Los Angeles, CA

Universal CityWalk
DESCRIPTION: Adjacent to the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park, kids from ages 2-90 have equal amounts of fun among the 65 restaurants, shops and entertainment establishments; you’ll find Hard Rock Cafe, Jon Lovitz Comedy Club, NASCAR Silicon Motor Speedway, Hollywood Harley Davidson, Adobe Road, Awesome Atoms, Billabong, Cafe Tu Tu Tango, Camacho's Cantina, Captain Coconuts, Cirque du Bijoux, Dodger Dogs, Gladstone's Seafood Restaurant, Howl at the Moon, Jillian's Hi Life Lane's, Magnet Max, Popcornopolis, Red Balls On Fire, Rubio's Baja Grill, Rumba Room, Saddle Ranch, Team LA, The Wound & Wound Toy Company, THEM!, Things From Another World, Tommy's World Famous Hamburgers, Tropic Nut Company, Versailles and Zen Zone; all of that is topped off with a fabulous 18-screen Cineplex and IMAX Theatre; parking costs $8-$10 less with movie ticket validation; CityWalk Summer Block Party showcasing an indie band showcase series, a teen idol talent search, and free outdoor movie nights from June 28-September 1; on Thursdays 7:30p-10:00p, CityWalk’s giant outdoor screen presents a number of Universal Studios films
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 9a-11p, Fri-Sun 9a-1a
ADDRESS: 100 Universal City Plaza  MAP
PARKING: $12 general parking or $20 preferred parking
TRANSIT: Universal City Metro Station on the Red Line, with a free park shuttle transporting you uphill to the entrance
PHONE: 800-UNIVERSAL
WEBSITE: http://www.universalstudios.com

Hollywood Boulevard
DESCRIPTION: Although much longer, the portion from Vermont Avenue to La Brea Avenue is one of the most famous streets in America; in 1960, the first star was placed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which runs from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue; HWOF was later extended onto Vine Street; changing demographics and Americans switching to malls for shopping transformed Hollywood Blvd into a seedy area from the mid-1970s through the 1990s, if not for the Chinese Theatre and HWOF, it would have really tanked; then in 1999, the Hollywood extension of the Metro Red Line subway opened and several grand cinemas were restored to host movie premieres; biggest turning point was Hollywood & Highland shopping center with Kodak Theatre opening in 2001 and the Kodak Theatre began hosting the Academy Awards in 2002; shop and restaurant renovations are replacing more of the seediness each month; Hollywood Blvd is hip again -- celebrities who in the past, would only hang out on Sunset Blvd, also patronize nightclubs here; housing conversions and a future entertainment complex at the corner of Hollywood and Vine also bode well; Hollywood Christmas Parade passes down Hollywood Boulevard every Saturday after Thanksgiving
ADMISSION: FREE
DAYS & HOURS: daily from dusk to late
ADDRESS: 7100 to 6100 Hollywood Blvd  MAP
PARKING: parking lots behind the boulevard
TRANSIT: Hollywood-Highland and Hollywood-Vine Metro Stations on the Red Line
PHONE: Hollywood Chamber 323-469-8311
WEBSITE: http://www.hollywoodchamber.net

Hollywood & Highland
DESCRIPTION: For best effect during your first visit, enter from Hollywood Blvd at the Kodak Theatre, which became the permanent home of the Academy Awards in March 2002; in fact, the theatre was built especially for the Academy Awards; take a tour which includes a visit to the site of post-show celebrity parties, an Oscar statuette, see 26 spectacular Academy Award® images displayed on four levels of the theatre lobby; the images measure 4 feet x 5 feet and feature Oscar winners such as Marlon Brando, Jack Nicholson, Tom Hanks and Halle Berry; an upscale Renaissance Hollywood Hotel and Grand Ballroom catered by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck provide a northern anchor the entertainment, dining, and nightlife; there’s more – 60+ specialty shops, public art exhibitions, six new movie screens at the Mann Chinese Complex, seven of LA’s finest restaurants, an excellent spot to photograph the Hollywood sign, and a working TV studio; the most memorable features may well be the two giant elephant statues overlooking activity in the courtyard
ADMISSION: FREE
DAYS & HOURS: daily from dusk to late
ADDRESS: Hollywood Blvd at Highland Ave  MAP
PARKING: parking lots behind the boulevard
TRANSIT: Hollywood-Highland Metro Station on the Red Line
PHONE: 323-467-6412
WEBSITE: http://www.hollywoodandhighland.com

