Since 1933, the Pageant features "living pictures" in which people look as though they are part of famous artworks using costumes, makeup, headdresses, lighting, props, and backdrops.
The Sawdust Art Festival features the fine art and craft of more than 200 Laguna Beach artists. I love wandering among the rows of stands bedecked with jewelry, paintings, glasswork, and photography. Read more.
You HAVE to order the chicken dinner. delicious and lots to eat! You will never finish it. Also included, dessert, so order the boysenberry pie.
A chance to stay in a real 1930s luxury ocean liner without worrying about food poisoning. Guests bunk in staterooms, and the boat & area are packed with things to do (including a ghost tour). Read more.
Architect Lloyd Wright designed this Chapel out of glass, wood and stone to serve as the National Memorial to Emanuel Swedenborg and the Swedenborgian Church.
A true surf beach. Soft, rolling waves that offer long rides. The Point, Old Man's and Trails surf breaks are all located here. Make a day of it... what I call a San O day!
If you're in San Diego, you MUST visit the wild animal park. Animals are in huge open-range exhibits, which you can visit via 'safari.' Amazing animals, fantastic design & much more fun that a zoo! Read more.
The giant roadside dinosaurs who were featured in Pee Wee's Big Adventure and The Wizard were recently converted into a creationist museum for children. O-M-G. - IFC Staff
Tio's has a gigantic garden with huge folk-art statues made from bottles, shells, electrical trash and other objects. Its a massive complex with fountains, clowns, patios and surprises everywhere.
This place is incredibly beautiful, but so...very...hot. Wear protective clothing, a hat and don't forget to take lots of photos! Bad water basin is amazing!!!
Awesome bit of the southwest only 90 minutes from LA. Nice desert hikes with beautiful scenery. Also where the shot “The Big Country”
The most coveted reservation in Disneyland. Reserve a table days/weeks ahead or get there very early for your meal. Make sure to ask for a seat near the water. That's the best part.
You can now book a reservation up to 14 days in advance of your visit via Disney Dining. This is a must as you’ll be hard pressed to get anything day-of. Super easy via the Disneyland app.
This zoo opened in 1915 & covers over 100 acres with more than 4000 animals. In the 80s an orangutan named Ken Allen became famous for repeatedly escaping from the 'escape-proof' orangutan enclosure.
"Naïve art" towers decorated with found shards built by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia between 1921-54 BY HAND. Take the Metro Blue Line to 104th to see it and DO NOT WANDER! Watts is still the ghetto.
An icon from the era of mid-century "programmatic" architecture and one of L.A.'s landmarks - featured in many shows and films. Enjoy a fried doughnut and appreciate the kitsch value.
This place is special because there are fire pits for bonfires, but you have to get there really early to claim one. If you're not there by 5pm, then cross your fingers that someone will share.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the theater loosens up "round midnight" with screenings of cult classics and a weekly screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring the shadowcast Sins O' The Flesh. Read more.
This classic LA burger shack has been open since 1947. Try the ‘Hickory Burger’ as seen on Travel Channel’s Burger Land & recommended by host George Motz.
The holy grail of pastrami. The Hat cannot be mentioned in the same sentence. Be on the look-out for celebrity sightings
OMG. This place was heaven. Garlic chicken. Everything. Mango shake. So damn good.
At this offbeat museum, see bizarre relics "evoking the more obscure and poetic aspects of natural history, the history of technology and science, and their entwined realizations in human artistry."
Take the 704 bus so you can drink AND stay for all of encores at one of LA's famous venues that still does alternative. Buy tickets at the box office to save money and check the sign for secret shows.
Come here for a late night. LA staple. Insanely large portions for what the price is...Don't worry about why
Founded in 1920, the original Beanery (there are now offshoots in Pasadena, Westwood, Burbank and Santa Monica) remains a landmark thanks to its loud and loose vibe and super-gigantic menu!
Been coming here for 10 years now. Get the doro wot (chicken in tomato sauce) and veggie platter.
See over 150 rare and classic cars in one of the world's largest automotive museums located in a city associated with driving, highways, and the ascension of 20th century car culture and suburbs.
See a unique natural history museum for fossils excavated from the La Brea Tar Pits, which trapped animals here for the past 50,000 years (the period before the Ice Age), right in the middle of LA!
"The Academy Museum theaters (there are 2) are the best kept secret in LA. Screenings are somewhat infrequent but the projection and sound are second to none. Plus regular suprise guests"
Enjoy the interior that is both wonderful and tacky in it's extremely themed decor, with the doors in onion shapes and the private rooms having tent interiors. Best Tunisian and Moroccan food in town!
Offbeat L.A. tip: True Los Angeles classic. Opened in 1927 in an old redline street car. Humphrey Bogart and Frank Sinatra are just a few of the stars who drank here.
