HOW TO 鉂わ笍 馃尀L.A.
Sightseeing for Free
Great places to visit with no admission fees
This is our favorite place to bring friends and family, especially at night. Spectacular view, cool observatory, awesome Planetarium show we've seen maybe a dozen times. Dinner at Tropicalia after!
4367 residents recomanen
Observatori Griffith
2800 E Observatory RdThis is our favorite place to bring friends and family, especially at night. Spectacular view, cool observatory, awesome Planetarium show we've seen maybe a dozen times. Dinner at Tropicalia after!
#1: Free self-guided tours and open to the public. Amazing.
#2: Concerts
1063 residents recomanen
Sala de concerts Walt Disney
111 S Grand Ave#1: Free self-guided tours and open to the public. Amazing.
#2: Concerts
We get our fresh flowers here on Saturdays. Kind of an amazing place. Closes by noon. Great Street vendor food now too.
44 residents recomanen
Los Angeles Flower Market
754 Wall StWe get our fresh flowers here on Saturdays. Kind of an amazing place. Closes by noon. Great Street vendor food now too.
If you're going to be a tourist in Hollywood, and if you want to see the Walk of Fame, then this is the place. Was a dump in the 90's, now it's nicer and safer.
922 residents recomanen
Hollywood i Highland
6801 Hollywood BlvdIf you're going to be a tourist in Hollywood, and if you want to see the Walk of Fame, then this is the place. Was a dump in the 90's, now it's nicer and safer.
Cool old hotel in Hollywood where the first Academy Awards was held. Great restaurant (super-expensive) and upscale bar.
284 residents recomanen
The Hollywood Roosevelt
7000 Hollywood BlvdCool old hotel in Hollywood where the first Academy Awards was held. Great restaurant (super-expensive) and upscale bar.
This is the spot where the first settlers to Los Angeles chose to live. Historic buildings and vibrant Mexican cultural center.
27 residents recomanen
El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument
125 Paseo De La PlazaThis is the spot where the first settlers to Los Angeles chose to live. Historic buildings and vibrant Mexican cultural center.
If you go to the beach, bookend it with a stroll here.
1595 residents recomanen
Apple Third Street Promenade
1415 3rd Street PromenadeIf you go to the beach, bookend it with a stroll here.
If you're driving your own car around as a tourist, this is near the Hollywood Sign and gives a different perspective of LA most don'w realize exists.
129 residents recomanen
Lake Hollywood Park
3160 Canyon Lake DrIf you're driving your own car around as a tourist, this is near the Hollywood Sign and gives a different perspective of LA most don'w realize exists.
Touristy but still a cultural spot. Some really fine Mexican food here.
412 residents recomanen
Olvera Street
Olvera StreetTouristy but still a cultural spot. Some really fine Mexican food here.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers went to this high school. We thought you should know that when you drive past.
24 residents recomanen
Fairfax High School
7850 Melrose AveThe Red Hot Chili Peppers went to this high school. We thought you should know that when you drive past.
Drive up here at night to gaze upon the valley. This is the view in the beginning of "Mulholland Drive."
27 residents recomanen
Mirador de Universal City
7701 Mulholland DrDrive up here at night to gaze upon the valley. This is the view in the beginning of "Mulholland Drive."
A tourist destination near downtown. It's L.A.'s version of Times Square with bars and restaurants and theatres and lights and lots of people.
633 residents recomanen
L.A. Live
800 W Olympic BlvdA tourist destination near downtown. It's L.A.'s version of Times Square with bars and restaurants and theatres and lights and lots of people.
Made in LA advertisement mural
700-712 N Laurel AveApparently this is a HUGE Instagram destination #madeinla
Right next to LACMA. Definitely walk in and look around.
890 residents recomanen
La Brea Tar Pits i Museu
5801 Wilshire BlvdRight next to LACMA. Definitely walk in and look around.
Many people have this as a "must" destination - almost all of them are disappointed. Go for the photo opportunities, but don't plan a whole day around it.