Capital Records Building
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1956 at 13 stories tall and 150 feet high, the maximum building height permitted in Los Angeles until the 1970s, it remains an international icon of Hollywood; the building is also the recording home for many African American artists; Nat "King" Cole is credited with the concept of a record company building that looks like stacked records; Richard Wyatt's "Hollywood Jazz" mural on the building's side includes a likeness of Charley Parker, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington and of course, Nat "King" Cole; building ownership has changed and its future is uncertain
ADMISSION: TBD
DAYS & HOURS: by appt only
ADDRESS: 1750 North Vine Street  MAP
PARKING: parking lot on premises
TRANSIT: Hollywood-Vine Metro Station on the Red Line
PHONE: 323-462-6252
WEBSITE:

Melrose Avenue
DESCRIPTION: this popular hang-out features a wide variety of upscale restaurants, wacky and trend-setting boutiques, coffeehouses, and The Improv comedy club; it is known as “The Place” to find garments before they become popular; used to be home to one of Black LA’s most beloved restaurants, Georgia; another bit of trivia -- the original Johnny Rockets opened on Melrose in 1986
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: from dusk to late
ADDRESS: Melrose Ave between La Cienega Blvd and La Brea Ave  MAP
PARKING: one street and valet parking for restaurants
TRANSIT: bus
PHONE: no general number
WEBSITE: link

Farmers Market
DESCRIPTION: In 1934, farmers pulled into property known as Gilmore Island at the corner of Third & Fairfax to begin selling produce on the tailgates; customers parked on the dirt parking lot in spaces designated with chalk; then celebrities showed up to shop for fresh fruit & vegetables leading it to it becoming an visitor destination; today, the best of the old has been preserved, while all manner of upscale shop, restaurant and cineplex have been added, making it more popular than ever
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 9a-9p,
 Sat 9a-8p,
 Sun 10a-7p
ADDRESS: 6333 West Third Street  MAP
PARKING: paid parking on premises
TRANSIT: bus
PHONE: 323-933-9211 or 866-993-9211
WEBSITE: http://www.farmersmarketla.com

L.A. LIVE

DESCRIPTION: 4-million square foot sports, entertainment, dining, hotel and residential destination located downtown; this complex began with the 20,000-seat Staples Center in 1999, then added the 7,100-seat Nokia Theatre in 2007; it added the $30m Grammy Museum, 2,300-seat Club Nokia, 1,100-seat Conga Room, Flemings Prime Steakhouse, Lawry's Carvery (steak), New Zealand Natural ice cream and Lucky Strike bowling lounge in 2008; in 2009 the west coast ESPN Broadcast Studios, dining options such Wolfgang Puck, Rock 'N Fish, ESPNZone, The Farm of Beverly Hills, Yard House, Katsuya, Trader Vics, Rosa Mexicano arrive; Nokia Plaza hosts Light of the Angels free public entertainment during lunchtime several days a week; a Regal Cinemas suitable for movie world premieres opens in Fall 2009, followed by 54-story J.W. Marriott Hotel, Ritz-Carlton Hotel, and Ritz-Carlton Residences in Spring 2010; with 365 days of must-see attractions, L.A. LIVE is destined to compete with Universal Citywalk and Hollywood as a hub of nitgtlife and entertainment

ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: daily dawn - until
ADDRESS: 800 West Olympic Blvd  MAP
PARKING: plentiful paid parking surrounds the complex
TRANSIT: Metro Blue line at 12th and Flower Streets, only 1.5 blocks away
PHONE: parking info 213-742-7275
WEBSITE: http://www.lalive.com

Library Tower, Library Steps & Statue of a Graceful Sister
DESCRIPTION: At 72 stories and 1018 feet tall, LA’s tallest building was developed by Maguire Properties in 1989; by using air transfer rights from the Los Angeles Central Library across the street, the developer was permitted to build it higher than surrounding buildings; its graceful, cylindrical architecture shows up in so many TV shows, commercials, magazine ads, web ads, and movies that it has no problem attracting a bevy of corporate naming rights suitors -- changing names from Library Tower to First Interstate Tower to US Bank Tower today; unfortunately, there is no public viewing deck in the tower; adjacent to the tower is a sculpture of a graceful sistah in all of her natural glory -- one of only two public nudes of a sistah in America; from the sculture, one walks down architecturally cohesive steps that feature a waterfall in the middle leading to the magnificent Los Angeles Central Library across 5th Street
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: 633 West 5th Street  MAP
PARKING: garage behind the building
TRANSIT: Pershing Square Metro Station on the Red Line
PHONE: 213-626-3300
WEBSITE: http://www.maguireproperties.com/USBankTower