Best hot dogs in the West since 1939! Try one of their exotic and unique specialty dogs like the Huell Howser Dog or the Planet Hollywood Dog, but leave time - the line can last an hour even at 2 A.M.
One of America's most infamous Jewish delis, where hopeful rockers come to eat at all hours, or drink at the attached Kibitz Room.
Features an surprising fusion of two widely separated food cultures, Mexican and Korean, in a format that is 'typical LA': a food truck. Track it at http://kogibbq.com/ and try a kimchi-quesadilla!
Original location of the classic SoCal chicken & waffles chain.
The most famous jazz club left in Los Angeles, with incredible live music every night. Amusing menu consisting of variations on baked potatoes. Pretty expensive, though… John - Dev Ops Director
A black-tie, invitation-only clubhouse where magic shows and an invisible piano player accompany steak dinners. You can get the required invitation from a member through someone taking magic classes!
Love the El Capitan Theatre!!! Thank you Disney for restoring and saving this spectacular Theatre and is Pipe Organ and other facilities!!!
Fodors, one of our reviewers, says, "Liver and onions, lamb chops, shrimp Louie salad, dry gin martinis, gruff waiters—you'll find all of the old favorites here in Hollywood's oldest restaurant." Read more.
Star Wars themed bar. Sometimes Boba Fett or Darth Vader will be roaming around. The drinks are all so nerdy but the absolute best one has got to be Moon Over Endor.
The world's largest independent record store (even though the original of the 3 Amoebas is in Berkeley)! Shop their huge selection of used CDs, DVDs, and vinyl, which is half the 43,000 sq. ft. store!
A kitschy Hollywood cemetery. Cinespia's outdoor summer movie screenings and bands at the Masonic Lodge are a unique experience. Bring a picnic & wine for the movies and buy tickets well in advance!
Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1921 masterpiece sits atop Olive Hill, dramatically integrating landscape & architecture. Built for heiress Aline Barnsdall, it incorporates the hollyhock flower throughout. View!
If you love tiki bars, this tiny spot is considered one of the best in the country, according to tiki bar review community Critiki. Deceptively strong drinks, kitschy decor, and a rich history.
There is nothing sacred once you wrap your hands around a double chili cheeseburger; enjoyed by suits and sweatpants alike, which is exactly the range of clientele you'll find at the walk-up window. Read more.
“If I’m in town at the right time, I like to peruse some of the amazing vintage vendors who come to the Rose Bowl Flea Market.” -TH
The finest tiki bar in San Diego, one of the best anywhere. Start with a Mai Tai (done right!) and then explore their amazing menu. The Zombie is top notch, extremely strong but balanced, if you dare.
I have been going here since 1967. After all these years, the food is still excellent. My favorites are the taquitos, mordaditos and a chicken burrito with guacamole.
One of the stands that invented and popularized frozen bananas as a snack in the 1940s. The Arrested Development banana stand is based on this and other Balboa stands.
The original Beverly Hills CPK location invented and popularized Barbecue Chicken Pizza in 1985.
I'll raise a glass for refurbishing a Los Angeles landmark! Nice selection of beers on tap and friendly / helpful hostesses
Pick a "carver" behind the counter and queue up in front of her until you get your french dip. Cole's also claims invention of french dip sandwiches in 1908, so compare their vastly different styles.
The original street that made up Cuidad de Los Angeles. Celebrate colorful Mexican-American holidays like Dia De Los Muertos on Nov. 1 and the Blessing of the Animals on the Saturday before Easter.
Open until 10 PM monday - Thursday, 11 PM on Friday and Saturday and 5 PM on SUnday. And opens at 10 AM seven days a week. Best priced bookstore in LA and one of the largest vintage/used bookstores
There might be a time machine at the front doors, because you’re taken to comfort food heaven that just doesn’t exist any place else. Highly recommended.
Sit in the red car room and order a Guinness float with your french dip and go easy on the mustard. Contrast this moody restaurant style to the deli style at Philippe's, french dip's other "inventor."
Did you know this is LA's oldest open-air market, dating from 1917? Our checklist: affordable lunch, ripe produce, fresh pan dulce, and a 25¢ trip up Angels Flight across Hill St. Read more.
This architectural landmark was built in 1893 and designed by George Wyman who was convinced to take the job after receiving a message to do so from his deceased brother through a Ouija board.
For residents of Downtown who dread the drive to Golden Road, the opening of Angel City Brewing's taproom is a real god-send! Tours of the brewery are available and they sponsor many local LA events! Read more.
Don't forget to bring tortillas and marshmallows to chuck at the various characters!
Girls and guys on a student budget will love consignment shopping at Hidden Treasures in Topanga Canyon for their eclectic collection. -Patti Stanger, Millionaire Matchmaker
Built by oil tycoon as a museum to house his ancient collections, the building is the only recreation of a Roman patrician villa in the US and is modeled after the Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum.
