These are a few of my favorite places to go in Los Angeles – where I grew up for most of my life. Tip: In LA, you have to have a car to get anywhere. Public Transportation is just no good.
A Few Days in Los Angeles
Month:
Total (per person): 301 USD
This is a good start or end to a day of sightseeing around Hollywood. Essentially a mall, it is essentially on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and close in proximity to Grauman’s Chinese Mann Theater. Lots of shops and places to eat here.
Hollywood, CA 90028
From the North:
Take 101 South. Exit Highland Avenue. The street winds down and become three lanes. You will then see the Hollywood and Highland retail complex. The parking structure is on Highland Avenue next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Blvd.
From the South:
Take 110 North (passing the Downtown area) to the 101 North. Exit Highland Avenue (Stay on right-hand side of the freeway as exit splits). The street winds down and becomes three lanes towards Hollywood Bowl. Turn left onto Highland Avenue. The parking structure is on Highland Avenue next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Blvd.
From the West:
Take 10 East to 110 North/Downtown (passing the Downtown area) to the 101 North. Exit Highland Avenue (Stay on right-hand side of the freeway as exit splits). The street winds down and becomes three lanes towards Hollywood Bowl. Turn left onto Highland Avenue. The parking structure is on Highland Avenue next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Blvd.
From the East:
Take 10 West to 101 North. Exit Highland Avenue (Stay on right-hand side of the freeway as exit splits). The street winds down and becomes three lanes towards Hollywood Bowl. Turn left onto Highland Avenue. The parking structure is on Highland Avenue next to the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, north of Hollywood Blvd.
The mall also has an excellent view of the Hollywood sign from its interior.
More details...

Check out the world famous gold stars of all the Hollywood heros that have placed great moments in our cinematic and entertainment hearts. Originally designed to be a tribute to Johnny Grant, the strip now holds over 2,500 bronze-inlaid stars from TV, movies, radio or music. If you’re lucky you might be able to catch a store becoming immortal right before your eyes! No Admission.
Hollywood, CA 90028
Website: http://hollywoodchamb...
E-mail: info@hollywoodchamber.net
Hours: 24hrs
a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard near the intersection of Hollywood and Vine
More details...

Hollywood, CA 90028
E-mail: www.manntheatres.com
Hours:
More details...

Pink’s serves some of the most famous hot dogs in Los Angeles. Their specialty is the chili dog. They have been around for 65 years (since 1939).
Los Angeles, CA 90038
Website: http://www.pinksholly...
Hours: We open at 9:30 am every day. On Sunday through Thursday, we close at 2:00 am, but on Friday and Sa
We’re in Hollywood, quite near the intersection of Melrose Avenue and N. La Brea Boulevard, adjacent to the Northwest corner.
More details...

Next to Universal Studios Theme Park, the city walk is a great place to hang out with plenty of restaurants, shops, and things to see. Movie theaters here too.
Hours:
More details...

The West Hollywood strip of Sunset Boulevard is L.A.’s hottest night spot with the most popular bars, pubs and clubs. There are plenty of places to wine and dine, as well as shop at unique stores and people watch. Drop into the various taverns, have some drinks and bust a few of your best dance moves.
West Hollywood, CA 90048
Hours: 24hrs
West Hollywood
More details...

Simple and satisfying desserts are served here. The specialty, of course, being the cupcakes with your choice of sprinkles on top. Quite a quaint little shop in Beverly Hills.
Beverly Hills, CA
Website: http://www.sprinklesc...
E-mail: eat@sprinklescupcakes.com
Hours: mon thru sat 9-7, sun 10-6
Between Bedford & Cambden
Another store just opened up in Newport Beach.
More details...

