tallest open-air bar in the Western Hemisphere. Los Angeles, California 90017 It touts stunning views, chic fire pits and tasty cocktails. Sunday- Phone: 213-688-7777 Thursday 4-11:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 4 pm-1:30 am. 900 Wilshire https://spire73.com Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 213-688-7777. https://spire73.com.

The Cicada Club 617 S. Olive St. If you're looking for a special-occasion downtown bar, head to the second-floor bar at Cicada. Sip a martini while you admire the elegant Los Angeles, California 90014 art-deco decor of the 1928 Oviatt Building. The bar becomes a vintage Phone: 213-488-9488 swing dance club—Maxwell DeMille's Cicada Club—most Sundays and https://www.cicadaclub.com certain Friday and Saturday nights. Dinner reservations allow you to keep your table the whole night, but do not include admission to special shows. Tuesday-Saturday from 5:30 pm. 617 S. Olive St. (downtown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-488-9488. https://www.cicadaclub.com.

The Edison 108 W. Second St., Suite 101 In the heart of downtown, this gorgeous bar occupies an expansive subterranean space that was once the home of LA's first private power Los Angeles, California 90012 plant. The venue attracts everyone from financial-sector workers waiting Phone: 213-613-0000 out traffic at happy hour to artsy folks who inhabit nearby lofts. Electric https://theneverlands.com/edison bulb "bouquets" and silent films projected onto the walls pay homage to Mr. Edison. The cocktails are impressive, and a substantial food menu is a big step above most bar fare. Wednesday-Friday 5 pm-2 am, Saturday 7 pm-2 am. There is a dress code, so leave your flip-flops and tennis shoes at home. 108 W. Second St., Suite 101 (on the corner of Main Street off Harlem Place), Los Angeles. Phone 213-613-0000. https://theneverlands.com/edison.

The Rooftop at The Standard 550 S. Flower St. Surrounded by downtown's skyscrapers, the rooftop bar at the Standard is the ultimate in trendy lounge parties. You may have to wait your turn Los Angeles, California 90071 for the podlike waterbeds on the red AstroTurf deck, but there's always Phone: 213-892-8080 room in the heated pool. There's a dance floor, an outdoor fireplace, http://www.standardhotels.com/los- plenty of cushy seating for you and your posse and a candy-apple-red angeles/restaurants-bars/rooftop-bar bar. The beautiful crowds usually show up later in the evening, but everyone gawks at the view. Daily noon-1:30 am. Cover charge varies. 550 S. Flower St. (at Sixth Street), Los Angeles. Phone 213-892-8080. http://www.standardhotels.com/los-angeles/restaurants-bars/rooftop- bar.

Tropicana Bar 7000 Hollywood Blvd. The David Hockney courtyard pool area at the Roosevelt Hotel opens to the public at 7 pm. Lounge chairs are lowered to create earth-toned benches, the lighting goes hyper-romantic, DJs spin, chopped Los Angeles, California 90028 salads start appearing and a fireplace warms on cool nights. The Tropicana Bar can be a challenge to Phone: 323-466-7000 get into for tourists (even if you are a guest of the Roosevelt Hotel). Many a visitor has been http://www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com/about/food- disappointed by admittance rejection. But if you can get in—and celebrity-sighting is your thing—this drink/tropicana-pool-cafe place is a jackpot on certain nights. Dress well; the historic hotel, seedy for years, became glamorous again under the aegis of the Thompson hotel group. The hotel also offers a cozier more intimate bar inside tucked off the lobby. Teddy's Bar, a dark wood- paneled and leather tufted couches kind of joint, has an ever-changing seasonal menu of classic cocktails and elevated bar bites. And there's also The Spare Room game parlor and old-timey cocktail lounge that even sports polished wood bowling lanes. Monday-Thursday 10 am-midnight, Friday and Saturday 10 am-2 am, Sunday 10 am-8 pm. 7000 Hollywood Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-466-7000. Toll-free 800-950-7667. http://www.thehollywoodroosevelt.com/about/food- drink/tropicana-pool-cafe.

Comedy Clubs in Los Angeles are a great way to see up-and-coming talent or popular comedians working out new material. Most clubs are 21 and older, and have a two-drink minimum on top of the ticket prices. Comedy Store 916 Pearl St. This place has launched the careers of several famous comics, including Pauly Shore, whose mom, Mitzi, owns the joint. Shore Los Angeles, California 90069 regularly makes special appearances during late-night shows, and Phone: 323-650-6268 sometimes famous alumni drop in for surprise shows. There are three rooms, each featuring different acts. Of course, the comics can be hit or http://hollywood.thecomedystore.com miss, so check the schedule before heading over. Monday is open-mic night. Cover varies with a two-drink minimum. 916 Pearl St. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-650-6268. http://hollywood.thecomedystore.com.

Groundlings Theatre 7307 Melrose Ave. Go see future comedic superstars before they rise to the top, as this has become a common stepping stone to Saturday Night Live. Started in the Los Angeles, California 90046 1960s, this improvisational group gave birth to such greats as Phil Phone: 323-934-4747 Hartman, Will Ferrell, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Kathy Griffin, Will http://www.groundlings.com Forte, Maya Rudolph and Paul Reubens (a.k.a. Pee Wee Herman). It is actually where some of their most famous characters were born and workshopped. Monday and Tuesday 10 am-5 pm, Wednesday 10 am-8 pm, Thursday and Friday 10 am-10 pm, Saturday 3-10 pm, Sunday 3- 7:30 pm. Tickets from US$18. 7307 Melrose Ave. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-934-4747. http://www.groundlings.com.

Hollywood Improv 8162 Melrose Ave. Many greats have gotten their start at this legendary stand-up house, which also includes a restaurant. Diners get to skip the line and receive Los Angeles, California 92618 priority seating for the show. Tickets can be purchased over the phone Phone: 323-651-2583 10 am-10 pm or at the box office 6-10 pm. Two-item minimum http://hollywood.improv.com purchase. 8162 Melrose Ave. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323- 651-2583. http://hollywood.improv.com.

Laugh Factory 8001 Sunset Blvd. You may see fresh new stand-ups or famous names from some of the hottest sitcoms at the original 1979 Sunset Strip location. The building Los Angeles, California 90046 had comedy in its genes as it was owned by Groucho Marx, and Richard Phone: 323-656-1336 Pryor was one of the first jokesters to grace its stage. Tuesday is open- http://www.laughfactory.com/clubs/hollywood mic night, which can be hit or miss. Must be at least 18 years old. Daily 8 pm-2 am. Tickets from US$15, plus a two-drink minimum. Valet parking US$8. 8001 Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323- 656-1336 ,ext. 1. http://www.laughfactory.com/clubs/hollywood.

Upright Citizens Brigade 5919 Franklin Ave. Locals swear by this improv group's ability to bust your gut, and it has churned out lots of comedians over the years that have gone to SNL, Los Angeles, California 90028 work steadily in TV and film, or create their own sitcoms such as Amy Phone: 323-908-8702 Poehler, Rob Corddry, Donald Glover, Nick Kroll, Aubrey Plaza, Sarah https://losangeles.ucbtheatre.com Silverman, Ed Helms and Ellie Kemper. Even the most famous members come back regularly and join in the improvisational fun. Classes are also offered. It's a refreshing alternative to the overpriced clubs on the strip, although there is also a location on Sunset Boulevard. 5919 Franklin Ave. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-908-8702. https://losangeles.ucbtheatre.com.

The Los Angeles club scene is fickle, just like the Hollywood entertainment business. A new "it" nightspot can be yesterday's news in just a couple of months. Even popular clubs can be dead depending on the night, so be sure to check which DJs are spinning and what's going on at any given place before donning your dancing shoes. Bootie LA 1154 Glendale Blvd. A San Francisco transplant, Bootie LA happens select Saturdays at various venues around town, such as the Echoplex or Resident DTLA. Los Angeles, California Touted as Los Angeles's original mashup bootleg dance party, DJs spin http://bootiemashup.com/la crazy dance mix combinations. Cover from US$5. 1154 Glendale Blvd. (Echoplex, in Echo Park), Los Angeles. http://bootiemashup.com/la.

Boulevard3 6523 Sunset Blvd. At the site of the former Hollywood Athletic Club, Boulevard3 is one of the swankiest clubs in Hollywood. Designed as an English manor house Los Angeles, California 90028 with modern insides, it draws an eclectic crowd and is especially popular Phone: 323-466-2144 on Friday and Saturday nights. The expansive dance floor and open http://www.boulevard3.com garden can accommodate the large following. Bottle service is available. Free tacos and chocolate covered-strawberries are served in the courtyard at midnight. 6523 Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-466-2144. http://www.boulevard3.com.

El Floridita 1253 N. Vine St. Sip mojitos in this little piece of Havana in LA. Don't be fooled by the Los Angeles, California 90038 strip-mall exterior: This supper club hosts some of the best live Cuban Phone: 323-871-8612 music this side of the Mississippi. Make reservations for the overpriced dinner and you'll be guaranteed a table to watch or join the dancers for http://www.elfloridita.com salsa, merengue and mambo. Live entertainment on select nights from 8 pm; restaurant opens earlier. Cover starts at US$10, free entry with dinner. 1253 N. Vine St., Los Angeles. Phone 323-871-8612. http://www.elfloridita.com.

The Mayan 1038 S. Hill St. Serious about shaking a leg? Go downtown to show off your moves at this former movie theater turned multilevel temple of sound and live Los Angeles, California 90015 music venue. The name is in reference to the Mayan-inspired wall and Phone: 213-746-4674 ceiling treatments. Different levels let you choose your dancing vibe. https://www.themayan.com The main floor features DJs spinning electronic, top 40, pop and hip- hop, while salsa, merengue, cumbia, bachata and reggaeton set the flavor of the mezzanine. Club nights Friday and Saturday 9 pm-2:30 am. Dress code enforced. Cover from US$10, although early arrivals often get in free. 1038 S. Hill St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-746-4674. https://www.themayan.com.

Catching a concert every night of the week is possible in La La Land. Venues range from tiny one-room clubs with a single bartender and hallowed haunts filled with rock god history to outdoor amphitheaters such as Hollywood Bowl and giant arenas such as the Forum, the Rose Bowl and Staples Center. Catalina Jazz Club 6725 W. Sunset Blvd. Owner Madame Catalina Popescu attracts some of jazz's greatest. The Marsalis family, Tony Williams, McCoy Tyner and Freddie Hubbard play Los Angeles, California 90028 regularly. Dinner Monday-Saturday at 7 pm, Sunday at 6 pm. Shows Phone: 323-466-2210 Monday-Saturday at 8:30 pm, Sunday at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Valet http://www.catalinajazzclub.com parking available for US$6. 6725 W. Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-466-2210. http://www.catalinajazzclub.com.

Hotel Cafe 1623 1/2 N., Cahuenga Blvd. Thanks to the alley entrance, an unfussy exterior and the fact that GPS sometimes sends inquirers to a different place, this club may seem like Los Angeles, California 90028 a seedy or second-rate establishment when it is actually a haven for https://www.hotelcafe.com music industry types and true music lovers. The intimate, bare-bones 21-and-older performance space has two stages and provides a home to up-and-coming local acts and out-of-towners with some buzz, usually light rock, Americana, alternative and folksy bands or singer-songwriter types. The Lumineers played one of their first LA shows there. Shows nightly, usually from 6:30 pm. 1623 1/2 N., Cahuenga Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. https://www.hotelcafe.com.

The Echo and the Echoplex 1822 W. Sunset Blvd. The Echo Park cousin of Silverlake's Spaceland (still a worthy place to see up-and-coming indie rock), the Echo offers DJs and live music to Los Angeles, California 90026 the discerning hipster crowd. Located in a former Latin disco, the club Phone: 213-413-8200 has an eclectic lineup that includes hip-hop, punk, rock, electronica and http://www.spacelandpresents.com/events/the- alternative music, and even the Sock Puppet Sitcom Theater. The echo Echoplex is located underneath the Echo (with a separate entrance from the alley) and has its own calendar of performances. Tickets range from free to US$30. 1822 W. Sunset Blvd. (Echo Park), Los Angeles. Phone 213-413-8200. http://www.spacelandpresents.com/events/the-echo.

The Mint 6010 W. Pico Blvd. Since it opened in 1937, the Mint's small stage has hosted some big names on their way to the top. The long list of past performers includes Los Angeles, California 90035 Justin Timberlake, Macy Gray, Stevie Wonder, Harry Dean Stanton, Phone: 323-954-9400 George Clinton, Johnny Depp and Robert Downey Jr. Buy tickets early http://themintla.com for popular performers because the location only holds 200 people. Cover varies, but usually free to US$30. 6010 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-954-9400. http://themintla.com.

Performing Arts

LA is one of the cultural capitals of the world (and the pop culture capital of the universe). Besides the constant stream of events at UCLA and other local colleges, Los Angeles supports opera, symphonic and choral ensembles—all of high caliber—as well as several dance troupes. LA stages more theatrical productions than any other city in the world, including New York. There are excellent theater happenings, from weird one-man shows to family-friendly musicals, all across the city, but you may want to seek out the smaller theaters: Apart from their adventurous offerings, they sometimes showcase TV and movie actors. Film buffs can get their fix in huge cinema complexes and restored movie palaces.

Dance

Los Angeles Ballet 11755 Exposition Blvd. Founded in 2004, the LA Ballet (LAB) is known for its Balanchine repertory, stylistically meticulous classic dances, and it's commitment to Los Angeles, California 90064 staging new works, some of which can be quite avant-garde. The Phone: 310-998-7782 company does not have a formal home, but travels throughout Southern http://losangelesballet.org California, performing at various venues throughout its season (including the Alex Theatre in Glendale, the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood and Royce Hall at UCLA). The season generally runs October-June with an annual production of The Nutcracker during the holidays and a mixed-repertoire program of 20th-century masterworks in the spring. 11755 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 310-998-7782 (box office). http://losangelesballet.org.

American Cinematheque 6712 Hollywood Blvd. This nonprofit organization screens a changing repertory of classic films and contemporary world cinema in the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood Los Angeles, California 90028 and the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica. Silent movies are often Phone: 323-466-3456 presented with live orchestra accompaniment. US$11 for films. 6712 http://www.americancinemathequecalendar.com Hollywood Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-466-3456. http://www.americancinemathequecalendar.com.

El Capitan 6838 Hollywood Blvd. Built in the 1920s by the same geniuses behind the Chinese and Egyptian theaters, El Capitan has enjoyed a renaissance since Disney Los Angeles, California 90028 bought it, restored it with help from Pacific Theatres and began Phone: 323-468-8260 presenting first-run and classic Disney family movies there, often https://elcapitantheatre.com accompanied by a live organist, stage shows, children's tea parties and photo ops with characters. Afterward, enjoy a frozen treat at the Disney studio store and Ghirardelli's soda fountain next door. 6838 Hollywood Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-468-8260. https://elcapitantheatre.com.

The Last Remaining Seats 523 W. Sixth St. Each summer, the Los Angeles Conservancy hosts a "classic films in historic theaters" series in the city's vintage venues on Broadway, most Los Angeles, California 90014 of which it helped restore. Renovated movie palaces include the Million Phone: 213-623-2489 Dollar, Los Angeles, Saban and Orpheum theaters. Walking tours of the https://www.laconservancy.org/last-remaining- theaters are available Saturday and Sunday. The group also runs many seats other tours of places such as Union Station, downtown's art deco-heavy historic core and Angelino Heights. Tickets go on sale in early April; most screenings sell out well in advance. Tickets US$20. 523 W. Sixth St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-623-2489. https://www.laconservancy.org/last-remaining-seats.

Los Angeles Master Chorale 135 N. Grand Ave. Led by artistic director Grant Gershon, the popular group sings at the Walt Disney Concert Hall or the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, both in Los Angeles, California 90012 downtown, October-June. Festive programs such as Handel's Messiah, Phone: 213-972-7282 the annual Messiah Sing-A-Long or the Festival of Carols help http://www.lamc.org Angelenos get in the holiday spirit. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 213-972-7282. http://www.lamc.org.