1913 residents recomanen
Hollywood Walk Of Fame HQ
6255 Sunset BlvdMany people have this as a "must" destination - almost all of them are disappointed. Go for the photo opportunities, but don't plan a whole day around it.
A free, self-guided walking tour located between 4th and 7th and Spring and Main along with galleries, restaurants and bars in several surrounding blocks of Downtown. http://www.downtownartwalk.org/
58 residents recomanen
Art Walk DTLA
411 S Main StA free, self-guided walking tour located between 4th and 7th and Spring and Main along with galleries, restaurants and bars in several surrounding blocks of Downtown. http://www.downtownartwalk.org/
Arts & Culture
This is one of those place locals never visit and once they do they wonder why they waited so long. Cool museum about prehistoric history of neighborhood plus excavations in action.
52 residents recomanen
Page Museum
5801 Wilshire BlvdThis is one of those place locals never visit and once they do they wonder why they waited so long. Cool museum about prehistoric history of neighborhood plus excavations in action.
After Broadway or London, the big shows come to LA, and this is the premier theatre for shows. Beautifully restored.
539 residents recomanen
Teatre Hollywood Pantages
6233 Hollywood BlvdAfter Broadway or London, the big shows come to LA, and this is the premier theatre for shows. Beautifully restored.
Always something cool going on at LACMA. If you have no desire to go to a museum, AT LEAST just drive past at night - WOW. Download their app:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lacma/id409488167?m
3162 residents recomanen
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
5905 Wilshire BlvdAlways something cool going on at LACMA. If you have no desire to go to a museum, AT LEAST just drive past at night - WOW. Download their app:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lacma/id409488167?m
Do you love cars? This is a car museum. Bonus: Notorious B.I.G. was assassinated at Wilshire and Fairfax as he left a party here. Otherwise, it's a safe neighborhood....
538 residents recomanen
Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire BlvdDo you love cars? This is a car museum. Bonus: Notorious B.I.G. was assassinated at Wilshire and Fairfax as he left a party here. Otherwise, it's a safe neighborhood....
Take a picnic basket and wine, see a show under the stars, maybe with fireworks afterwards - a classic L.A. experience. Don't drive - parking is a b#%$@!
1407 residents recomanen
Hollywood Bowl
2301 Hollywood Bowl RdTake a picnic basket and wine, see a show under the stars, maybe with fireworks afterwards - a classic L.A. experience. Don't drive - parking is a b#%$@!
Improv Comedy within walking distance. This is where Pee Wee Herman, Will Ferrell, Kathy Griffin, Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, and others got their start.
87 residents recomanen
The Groundlings Theatre
7307 Melrose AveImprov Comedy within walking distance. This is where Pee Wee Herman, Will Ferrell, Kathy Griffin, Phil Hartman, Lisa Kudrow, Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, and others got their start.
Cool Science museum and....THE SPACE SHUTTLE IS HERE!
442 residents recomanen
California Science Center
700 Exposition Park DrCool Science museum and....THE SPACE SHUTTLE IS HERE!
Smaller version of Hollywood Bowl with performances under the stars. See who's playing here and catch a show before or after a visit to the Observatory. (This is the Greek in "Get Him to the Greek")
380 residents recomanen
Teatre Grec
2700 N Vermont AveSmaller version of Hollywood Bowl with performances under the stars. See who's playing here and catch a show before or after a visit to the Observatory. (This is the Greek in "Get Him to the Greek")
Pretty good museum, but the architecture, grounds and view are must-see. The setting for Star Fleet Command in "Star Trek Into Darkness" - that's how cool it is.
2309 residents recomanen
El Getty
1200 Getty Center DrPretty good museum, but the architecture, grounds and view are must-see. The setting for Star Fleet Command in "Star Trek Into Darkness" - that's how cool it is.
Amazing building and amazing collection. Make reservations online so you don't have to wait in line.