Vasquez Rocks is a county park in Agua Dulce, California, 30 miles north of LA. The area has been used in the filming of numerous Star Trek productions, including at least 8 TV episodes & 2 movies. Read more.
Best-known for its still-intact Western town, which played a Colorado hamlet in the 1990s TV series, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman.
one of the best places along the coast to eat and relax. great atmosphere and food, and the views are awesome too especially at sunset.
Cross your fingers and hope they are open when you come. This place has some of the choicest old swag, but the owners open and close whenever they feel like, rather than having posted hours.
Since it opened in 1973, the Sunset Strip nightclub has presented a stellar array of musicians, comedians & theatrical revues. The adjoining upstairs lounge On the Rox is good for celebrity sightings! Read more.
Decent carnitas and a wildly designed interior. Those are real trees in the atrium!
Seasonal massive display of poppies and other wild flowers. Go in early to mid April
Love this place. The chicken pot pie here is perfectly portioned and comes in it's own griddle. I am totally in love with their uber gooey cookie for two. Melts in your mouth. Handmade whipped cream.
The hotel opened in 1888 as the largest resort hotel in the world and the first to use electrical lighting. It was declared a historic landmark in 1977. Rooms 3502 and 3327 are reported to be haunted!
They make all these Arabic-influenced ice creams, like amazing rosewater, orange blossom and pistachio. It's great to serve at a party. Read more.
I haven't stayed here, but I love stopping by for a slice of Route 66-era Americana. Only 3 Wigwam motels still exist, and this is the only one in California. - Kellie, Community Manager
Opened in 1945, but moved to this location in 1953. The amazing dog sign had neon tubing until about 1985. The dog's tongue originally lapped & tail wagged.
A dive bar must! Cheap drinks, great juke. Walk-in, stumble out. Great people watching. They get a lot of spill over traffic from the Pantages before, intermission and after shows...that kinda suck
Located on Lincoln (right near Washington), Brennan's is an appropriately neon-signed dive bar that's been doing real, live turtle races for 38 years. Read more.
This historical landmark and bowling alley that dates back to Prohibition times is revitalized and reopened. The glamorous space will only be open to bowlers Monday thru Friday. Read more.
Himalayan Salt Steak is ridiculous. You cook the steak on a 500 degree block of salt at your table. Get it
Open everyday from 8am to 5pm (except Thanksgiving & Christmas) and you can ride real trains on Weekends & Holidays. It is impossible to see everything in one visit. Tours available on weekends too.
The elegant art deco interior is actually so breathtaking you almost don’t care what’s on the menu, though Cicada does feature the finest in Italian fare & one of the classiest lounges in the city. Read more.
Some of the best cocktails I've had in town. The bartenders know their stuff and take pride in their work, and it shows!
This is incredible. Not one model railroad, but 4 large model railroads in different sizes.
Chichen Itza serves Mayan and Yucatan-style Mexican food; opt for the cochinita pibil with a splash of habanero salsa.
The Oinkster Pastrami and Belgian Fries are to-die-for. Beer selection is pretty good too. Order the Ube Shake for your sweet tooth.
Guisados always seems to be counted among the city’s best. Their stewed and braised offerings sit messily on top of thick, hand-patted tortillas, and come in a wide variety of tasty options. Read more.
Be adventurous, try there Mac n' Cheese or other specialty pies. $2 slices on Pepperoni and Cheese on Tuesdays. Park next door at Tony's.
Can't decide between pastrami or a burger? Get the pastrami burger! Crisis averted. If you're feeling daring, make it a double and add chili. Boom. Read more.
Get the potato tacos, or tacos de papas: creamy, airy, whipped potatoes held by a fried tortilla, pinched closed like a clamshell. They’re smothered in crema and salsa verde. Read more.
You're in the right place! Best gyros in town. Grilled baby octopus is great and the fried feta is quite a treat. If it's a nice day, sit on the patio - many people don't know that they have one!
Try the Surfin' California Burrito -- a steak, shrimp and french-fry-filled concoction that puts the smackdown on standard taqueria fare. As seen on Man v Food.
A bar & restaurant, not a venue. Legendary hangout for Guns N' Roses, Motley Crue and more. The best place to spot Ian “Lemmy” Kilmister, Bassist and Vocalist for Motorhead when he is not on tour.
Go to The Galley AFTER happy hour, hang with the locals at the far end of the bar. Good laughs, stiff drinks and warm feelings all around. Priceless.
Great LA gem! Try the "Manuel Special" its big enough for two or three...
Best Late-Night Eats - 2012! The trick to any culinary landmark is to remain relevant while staying true to your past. Du-Par's has managed exceptionally well at its original location! -Jenn Garbee Read more.