Los Angeles Philharmonic 111 S. Grand Ave. With its dramatic conductor (with even more dramatic hair), Grammy winner Gustavo Dudamel, the orchestra performs at the Walt Disney Los Angeles, California 90012 Concert Hall October-June. Summer symphony concerts are held at the Phone: 323-850-2000. Hollywood Bowl. It especially excels with the classics—Tchaikovsky, http://www.laphil.com Beethoven, Bach, Brahms and Dvorak— but it challenges old cliches about what an orchestra should play when it joins forces with popular artists such as Phish's Trey Anastasio or plays the score during a live movie screening. The annual John Williams concerts are a crowd favorite. Jazz, world and other concerts are performed at the hall, as well. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-850-2000. For tickets, phone 323-850-2050. http://www.laphil.com. Los Angeles Opera 135 N. Grand Ave. Tenor Placido Domingo is general director of the company, which started in 1986 and is the fourth largest opera collective in the U.S. His Los Angeles, California 90012 reputation attracts some of the opera community's most respected Phone: 213-972-8001 names. Performances are at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion at the Music http://www.laopera.com Center. The season runs September-June. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 213-972-8001. http://www.laopera.com.

Ahmanson Theatre 135 N. Grand Ave. At the downtown Music Center, the redesigned Ahmanson has improved acoustics. It houses big-ticket musicals, Tony Award-winning plays and Los Angeles, California 90012 Broadway or West End productions run by the Center Theatre Group, Phone: 213-628-2772 which also manages the Mark Taper Forum next door and the Kirk http://www.centertheatregroup.org/theatres/ahmanson Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Add extra time to park if all three Music Center venues are staging shows simultaneously. 135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 213-628-2772. http://www.centertheatregroup.org/theatres/ahmanson.

Dolby Theatre 6801 Hollywood Blvd. Familiar to movie fans as the current home of the Academy Awards, the Dolby (formerly Kodak) Theatre is the centerpiece of the Hollywood and Los Angeles, California 90028 Highland complex. Inspired by a European opera house, its schedule Phone: 323-308-6300. includes other award shows, live theater, world-famous comedians, http://www.dolbytheatre.com dance and movie premieres. Be sure to look up as you wander down the long hall leading to the theater where the names and years of Best Picture winners are printed. Guided tours are offered daily and last about 30 minutes. Tours US$25 adults. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-308-6300. Box office 323-308-6363. http://www.dolbytheatre.com.

East West Players 120 Judge John Aiso St. The country's foremost Asian-American theater has its home at the David Henry Hwang Theater in Little Tokyo. Since 1965, the EW Players Los Angeles, California 90012 have been putting on shows that feature Asian-American actors, Phone: 213-625-7000, directors and playwrights and that aim to foster dialogue exploring Asian http://eastwestplayers.org Pacific experiences. Box office opens two hours before each show. 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-625-7000, ext. 2 for tickets. http://eastwestplayers.org.

Geffen Playhouse 10886 Le Conte Ave. Offerings at this nonprofit include theatrical premieres from renowned directors and writers, such as David Mamet and Neil LaBute, and often Los Angeles, California 90024 movie and TV stars on hiatus, such as Matthew Modine, Dule Hill or Phone: 310-208-5454 Brian Dennehy. Plays as well as special concerts are all performed in an http://www.geffenplayhouse.org intimate 1929 Mediterranean-Revival building. As it is close to UCLA, the Geffen encourages attendance by college students, faculty and staff with discounts, a perks email list and a Freeview Week. 10886 Le Conte Ave. (Westwood), Los Angeles. Phone 310-208-5454 daily 7 am-6 pm for the box office. http://www.geffenplayhouse.org.

Mark Taper Forum 135 N. Grand Ave. This prestigious and updated venue at the Music Center usually runs four plays per season. The intimate round nature of the theater makes it Los Angeles, California 90012 the perfect place to experience the smaller, thought provoking plays. Phone: 213-628-2772 Run by the Center Theatre Group, it also does productions at the http://www.centertheatregroup.org/theatres/mtf nearby Ahmanson and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City (9820 Washington Blvd.). Add extra time to park if all three Music Center venues are staging shows simultaneously. 135 N. Grand Ave. (downtown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-628-2772. http://www.centertheatregroup.org/theatres/mtf.

Pantages Theatre 6233 Hollywood Blvd. Just off the fabled Hollywood and Vine intersection, large-scale Broadway productions, such as The Book of Mormon, Wicked and Los Angeles, California 90028 Hamilton, play in the 1930 grande dame to packed houses. 6233 Phone: 323-468-1700 Hollywood Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-468-1700. Toll- http://www.hollywoodpantages.com free 800-982-2787 for tickets. http://www.hollywoodpantages.com.

Stella Adler Lab Theatre 6773 Hollywood Blvd. Showcasing revivals of works by Tennessee Williams, Neil Simon and other playwrights, this theater also stages new productions by players Los Angeles, California 90028 who are a part of the acting academy. You can also take classes there Phone: 323-465-4446 —as Mark Ruffalo, Henry Winkler or Benicio Del Toro before you—if you happen to catch the acting bug while in town. 6773 Hollywood Blvd. http://www.stellaadler-la.com (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-465-4446. http://www.stellaadler- la.com.

Brown Paper Tickets Los Angeles, California Not only does Brown Paper Tickets offer small venues an alternative to Ticketmaster, but it also donates more than 5% of its proceeds to http://www.brownpapertickets.com nonprofits. Toll-free 800-838-3006. http://www.brownpapertickets.com.

Eventbrite Los Angeles, California Sells tickets for concerts and localized events such as the LA Auto show, pop-up museums and the lantern festival at the Arboretum. Also https://www.eventbrite.com handles free ticket giveaways to community events on occasion. https://www.eventbrite.com.

Stub Hub Los Angeles, California 94105 Sells tickets for major sporting events (such as Kings and Lakers games) and large concerts. Monday-Friday 5 am-9 pm, Saturday and http://www.stubhub.com Sunday 5 am-8 pm. Toll-free 866-788-2482. http://www.stubhub.com.

Center for the Art of Performance (CAP) at UCLA UCLA campus, 325 Westwood Plaza In various venues on the UCLA campus, this performing arts center is host to an eclectic mix, featuring everything from spoken word to jazz Los Angeles, California 90095 musicians and world dance. Venues include Royce Hall, Schoenberg Phone: 310-825-4401 Hall, the Pauley Pavilion and the Freud Playhouse. Box office at the http://cap.ucla.edu James West Alumni Center. UCLA campus, 325 Westwood Plaza (Westwood), Los Angeles. Phone 310-825-4401. http://cap.ucla.edu.

Ford Theatres 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. Although the Hollywood Bowl gets all the buzz, the John Anson Ford Amphitheatre is the best outdoor venue to take in an intimate show. Run Los Angeles, California 90068 by the County of Los Angeles, it's located off the Cahuenga Pass near Phone: 323-461-3673 the Bowl. It also has a small 87-seat indoor theater. Season usually runs http://fordtheatres.org May-October with music, opera, dance, film and theater events. 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-461-3673 box office. http://fordtheatres.org.

Hollywood Bowl 2301 N. Highland Ave. A picnic and an evening of music under the stars, sometimes with fireworks, at the iconic Hollywood Bowl is a quintessential LA Los Angeles, California 90068 summertime experience. During the summer, the bowl is home to the Phone: 323-850-2000 Los Angeles Philharmonic while still hosting everything from bossa nova http://www.hollywoodbowl.com and Top 40 to film scores and sing-a-longs. Since 1919, when it was built, the theater has hosted some of the most renowned entertainers. During the day, you can go on the grounds, walk the stairs for exercise, watch rehearsals or visit the small Hollywood Bowl museum. Parking is a beast there, so taking a rideshare or one of the city shuttles is suggested. The season runs June-September. 2301 N. Highland Ave. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-850-2000. http://www.hollywoodbowl.com.

Microsoft Theater L.A. Live 777 Chick Hearn Court The younger sister to the Staples Center, it hosts a variety of concerts, award shows, movie premieres and comedy events for big crowds in the Los Angeles, California 90015 L.A. Live complex. 777 Chick Hearn Court (downtown), Los Angeles. Phone: 213-763-6020 Phone 213-763-6020. http://www.microsofttheater.com. http://www.microsofttheater.com

Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater (REDCAT) 631 W. Second St. Located underneath the Disney Concert Hall, the REDCAT is a small venue for performing arts, dance, avant-garde media, film and Los Angeles, California 90012 experimental music by cutting-edge artists from around the world. There Phone: 213-237-2800 is a small free gallery in the lobby (Tuesday-Sunday noon-6 pm and http://www.redcat.org during intermission). 631 W. Second St. (at Hope Street), Los Angeles. Phone 213-237-2800. http://www.redcat.org.

The Greek Theatre 2700 N. Vermont Ave. This intimate outdoor amphitheater in Griffith Park is owned by the city and hosts some of the biggest names in music. Past performers include Los Angeles, California 90027 Bruce Springsteen, Erykah Badu, the Beastie Boys, Fiona Apple and the Phone: 323-665-5857 Gypsy Kings—a far cry from the operatic music that was the subject of https://www.lagreektheatre.com the Greek's first show in 1931. Parking is rough as it is stacked, and it can get chilly under the stars so pack a sweater. 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-665-5857. Toll-free 844-524-7335. https://www.lagreektheatre.com.

The Staples Center 1111 S. Figueroa St. Home to the NBA's Lakers, the Clippers, the NHL's Kings and the WNBA's Sparks, the Staples Center has hosted close to 3,000 events Los Angeles, California 90015 and 4 million guests since its opening in 1999. It is credited with Phone: 213-742-7100 beginning the revitalization of downtown LA and has undergone a http://www.staplescenter.com US$20 million renovation. In addition to sporting events, it also hosts huge concerts, the Grammy Awards, and a variety of other entertainment and high-profile events. 1111 S. Figueroa St. (downtown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-742-7100 for the box office. http://www.staplescenter.com.

The Theatre at Ace Hotel 929 S. Broadway Kudos to the Ace Hotel downtown for giving Los Angeles another great place to see live music, panels, films and comedy. When the Ace moved Los Angeles, California in to the old United Artists building, it beautifully restored the 1920s Phone: 213-623-3233 movie palace next door. Seating 1,600 people, it hosts a variety of https://www.acehotel.com/losangeles/theatre modern entertainment and can be booked for weddings. 929 S. Broadway, Los Angeles. Phone 213-623-3233. https://www.acehotel.com/losangeles/theatre.

The Wiltern 3790 Wilshire Blvd. Built in 1931, the Wiltern is an unlikely art deco building in the heart of LA's Koreatown. Still, it is one of the best venues for a major concert or Los Angeles, California 90010 show. During its long history, it has hosted everyone from OK GO to the Phone: 213-388-1400 Moscow Ballet to the Rolling Stones. Lodge and Mezzanine areas have http://www.wiltern.com seats, but the main floor will be seated or standing room only, depending on the show. 3790 Wilshire Blvd. (at Western Avenue in Koreatown; the Metro purple line has a station right across the street), Los Angeles. Phone 213-388-1400. Toll-free 800-745-3000 for Ticketmaster. http://www.wiltern.com.

Walt Disney Concert Hall 111 S. Grand Ave. This silvery space-age building is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and also hosts a variety of musical acts and events throughout the year. Los Angeles, California 90012 On most days you can take a 60-minute, self-guided audio tour. The Phone: 323-850-2000 voice of actor John Lithgow guides you through the concert hall's http://www.laphil.com history, and you'll get to hear an interview with the famed architect himself, Frank Gehry. Docent-led tours are also available. 111 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-850-2000 for LA Phil concerts, 213-365- 3500 (Ticketmaster) for others. http://www.laphil.com.

Spectator Sports

Baseball

Los Angeles Dodgers 1000 Elysian Park Ave. The 56,000 seat Dodger Stadium is nestled in pretty Chavez Ravine and is home of LA's National League team. Don't forget to eat a famous Los Angeles, California 90012 Dodger Dog while visiting. Walking tours of the stadium last 80-90 Phone: 323-224-1448 minutes and usually include stops on the field and in the dugout. Offered https://www.mlb.com/dodgers almost daily throughout the year. The season runs April-October. 1000 Elysian Park Ave. (just north of downtown; park in or exit from Lots 33 or 39 to avoid postgame traffic snarls), Los Angeles. Phone 323-224-1448. https://www.mlb.com/dodgers.

Los Angeles Clippers 1111 S. Figueroa St. The Clippers play NBA games in the Staples Center. 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-742-7500. Toll-free 888-929-7849. Los Angeles, California 90015 http://www.nba.com/clippers. Phone: 213-742-7500 http://www.nba.com/clippers Los Angeles Lakers 1111 S. Figueroa St. The Lakers host home games at the Staples Center. 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-742-7100. Toll-free 800-462-2849. Los Angeles, California 90015 http://www.nba.com/lakers. Phone: 213-742-7100 http://www.nba.com/lakers

Los Angeles Sparks 1111 S. Figueroa St. The city's three-peat WNBA champions, the sister team to the Lakers, performs its magic June-August at the Staples Center. 1111 S. Figueroa Los Angeles, California 90015 St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-742-7340. Toll-free 888-929-7849. Phone: 213-742-7340 http://www.wnba.com/sparks. http://www.wnba.com/sparks

Los Angeles Rams 3911 S. Figueroa St. The Rams play at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which is also home to USC Trojans football. A new stadium at Hollywood Park, which will Los Angeles, California 90037 serve as the home stadium for both the Rams and the Chargers, is Phone: 213-747-7111 under construction and expected to open in 2020. The season runs http://www.therams.com September-December. 3911 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Phone 213- 747-7111. http://www.therams.com.

Los Angeles Kings 1111 S. Figueroa St. For NHL action and maybe a rowdy brawl on ice, take in a Kings game at the Staples Center. 1111 S. Figueroa St., Los Angeles. Phone 213- Los Angeles, California 90015 742-7100. Toll-free 888-546-4752. https://www.nhl.com/kings. Phone: 213-742-7100 https://www.nhl.com/kings

Los Angeles Football Club 818 W 7th Street The LAFC plays home games at the Banc Of California Stadium downtown near USC where the Sports Arena once stood. The Fields LA Los Angeles, California 90017 is a three-floor culinary complex that houses 10 restaurants including a Phone: 213-519-9900 pizzeria, a taco joint, a fried chicken slinger and chef Tim Hollingsworth's http://www.lafc.com Freeplay, where patrons can eat tri-tip nachos and gnocchi with walnuts and piquillo peppers while watching the game or playing vintage arcade games. The Fields daily 11 am-9 pm. LAFC season runs March- November. 818 W 7th Street, Los Angeles. Phone 213-519-9900. http://www.lafc.com.

Shopping

Start in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive to examine the racks of US$5,000 frocks and shelves of mink-trimmed slippers. Don't be intimidated—even if the designer stores lining the street are out of your range, there's no charge to window-shop, browse or fantasize.

From there, head to the mammoth vintage clothing stores on La Brea Avenue, the downtown fashion and jewelry districts, or Pasadena's Old Town. Trendy boutiques and elegant stores line Montana Avenue, Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and La Cienega, Robertson between Beverly and Third, and Third Street and Beverly Boulevard between La Cienega and La Brea.

Beach towns such as Venice and Santa Monica offer strings of souvenir shops on their piers and boardwalks. Malls can be found in each section of the city.

There are antiques and design shops everywhere, but large concentrations lie on Beverly Boulevard between Fairfax and La Brea, La Brea Avenue between Wilshire and Sixth Street, and along La Cienega Boulevard between Santa Monica and Melrose.