1555 residents recomanen
The Broad
221 S Grand AveAmazing building and amazing collection. Make reservations online so you don't have to wait in line.
Holocaust Museum LA
100 The Grove DrRestaurants worth the drive
One of our favorite Mexican restaurants - homemade, authentic, about a mile away. Get a side of homemade corn tortillas with whatever you order.
35 residents recomanen
Tere's Mexican Grill
5870 Melrose AveOne of our favorite Mexican restaurants - homemade, authentic, about a mile away. Get a side of homemade corn tortillas with whatever you order.
God is this place delicious and amazing. Hard to get a reservation, but we know the hostess so talk to us in advance if you're intrigued.
80 residents recomanen
Son of a Gun
8370 W 3rd StGod is this place delicious and amazing. Hard to get a reservation, but we know the hostess so talk to us in advance if you're intrigued.
Great sushi opened VERY late and very hip.
80 residents recomanen
The IZAKA-YA by KATSU-YA West Hollywood
8420 W 3rd StGreat sushi opened VERY late and very hip.
We love this place and they have amazing prices on some of their appetizers during happy hour. Pork Belly Skewers....Mmmmmm,
55 residents recomanen
Robata JINYA
8050 W 3rd StWe love this place and they have amazing prices on some of their appetizers during happy hour. Pork Belly Skewers....Mmmmmm,
Great for brunch on the weekends, and a power breakfast place for Hollywood execs during the week.
132 residents recomanen
Hugo's Restaurant
8401 Santa Monica BlvdGreat for brunch on the weekends, and a power breakfast place for Hollywood execs during the week.
Perfectly delicious sushi without breaking your budget. Always "Happy Hour" prices.
47 residents recomanen
Crazy Rock'n Sushi- West Hollywood
7100 Santa Monica BlvdPerfectly delicious sushi without breaking your budget. Always "Happy Hour" prices.
This is probably our favorite restaurant in all of LA. Not fancy or expensive - just delicious Brazilian food. Get the Beef or Chicken Tropicalia. And Sangria - but don't drive drunk.
59 residents recomanen
Farfalla Vinoteca e Birreria
1966 Hillhurst AveThis is probably our favorite restaurant in all of LA. Not fancy or expensive - just delicious Brazilian food. Get the Beef or Chicken Tropicalia. And Sangria - but don't drive drunk.
If you're near UCLA, this is our second-favorite restaurant in L.A. Persian food that you must try if you never have,
20 residents recomanen
Shamshiri Grill
1712 Westwood BlvdIf you're near UCLA, this is our second-favorite restaurant in L.A. Persian food that you must try if you never have,
Animal
435 N Fairfax AveSame owners as Son of a Gun. Meat-lovers paradise.
Want to see an amazing view? Want to see amazing Japanese architecture and gardens? Want amazing Japanese food? Or just have a drink? Want to spend some $$?
281 residents recomanen
Yamashiro Gardens
1999 N Sycamore AveWant to see an amazing view? Want to see amazing Japanese architecture and gardens? Want amazing Japanese food? Or just have a drink? Want to spend some $$?
Uber-hip Japanese restaurant and bar. Pricey but oh so good.
239 residents recomanen
Katsuya Hollywood
6300 Hollywood BlvdUber-hip Japanese restaurant and bar. Pricey but oh so good.
Osvaldo's not a huge fan but Curtis loves this as a rare treat. Unbelievable French Toast and the best thick bacon ever. You will wait for a table, and you will need to exercise a lot to atone.
212 residents recomanen
The Griddle Cafe
7916 Sunset BlvdOsvaldo's not a huge fan but Curtis loves this as a rare treat. Unbelievable French Toast and the best thick bacon ever. You will wait for a table, and you will need to exercise a lot to atone.
Another fairly close non-chain coffee house. More people writing screenplays here. Free Wi-Fi.