Est. 1923 still as a native to Los Angeles one of my favorite Mexican restaurants. Bonus they have a Fiesta Hour serving up an awesome cheese quesadilla!
Universal Studios Hollywood offers sight-seeing tram rides powered by efficient diesel technology, cutting down pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Even more reason to enjoy the show!
A small glimpse into Old Hollywood with produce stands and lots of really good food stalls. -Danielle Keene, Top Chef Just Desserts
It puts the "fun" back in "funicular railway." Ride this relic from 1901 built to ease access to the then-residential Bunker Hill from core downtown below. It's now across from Grand Central Market.
If the hipsters know anything, they know links. Or so it would seem, given how many flock to the downtown joint. Serving craft beers and tasty exotic sausages. [Eater 38 Member] Read more.
Opened 1956. Small, authentic 1950s diner with counter service; jam-packed with memorabilia.
The Prince is my fave eatery. A Korean restaurant with the best Old English decor imaginable. Besides the ambiance, the Eel is to die for. Also, bizzarely so LA, the chips and salsa are amazing.
This place really is partly an old railroad car, morphed into a white tablecloth restaurant, oddly open 24x7, and right next to Good Sam Hospital. It serves breakfast all the time.
Opened in 2007, this Titanic-themed Korean restaurant is shaped like a giant boat. It is amazing!
Longtime Mexican- American and Machete actor Danny Trejo's long awaited taco shop opens on La Brea. Fare includes classic asada and fried chicken, as well as Trejo's own cerveza pairing. Read more.
Order the spicy beef noodle soup or the dough flakes in seafood broth to satiate your hunger. Or the fried fish & grilled meats to share. The banchan has the best kimchi daikon cubes around. Read more.
Barbecue is hardly an American creation. At this Koreatown restaurant, specialties such as bool kogi and kalbi kui are grilled on charcoal-burning braziers in the center of your table Read more.
This Mexican restaurant is famous for its (in)famous fans - Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt. Great ambience and delicious food with reasonable prices.
Named Best Burrito Los Angeles 2014 in our Best of L.A. 2014 issue! Read more.
Did you know that the Chapel in Mission San Juan Capistrano - built in 1782 - is the oldest building in California, still in use today?
Just line up and wait for some seats to free up. Only thing on the menu is the delicious warm rice and crunchy hand rolls. Blue Crab and Lobster are my personal favorites. Going solo is great too.
Established in 1988. At this location since 1990. Admission $2. Hours: Hours:Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sun 12 to 5pmTuesdays 12 to 8pmSaturdays: noon to 7pmClosed Mondays
Open Friday to Monday, noon till sundown. $1 admission, refunded with a purchase.
Check the forest service for current information about the hot springs and the trail there.
Owned by Dennis & Tommy who share their love for wine & aviation in a uniquely stellar space. PS Air is a fun-fresh aviation themed bar that offers delicious foods & inquisitively delectable cocktails
$8 for an organ show (flippin RAD), a short silent film, and a classic movie. You can't beat it.
This is not a real ghosttown. If you are looking for one of those, try Zzyzyx or cruising around Baker or Barstow. Lots of terrifying abandoned motels. If you want kitsch, go here.
Urban spelunking below UCLA is a favorite pastime of students. Find a way in and play Indiana Jones as you discover sights like the Underground Bridge and Secret Library - but avoid security guards!
Find sodas from around the world, 450 unique micro craft beers, 60 types of bottled water, a selection of old-time candies, as well as a full service deli with its famed “Blockbuster” sandwich.
Place is a time warp and a hoot. Plus you get free ice cream after the show.
Preorder and pay for ur Intermission cocktails before the show starts. They will be waiting for you next to the bar. Cheers!
A must go venue every summer. Great fireworks, too! Use park-and-ride shuttles instead of driving.
Buy tickets online and see a movie or get a tour of the most famous movie theater in the world. Or, go the cheap route and just admire the building and footprints out front.
The 300 seat Oschin Planetarium is one of the finest and most technologically sophisticated in the world. Once a month, Los Angeles astronomy clubs host a free Public Star Party on the lawn. Read more.
Beautiful venue built in 1964; stepping inside is like going back in time. Home to the wonderful LA Opera. Get here EARLY due to parking & DTLA traffic, late-comers will get caught in the seating hold
Half of the park is mid-century, classic theme park features. The other half is big, Magic Mountain-like roller coaster amusement park features. You can stick to one or do both!
One of the best burgers and beer selections in LA, with each beer served in its correct glass. But save your pennies! A burger and beer will be at least $30. Also, food can't be customized.
Opened in 1963, This show is still original to its opening day. A classic, enjoyable by adults and kids alike, and you CAN NOT BEAT the ice-cold A/C here on a hot Summer day!