Shopping Hours: Generally, Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 or 7 pm, Sunday noon-6 pm. Larger malls and shopping centers usually until 9 pm Monday-Saturday and 7 or 8 pm Sunday.

Antique Stores

Blackman Cruz 836 N. Highland Ave. This ultrachic shop sells high-end antiques from the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as its own line of reproductions and contemporary Los Angeles, California 90038 pieces from the 21st century, called BK Workshop. It has an extensive Phone: 323-466-8600 selection of midcentury modern pieces and many striking, one-of-a-kind http://www.blackmancruz.com lamps, art pieces and home accessories, all from a spacious location that used to be the gay nightclub that was featured in the movie American Gigolo. Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm, Saturday noon-5 pm. 836 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-466-8600. http://www.blackmancruz.com.

East Meets West Antiques 160 N. La Brea Ave. For aficionados of Americana, this is a must-see. Specializing in Americana antiques and textiles, this shop sells everything from quilts Los Angeles, California 90036 and throw pillows to garden furniture and ceramics, all at premium Phone: 323-931-0500 prices. Monday-Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday by appointment only. https://www.1stdibs.com/dealers/east-meets- 160 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-931-0500. https://www.1stdibs.com/dealers/east-meets-west-antiques. west-antiques

Hennessey and Ingalls 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite M Boasting the largest selection of art and architecture books in the western U.S., Hennessey and Ingalls is a great stop for both visual Los Angeles, California 90013 artists and those who appreciate their output. It claims to have 4.5 Phone: 213-437-2130 million books in the collection, although many have to be pulled from a http://www.hennesseyingalls.com warehouse. Daily 10 am-8 pm. 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite M, Los Angeles. Phone 213-437-2130. http://www.hennesseyingalls.com.

Larry Edmunds Book Shop 6644 Hollywood Blvd. An important film and video bookstore for more than 75 years, this shop has kept Hollywood insiders (and outsiders) in the know since 1939. Los Angeles, California 90028 You'll find literature about film, theater and the performing arts. Phone: 323-463-3273 Collectors love to browse through its more than 6,000 original movie http://www.larryedmunds.com posters and 500,000 movie photographs. Also hosts author events. Metered street parking only (read posted signs carefully). Monday- Friday 10 am-5:30 pm, Saturday 10 am-6 pm, Sunday noon-5:30 pm. 6644 Hollywood Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-463-3273. http://www.larryedmunds.com.

Samuel French 7623 Sunset Blvd. In this shop, filmmakers, actors and writers jam the aisles browsing through books, plays, scripts and miscellaneous movie-buff stuff. Book Los Angeles, California 90046 topics include breaking into showbiz, movie history and biographies. It http://www.samuelfrench.com also carries industry magazines and newspapers. Limited parking available in back lot. Also, two-hour street parking available on Stanley, but be sure to read all posted signs. Monday-Friday 9 am-9 pm, Saturday and Sunday 1-8 pm. 7623 Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Toll-free 866-598-8449. http://www.samuelfrench.com.

Skylight Books 1818 N. Vermont Ave. Located in Los Feliz near boutique shops and restaurants, Skylight Books specializes in literary fiction, graphic novels, alternative literature, Los Angeles, California 90027 cinema and books on Los Angeles. Also has a great selection of gifts Phone: 323-660-1175 such as magnets, coffee mugs and pins as well as party games and http://www.skylightbooks.com small home decor. Street parking only. Daily 10 am-10 pm. 1818 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-660-1175. http://www.skylightbooks.com.

The Last Bookstore 453 S. Spring St. What began in a downtown loft in 2005 has expanded into the state's largest used and new book and record store in a historic building. Los Angeles, California 90013 Browse its ever-expanding collection for a rare book or vintage vinyl Phone: 213-488-0599 you've been searching for. One of the only places left to sell books for http://lastbookstorela.com cash or credit left in town, it also hosts a variety of readings, speakeasies and literary events. Like-minded artists and gift boutiques line the second floor. It can get very crowded as its creative displays are hugely popular on Instagram. Monday-Thursday 10 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-9 pm. 453 S. Spring St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-488-0599. http://lastbookstorela.com.

Art galleries are numerous in Los Angeles. There are more than 100 sprinkled throughout the metropolitan area. Major pockets include Pasadena, alternative galleries in Chinatown, artist communities in downtown and Santa Monica, smaller galleries in Hollywood and Silverlake, influential upscale spaces in West Hollywood and Beverly Hills and an outcropping of art spaces in Culver City. From jewelry to photography to performance spaces, there is a gallery for all tastes.

The galleries in downtown LA host the Downtown Art Walk the second Thursday of every month. Most of the activities happen between Second and Ninth streets and between Spring and Main streets. The event runs noon-10 pm, but the real activities happen after sundown with openings, special programs, food trucks and sometimes a parade. Guided gallery tours are available during every Art Walk, as well. http://www.downtownartwalk.org.

Check the LA Weekly or the Los Angeles Times' arts and entertainment section for current listings. Most galleries are open Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-5 pm and by appointment.

Barnsdall Art Center 4800 Hollywood Blvd. The Barnsdall Park houses two public galleries (Municipal Arts Gallery and the Junior Art Center Gallery), as well as the Frank Lloyd Wright- Los Angeles, California 90027 designed Hollyhock House. They show mostly student work. Hours vary Phone: 323-660-4254 at the individual venues. Daily 6 am-10 pm. Tours of the house US$7 adults. Galleries are free. 4800 Hollywood Blvd. (near Vermont Avenue), https://barnsdallartcenter.org Los Angeles. Phone 323-660-4254. https://barnsdallartcenter.org.

Beverly Hills Galleries Los Angeles, California Serious collectors head to the upscale galleries in Beverly Hills. Among them is the Gagosian Gallery on North Camden Drive, usually by appointment (which has shown such art stars as Cindy Sherman and Jean-Michel Basquiat), Revolver Gallery on Charleville (with its extensive Warhol collection) and the Ace Gallery on Wilshire Boulevard. Galleries are located on Camden, Robertson, La Cienega and neighboring streets.

Chung King Road (Chinatown Galleries) Chung King Road The more than 15 galleries on Chung King Road in the heart of Chinatown are a haven for emerging LA artists. This stretch between Los Angeles, California 90012 College and Bernard streets is worth checking out, if only to expand https://www.facebook.com/ChungKingRoad your mind and remind you that today's art isn't always at home in stuffier museums. You can also find curio shops, antique stores, restaurants and nightlife, most with an Asian flavor. Best time to visit is during opening nights. Check calendar listings for dates. Chung King Road (downtown), Los Angeles. https://www.facebook.com/ChungKingRoad.

West Hollywood Design District 8687 Melrose Ave. This West Hollywood luxury district includes more than 250 galleries in a walkable radius of Melrose, Beverly and Robertson streets. Small Los Angeles, California galleries such as Louis Stern and Regen Projects are tucked between http://westhollywooddesigndistrict.com the celebrities-shop-here boutiques and international furniture design houses such as Kartell and Diva. There's a flagship Restoration Hardware store as well. MOCA also has an exhibit space at the Pacific Design Center (PDC). 8687 Melrose Ave. (at the crossroads of Melrose Avenue, Beverly Boulevard and Robertson Boulevard), Los Angeles. http://westhollywooddesigndistrict.com.

Farmers Market 6333 W. Third St. This is an open-air bazaar of fruits, vegetables, bistros and boutiques, all with ethnic flavors and local favorites. More than 88 booths, carts, Los Angeles, California 90036 restaurants and shops are tightly packed with souvenirs and food. Phone: 323-933-9211 Located next to The Grove complex and CBS Television City, this is a http://www.farmersmarketla.com great place to grab a casual lunch, pick up some souvenirs or maybe run into a celebrity or two. Live music some evenings. Monday-Friday 9 am-9 pm, Saturday 9 am-8 pm, Sunday 10 am-7 pm. Two hours free parking with validation. 6333 W. Third St. (at Fairfax Avenue), Los Angeles. Phone 323-933-9211. Toll-free 866-993-9211. http://www.farmersmarketla.com.

Grand Central Market 317 S. Broadway Although it has been around since 1917, it is the recent overhaul, new gourmet restaurants and artisan shops that have made it a viable place Los Angeles, California 90013 to hang out. This bustling network of food stalls is filled with vendors Phone: 213-624-2378 selling fruit, vegetables, meat, spices and cheese. It also hosts film http://www.grandcentralmarket.com screenings, DJs, trivia nights (Wednesday) and game nights (Thursday). A free shuttle will take you to and from the market all over downtown (phone 213-896-9260). Sunday-Wednesday 8 am-6 pm, Thursday 8 am-9 pm. Parking entrance at 308 S. Hill St.; free for one hour with minimum US$10 purchase. 317 S. Broadway (downtown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-624-2378. http://www.grandcentralmarket.com.

Los Angeles Flower Market 766 Wall St. Located in the middle of downtown's fashion district, this early-morning flower mart is a wonderful bouquet of scents and sights. The largest of Los Angeles, California 90014 its kind in the U.S., the flower district features almost every type of cut Phone: 213-627-3696 flower and exotic plant that's commercially available year-round, as well http://www.laflowerdistrict.com as floral supplies. Monday and Wednesday 8 am-noon, Tuesday and Thursday 6-11 am, Friday 8 am-2 pm, Saturday 6 am-2 pm. US$2 admission Monday-Friday, US$1 on Saturday. 766 Wall St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-627-3696 (Los Angeles Fashion District general information for tourists). http://www.laflowerdistrict.com.

Smorgasburg 777 S. Alameda St. Every Sunday, this open-air market features more than 90 food and Los Angeles, California 90021 shopping vendors as well as a beer garden and local DJs. Sunday 10 http://la.smorgasburg.com am-4 pm. 777 S. Alameda St., Los Angeles. http://la.smorgasburg.com.

Beverly Boulevard Beverly Boulevard Between Fairfax and La Brea, Beverly Boulevard is packed with both high-end boutiques and unique shops. Some of LA's best restaurants Los Angeles, California are also on this strip. This is as hot a shopping area as Third Street, which runs parallel to Beverly to the south. Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles.

Beverly Center 8500 Beverly Blvd. This LA landmark is known for trendy fashions and a hunky Santa photo op during the holidays. It houses the Grand Court with comfortable Los Angeles, California 90048 seating areas, and the food court with rooftop seating and panoramic Phone: 310-854-0070 views of the city. Shops, which include the standards such as Banana http://www.beverlycenter.com Republic as well as higher-end couture such as Burberry and Dolce & Gabbana, start on the sixth floor (above the parking levels) with a variety of restaurants sprinkled in. More dining options at the street level. The restaurants have extended hours. Monday-Friday 10 am-9 pm, Saturday 10 am-8 pm, Sunday 11 am-6 pm. Plenty of parking at US$1 per hour for the first four hours. 8500 Beverly Blvd. (near Third Street), Los Angeles. Phone 310-854-0070. http://www.beverlycenter.com.

California Jewelry Mart/LA Jewelry District Starts at 607 S. Hill St. In a downtown section between Fifth and Eighth streets and running along Olive, Hill and Broadway, there are more than 3,000 jewelers Los Angeles, California 90014 selling gold, diamonds, watches and estate items at wholesale prices. As with any discounter, you should expect to spend a lot of time searching through well-picked-over pieces before finding the true gems. The California Jewelry Mart stands nine stories tall in the jewelry district with more than 200 vendors, specializing in everything from watch repairs to bead sellers. Most shops Monday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm. Most vendors closed on Sunday. Parking available in surrounding lots, but prices vary wildly. Starts at 607 S. Hill St. (in the Fashion District), Los Angeles.

Fashion District 110 E. Ninth Street, Suite A-1175 A 100-sq-block area in downtown LA, the Fashion District offers wholesale and retail shops that sell discount clothing, fabric and accessories. The area's loft-style buildings are also home to many up-and- Los Angeles, California 90079 coming fashion designers' showrooms. They are rapidly being converted to residential apartments as Phone: 213-488-1153 well. Browse through the stalls lining Santee Alley (between Santee Street and Maple Avenue), or stop http://www.fashiondistrict.org by the Cooper Design Space (Los Angeles Street near Ninth Street) for discount designer fashions. There is a whole street dedicated to fabrics and notions as well. Most shops accept only cash. Office Monday-Friday 8:30 am-5 pm. Parking is available in surrounding rooftop lots, garages and at meters, but prices vary widely. The district is bound by Main, San Pedro, Seventh and 16th streets, and Los Angeles Avenue from Fifth to Seventh streets. 110 E. Ninth Street, Suite A-1175, Los Angeles. Phone 213-488-1153. http://www.fashiondistrict.org.

Larchmont Village 419 N. Larchmont This pedestrian-friendly neighborhood feels like old-world Hollywood. People seem to stroll at a slightly slower pace in Larchmont Village. The Los Angeles, California 90004 street is home to ice-cream shops, quaint cafes, pizza parlors, cute http://www.larchmont.com shops and a Sunday farmer's market. Although the atmosphere may be more relaxed, the clothing is always sharp. 419 N. Larchmont (between Melrose and Third Street), Los Angeles. http://www.larchmont.com.

Melrose Avenue Melrose Avenue In the 1980s, Melrose Avenue between Fairfax and La Brea was the trendiest shopping destination in town, but these days it's geared toward Los Angeles, California young adults, punks, goths and foreign tourists. You'll still find great https://melroseavenue-shop.com affordable shopping, tattoo and piercing parlors, and edgier shops there, but the designer boutiques have moved west of Fairfax, particularly around Crescent Heights and to Melrose Place, a short strip between Melrose and La Cienega. Look for fashion houses such as Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu, plus high-end design and antiques stores. Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles. https://melroseavenue-shop.com.

Rodeo Drive Los Angeles, California 90048 This famous street in Beverly Hills (between Wilshire and Santa Monica boulevards) still claims the grand prize for glitz and glamour and is the http://rodeodrive-bh.com heart of what's known as "The Golden Triangle," the area in which the world's top designers have set up shop. Many of the grand names in Europe and U.K. couture—Alexander McQueen, Bottega Veneta, Armani, Bally, Hermes, Dolce and Gabbana, Dior and Gucci—are represented, as are fine jewelers such as Cartier, Harry Winston and David Yurman. More designers are found on the surrounding streets including Wilshire. Less exclusive brands are their neighbors on Rodeo and Beverly drives. It's a prime spot for strolling, credit cards in hand. http://rodeodrive-bh.com.

The Grove 189 The Grove Drive On the east side of the historic Farmers Market is this 80,000-sq- ft/7,430-sq-m development, complete with upscale stores, restaurants Los Angeles, California 90036 and a 14-screen theater. The complex has a free double-decker electric Phone: 323-900-8080 trolley that runs from the Farmers Market through the shopping areas of http://www.thegrovela.com The Grove, adding to the feel of an earlier era. There's also a fountain show designed by the folks behind the Bellagio's waterworks in Las Vegas. Monday-Thursday 10 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 10 am-10 pm, Sunday 10 am-8 pm. Free parking for one hour with store validation, valet parking from the Grove Drive or Farmer's Market Place entrance off Fairfax Avenue, and self-parking accessible off Grove Drive between Beverly and Third streets. 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles. Phone 323-900-8080. http://www.thegrovela.com.

Third Street, West Hollywood Third Street With major shopping centers as end points (The Grove and the Beverly Center), Third Street, just south of West Hollywood, is lined with shops Los Angeles, California ranging from the funky to the upscale. Trendy boutiques and eclectic http://west3rdstreet.com restaurants and cafes line the street, and many are filled with celebrities and local scenesters. You can buy European and Japanese designer clothing, retro rags, stationary and art at shops such as Noodle Stories, New Stone Age and Polkadots & Moonbeams. Shop after brunch at the popular Joan's on Third. Third Street (between La Cienaga and Fairfax), Los Angeles. http://west3rdstreet.com.