Olvera Street
DESCRIPTION: For a taste of Mexico without leaving the USA, visit the birthplace of the City of Los Angeles, otherwise known as El Pueblo Historic Monument; the pueblo was built by the 44 settlers of Los Angeles in 1781 and included people of African descent; always lively and more like a village than a street, it features 27 historic buildings, a traditional Mexican plaza and a marketplace (Mercado); an excellent place to sample tacos at the outdoor cafes, gather handcrafted Mexican wares and take a free docent tour by Las Angelitas; on weekends, enjoy outdoor entertainment by bollero musicians, Mariachis music and performances by Aztec Indians
ADMISSION: FREE
DAYS & HOURS: daily from dusk to dawn
ADDRESS: Olvera Street  MAP
PARKING: adjacent fee-based parking lots
TRANSIT: Union Station headquarters for Metro, Metrolink & Amtrak and a DASH shuttle stop
PHONE: 213-680-2525
WEBSITE: http://www.olvera-street.com

Chinatown
DESCRIPTION: Though not as cohesive as San Francisco Chinatown, it is nonetheless vibrant and a compelling visit; it is actually LA’s second Chinatown, since it relocated into what was once Little Italy in the 1930s; much of new Chinatown was designed by Hollywood set designers as a "Chinese" movie prop was subsequently donated by the film director/producer Cecil B. DeMille to give it an exotic atmosphere; today notable Chinese restaurants, delis, shops, an herbal stores, a grocery store, and offices thrive here; the best time to visit is each February during the Chinese New Year celebration
ADMISSION: FREE
DAYS & HOURS: daily from dusk to late
ADDRESS: Caesar Chavez Ave, Alameda Street and Pasadena Freeway  MAP
PARKING: parking lots behind the boulevard
TRANSIT: Chinatown Metro Station on the Gold Line and a DASH shuttle stop
PHONE: 213-680-0243
WEBSITE: http://www.chinatownla.com

Little Tokyo
DESCRIPTION: Japanese American district founded at the beginning of the 20th century; also home to the Japanese American Museum and the Japanese Consulate, it is the undisputed cultural center for Japanese Americans in Southern California, even though it is but a shadow of its former size, since Integration began in the late 1960s; you can still find excellent Japanese restaurants and boutiques in the area; the best time to visit is during a festival
ADMISSION: FREE
DAYS & HOURS: daily from dusk to late
ADDRESS: Alameda Street, Los Angeles Street, 3rd Street & Temple Street  MAP
PARKING: 17 parking lots in the district
TRANSIT: Civic Center Metro Station on the Red Line and a DASH shuttle stop
PHONE: no general number
WEBSITE: http://www.elittletokyo.com

West Hollywood, CA

Sunset Strip
DESCRIPTION: Sunset Boulevard is famous for winding terrain that spawned a movie and Broadway play in its name, appeared in song and on album covers; enjoy a microcosm of LA life here: a red-light district, a mile of America’s hippest billboards, a guitar center, famous and infamous hotels, cool record stores, swank restaurants and hip nightclubs patronized by movie and music celebrities; although its one of the longest streets in LA, its fame begins at Gower and Sunset in Hollywood, extending many miles through West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Brentwood and Pacific Palisades to the Pacific Ocean; the most famous part is called the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood; it was made famous by historic nightclubs like Ciros and Macombo, hotels like Chateau Marmont and The Argyle, and numerous shops and restaurants frequented by Clark Gable, Humphrey Bogart, Gary Cooper, Greta Garbo, Marilyn Monroe, Dorothy Dandridge, Cary Grant and uncountable stars; today the Sunset Strip is as vibrant as ever, but a new set of nightclubs, hotels, restaurants and shops dot the landscape, though thankfully Chateau Marmont remains as grand as ever; the best way to see Sunset Strip is to rent a convertible, drop the top, sport stylish sunglasses and drive from east to west -- at sunset !
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: Sunset Strip is between Doheny Drive and Crescent Heights Blvd  MAP
TRANSIT: Civic Center Metro Station on the Red Line and a DASH shuttle stop
PHONE: West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce 323-650-2688
WEBSITE: http://www.wehochamber.com