The famous City Bakery in NYC is now in Los Angeles as well. Inside the posh Brentwood Country Mart, I’m sure they sell all their signature cookies and croissants.
Los Angeles, CA 90402
From the Pacific Coast Highway:
From PCH, travel east onto W Channel Road.
Stay straight to go onto Entrada Drive.
Entrada Drive becomes 7th Street.
Turn left onto San Vicente Blvd.
Turn left onto 26th Street.
The Brentwood Country Mart will be on your left.
From the 405 Freeway (North):
Take the Wilshire West exit.
Continue on Wilshire,
Merge right onto San Vicente,
Turn left on 26th Street.
The Brentwood Country Mart will be on your left.
From the 10:
Take the Cloverfield Blvd. exit.
Turn right onto Cloverfield Blvd.
Turn slight right onto 26TH Street.
The Brentwood Country Mart will be on your right.
More details...
UCLA’s main shopping, dining and entertainment area. Filled with a large number of restaurants, movie theatres, bars, clubs and trendy name brand shopping, the Westwood Village is definitely a must see for any UCLA visitor. It’s never a dull moment here with the young jubilant crowds during the school months.
Westwood, CA
Located only minutes from the ocean off Highway 405, Wilshire Boulvard in West Los Angeles near UCLA
More details...

At this sedate Pan-Asian restaurant, you would be well advised to study the menu. Think of it as your rough guide to a palate that’s worlds away from your own, particularly if yours was raised, as mine was, on meat loaf and mashed potatoes. (Note to the uninitiated: The spicy shrimp paste, a staple in Thai cooking, emits a funky odor that overwhelms the diner and dampens the appetite.) To those looking for
a bowl of pho comparable to Mom’s or Auntie’s, Noodle Planet (its name is a misnomer—for it serves more than noodles) will seem like home or at least remind you of Monterey Park.
Los Angeles, CA 90023
More details...

Specializing in Asian milk teas with tapioca (Boba). This is a great place to stop by for a drink if you are walking around the area. Many exotic flavors to choose from.
Los Angeles, CA 90024
There are a few other locations around the city (Pasadena, Alhambra)
More details...

The pedestrian-friendly Third Street Promenade, Downtown is 30 city blocks chock full of great shopping, entertainment and wonderful dining. This is a great place to walk and you will find the beach, Palisades Park and Santa Monica Pier only a few blocks away. In addition, you can park your car in any of our 7 public parking garages and then take the Tide Shuttle to nearby shops and hotels in the Main Street district.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Fax: 310-458-3921
Website: http://www.downtownsm...
E-mail: info@downtownsm.com
Hours:
West on the 10 Santa Monica Freeway. Exit Fifth Street heading north (right). To reach the Promenade: West (left) on Arizona Avenue.
More details...

Clementine’s menu and ambience are pure neighborhood corner cafe. Chef-owner Annie Miller calls upon her Spago and La Brea Bakery training to create a tasty, Euro-styled menu of breakfast specials, sandwiches, unique deli salads and sweet, fresh bakery items.
Los Angeles, CA 90024-5328
More details...

An ice cream and cookie shop in Westwood where you can order two fresh cookies, of your choice, and pick a hefty scoop of Dryers Ice Cream and they sandwich them together. Extremely popular with local UCLA students
Westwood, CA
Hours:
More details...

Fantastic beach where you can have some California fun in the sun. Rent surf boards, bikes, or just grab a tasty bite to eat at the various beach vendors and burger joints. Hang with the locals and get a taste of the Southern California beach lifestyle. No Admission.
Venice, CA 90291
Hours:
approximately three miles from Santa Monica
More details...

A great Italian restaurant right on Venice beach. Friendly environment, good food.
Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
From the Valley Area:
Take the 405 South to the 90 West (Marina Freeway). Turn Right on Lincoln Boulevard. Turn Left on Washington Boulevard. We are past Pacific Avenue on your right hand side.
From Long Beach / Orange County:
Take the 405 North to the 90 West (Marina Freeway). Turn Right on Lincoln Boulevard. Turn Left on Washington Boulevard. We are past Pacific Avenue on your right hand side.
From Downtown / East L.A.:
Take the 10 West to the 405 South to the 90 West (Marina Freeway). Turn Right on Lincoln Boulevard. Turn Left on Washington Boulevard. We are past Pacific Avenue on your right hand side.
From South Bay / Beach Area:
Take Sepulveda North and merge left into Lincoln Boulevard North past LAX. Turn Left on Washington Boulevard. We are past Pacific Avenue on your right hand side.
Try the bread balls.
More details...