American Rag Cie 150 S. La Brea Ave. Started in 1984 as a vintage shop, American Rag now has its own label, AR321, and other lines with hip global flair in addition to its gently used Los Angeles, California 90036 selection. Staff is on hand to help with buying flirty tops and designer Phone: 323-935-3154 jeans in the denim bar. Monday-Saturday 10 am-9 pm, Sunday noon-7 https://www.americanrag.com pm. 150 S. La Brea Ave. (between First and Second streets), Los Angeles. Phone 323-935-3154. https://www.americanrag.com.

Jet Rag 825 N. La Brea Ave. Vintage and secondhand clothing abound, but be prepared to dig a little on both floors for a true treasure. On Sunday, items go for US$1 in the Los Angeles, California 90038 parking lot, so put on your shades and be ready to elbow the crazed Phone: 323-939-0528 crowds. Monday-Saturday 11 am-7:30 pm, Sunday 10:30 am-7 pm. 825 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-939-0528. l.a.Eyeworks 7386 Beverly Blvd. Whether you're looking for new hipster frames or just fashion sunglasses, you'll find a vast array of styles in all colors and materials at Los Angeles, California 90036 l.a. Eyeworks. There's also a location on Melrose (7407 Melrose Ave., Phone: 323-931-7795 phone 323-653-8255). Monday-Saturday 11 am-7 pm, Sunday noon-5 http://www.laeyeworks.com pm. 7386 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-931-7795. http://www.laeyeworks.com.

Maison Midi 148 S. La Brea Ave. From the owners of American Rag, come this housewares shop opened next door. It features rare and exclusive items with Mediterranean flair. Los Angeles, California 90036 Monday-Saturday 10 am-7 pm and Sunday noon-7 pm. 148 S. La Brea Phone: 323-935-3157 Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-935-3157. https://www.maison-midi.com. https://www.maison-midi.com

Itinerary

Day Trips To Catalina Island. This is the home of the Mediterranean-style town of Avalon, with its small-town charm and iconic circular Moorish-style casino (also a concert venue, wedding venue and movie theater) on the harbor. The population of 2,500 swells to nearly 20,000 during the popular summer season, yet three-quarters of the island remains undeveloped.

A herd of wild bison left by a film crew years ago roams the interior, as does a fox only found there. You might be lucky enough to spot one during a convertible Hummer tour or while hiking. The island has a zipline and a world-class spa, and it's a great spot for scuba diving. You can get to Catalina from Long Beach by boat, ferry (sometimes rough), air or paddleboard and kayak, as extremely fit locals have been known to do.

To Channel Islands National Park. This park preserves a chain of uninhabited islands—Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel and Santa Barbara— off the coast of Ventura, about 60 mi/95 km from LA. There, seals, sea lions, urchins, a kelp forest and pelicans thrive in waters protected as a marine sanctuary.

Rangers conduct guided hikes daily in the summer on some of the islands. Lectures also happen six times a year at the park's visitor center on the mainland in the Ventura Harbor. Be sure to take your own water and snacks, as there are no restaurants or flush toilets on the islands. Potable water is only available at the Scorpion Ranch campground on Santa Cruz and the Water Canyon campground on Santa Rosa. Also wear your hiking boots because there is no transportation on the islands and bikes are not allowed.

Boats depart daily to Anacapa Island from both Ventura Harbor and Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard. From LA, take the Ventura Highway (Highway 101) west to the Ventura coast. Travel time is 60-90 minutes for the inner islands, but the boat crossing can take up to four hours for the outer islands. The park is open all year, but the outer islands are not accessible in the winter.

To Laguna Beach. Laguna Beach is a picturesque seaside resort town with easy access to the beach. The streets are lined with art galleries, shops, bars and restaurants. You can spend the whole day in your swimsuit strolling around this casual community. Twice a year (in summer and winter), the town center hosts the Sawdust Art and Craft Festival, where local artists display and sell their work.

Laguna Beach is 55 mi/90 km south of LA. Take Interstate 405 south to the Highway 133 exit (Laguna Canyon Road). For a more beautiful but much longer journey, head south on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), one of the country's most scenic roadways. Watch for overlook stops, where you can admire colorful sunsets, gaze at the ruggedly beautiful coast or perhaps spot California gray whales migrating between Alaska and Baja California—especially during their peak migration months (December to mid-April).

To Palm Springs. Seeking something other than salt air? Try driving to the desert playground of Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, Elvis (who got married in Palm Springs), and Frank Sinatra (whose house can be rented) and the rest of the Rat Pack. Midcentury modern architecture buffs will be in hog heaven amid all the well-preserved buildings.

Palm Springs is also known for golf, art galleries and mild winter weather that attracts snowbirds and retirees. It also pulls in hipsters, young professionals and the LGBTQ community on weekends, especially when the annual music festivals of Coachella and Stagecoach are held. There are lots of great restaurants.

Kids will love the aerial tramway that goes up to 8,516 ft/2,596 m above sea level, and sometimes snow, in 10 minutes. Explore nature at nearby Joshua Tree National Park and the Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge.

Take I-10 or I-210 East, then CA-111 South via Exit 112 toward Palm Springs—it's about 120 mi/193 km from LAX, but traffic can be brutal, especially on Friday afternoon and three-day weekends.

A Day in LA Tours 90401 Ocean Ave. An independent tour company, it provides hiking, walking, bus and bike tours of Los Angeles, Hollywood, Venice and Beverly Hills. It's a great Los Angeles, California 90401 way to explore the city if you have only one day to explore. Private tours Phone: 818-538-6287 are also available with advance arrangement. 90401 Ocean Ave., Los http://www.adayinlatours.com Angeles. Phone 818-538-6287. http://www.adayinlatours.com.

Dearly Departed Tours 5901 Santa Monica Blvd. It's not to everyone's taste, but if you're interested in celebrity deaths, murder mysteries and true crime tales, this is your kind of tour. Discover Los Angeles, California 90038 all the seedy, morbid and tragic sides of Hollywood. Choose from a Phone: 323-466-3696 variety of options, including the Helter Skelter Tour, which traipses to http://www.dearlydepartedtours.com sites connected to the Manson murders, or the Nasty Nellie Oleson tour, led by former child actress Alison Arngrim, who played the namesake character in the The Little House on the Prairie TV show. It also has a small gallery of dead celebrity memorabilia. Tour times range two to five hours. US$48-$75. 5901 Santa Monica Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-466-3696. Toll-free 855-600-3323. http://www.dearlydepartedtours.com.

Esotouric Tours Los Angeles, California True crime buffs looking for the seedy side of LA's history can sign up for a guided bus tour run by husband-and-wife natives Kim Cooper and Phone: 213-915-8687 Richard Schave. A variety of tours examine California cultural topics, the http://www.esotouric.com literary LA, and murders and mayhem: Discover Raymond Chandler's Los Angeles, the Real Black Dahlia tour, Route 66 Road Trip and a Blood and Dumplings tour of Chinatown. Not suggested for those younger than 16. Starting locations vary. Tours are held on Saturday and run about four hours each. Tours US$58-$63. Phone 213-915- 8687. http://www.esotouric.com. Los Angeles Conservancy Walking Tours 523 W. Sixth St., Suite 826 Conservancy docents lead terrific walking tours of downtown Los Angeles. These Saturday tours (about two-and-a-half hours each) Los Angeles, California 90014 explore the interiors and exteriors of downtown architectural treasures. Phone: 213-623-2489 Eight different walking tours feature such highlights as the Millennium http://www.laconservancy.org Biltmore Hotel, Union Station, the historic Broadway theater district and Angelino Heights. Tours usually begin Saturday at 10 am, with some at 2 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Advance payment and reservations are strongly recommended; some tours require them. US$15 per person. 523 W. Sixth St., Suite 826, Los Angeles. Phone 213-623-2489. http://www.laconservancy.org.

Off 'N Running Tours Los Angeles, California For fitness enthusiasts or those who want to get in some exercise in sunny Los Angeles, this tour company will take you on a running or Phone: 310-246-1418 walking tour of Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Venice, Santa Monica or other https://www.offnrunningtours.com/sightseeing- parts of LA. Daily 7 am-5 pm. Phone 310-246-1418. tours.html https://www.offnrunningtours.com/sightseeing-tours.html.

These days are interchangeable. Renting a car is recommended—despite Los Angeles' notorious traffic, getting to all the attractions on public transportation would be even more time-consuming.

Day 1—Downtown: Spend the morning on Olvera Street and in Little Tokyo or Chinatown. Have lunch at one of the hip stands in the Grand Central Market, the Arts District, handmade noodles in Little Tokyo or dim sum in Chinatown. Then visit the Museum of Contemporary Art, The Broad or the Geffen Contemporary. In the evening, head for the Music Center for some first-rate theatrical entertainment, or enjoy a concert at the world-class Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Day 2—Hollywood: The Warner Bros. Studios tour (in Burbank) or the Universal Studios Hollywood (which is actually in Universal City, north of Hollywood) can fill the whole day with back lot peeks, thrill rides, exhibits, photo ops, shows, entertainment events and shopping. But if you have only one day for movie nostalgia, allow time to take in the sights of Hollywood Boulevard. Stroll along the Walk of Fame, browse classic movie memorabilia at the Hollywood Museum or attend a taping of a TV show. Finish the night with a movie at the TCL Chinese Theatre (and a stop to see famous hand- and footprints), the Arclight or a concert under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl (in the summer and early fall).

Day 3—Midtown, Beverly Hills and the Westside: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and anything else on Museum Row. Stroll the vendors at the Farmers Market, then drive west and stroll along the designer shops on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Marvel at the mansions on Sunset Boulevard as you drive even farther west for a visit to the Getty Center. Eat at one of the many fine restaurants on San Vicente Boulevard in nearby Brentwood or dine alfresco at a popular restaurant on The Sunset Strip.

Day 4—The Coast: Spend some time soaking up rays in Santa Monica or Malibu. Rent a bike and head to Venice Beach, then stop for lunch at one of the many outdoor cafes on the Boardwalk. Shop on Main Street and Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice or head back north to Montana Avenue or the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. Take a sunset or nighttime ride on the pier's Ferris wheel before retiring for the day.

Day 5—Spend the day at an amusement park: Pacific Park, Universal Studios, Six Flags Magic Mountain or Disneyland in nearby Anaheim.

To help you make the most of your time in Los Angeles, we've designed itineraries for four of LA's most distinctive areas. PLAN A

Downtown

Downtown is one part of LA where you can get around sans automobile. The metro lines or DASH buses take you to Olvera Street, Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Music Center or the University of Southern California. Ask for a DASH map at your hotel or get one on a bus.

Start your tour where the city itself started, at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Park. Tour the old Avila Adobe and snack on cactus candy or sugary churros as you stroll Olvera Street, where vendors display both tacky trinkets and true folk art. Pause for a refresco or lunch at one of the Mexican restaurants in this historic area (the mariachis will serenade you—and expect a tip).

If this is a first visit, you may want to detour north to Chinatown. In any case, be sure to visit Little Tokyo and the Japanese American National Museum. You can take the Red Line to the uphill, upscale California Plaza and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Stop at The Broad if your modern art fix has not been quenched. Next door, crowning Grand Street, is Frank Gehry's space-age Walt Disney Concert Hall. It's a short walk to the modern Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, designed by architect Rafael Moneo.

Heading the other way, to the base of Bunker Hill, you'll find the bustling Grand Central Market, a great stop for lunch or a snack. Check out the Broadway Historic Theater District, where you'll find the facades of ornate movie houses built in the 1920s and '30s (many of them converted, unfortunately, into swap meets and churches).

A short walk south takes you to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel, an art-deco landmark opposite Pershing Square. In winter, the square offers an ice-skating rink. On the west side of the Biltmore, admire the restored Central Library, housed in an LA architectural gem of Byzantine and Egyptian design combined with a modern office tower. It's a focal point of the area, complete with gardens, galleries and public art inside and outside the library.

Folks seeking a thrill should head up to OUE Skyspace for panoramic views of the whole LA basin and landmarks such as the Hollywood Sign and a quick ride on the all-glass Skyslide. Spire 73 also provides fantastic views.

PLAN B Coasting along the LA Coast

Just north of the airport, the Marina Freeway (Route 90) delivers you to Marina Del Rey, home of the largest man-made small-boat harbor in the U.S. Ogle the yachts and pause at picturesque Fisherman's Village before heading north to the zany world of Venice Beach. Plunge into the boardwalk action on foot, in-line skates or bicycle. Be sure to stop at Muscle Beach and a beachside cafe for a caffeine fix. Get in some fabulous people-watching on Abbott Kinney.

Continuing along the coast, stop at the Santa Monica Pier and then visit Malibu Beach. Though "Malibu" and "beach" seem inseparable, there is more to Malibu than sand and surf: It has the Santa Monica National Recreation Area and the Getty Villa in its backyard. Hang with the hippies in Topanga Canyon or shop the upscale boutiques inside Malibu Country Mart. The shopping center also has plenty of great places to snack.

Traveling south from the airport, you'll run into Hermosa, Manhattan and Redondo beaches, all towns that have retained their beach village flavor despite massive development inland. There are lots of retail and dining options (especially for brunch) in these walkable communities during the day and a lively bar scene in the evenings.

PLAN C

Midtown, Beverly Hills and the Westside

Pick up a map for a walking tour of glamorous Beverly Hills at the city's visitors bureau on South Beverly Drive. Climb Beverly Hills' own Spanish Steps at Wilshire and Rodeo Drive to exquisite designer shops and art galleries, or browse Wilshire Boulevard's Department Store Row: Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Barney's New York.

If Los Angeles cuisine threatens your waistline, Off 'N' Running will take you on a 4-mi/6-km, guided running tour of Beverly Hills' mansions, gardens and historical landmarks. More budget-friendly shopping can be found at The Grove, The Beverly Center or on Third or Beverly streets. If vintage is your bag, head to over to La Brea or Melrose to scour shops such as Jet Rag.

If you'd like to go west, take Sunset Boulevard to the Getty Center, giving you an opportunity to see landmarks such as the legendary pink Beverly Hills Hotel and the mansions of the rich and famous along the way. Take in some art and stroll along the gardens in time to catch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Alternately, you can head east on Wilshire to visit one or more of the five museums on Wilshire's Museum Row, ending the evening with dinner at Lucques or Osteria Mozza (be sure to make reservations) or its more casual sibling, Pizzeria Mozza.

PLAN D

Irresistible Hollywood

Join crowds at TCL Chinese Theatre and match your hand- and footprints with those of your favorite stars (some date from 1927). Browse the shops at the Hollywood and Highland complex. Have a cocktail at one of the many bars inside the Roosevelt Hotel—site of the first Academy Awards ceremony and restored to its historic and glamorous glory. Be prepared for lines to get in.

To watch movies and TV shows being filmed, pick up a free list of filming locations at the City of Los Angeles Film and Video Permit Office, opposite TCL Chinese Theatre. On Vine Street, you can see depictions of jazz greats on the mural fronting the Capitol Records Building, the famous structure that looks like a stack of records. You can visit the Hollywood Museum in the landmark art-deco Max Factor Building and catch a great shot of the Hollywood sign from the second floor of the Hollywood and Highland complex.

From there take the Hollywood Freeway (101) north to Universal City, home of Universal Studios Hollywood (exit at Universal Center Drive), for a tram tour through movie sets and special-effects extravaganzas. Or book the Warner Bros. Studio Tour. Have dinner and pick up some kitschy souvenirs in family- friendly Universal CityWalk.

DINING

Dining Overview

LA's dining scene, food truck explosion and homegrown chef talent holds its own. Dining in LA is first and foremost about astonishing variety, much of it a byproduct of the diverse cultures within the boundaries of Los Angeles. You can have huevos rancheros for breakfast, falafel for lunch, sushi for dinner, and a slice of pizza and a craft beer for a late-night snack, all without moving your car from the same parking garage. It's also the type of place where every kind of eater—vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free, pescatarian, meat lover, lactose intolerant, keto and so on—can find a seat at the dining table and something on the menu.