House of Blues
DESCRIPTION: This dark brown, corner building on Sunset Strip looks like a Southern juke joint, but artistic touches give the illusion away when you look closely; nevertheless, you will appreciate the upscale amenities, the vibe and gift shop inside; arrive early for the best booths in this two level venue that primarily features headliner Blues, R&B, and Reggae bands; Mississippi Delta Soul Food dishes can be surprisingly good; they have “world famous” Sunday Gospel Brunch; no cameras permitted during the show; includes The Foundation Room, a members-only club with elegant space for professional and personal entertaining
ADMISSION: free to enter; cover charge varies for shows
DAYS & HOURS: daily 5p-11p
ADDRESS: 8430 West Sunset Blvd  MAP
PARKING: paid parking on premises
TRANSIT: bus
PHONE: 323-848-5100
WEBSITE: http://www.hob.com/venues

Beverly Hills, CA

Rodeo Drive
DESCRIPTION: The most famous upscale shopping district in America and a wonderful place to site-see people, shops and exotic cars; if you plan to window browse, allow an hour, if you plan to shop add an hour or two; there are cafes near Little Santa Monica Blvd and Rodeo as well; famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed the 333 North Rodeo Drive with its triangular tower and spiral ramp; catch the Beverly Hills Trolley at Rodeo Drive and Payton for a 40-minute tour at a small fee; the Beverly Wilshire Hotel at Rodeo Drive and Wilshire is the place where a famous scene in Beverly Hills Cop was filmed; just around the corner on Wilshire, are Saks Fifth Avenue and Nieman Marcus
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: daily from dawn to evening
ADDRESS: Rodeo Drive between Wilshire Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd  MAP
PARKING: valet parking for many of the boutiques and inexpensive municipal garage parking on Santa Monica Blvd at Brighton Way
TRANSIT: bus
PHONE: 800-345-2210
WEBSITE: http://www.beverlyhillschamber.com

Century City, CA

Westfield Century City
DESCRIPTION: Adjacent to Avenue of the Stars, it feels like a destination more than a mall; a great place to people watch, sample fine restaurants and take in epic movies; you can shop for hours among dozens of stores anchored by Bloomingdales or dine among several pleasant outdoor cafes and indoor bistros; considering that MGM headquarters is across the street and Fox Studios is only three blocks away, many people hang out after work to spark lots of movie and TV show conversation in the restaurants
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Sat 10a-9p, Sun Noon-7p
ADDRESS: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd  MAP
PARKING: first 3 hours are free self parking; valet parking available
TRANSIT: bus
PHONE: 310-277-3898
WEBSITE: http://www.westfield.com/centurycity

Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica Third Street Promenade
DESCRIPTION: A popular three-block stretch of pedestrian-oriented quirky shops and restaurants; enjoy a leisurely stroll here and stop at one of its numerous cafes; a night a handful of Techno clubs come alive; there are plenty of parking structures surround the promenade; perhaps it is best loved for its profusion of restaurants, bistros and cafes that cater to every taste; it doesn't hurt to be within walking distance of the Santa Monica Pier either
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: daily 9a-1a
ADDRESS: Third Street between Wilshire Blvd and Santa Monica Blvd  MAP
PARKING: garage parking
TRANSIT: bus
PHONE: 310-393-8355
WEBSITE: http://www.downtownsm.com

Culver City, CA

Jazz Bakery
DESCRIPTION: An intimate non-profit jazz theater; tickets sell one hour before shows; arguably LA’s best venue for traditional jazz; has featured Diane Reeves, Ahmad Jamal, Cyrus Chestnut and many other big name acts; this architectural treasure is a former bakery turned art center
ADMISSION: tickets are usually $20; student discounts available
DAYS & HOURS: daily shows at 8p & 9:30p
ADDRESS: 3233 Helms Ave  MAP
PARKING: free parking
TRANSIT: bus
PHONE: 310-271-9039
WEBSITE: http://www.jazzbakery.com

Inglewood, CA

Hollywood Park Casino & Racetrack
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1938 as the Hollywood Turf Club, and for many years a sports hang-out of Hollywood celebrities; today it features horseracing, an electronic Poker Room, restaurants, nightclubs, bingo and occasional concerts
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: 24/7
ADDRESS: 3883 West Century Blvd  MAP
PARKING: free parking
TRANSIT: bus
PHONE: 310-419-1500
WEBSITE: http://www.hollywoodpark.com

Anaheim, CA

Downtown Disney
DESCRIPTION: Adjacent to the Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure, kids, teenagers and adults have equal amounts of fun among the 65 restaurants, shops and entertainment establishments
ADMISSION: free
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 9a-10a, Fri-Sun 9a-12a
ADDRESS: 1580 South Disneyland Drive  MAP
PARKING: paid parking on premises
TRANSIT: bus
PHONE: 714-300-7800
WEBSITE: link