Inspired by Japanese cuisine and dedicated to the premise that food offers life enhancement, instead of just sustenance. Jin Patisserie serves delicious cakes and chocolates.
Venice, CA 90291
More details...
The main drag of Pasadena (once historic, now trendy) runs along Colorado Ave, beginning at Pasadena Ave. There is plenty of shopping to do here with some of the old-standbys: Gap, Banana Republic, etc. But also a few more eclectic ones as well: Moby Records, Old Town Music Company. Definitely a nice afternoon, plenty of good restaurants nearby. 3 movie theaters too.
Hours:
More details...

One of the oldest Italian Restaurants in Old Pasadena. Great food & environment. Right in the heart of Old Pas.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Right on Colorado Blvd. in the heart of Old Pasadena.
More details...

Sister to neighboring Saladang, this second (song) restaurant aspires to be even more authentic. Behind monumental courtyard walls, two palms tower over a sleek indoor/outdoor setting where the waitstaff glides among inquisitive patrons. Lively flavors start with appetizers like fish cakes and frittery corn cakes, both lightened with cucumber salad. Dishes pack sharp Thai contrasts—savory fish balls smoothed by milky curry, silky rock-cod with resilient shiitakes, and crunchy green papaya salad with spicy lemon dressing. For advanced tastes, there’s a perfumy yen-ta-foh soup brimming with an eye-opening sweet-sour broth that’s chock-full of seafood . Another rarity: Boiled rice for breakfast, topped with savory meat and vegetables. A dish to die for: Nam-prik Saladang Song, a platter of deep-fried fish, vegetables and rice, served with a dipping sauce ground from kiwis, garlic and chilies.
Pasadena, CA 91105
Fax: (626) 793-7030
Hours:
Next door is Saladang, the sister restaurant. Both are good.
More details...

World famous Hot Pastrami Sandwiches. They also serve great burgers, dogs, and chili.
Pasadena, CA
A few locations around Los Angeles (Brea, Alhambra, Monterey Park). Visit their website for all locations.
More details...
A famous taco place serving traditional Mexican cuisine in operation since 1959.
Culver City, CA 90230
More details...

The best burgers…if you are in California, you have to taste these. Half-way between fast-food and sit-down, the menu is sparse, instead of variety, focussing on just making good burgers. Quite inexpensive, and just damn good.
There are locations all over the west coast. Visit their website to find one near where you will be.
More details...

Yamashiro’s spectacular backdrop and grand architecture pleases the crowds. Built in 1911, the grounds are an exact replica of a palace located in the Yamashiro mountains near Kyoto, Japan. The pagoda, koi pond, polished teak and million-dollar views are intoxicating. The menu-featuring specialties in each course-includes twists on Japanese fare like the grilled saffron seafood and tuna encrusted in sesame. Sushi items include tuna, sea urchin and albacore sashimi.
Hollywood, CA 90068
Fax: (323) 462-4523
Hours: Sun-Thu 5:30pm-10pm Fri-Sat 5:30pm-11pm Bar open daily 5pm-2am
Be sure to take a walk around the surrounding Japanese garden that is also owned by the restaurant.
Valet parking is required.
More details...
Pricing Display Options
How do we figure?
The total price (per person) of your trip is an approximate value. Our members enter prices in ranges (ie. 10 - 20 USD per entree at a restaurant). Then, depending on the travel style you have selected for yourself, we estimate how much we think you would spend (ie. If your travel style is "inexpensive," you would probably end up spending $10 at the mentioned restaurant). It's all hokey science, but if you are like us and travel on a budget, knowing approximately how much you will spend on a trip is of utmost importance.
To change your travel style and currency for this trip only, please click here. To change your default user settings, please go to your account page.
You have no unscheduled Accommodations at this time.


Expand All Items
Close All Items
Comments