A range of Asian restaurants is clustered around the Southland with Chinese options in the San Gabriel Valley to the east, Little Saigon to the South and Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Thai-town and Koreatown in the center of the city. Of course, Latin American flavors abound from traditional Mexican taquerias to local pupuserias turning out made-to-order El Salvadorean goodies. Caribbean cuisine and barbeque joints can be found in South LA, and Little Ethiopia's restaurants serve up injera-lined platters of stewed meats and vegetables.

Whatever cuisine you're craving, you'll have no problem finding it in LA's broad culinary landscape. And if you didn't have enough choices, inventive chefs hybridize culinary traditions to create fusion cuisines such as Cal-French, Korean tacos and Peruvian-Japanese. It is as easy to pig out at a greasy spoon or at one of the many small-batch ice cream shops as it is to find healthy choices.

California is one of the most agriculturally diverse states, which means Los Angeles chefs bring a vast array of fresh, local ingredients to your table no matter the season. With temperate weather year-round, farmers markets operate nonstop, chef's gardens thrive and many restaurants offer alfresco or rooftop dining spaces. Angelenos tend to eat out often and can be quite particular. Some will think nothing of dropping a whole paycheck or driving an hour on the freeways to satisfy a craving or indulge in the latest food fad. You, too, may find yourself in hot pursuit of handmade tortillas from the best roving taco truck, a locally brewed craft beer or a signature cocktail from the newest celebrity mixologist.

The best thing about the restaurant scene in Los Angeles is the wide range of price points and dining styles. Fast-casual cash-only spots abound, but many of the city's finest establishments have 10-course chef's table experiences that will require dressing up and lingering for hours.

The finer restaurants have traditional dining hours: Lunch is generally 11:30 am-2 or 2:30 pm, and dinner is served 6-10 pm and till 10:30 or 11 pm on weekends. Many places close for a few hours between lunch and dinner. More casual restaurants keep less conventional hours, so call ahead.

Expect to pay within these general guidelines, based on the cost of a dinner for one and not including drinks, tax or tip: $ = less than US$15; $$ = US$15-$30; $$$ = US$31-$60; and $$$$ = more than US$60.

Faith and Flower 705 W. Ninth St. The hopping bar is the perfect place for happy hour—choose from eight types of old-fashioneds and on-fire absinthe concoctions—if you're Los Angeles, California 90015 downtown, but don't skip the nicely decorated dining room, where a Phone: 213-239-0642 distinctly Californian meal can be had. The menu features global tastes https://faithandflowerla.com with a raw bar and select items from the wood-fired stove (pizzas, pastas and meats) all in a setting that is reminiscent of the roaring '20s. Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm, Friday 11:30 am-midnight, Saturday 10:30 am-midnight, Sunday 10:30 am-11 pm. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 705 W. Ninth St. (downtown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-239-0642. https://faithandflowerla.com.

Lucques 8474 Melrose Ave. Chef Suzanne Goin serves up fresh and inventive Cal-French fare in a comfortable, romantic setting. The prix-fixe dinner Sunday supper is not Los Angeles, California 90069 only a bargain but also a culinary delight featuring seasonal finds from Phone: 323-655-6277 local farms and ranches such as chicken cutlets with migas, ham and http://www.lucques.com curly kale. Monday 6-10 pm, Tuesday-Thursday noon-2:30 pm and 6-10 pm, Friday and Saturday noon-2:30 pm and 6-10:30 pm, Sunday 5-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 8474 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-655-6277. http://www.lucques.com.

Patina 141 S. Grand Ave. For years considered one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles, Patina left its original Hollywood location for the downtown Walt Disney Concert Los Angeles, California 90012 Hall without missing a beat. Patina Group founder and chef Joachim Phone: 213-972-3331 Splichal has an ever-growing stable of restaurants and a successful http://www.patinarestaurant.com catering business, but Patina is the flagship and standards are kept high. The California cuisine combines Mediterranean and Pacific influences and the wine list is extensive. Although portions may seem modest, dishes are artfully prepared with quality ingredients. It's well worth the trip downtown, especially if you plan to take in a concert. Tuesday-Saturday 5-9:30 pm, Sunday 4-8 pm. $$$$. Valet parking US$8 with validation. Most major credit cards. 141 S. Grand Ave. (downtown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-972-3331. http://www.patinarestaurant.com.

Providence 5955 Melrose Ave. Michael Cimarusti, the acclaimed chef who put the Water Grill on the map, opened his own restaurant in Hollywood. Cimarusti continues to Los Angeles, California 90038 offer the best in seafood, specializing in fresh catches from the Pacific Phone: 323-460-4170 coastline. Providence offers fantastic tasting menus, as well as fine http://www.providencela.com alternatives for fish-phobic carnivores and a truly rewarding dessert list. Valet parking. Monday-Thursday 6-10 pm, Friday noon-2 pm and 6-10 pm, Saturday 5:30-10 pm, Sunday 5:30-9 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 5955 Melrose Ave. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-460-4170. http://www.providencela.com.

Spago Beverly Hills 176 N. Canon Drive Before there was Rachael, Giada or Emeril, there was Wolfgang Puck, who fused techniques and flavors from his native Austria with culinary Los Angeles, California 90210 school polish and California ingredients and flair. And his flagship Phone: 310-385-0880 restaurant in Beverly Hills continues to garner awards. Puck himself is https://wolfgangpuck.com/dining/spago-2 often off opening new restaurants in far-off locales, but he is regularly seen whisking, sauteing and taste-testing under this roof. He's passed the mantle to executive chef Lee Hefter, a James Beard winner himself. Consider this an excellent, once-in-a-lifetime kind of dining experience, especially if you opt for the California Tasting, a 14-course feast with bone marrow and Santa Barbara uni, sweet corn and truffle agnolotti and Wagyu rib-eye steak on a cedar plank. Monday 6-10 pm, Tuesday- Thursday noon-10 pm, Friday and Saturday noon-10:30 pm, Sunday 5:30-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. 176 N. Canon Drive, Los Angeles. Phone 310-385-0880. https://wolfgangpuck.com/dining/spago-2.

The Restaurant at The Getty Center 1200 Getty Center Drive After a day of viewing masterpieces, have an equally captivating meal in the museum's full-service restaurant with panoramic views of the Santa Los Angeles, California 90049 Monica mountains. Most of the menu items such as bruleed fig and Phone: 310-440-6810 citrus salad or pumpkin risotto with pickled fennel are farmed within a http://www.getty.edu/visit/center/eat.html 150-mi/241-km radius, and the menu changes seasonally. The chef usually creates a special themed prix fixe menu tied to big exhibitions as well. Tuesday-Friday 11:30 am-2:30 pm, Saturday 11:30 am-9 pm, Sunday 11 am-3 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles. Phone 310- 440-6810. http://www.getty.edu/visit/center/eat.html.

Trois Mec 716 N. Highland Ave. Chefs Ludo Lefebvre, Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo (of Animal and Son of a Gun, which are also worthwhile stops for foodies) team up for this Los Angeles, California 90038 super restaurant. The trio creates one of the best tasting menus in town Phone: 323-468-8915 —five wildly inventive and seasonal courses, sometimes with additional https://www.troismec.com snacks—in an old strip mall pizza parlor. There is also a worthwhile vegetarian tasting menu and three types of beverage pairings (two wine pairings and a non-alcoholic option). Tickets available weeks in advance with a lottery-style reservation system. If you can't get in, try their a la carte French bistro next door, Petit Trois. Tuesday-Saturday from 6 pm. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 716 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-468-8915. https://www.troismec.com.

American

In-N-Out Burger 7009 Sunset Blvd. This drive-through burger joint started in 1948, and it still makes its own burgers and french fries (you can watch them put the potatoes in the Los Angeles, California 90028 slicer and fry them fresh in cholesterol-free oil). This SoCal staple is a http://www.in-n-out.com must-try. Ask for your burger "animal style" and you'll get your patties fried in mustard, with pickles, grilled onions and extra sauce. Check the website for other items on the "not-so-secret" menu. Various locations throughout the city. Sunday-Thursday 10:30 am-1 am, Friday and Saturday 10:30 am-1:30 am. $. Most major credit cards. 7009 Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Toll-free 800-786-1000. http://www.in-n- out.com.

Pink's 709 N. La Brea Ave. An LA institution since 1939, Pink's specializes in house-made chili cheese dogs, nacho cheese dogs, guacamole dogs and other Los Angeles, California 90038 fantastical combinations. It has dogs named after Martha Stewart, Phone: 323-931-4223 Marlon Brando, the LA mayor, Jaws and The Lord of the Rings, and http://www.pinkshollywood.com pictures of famous fans line the walls. The line is always long, especially near closing time for clubs and bars, but it moves fast. You might regret this in the morning, but it is a true LA experience worth having at least once. Sunday-Thursday 9:30 am-2 am, Friday and Saturday 9:30 am-3 am. $. Cash only. 709 N. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-931- 4223. http://www.pinkshollywood.com.

Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles 1514 N. Gower St. A soul-food institution, Roscoe's is the place to go if you like greens and cornbread, red beans and rice and, of course, pan-fried (never deep- Los Angeles, California 90028 fried) chicken 'n' waffles. The ambiance is cozy, although it clearly Phone: 323-466-7453 doesn't waste time on decorating or remodels. Seven locations in http://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com Southern California, including Pasadena, Long Beach and West LA. Monday-Thursday 8:30 am-midnight, Friday 8:30 am-4 am, Saturday 8 am-4 am, Sunday 8 am-midnight. Reservations not accepted. $. Most major credit cards. 1514 N. Gower St. (at Sunset Boulevard; Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-466-7453. http://www.roscoeschickenandwaffles.com.

The Apple Pan 10801 W. Pico Blvd. Go for the burgers or the pies as that's about all they make, but they've been making them well since 1947. Counter seating only in a tiny Los Angeles, California 90064 square box of a restaurant, so be prepared to wait as this place can get Phone: 310-475-3585 crowded with diehard diners. Finish your meal with a warm apple pie https://theapplepanla.com slice topped with vanilla ice cream. Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday 11 am-midnight, Friday and Sunday 11 am-1 pm. $. Cash only. 10801 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 310-475-3585. https://theapplepanla.com.

The Hungry Cat 1535 N. Vine St. This tiny, modern restaurant, from the people who brought you A.O.C. and Lucques, has one of the best fancy burgers in town, and it can be Los Angeles, California 90028 washed down with a fabulous cocktail made from seasonal fruit. The Phone: 323-462-2155 limited menu focuses on fresh ocean fare, quality meats and fresh http://www.thehungrycat.com produce. It smokes proteins and cures and pickles items in-house. Monday-Wednesday noon-10 pm, Thursday and Friday 5:30-11 pm, Saturday 11 am-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 1535 N. Vine St. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-462-2155. http://www.thehungrycat.com.

The Ivy 113 N. Robertson Blvd. The quintessential LA power lunch spot is a shabby chic bistro with a perfect patio slinging classic American staples such as Cobb salad, fried Los Angeles, California 90048 chicken and red velvet cake. Although it is less in demand than it used Phone: 310-274-8303 to be, it is still priced as if it is the place to see and be seen. Don't leave http://theivyrestaurants.com without tasting the famous Ivy gimlet, made with mint, vodka, simple syrup and lime juice. A good spot if you get peckish while shopping on Robertson or at the Pacific Design Center. There is a second location, Ivy at the Shore, in Santa Monica. Daily from 8 am. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$. 113 N. Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 310-274-8303. http://theivyrestaurants.com.

Umami Burger 189 The Grove Drive, Suite C-10 It's unclear if Umami started the burger wars in the city, but it was certainly a major player. There's a loyal following for its signature Los Angeles, California 90036 Umami Burger, complete with parmesan, roasted tomato, caramelized Phone: 213-413-8626 onions, shiitake mushrooms, its own house-made ketchup and a tell-tale http://www.umamiburger.com "U" branded on top of the bun. Umami has a whole set of options for vegetarians made with plant-based and top chef-approved Impossible patties. Various locations throughout Southern California and beyond. Sunday-Thursday 11:30 am-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:30 am- midnight. $$. 189 The Grove Drive, Suite C-10 (at the Grove), Los Angeles. Phone 213-413-8626. http://www.umamiburger.com.

Chosun Galbee 3330 W. Olympic Blvd. Unlike most other Korean barbecue restaurants, this place offers elegant decor and unique alfresco dining with its delicious fare. You Los Angeles, California 90019 have the option to cook your own marinated meats, including steak, Phone: 323-734-3330 chicken, codfish, shrimp and crab on the tabletop grills. Meals come with http://www.chosungalbee.com the usual array of small side dishes. Stick to the barbecue and you can't go wrong. Daily 11 am-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 3330 W. Olympic Blvd. (Koreatown), Los Angeles. Phone 323-734-3330. http://www.chosungalbee.com.

Jitlada 5233 1/2 W. Sunset Blvd. There's nothing glamorous about this small, family-owned Jonathan Gold-approved restaurant, but you'll want to try it if you're looking for an Los Angeles, California 90027 authentic burst of Southern Thai flavors. Incredibly spicy food is to be Phone: 323-667-9809 expected, so it's not for the faint of heart. Even when you ask for mild, it http://www.jitladala.com might still be too spicy for those with sensitive palates. Thai standards such as chicken satay and tom kha soup are good, but it excels at rarer dishes such as crisp catfish salad and soft-shelled crabs in yellow curry sauce. The Kaffir limes are grown in the chef's backyard. The friendly staff is always willing to help navigate the long menu, but you can't go wrong with the crispy morning glory salad and one of the curries. Tuesday-Sunday 11 am-10:30 pm. Most major credit cards. 5233 1/2 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-667-9809. http://www.jitladala.com.

Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong 3465 W. Sixth St., No. 20 You'll swear you stepped into a barbeque joint in Seoul once you elbow your way into this popular restaurant in the heart of K-Town. Located Los Angeles, California inside the Chapman Plaza, the restaurant is named for its founder, a Phone: 213-384-9678 Korean wrestler-turned-comedian. It's your standard cook-at-the-table https://www.facebook.com/baekjeongla Korean barbeque fare, but it provides high-quality meats, top-notch service and side trenches filled with kimchi, corn, cheese and egg that cooks as the grill heats up. Prepare for long waits on weekend nights, when customers get loud and rowdy as they imbibe in more and more soju. Daily 11:30 am-2 am. Reservations not accepted. $$-$$$. No credit cards. 3465 W. Sixth St., No. 20 (Koreatown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-384-9678. https://www.facebook.com/baekjeongla.

Katsuya 6300 Hollywood Blvd. Anything Philippe Starck puts his name (and hands) on seems bound for success. Katsuya is no different. The second iteration of the flagship Los Angeles, California 90028 outpost in Brentwood, the Hollywood location of this sushi den has even Phone: 323-515-8782 more enticing loungelike seating options and sexier decor—not to https://katsuyarestaurant.com/hollywood mention master sushi chef Katsuya Uechi's renowned concoctions. Try the crispy rice with spicy tuna or the rock shrimp tempura. The Burning Mandarin martini is the right combination of sweet and spicy. There are also locations at the Americana in Glendale and in the L.A. Live complex downtown. Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-10 pm, Friday 11:30 am-11 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm, Sunday 4:30-10 pm. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 6300 Hollywood Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-515- 8782. https://katsuyarestaurant.com/hollywood.

Majordomo 1725 Naud St. Majordomo is renowned chef David Chang's first foray in Southern California. The vibe is industrial cool with concrete floors, paned Los Angeles, California 90012 windows, metal pendant lights and polished woods. The menu is largely Phone: 323-545-4880 Asian seen through the lens of seasonality and local availability, with https://www.majordomo.la concoctions such as mussels with jalapeno dashi. Tableside smoked short ribs are a triumph. Friday and Saturday 4:30-7 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 1725 Naud St., Los Angeles. Phone 323-545-4880. https://www.majordomo.la.

