... Make sure to visit the Getty Center. This famous art foundation is a museum, conservation institute, and research institute situated atop Brentwood hills...
The La Brea Tar Pits are a National Natural Landmark. Take a walk around the tar pits themselves and then visit the museum to see the fossils excavated from those very pits.
A beautiful and easy way to get between Santa Monica promenade and Venice boardwalk. Rent a bike and wind down the beach at your own pace.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is the largest art museum in LA. It's right next to the La Brea Tar Pits as well as a handful of other museums and galleries.
You don't need to be religious or spiritual to appreciate the beauty of this lake shrine. The fellowship is a peaceful place open for all, regardless of religion or belief.
Skip the star-spotting crowds at Runyon park and head to one of the lesser-known, but equally beautiful hiking trails in the Santa Monica mountains where the view is great!
If you're a movie-buff, you'll probably recognize this iconic hill-top building. Visit the Griffith Observatory for the exhibits, the view, the architecture, or one of their many events.
Walking through this bookstore is an experience in itself. Tunnels made of used books and a second floor dedicated to art makes this unlike any bookstore you've ever visited...
Olvera street is a colorful and festive historic district. The street is packed with Mexican craft and food shops. Don't leave without trying one of the many tamale stands!
If you're visiting LA, I'm assuming you did what most sane people would do and rented a car. If you get up early enough to avoid rush hour, the experience... is well worth it.
A historic market with over 100 grocers, specialty shops, and restaurants. It is a favorite among the locals and tourists since 1934. There's something for everyone here!
Upper West is a great place for a nice dinner and cocktail that doesn't break the bank.
My favorite speakeasy. Hidden in the back room of a well-known sandwich shop, the atmosphere and drinks are truly spectacular.
For those familiar with Xiao-long-bao, a Taiwanese specialty, ROC's XLB rivals that of the global chain Din Tai Fung's. If you've never tried it before, now is the time!
This whiskey bar has a great selection of whiskey and cocktails with an atmosphere to match. Live music, billiards, and old-school library decor make this one of the classiest watering holes.
This restaurant serves a variety of Mexican dishes and has a great bar and patio to enjoy margaritas at, after your day at the beach.
Downtown LA is famous for its rooftop bars. Perch is my favorite. Slightly less pretentious than some of it's neighbors – you can even show up in just jeans!
Though LA has many competing Mexican fast food chains, this one is my personal favorite. Try something from the grill!
LA Café is a 24 hour café in the heart of Downtown LA. A great place to end the night, or start your morning. Their large menu has enough to satisfy munchies at any time of the day.
What started as a neighborhood hole-in-the-wall has quickly grown to accommodate their hungry fans. A great spot for a fresh and healthy lunch, or get it to-go and have excellent picnic food.
No LA food list is complete without In-N-Out. Though it's a chain in a handful of states, if you've never had it, you can't leave without trying it!
If there was any café that was "so LA", this is it. The bakery and café uses organic and farmer's-market ingredients in all their delicious pastries and dishes.
This walk-up stand is located in the Brentwood Country Mart and serves the best rotisserie chicken and fries. Order at the counter and sit out in the market's dining patio.