Ocean Seafood 750 N. Hill St. This Cantonese seafood favorite serves wonderfully fresh dim sum dishes every morning. Once you reach the top of the stairs, you'll be Los Angeles, California 90012 greeted with a colorful array of live seafood ready to be cooked for your Phone: 213-687-3088 dining pleasure. People line up on weekends for the specialties, freshly https://www.oceanseafoodchinatown.com turned out from the kitchen on steaming carts. Go early to avoid long waits. Daily 10 am-9 pm. $$. Most major credit cards. 750 N. Hill St. (Chinatown), Los Angeles. Phone 213-687-3088. https://www.oceanseafoodchinatown.com.

Republique 624 S. La Brea Ave. This restaurant, originally built in 1928 by Charlie Chaplin, still shows off its original brick, tile and ironwork. The pastries are delightful, as is the Los Angeles, California 90036 house-made ice cream. Don't miss the weekend brunch. Sunday- Phone: 310-362-6115 Wednesday 8 am-10 pm, Thursday-Saturday 8 am-11 pm. Reservations https://republiquela.com recommended. 624 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 310-362- 6115. https://republiquela.com.

Papa Cristo's Greek Restaurant 2771 W. Pico Blvd. This casual restaurant, bakery and deli is the perfect place to get a delicious, no-frills Mediterranean meal of gyros, kebabs, veggie Los Angeles, California 90006 moussaka and hummus. It also has a wonderful selection of olives, Phone: 323-737-2970 wines, cheeses and meats to go. A "Big Fat Greek" family prix-fixe http://www.papacristos.com dinner is offered Thursday nights, complete with belly dancing and a live Bouzouki player. Tuesday 9:30 am-3 pm, Wednesday-Saturday 9:30 am-8 pm, Sunday 9 am-4 pm. Reservations not accepted, except for family night and for groups larger than six. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 2771 W. Pico Blvd. (at Normandie), Los Angeles. Phone 323- 737-2970. http://www.papacristos.com. Angelini Osteria 7313 Beverly Blvd. Chef Gino Angelini serves simple but elegant dishes in a neighborhood osteria. Specials change daily with whatever is in season. If you're lucky, Los Angeles, California 90036 you may dine on a night its serving oxtail or the porchetta. Whether you Phone: 323-297-0070 order the paper-thin pizzas or the roast duck, the food is always fresh https://www.angelinirestaurantgroup.com and incredibly delicious. When in season, try the pumpkin tortelli with asparagus and parmigiano-reggiano sauce or the veal chop Milanese. The Alimentari is a marketplace, espresso bar and gelateria. It also serves light Cal-Italian plates. Monday-Thursday noon-10:30 pm, Friday noon-11 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm, Sunday 5-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 7313 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-297-0070. https://www.angelinirestaurantgroup.com.

Bestia 2121 E. Seventh Place Easily one of the harder reservations to score in all of LA, this Arts District restaurant is worth the effort. Ori Menashe and Genevieve Los Angeles, California 90021 Gergis run this industrial chic space, slinging meat-driven, seasonal and Phone: 213-514-5724 rustic Italian fare. Daring eaters will be rewarded with pan-roasted https://bestiala.com chicken gizzards and bone marrow. Big appetites should consider the tomahawk chop with apple ginger frutta. For everyone else, there is a wide variety of pizzas and pastas. Finish with one of many desserts such as the bittersweet chocolate budino tart. Sunday-Thursday 5-11 pm, Friday and Saturday 5 pm-midnight. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 2121 E. Seventh Place (downtown), Los Angeles. Phone 213- 514-5724. https://bestiala.com.

Bottega Louie 700 S. Grand Ave. Serving mostly Italian fare, plus some larger meat- or seafood-centric entrees, it's one of the best brunch places in LA (try the lemon ricotta Los Angeles, California 90017 pancakes or lobster hash) and certainly the best patisserie in the area Phone: 213-802-1470 for macarons packaged in cute boxes. Nothing beats people-watching at http://bottegalouie.com the bar table on a weekend afternoon with a fresh pastry and a flute of champagne. Monday-Thursday 8 am-10 pm, Friday 8 am-11 pm, Saturday 9 am-11 pm, Sunday 9 am-10 pm. Reservations not accepted. Most major credit cards. 700 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 213- 802-1470. http://bottegalouie.com.

Osteria Mozza 6602 Melrose Ave. Pizzeria Mozza's more sophisticated—and markedly more costly— sibling, Osteria offers uber-authentic hand-crafted Italian cuisine. Try the Los Angeles, California 90038 egg raviolo, raw egg yolk and goat cheese in a single ravioli, or Phone: 323-297-0100 something from the mozzarella bar. The wine list is superb. It's easier to https://osteriamozza.com get a seat at the bar if you're dining alone or with just one companion. Monday-Thursday 5:30-10 pm, Friday 5:30-11 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm, Sunday 5-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$$. Valet parking and limited street parking available (check signs before parking). Most major credit cards. 6602 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-297- 0100. https://osteriamozza.com.

Pizzaria Mozza 641 N. Highland Ave. Mario Batali, one of the U.S.'s most famed chefs, joined forces with one of the most influential members of LA's culinary scene, Nancy Silverton Los Angeles, California 90036 (of La Brea Bakery fame) and restaurant and vineyard owner Joe Phone: 323-297-0101 Bastianich to open Mozza, a pizzeria that quickly won the hearts of https://pizzeriamozza.com Angelenos. It has an excellent wine list. For a more sophisticated menu, visit sister restaurant Osteria Mozza next door. Sunday-Wednesday noon-11 pm, Thursday-Saturday noon-midnight. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 641 N. Highland Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-297-0101. https://pizzeriamozza.com.

A.O.C. 8700 W. Third St. Wine bars have sprung up across LA like mushrooms after a rain, and one of the classiest is A.O.C. Run by chef Suzanne Goin and partner Los Angeles, California 90048 Caroline Styne (of the perennially lauded Lucques), A.O.C. serves Phone: 310-859-9859 sublime market-driven small plates with a Mediterranean flair and offers https://www.aocwinebar.com an impressive wine list. It also slings one of the city's most mouth- watering turkey sandwiches thanks to the surprise additions of green harissa and Castelvetrano olives. If there are no tables available on the serene patio, sit at the bar and receive full service. Monday-Wednesday 11:30 am-10 pm, Thursday and Friday 11:30 am-11 pm, Saturday 10 am-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$. Most major credit cards. 8700 W. Third St. (Mid-City), Los Angeles. Phone 310-859-9859. https://www.aocwinebar.com.

B.S. Taqueria 514 W. Seventh St. The casual younger sister to Ray Garcia's Broken Spanish offers a colorful take on modern "authentically inauthentic" Mexican fare. He's a Los Angeles, California 90014 native Angeleno influenced by the traditions and flavors of the migrant- Phone: 213-622-3744 rich city as well as the flavors of his home state. Sure, it's best known for http://www.bstaqueria.com its tacos, but the rest of the menu features inventive takes on old standbys such as squash enchiladas or a red beet torta. Monday- Thursday 11:30 am-10 pm, Friday 11:30 am-11 pm, Saturday 5-11 pm, Sunday 5-10 pm. Reservations recommended. $$. Most major credit cards. 514 W. Seventh St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-622-3744. http://www.bstaqueria.com.

Guelaguetza 3014 W. Olympic Blvd. In the middle of Koreatown, this place has offered some of the best mole in the country since 1994. This seems weird given the location and Los Angeles, California 90006 the pagoda-ish roof over the restaurant. Although the founder retired, Phone: 213-427-0608 his kids continue the family legacy. There is often a wait on weekends, http://www.ilovemole.com but it's worth it for the Oaxacan delights and the house-made michelada mix. The hardest part is deciding among the moles—the chocolaty mole negro (black), the mole rojo (red) or the sweet and spicy mole coloradito. Luckily, it sells the moles and the mix to take home. Live Latin music can be enjoyed almost every night. Monday-Thursday 9 am- 10 pm, Friday 9 am-11 pm, Saturday 8 am-11 pm, Sunday 8 am-9 pm. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 3014 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 213-427-0608. http://www.ilovemole.com.

Guisados 1261 W. Sunset Blvd. The smell of spices and slowly braised meats waft out of this Echo Park gem. Don't be fooled by the small menu of just tacos and an occasional Los Angeles, California 90026 quesadilla or tamales. This is one of the best Mexican taco joints north Phone: 213-250-7600 of the border, serving its deliciousness on satisfying thick handmade http://www.guisados.co tortillas. Original location in Boyle Heights, with additional outposts in West Hollywood and the Spring Arcade downtown. Monday-Thursday 10:30 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 10:30 am-11 pm, Sunday 9 am-5 pm. Reservations not accepted. $. Most major credit cards. 1261 W. Sunset Blvd. (Echo Park), Los Angeles. Phone 213-250-7600. http://www.guisados.co.

Loteria Grill 6627 Hollywood Blvd. When the original Loteria Grill opened in the farmers market, it was one of the first authentic Mexican places in town. Chef and owner Jimmy Los Angeles, California 90028 Shaw upped the ante with this modern, minimalist sit-down restaurant. Phone: 323-465-2500 There are delicious vegetarian options such as potato tacos and https://www.facebook.com/loteriagrill nopales (cactus salad), along with more adventurous plates of tacos de lengua (tongue tacos) in salsa verde and carnitas in a smoky chile morita sauce. Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm, Friday 11 am-midnight, Saturday 10 am-midnight, Sunday 10 am-10 pm. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 6627 Hollywood Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-465-2500. https://www.facebook.com/loteriagrill.

Kismet 4648 Hollywood Blvd. Further showing the diversity of LA cuisine, this James Beard-nominated restaurant run by two young, strong women with the same first names Los Angeles, California 90027 (Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson) dishes up modern, refined Middle Phone: 323-409-0404 Eastern street food and mezzes. Think harissa olives, spiced carrots https://www.kismetlosangeles.com with chickpeas, creamy labneh and rabbit. The small space is a clean, simple and bathed in ivory and pale woods. The open kitchen makes the place smell divine. Portions tend to be on the smaller side so if you go with a big appetite, you will likely leave with a big bill. Monday- Wednesday 11 am-10 pm, Thursday and Friday 11 am-11 pm, Saturday 10 am-11 pm, Sunday 10 am-10 pm. Reservations required. $$$. Most major credit cards. 4648 Hollywood Blvd. (Silver Lake), Los Angeles. Phone 323-409-0404. https://www.kismetlosangeles.com.

La Paella 476 S. San Vicente Blvd. Venerable food critic Elmer Dills called this the most authentic Spanish Los Angeles, California 90048 restaurant in the entire city of Los Angeles. The two dining rooms are Phone: 323-951-0745 cozy and comfortable and look like something straight out of Madrid. This intimate restaurant serves up some of the best Iberian tapas in http://www.usalapaella.com town. Think tortilla espanola (Spanish omelette), chicken croquettes and gambas al ajillo (shrimp with garlic). The paella, filled with tender clams, meaty mussels, traditional Bomba rice and just the right amount of saffron, washed down with a glass of tasty sangria, is sure to please your palate. Monday-Friday 11:30 am-10 pm, Saturday 5:30-10 pm. $$$. Most major credit cards. 476 S. San Vicente Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 323-951-0745. http://www.usalapaella.com.

The Bazaar by Jose Andres 465 S. La Cienega Blvd. Go there first for the molecular gastronomy spectacle, then enjoy the yummy food. The restaurant is divided into several rooms. First is the Los Angeles, California 90048 Bar Centro area with its juxtaposition of wood, glass, metal and amber Phone: 310-246-5555 lighting. Try a caipirinha to drink—Andres tops it with liquid nitrogen https://www.thebazaar.com/location/sls-hotel- foam. Then move on to the posh Rojo or Blanca rooms for a dinner of beverly-hills small plates including jambon and cheese, cotton candy foie gras, king crab with raspberry vinaigrette or jicama-wrapped guacamole. After the meal, move next door to the Patisserie for dessert. Think chocolate bonbons, lemon-berry cake and even house-made candy. Somni is the newer and more exclusive restaurant within a restaurant. The 10-seat counter puts diners face-to-face with chefs preparing the ever-evolving and intelligent tasting menu. Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday 6-10 pm, Friday 6-10:30 pm, Saturday 5:30-10:30 pm. Reservations required. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 465 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles. Phone 310-246-5555. https://www.thebazaar.com/location/sls- hotel-beverly-hills.

Vegetarian

Crossroads 8284 Melrose Ave. Crossroads was the city's first plant-based restaurant with a full bar and inspired cocktail program. The vegan fare—dishes such as parsnip Los Angeles, California 90046 gratin, lasagna and fettucine carbonara—changes seasonally and is Phone: 323-782-9245 tasty enough to sate most meat-eaters. Inventive switches are the http://www.crossroadskitchen.com specialty—the "crab" cakes are crafted out of hearts of palm, granny smith apples, heirloom beets and horseradish aioli. You can also score Impossible burgers during the lunch shift at this bistro. Monday- Thursday 11 am-11:30 pm, Friday 11 am-midnight, Saturday 5 pm- midnight, Sunday 5-11:30 pm. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 8284 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 323-782-9245. http://www.crossroadskitchen.com.

Grub 911 Seward St. Started by two former California Pizza Kitchen waitresses, you'll find this adorable brunch spot inside a house on a quiet residential street off Los Angeles, California 90038 Melrose Avenue. It is popular with people working at the nearby studios. Phone: 323-461-3663 The Friggin' Amazin' French Toast is just that—made from croissants http://www.grub-la.com dipped in cinnamon-vanilla batter and served with maple syrup, pecans and homemade raspberry butter. The fluffy egg sandwich with cheddar cheese, dill butter and maple "Crack" bacon is also a winner. A bowl of dry Cap'n Crunch Berries greets you at the table. Super-friendly service. The wait can be long on the weekends, so try to get there early. Wednesday-Friday 11 am-3 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am-3 pm. Reservations not accepted. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 911 Seward St. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-461-3663. http://www.grub- la.com.

Sqirl 720 N. Virgil Ave., Suite 4 The hipster factor is high at this daytime-only cafe in a less traveled side of Silverlake. Don't be put off by the eclectic menu with unfamiliar Los Angeles, California 90029 ingredients and lactose-free drinks; the vegetable-heavy breakfast Phone: 323-284-8147 menu has delicious options for all. Chef Jessica Koslow is known for her http://sqirlla.com unusual preserve combinations and freshly baked pastries. You can't go wrong with her famous toasts. Monday-Friday 6:30 am-4 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am-4 pm. Reservations not accepted. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 720 N. Virgil Ave., Suite 4 (in Silverlake), Los Angeles. Phone 323-284-8147. http://sqirlla.com.

The Griddle Cafe 7916 Sunset Blvd. It's a plain and noisy breakfast all day type of joint where pancakes rule the roost. There are 18 kinds to choose from, including red velvet, whole Los Angeles, California 90046 wheat with oats, brown sugar banana and Oreo-filled. The French toast Phone: 323-874-0377 is out of this world. And everything is served in giant portions, so orders http://www.thegriddlecafe.com are easily shared. Service is friendly but spotty as it is always busy. The wait is long on weekends, so get there early and make sure the whole gang is present as it only seats complete tables. Monday-Friday 7 am-4 pm, Saturday and Sunday 8 am-4 pm. Reservations not accepted. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 7916 Sunset Blvd. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-874-0377. http://www.thegriddlecafe.com.

Chado Tea Room 369 E. First St. In the midst of sightseeing, stop in for proper English tea next to the Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo. It serves a variety Los Angeles, California 90012 of scones, dainty sandwiches and, of course, pots of tea. Choose from Phone: 213-258-2531 300 varieties. Additional locations on Raymond Avenue in Pasadena, https://chadotearoom.com Torrance and Hollywood. Daily 11:30 am-6 pm. Reservations recommended. $-$$. Most major credit cards. 369 E. First St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-258-2531. Toll-free 800-442-4019. https://chadotearoom.com.

Joan's on Third 8350 W. Third St. This busy cafe and gourmet market maintains its cozy charm in the midst of bustling Third Street. It may take you a while to choose from the Los Angeles, California 90048 extensive menu, but regulars keep going back for the sandwiches, Phone: 323-655-2285 salads and desserts. It is also a great place to pick up picnic supplies for http://www.joansonthird.com Hollywood Bowl shows. There's a bigger and brighter location in Studio City. Monday-Saturday 8 am-8 pm, Sunday 8 am-7 pm. Reservations not accepted. $. Most major credit cards. 8350 W. Third St., Los Angeles. Phone 323-655-2285. http://www.joansonthird.com.

Sweet Lady Jane 8360 Melrose Ave. It's so complete with doilies and old-lady florals, you might think your grandmother decorated this tiny dessert joint in the interior-design Los Angeles, California 90069 district of Melrose. But Grandma never made cakes as decadent as Phone: 323-653-7145 these or served them up with such attitude. Although you may see http://www.sweetladyjane.com people rushing in and out with the special-occasion desserts, sandwiches, salads and soups are also served during lunchtime. Best of all, you can order the delectable cakes by the slice. Additional locations in Santa Monica and Encino. Monday-Thursday 7:30 am-10:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 7:30 am-11 pm, Sunday 9 am-9 pm. $. Most major credit cards. 8360 Melrose Ave. (just east of the Beverly Center), Los Angeles. Phone 323-653-7145. http://www.sweetladyjane.com.

Bourgeois Pig 5931 Franklin Ave. Called "the Pig" by those who congregate there, this place is more bar than coffeehouse. Popular items include bagels, tuna or turkey Los Angeles, California 90028 sandwiches, cakes and breads. A tavern of sorts, with low lighting and a Phone: 323-464-6008 moody atmosphere, this popular local hangout has overstuffed sofas, https://www.facebook.com/bourgeoispigla the Moroccan room that doubles as a screening room, a billiard table, Wi-Fi (for a fee), an art gallery, snacks and terrific coffee. Sit back, relax and soak in some eclectic LA atmosphere. Daily 8 am-2 am. $. 5931 Franklin Ave. (Hollywood), Los Angeles. Phone 323-464-6008. https://www.facebook.com/bourgeoispigla.

Son of a Gun 8370 W. Third St. Another venture from chefs Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo, consider this restaurant the "surf" complementing the chefs' famed "turf" venue, Los Angeles, California 90048 Animal. At Son of a Gun, you can get fresh lobster rolls, shrimp toast, Phone: 323-782-9033 trout amandine and amberjack sashimi. There are some land proteins https://www.sonofagunrestaurant.com on the menu as well. Sunday-Thursday noon-10 pm, Friday and Saturday noon-11 pm. Reservations recommended. $$-$$$. Most major credit cards. 8370 W. Third St. (between Orlando Street and Kings Road), Los Angeles. Phone 323-782-9033. https://www.sonofagunrestaurant.com. Water Grill 544 S. Grand Ave. A variety of wild and live oysters, fish and other seafood are on the menu at this landmark restaurant downtown. Try the mahimahi Los Angeles, California 90071 caponata, the big eye tuna poke or the live wild Dungeness crab (when Phone: 213-891-0900 in season). There's a selection of steaks if you are not in the mood for http://www.watergrill.com seafood or shellfish. Don't forget dessert. The selection is ever-changing but may include a coffee panna cotta with amaretto cake and butterscotch sauce or a key lime pie sprinkled with pomegranate seeds. Additional locations on Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica and in the South Coast Plaza in Orange County. Monday-Thursday 11:30 am-10 pm, Friday 11:30 am-11 pm, Saturday 11 am-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-10 pm. Reservations recommended. Business-casual attire or better is required. $$$-$$$$. Most major credit cards. 544 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. Phone 213-891-0900. http://www.watergrill.com.

Nick & Stef's Steakhouse 330 S. Hope St. Under the direction of Joachim Splichal, this downtown spot serves up delicious, dry-aged steaks and extravagant seafood towers. If you are Los Angeles, California 90071 looking to indulge and don't have to pinch your pennies, this is the Phone: 213-680-0330 place. Save room for the Meyer lemon-meringue pie, a nice end to a https://www.patinagroup.com/nick-and-stefs- fine meal. The upstairs penthouse has a bar that is usually hopping on steakhouse-la weeknights with young professionals grabbing an after-work drink. The Penthouse has happy hour specials and a slightly different menu. Monday-Friday 11:30 am-9:30 pm, Saturday 5-9 pm, Sunday 4:30-8:30 pm. Reservations recommended. $$$$. Most major credit cards. 330 S. Hope St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-680-0330. https://www.patinagroup.com/nick-and-stefs-steakhouse-la.

SECURITY

Personal Safety

There is as much crime in Los Angeles as in any large U.S. city. Exercise caution when visiting unfamiliar areas after dark. Most areas of the city are fairly safe, but parts of Watts, South Central, Venice and some industrial areas downtown should be avoided at night. Pedestrians may feel especially vulnerable after dark in less-populated areas.

Exercise caution at any hour at convenience stores or if you're using an ATM. Ask your hotel's concierge or front-desk clerk for advisories concerning the areas you wish to visit and make sure that you have reliable transportation. If you've rented a car, be sure to park it in well-lit areas and read posted street signs. Note that MTA subways stop running at 1 am (2 am Friday and Saturday), and buses run less frequently at night.

Los Angeles is a generally tourist-friendly town as tourists are not necessarily targeted more by criminals. Pickpocketing and purse-snatching are not very common; however, you should always be careful with your wallet or purse, especially on public transportation and in crowded areas such as Hollywood Boulevard. Walking around distracted or gawking at the sights can make you a prime target. As always when traveling, use common sense.

As in other parts of the U.S., dial 911 to connect to the emergency hotline.

Los Angeles can get very hot in the summer. Take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion or heat stroke by staying indoors and in air-conditioning during the hottest hours of the day. Wear a hat with a wide brim, sunglasses and light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Drink lots of water, and be sure to use plenty of sunblock. At the first sign of heat exhaustion (dizziness, nausea, headaches, disorientation, muscle cramps), cool off immediately with air-conditioning or a tepid bath or shower. Seek medical attention if you or your companions don't feel better within a day.

Certain areas may have ticks (which are particularly active in the spring) and rattlesnakes. If you see a snake, slowly back away from it; it will not bite unless frightened or provoked. Poison oak grows in certain areas as a vine or shrub. During the spring and summer, it has bright green leaves and white berries; the foliage turns bright red during the fall. Staying on clearly marked trails should reduce your exposure to these dangers.

Quality health care is available at many hospitals in the city. There are 24-hour emergency rooms at the California Hospital Medical Center (Los Angeles), Providence St. Joseph Medical Center (Burbank) and UCLA Medical Center (Westwood). There are also several 24-hour urgent care centers throughout the city. Some Rite-Aid, Walgreens and CVS pharmacies can fill prescriptions around-the-clock.

Call 911 for any medical emergency.

Los Angeles prides itself on being one of the world's most accessible cities. Public buildings, museums and attractions are required to have ramps, elevators and accessible entries. Disabled drivers with a current placard don't have to feed parking meters but cannot park in red, yellow or white curbs.

At LAX airport, interactive information kiosks are near the baggage claim. Free Airline Connection buses travel within the airport. Most of these minibuses have wide doors and wheelchair lifts. If not, the driver will radio for one. Wheelchair shuttle service is available at Parking Lot C. Phone 310-646-6402 or 310-646- 8021. https://www.flylax.com/en/lax-americans-with-disability-act/ada-detail-page. Access Paratransit transportation is provided by the Consolidated Transportation Services Agency (CTSA). Transportation is provided to any area 0.75 mi/1.2 km off any fixed bus or metro route. Trip reservations can be made from 45 minutes up to 24 hours before the desired time. Toll-free 800-883-1295 for reservations; 800-827-0829 for customer support. TDD 800-826-7280 (reservations) or 800-827-1295. http://accessla.org.

The LA Department of Transportation (LA DOT) operates short-distance commuter buses in the city that are all wheelchair-accessible. Toll-free 800-266- 6883. TDD 800-252-9040. http://www.ladottransit.com/accessible_services.html.

All MTA-operated buses have wheelchair lifts and Metro Rail stations have elevators (phone 213-626-4455; toll-free 800-371-5465; TDD 800-698-4833). They provide a large-type "Metro Flash Book" for signaling the correct bus. The Metro offers reduced fares for passengers with disabilities. https://www.metro.net/riding/riders-disabilities

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) issues free travel parking placards for nonresidents. They allow you to park in blue disabled parking, green curbs and metered street parking for free. They are valid for up to 90 days; you will have to apply at least four weeks in advance of your arrival date and will need a certification from your doctor. Toll-free 800-777-0133. http://www.dmv.ca.gov/pubs/brochures/fast_facts/ffvr07.htm.

The Los Angeles County Commission on Disabilities may be able to answer questions. Phone 213-974-1053. Toll-free 800-827-0829. TDD/TTY 213-974- 1707. http://laccod.org.

Other information is available from the Department of Disability at 201 North Figueroa St., Suite 100. Phone 213-202-2752; 213-202-3452 (TTY). http://disability.lacity.org.

Do travel LA's Metro light-rail system at some point during your stay. Each station features a site-specific installation by a local artist.

Do map out your days. The less time you spend driving, the more time you'll have to sightsee and you'll likely get to know the neighborhoods better.

Do read signs before entering the far left carpool (diamond) lanes on freeways, as some require three people instead of two and others require the car to have a FasTrak transponder pass even if you are legitimately carpooling. There's a US$490 fine for carpool lane violations.

Do remember to carry legal photo identification (such as a driver's license or a passport) with you, as it is required for admission to some attractions.

Don't drive on the freeways if you can avoid them. There's nothing fast about rush hour in LA. Consult Waze for fastest routes to your destination.

Do be sure to try at least one of LA's many food trucks or international restaurants, as food is the universal connection between cultures. If the menu is unclear, just ask. Most restaurant staffers are happy to explain their cuisines to newcomers.

Don't swim near any storm drains at the beach, as water may be polluted. (Check with a lifeguard for locations to avoid and look for posted warnings.)

Do remember that it's legal to turn right on a red light after you make a complete stop unless otherwise posted. If you don't make that turn, furious honking will likely start.

Don't be afraid to chat with locals. They have the best advice about where to eat and what to do. They also often know driving shortcuts or the best spots to easily and quickly catch a rideshare.

Do stay on marked trails when hiking and dispose of litter and lit cigarettes properly. With all the recent fires, evacuations, and loss of property and life in the Golden State, people will appreciate tourists who take care not to accidentally start the next blaze.

Don't use your phone while driving. In California, the law goes beyond forbidding texting. You can incur a hefty fine if you aren't using your device hands-free while talking.

Don't call it Cali. There is no quicker way to be flagged as a tourist by locals than that. (Well except maybe wearing tall black socks with shorts and sandals.)

FACTS

Geostats

Passport/Visa Requirements: All U.S. citizens must have a passport when traveling by air or land to or from Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America and Mexico. Citizens of Canada, Mexico and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda also must have a passport or other designated secure document to enter the U.S. Passports are required for land crossings at the Canadian and Mexican borders with the U.S. and for cruise passengers returning to the U.S. from Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada or Bermuda. Reconfirm travel-document requirements with your carrier prior to departure.

Population: 4,000,000.

Languages: English and Spanish are the most common, though many others are spoken.

Predominant Religions: Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant), Islamic, Jewish, Buddhist.

Time Zone: 8 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (-8 GMT). Daylight Saving Time is observed from the second Sunday in March to the first Sunday in November.

Voltage Requirements: 110 volts.

Telephone Codes: 213, for downtown; 323,areas surrounding downtown, including Hollywood; 310,Westside, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and South Bay; 562,Long Beach, Whittier and parts of Northern Orange County; 818,Glendale and the San Fernando Valley; 626,Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley. Currency Exchange

24-hour ATMs are practically everywhere, so you should have no problem finding one at gas stations, bars, banks and even some restaurants. If you need to do business inside a bank, most branches are open Monday- Friday 9 am-5 pm (many until 6 pm on Friday). Some bank branches also have Saturday hours. Banks and higher-end hotels that cater to an international clientele will change currency. It can also be done at LAX. The sales tax is 9.5%. Some cities (such as Santa Monica and Culver City) are slightly higher at 10.25% and 10% respectively. Hotel transient occupancy tax is 12%. When dining out in Los Angeles, a tip equal to 15%-20% of the bill is customary. Taxi drivers and hairdressers expect about 10%-15%. Porters and bellhops should be tipped US$1-$2 per bag. You'll want to leave a few dollars daily for the cleaning staff in your hotel room and be sure to tip US$1-$2 to the valet who brings your car around.

Weather

Ringed by mountains and the sea, sunny LA enjoys mostly pleasant and mild weather throughout the year, although it is beginning to warm up in the summer and fall. Temperatures tend to be moderate—seldom exceeding 90 F/32 C or falling below 40 F/4 C—and sunshine reigns most of the year. Even on sweltering summer days, nighttime temperatures can be cooler by 20 F/7 C especially near the beach. Most rainfall occurs from late October to early April, and morning fog can be dense in winter, especially along the coast. The farther inland you go, the greater the extremes of hot and cold, the more sun and the heavier the rain. The valleys tend to be hotter in the summer and cooler in the winter. Coastal areas can see fog, a morning marine layer that usually burns off, or cloudy weather well into the summer months. The increase in temperatures means the electrical systems are often strained to deliver electricity and long blackouts have become more regular.

The mountains just inland from the Los Angeles area tend to trap air pollutants, resulting in smog, an unhealthy haze that, at its worst, can give the sky a brownish hue (smog alerts are most frequent during the last half of August and much of September) and hide entire mountain ranges and peaks from a distance. If the smog level is high, you may want to restrict your outdoor activities. If you have respiratory problems—including common allergies or sinus problems—let your doctor know you'll be in a high-pollution area and ask for advice.

The hot, dry Santa Ana winds (which usually come in fall and winter) blow with less intensity in Los Angeles than elsewhere in Southern California, though dust clouds may occasionally powder some parts of the city (and like the smog, wreak havoc on sinus sufferers). High winds, droughts and overall dryness all contribute to a growing and recurrent wildfire problem as well as increasing landslide issues.

In LA, the watchword is casual—as in smart-casual for daytime browsing on Rodeo Drive, business-casual for meetings or elegant-casual for dining in a posh restaurant. Natives fully support the concepts of formal jeans, going-out sneakers and showing skin. After all, this is the town that pioneered the athleisure-as- everyday-wear trend so you are just as likely to see an adorable sundress as you are a pair of yoga pants at Sunday brunch. Young Hollywood is a big influence, and many of those folks pay high prices to look schlubby. Mostly, Angelenos subscribe to the theory of "you do you."

Keep in mind that when formal attire is mentioned as a requirement, it usually means jackets are required for men and ties are preferred. Just know that people, including doormen and hostesses, will judge, especially at hot spots, and sometimes their opinion could mean the difference between getting in or being left out in the cold. Tank tops, shorts and bare feet should be reserved for the beach, but even then that's usually a matter of personal preference.

Business is conducted as it is in many cities—by people in suits—but often it is on a case-by-case basis. Those in the creative and tech industries tend toward trendier and more casual looks.

The city's Mediterranean-like climate can occasionally dictate a sweater or light jacket for summer evenings, especially in the Hills, at a Hollywood Bowl show or at the beach after sundown. Occasionally a winter trip demands minimal rain gear. Often hotel umbrellas will do the trick as the frequency of rainfall is low. During winter months, days can be brisk enough for a light coat and nights chilly enough for a heavier one. Layering is really the optimal solution.

During late spring and early summer, mornings may appear cloudy and cool. Don't be fooled by what locals call "June Gloom," the marine layer that burns off by early afternoon, yielding to bright and sunny summer days. Temperatures have been rising steadily, especially in the summer and fall, and sweat-inducing heat can even occur at the beach and in the winter months.

Because part of Los Angeles is desert, even the hottest summer days lead to cooler evenings—another reason wearing layers is always an excellent choice. Remember, too, that it's always a few degrees cooler at the coast than inland. Temperatures can vary up to 10-20 F/6-13 C in the valleys (hotter in the summers and cooler in the winters).

Telephone

On the whole, cell phone coverage is excellent as cell towers are ubiquitous in the LA area. Many of them are disguised as palm trees. However, when you're traveling through the canyons, wildlife areas or certain tunnels, it is easy to lose signal. Mobile phone stores can be found all over the city as small, freestanding shops or even kiosks inside shopping malls.

Free charging stations for cell phones and laptops are available in all the terminals at LAX. The airport also has plenty of pay phones. A mobile-phone rental service is available on the arrivals level of the Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Chances are good that you'll be able to gain access to the internet at your hotel, although sometimes there's an additional charge. If you prefer to get a cup of coffee while you log on, there are a several internet cafes scattered around the city. National chains, such as Starbucks, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Peet's, Barnes & Noble, Panera Bread, Whole Foods Markets and McDonald's, as well as many local cafes, offer complimentary Wi-Fi.

All FedEx Office locations offer internet access 24 hours daily.

Free Wi-Fi is available at LAX and Burbank Bob Hope Airport. Los Angeles Public Library 630 W. Fifth St. All Los Angeles public libraries offer free internet access on limited computer terminals as well as Wi-Fi from your laptop (though the Los Angeles, California 90071 connection may be slow). The best time to go is before school lets out, Phone: 213-228-7000 usually before 2 or 3 pm. Monday-Thursday 10 am-8 pm, Friday and http://www.lapl.org Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Sunday 1-5 pm. 630 W. Fifth St., Los Angeles. Phone 213-228-7000. http://www.lapl.org.

A variety of shipping services are available throughout the city. International companies that serve the LA area include DHL (toll-free 800-225-5345; http://www.dhl-usa.com), FedEx (toll-free 800-463-3339; http://www.fedex.com/us) and UPS (toll-free 800-742-5877; http://www.ups.com).

There are also hundreds of local post offices dotting the Los Angeles area. Monday-Friday 9 am-5 pm, with some branches open on Saturday. For locations, visit http://www.usps.com.

Airport Los Angeles U.S. Post Office 9029 Airport Blvd. Located near the airport, this post office is open a little later than other branches. Retail hours are Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 Los Angeles, California 90009 pm. Express mail service is available till 6 pm Monday-Saturday. Phone: 310-649-7400. Monday-Friday 9 am-6 pm, Saturday 9 am-5 pm. 9029 Airport Blvd., https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorDetailsAction!input.action? Los Angeles. Phone 310-649-7400. TTY 877-889-2457. locationType=po&locationID=1352511&locationName=AIRPORT+LOS+ANGELES. https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorDetailsAction!input.action? locationType=po&locationID=1352511&locationName=AIRPORT+LOS+ANGELES.

The Los Angeles Times (http://www.latimes.com) is one of the three largest dailies in the country. Others in the area include the Los Angeles Daily News, which focuses a good portion of its coverage on the San Fernando Valley (https://www.dailynews.com), and La Opinion (https://www.laopinion.com), the largest Spanish-language paper in the country.

For a fairly complete guide to events, check out the Calendar section (on Thursday and Sunday) of the Los Angeles Times. The LA Weekly (http://www.laweekly.com), which hits stands throughout the city on Thursday for free and is updated daily online, is the nation's most widely read alt-weekly alt-newspaper. It features extensive events listings.

The monthly Los Angeles magazine (http://www.lamag.com) is widely available at newsstands, as are the upscale Angeleno (http://www.modernluxury.com/angeleno) and LA Confidential (http://la-confidential-magazine.com), which are all full of local interest stories, celebrity profiles and shopping, restaurant and nightlife news.

Other great resources: the LA editions of Where magazine (http://wherela.com), Eater (https://la.eater.com), Thrillist (https://www.thrillist.com/los-angeles) and Time Out (https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles) as well as the Discover Los Angeles website (http://www.discoverlosangeles.com), run by the city's tourism and convention board.

Many of LA's neighborhoods and regions have their own publications, such as the weekly Los Angeles Downtown News (http://www.ladowntownnews.com), the Daily Breeze (https://www.dailybreeze.com), which covers the South Bay, and The Long Beach Press-Telegram (https://www.presstelegram.com).

A free visitor's guide can be ordered from the Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board or picked up at its office downtown and various other tourist-friendly locations around the Southland. https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/request-travel-guide.

Transportation

Los Angeles is known for heavy traffic and a shortage of parking, yet Angelenos love their cars and drive everywhere, usually fast and aggressively. We suggest you follow suit albeit safely. If you have a car and a good map or navigation system, the freeway system will get you anywhere you want to go.

It's a good idea to check the local news for traffic conditions before you depart for any destination, especially during rush hours (usually around 6-10:30 am and 3:30-7:30 pm Monday-Friday). Tune into KNX AM 1070 for traffic updates every 10 minutes or check http://www.sigalert.com or https://www.go511.com for up-to-the-minute traffic patterns. Also use the Waze or Google Maps apps to determine the quickest routes. Each warns drivers of accidents, construction and traffic jams along their routes.

The city covers a huge area and has many distinct regions—walking between them is not feasible for most people, although there are great walking streets and neighborhoods such as downtown, Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, Abbot Kinney in Venice or Larchmont in Hollywood. LA's expanding subway and Metrolink offer speedy service to certain destinations, such as downtown to the beach in Santa Monica or Hollywood to Universal Studios, but is by no means comprehensive. Bus service is another option but can be slow during high-traffic times. A rental car is recommended, unless you plan on spending time exclusively in the downtown area, only visiting areas covered by the Metro or have no issue paying for rideshares everywhere.

Air

Los Angeles Intl (LAX) 1 World Way

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), one of the top five busiest Los Angeles, California 90045 airports in the United States is 24 km southwest of the city. There are Phone: 310-646-5252 nine terminals in the airport, all equipped to handle more than 150,000 http://www.lawa.org/lax passengers who pass through on a daily basis. It's oldest building, Hangar Number 1, was built in the late 1920s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, call (855) 4635252 or visit www.flylax.com.

Security Los Angeles International employs strong security measures with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The unpredictable security measures of TSA, ensure to accomplish transportation security mission. TSA adjusts processes and procedures to meet the evolving threat and to achieve the highest levels of transportation security. The airport has screening procedures to prevent prohibited items, other threats to transportation security. Check-in counters, federal passenger security screening are open between 4 a.m. to 5 a.m. and closed between 11:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., Pacific Time, based on the flight schedules for each terminal. LAX also has Mobile Passport, the official application authorized by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) also supports Marijuana Policy. Individuals who are 21 years of age or older can possess up to 8 grams of concentrated marijuana and 28.5 grams of marijuana for personal consumption and the law is effective since January 1, 2018. Change in state law has also been implemented in the policy and procedure of the Los Angeles Airport Police Division (APD) in regards to marijuana. Passengers who adhere to the state laws will not be arrested by the California Peace Officers or APD officers. However, passengers should remember that TSA screening stations fall under federal jurisdiction. Also, marijuana laws differ from state to state, hence passengers should check the law of states before they plan to travel.

Connecting Transportation To assist travelers in moving from one terminal to another, the airport has courtesy shuttle service frequently. Shuttle service is available to and from Metro Green Line Aviation Station. The airport also has LAX FlyAway buses providing scheduled round-trips, throughout the week between terminals and locations such as Hollywood, Long Beach, Union Station, Van Nuys, and Westwood. Culver City Bus Lines, Santa Monica Big Blue Bus, Torrance Transit are few of the public bus authorities providing service at the airport. Passengers can pick up these buses at the LAX City Bus Center. There are rental car companies located away from airline terminals. Rental car companies are authorized to pick-up and drop-off their customers at the airline terminals using courtesy shuttles. List of rental car shuttles can be checked with the following link available on website www.flylax.com/en/lax-traffic-and-ground- transportation. The airport also offers scheduled bus service to Los Angeles and surrounding regions. Shared ride van service is provided by Super Shuttle and Roadrunner at the airport. Passenger pick up locations for the shared ride vans are on the lower/arrival level at the Orange and Green zone. Taxi service is also available in front of each terminal. Authorized taxis with the official seal are allowed in the airport. Tickets with fares to major destinations will be given to passengers while using the taxi service. List of companies providing taxi service at the airport can be checked with following link available in website www.flylax.com/en/lax-traffic-and-ground-transportation. Lyft, Opoli and Rasier-CA, LLC (Uber) are companies providing pick-up and drop-off service to and from the airport. This service is available on the airport upper/departures level. For a pick-up and drop-off trip, airport fee is applicable.

Greyhound 1716 E. Seventh St. The main station is in downtown LA, but some limited service is available from Union Station. The main station and ticketing are open 24 Los Angeles, California 90021 hours daily, but customer service is only available Monday-Friday 8 am- Phone: 213-629-8401 10 pm. Daily 24 hours. 1716 E. Seventh St., Los Angeles. Phone 213- https://locations.greyhound.com/bus- 629-8401. Toll-free 800-231-2222. https://locations.greyhound.com/bus- stations/us/ca/los%20angeles/bus-station- stations/us/ca/los%20angeles/bus-station-892001. 892001 You must be 16 years old to obtain a driver's license in California and 21 years old to rent a car. There is usually a rental car surcharge for drivers younger than 25. In the state of California, drivers must use hands-free devices while talking on their cell phones. It is illegal to text or handle any electronic communications devices while driving. California's motor vehicle safety laws are available on the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) website. http://www.dmv.org/ca- california/safety-laws.php.

Los Angeles is a driving city. Even with all the hassles of traffic, aggressive drivers and long travel distances, you'll want to have a car. The city is dotted with meters and pay parking lots. Garages and connected lots can be found at most big buildings and venues. All the major rental car companies have outlets at LAX.

Read signs carefully—they are notoriously confusing—for restrictions before parking on the street, as there are street-sweeping hours, time limits or city permit requirements. Permits are given only to residents and disabled drivers. Any vehicle without the proper permit will be quickly ticketed and sometimes towed. Even metered spots have time restrictions, so be sure to read posted signs in front of and behind your vehicle. Do not cross over a solid line to enter or exit carpool lanes as that incurs a heavy penalty, as does driving in the carpool lane without the required number of passengers.

DASH Los Angeles, California The LA Department of Transportation runs the DASH (Downtown Area Short Hop), which provides a minibus service that runs downtown routes Phone: 213-808-2273 between hotels, shops and other points of interest. It also operates http://www.ladottransit.com DASH services and Commuter Express buses throughout other parts of the city and outlying areas on the Westside. They also run Cityride for individuals 65 and older or qualified disabled persons. Exact change or TAP card required. Phone 213-808-2273 (or area codes 310, 323 or 818). http://www.ladottransit.com.

Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) Los Angeles, California Operates Metro Rail and Metro Bus services throughout LA. Eight Metro Rail lines are operational—the Red, Blue, Green, Gold, Purple, Expo, Phone: 213-626-4455 Silver and Orange. Ticket-vending machines are in each station. The https://www.metro.net bus system outside of the Orange Line dedicated lanes is notoriously slow if you're trying to get across town during rush hour. TAP cards are required to purchase rides. Trains run as early as 3 or 4 am and stop between midnight and 1 am. Some buses run 24 hours with reduced nighttime schedules. Base fare US$1.75 per ride. Phone 213-626-4455 (be prepared for a wait). Toll-free 800-266-6883. https://www.metro.net.

SuperShuttle Los Angeles, California Offers door-to-door van service to hotels, LAX and any other location in the area. Shuttles can also be accessed outside the World Cruise http://www.supershuttle.com Center. If you need an accessible van, be sure to make a reservation in advance. Toll-free 800-258-3826. http://www.supershuttle.com.

Cruise ships arriving and leaving the Port of Los Angeles dock in San Pedro, 25 mi/40 km south of downtown and 18 mi/29 km from LAX. Most ships provide transportation for departing passengers from the airport to the dock. Arriving passengers can find rental cars or taxis at the World Cruise Center at the port. Order taxis by phone or find them at taxi stands in front of major hotels and airports. Cab drivers are not accustomed to being hailed on the street and probably will not stop. There are several companies (nine of them licensed) operating cabs in the LA area, including Checker Cab (toll-free 800-300-5007) and Los Angeles Yellow Cab (toll-free 877-733-3305). Amtrak 800 N. Alameda St. Downtown's Union Station is the end of the line for many cross-country trains. Amtrak's Sunset Limited travels the southern route from New Los Angeles, California 90012 Orleans to LA three times a week going each direction. The Southwest https://www.amtrak.com/regions/california.html Chief runs daily from Chicago to Los Angeles, passing through Kansas City and Albuquerque. The Coast Starlight, the last full-service sleeper train in the U.S., runs between LA and Seattle daily. The Pacific Surfliner starts in San Diego, travels through LA and ends in San Luis Obispo. Union Station is also the connecting hub for MTA subway trains. Daily 24 hours. 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles. Toll-free 800-872-7245. https://www.amtrak.com/regions/california.html.

Metrolink 1 Gateway Plaza, 12th Floor Southern California's Regional Rail Authority (also known as Metrolink) connects commuters to and from Union Station downtown with Ventura, Los Angeles, California 90012 Antelope Valley, the Inland Empire, San Bernardino, Riverside, Perris Phone: 213-452-0200 Valley and Orange County. Weekday service is available on all lines. http://www.metrolinktrains.com Purchase tickets at ticket vending machines prior to boarding; no tickets are sold on trains. Metrolink launched an online ticketing portal so riders can purchase and print tickets at home. There are two ticket windows at Union Station Monday-Friday 6:30 am-6:30 pm. 1 Gateway Plaza, 12th Floor, Los Angeles. Phone 213-452-0200. Toll-free 800-371-5465. http://www.metrolinktrains.com. For More Information

Tourist Offices

Hollywood Visitor Information Center 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 207 The main branch of the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau is in the Hollywood and Highland complex. There are also information Los Angeles, California 90028 centers inside Union Station, at the waterfront in San Pedro and in the Phone: 323-467-6412 downtown InterContinental Hotel. Monday-Saturday 9 am-10 pm, https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/travel/discover- Sunday 10 am-7 pm. It provides two hours of parking validation for the las-visitor-information-centers Hollywood and Highland complex. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 207 (second floor), Los Angeles. Phone 323-467-6412. https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/travel/discover-las-visitor- information-centers.

EVENTS

Calendar

It's not surprising that this huge city has a calendar packed with festivals, dine-out weeks, conferences, cultural events and performances every day of the week.

Summer brings on outdoor concerts and events throughout the city. The Hollywood Bowl's annual season is June-September. Free concerts happen downtown at California Plaza, Pershing Square, Hollywood and Highland, the Santa Monica Pier, the city hall courtyard in Culver City, Saturday nights at the Getty and at the Levitt Pavilion Pasadena. Of course, LACMA continues its free jazz concert tradition every Friday night April-November. The awards season ushers in fan meet-and-greets, awards voter screenings and Q&As.

For detailed information about upcoming events in the Los Angeles area, contact the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board. Phone 213-624-7300. http://discoverlosangeles.com.

Several publications also offer event information. Check the calendar section of Sunday's Los Angeles Times or the free weekly newspaper The L.A. Weekly. http://www.laweekly.com/calendar.

To call any of the phone numbers listed in this calendar from outside the U.S. or Canada, you must first dial your country's international access code, followed by the U.S. country code, 1.

Information in this calendar is subject to change and should be confirmed.

July

4 Jul—Independence Day Public holiday.

11 Oct—Columbus Day Public holiday.

25 Dec—Christmas Day Public holiday.