15 residents recomanen
Shaky Alibi
7401 Beverly BlvdAnother fairly close non-chain coffee house. More people writing screenplays here. Free Wi-Fi.
Not quite walking distance, but very popular see-and-be-seen coffee house that serves food and desserts. We saw Sarah Silverman here once.
343 residents recomanen
Urth Caffe Melrose
8565 Melrose AveNot quite walking distance, but very popular see-and-be-seen coffee house that serves food and desserts. We saw Sarah Silverman here once.
Nakkara on Beverly
7669 Beverly BlvdOur favorite nearby Thai restaurant.
Late night grub if you've been bar-hopping in Hollywood on Cahuenga.
104 residents recomanen
kitchen24
1608 N Cahuenga BlvdLate night grub if you've been bar-hopping in Hollywood on Cahuenga.
Grub
6500 Seward StHidden neighborhood gem.
The Golden State
1916 Lincoln BlvdSupposedly amazing sliders - we haven't tried it yet.
DO NOT! We keep waiting for this to close. It's awful. Don't wander in thinking "let's try this place." You're welcome.
Sal's Restaurant
7356 Melrose AveDO NOT! We keep waiting for this to close. It's awful. Don't wander in thinking "let's try this place." You're welcome.
Another favorite - Curtis loves their biscuits and gravy, Osvaldo likes the Eggs Benedict. Bonus: saw Blondie and Hank Azaria here on the same day.
13 residents recomanen
Quality Food & Beverage
8030 W 3rd StAnother favorite - Curtis loves their biscuits and gravy, Osvaldo likes the Eggs Benedict. Bonus: saw Blondie and Hank Azaria here on the same day.
Really great food if you don't mind the wait. Bonus: Watch the hustle and bustle of the Church of Scientology across the street.
79 residents recomanen
Square One Dining
4854 Fountain AveReally great food if you don't mind the wait. Bonus: Watch the hustle and bustle of the Church of Scientology across the street.
Have a craving for a fast food hamburger and have never had an In-N-Out Burger? For the love of God go here. Get the Double Double with cheese and ask for your onions grilled, w/ a strawberry shake.
384 residents recomanen
In-N-Out Burger
7009 Sunset BlvdHave a craving for a fast food hamburger and have never had an In-N-Out Burger? For the love of God go here. Get the Double Double with cheese and ask for your onions grilled, w/ a strawberry shake.
One of the better build-your-own burgers in L.A. Good for lunch if you're going to LACMA or the Tar Pits.
128 residents recomanen
The Counter
5779 Wilshire BlvdOne of the better build-your-own burgers in L.A. Good for lunch if you're going to LACMA or the Tar Pits.
If serve-yourself frozen yogurt is an oddity where you are from, this is the place to try it.
60 residents recomanen
Yogurtland
310 S La Brea AveIf serve-yourself frozen yogurt is an oddity where you are from, this is the place to try it.
Decadent milk shakes. Walking distance, which is good because those calories aren't going anywhere by themselves.
86 residents recomanen
Milk
7290 Beverly BlvdDecadent milk shakes. Walking distance, which is good because those calories aren't going anywhere by themselves.
Our favorite seafood fest - a MUST if you go to Malibu for the day. They open at lunch.
161 residents recomanen
Malibu Seafood Fresh Fish Market & Patio Cafe
25653 CA-1Our favorite seafood fest - a MUST if you go to Malibu for the day. They open at lunch.
SKS Donut & Croissant
5850 West 3rd StreetSome of the best donuts and "cronuts" in L.A.!
Drinks & Nightlife
This is considered the Mecca of gay bars and sets the standard. This is a must stop for gay visitors. This is where gay residents take their straight friends. VERY expensive drinks
471 residents recomanen
The Abbey
692 N Robertson BlvdThis is considered the Mecca of gay bars and sets the standard. This is a must stop for gay visitors. This is where gay residents take their straight friends. VERY expensive drinks
One of the many "happening" bars in the hip, resurgent bar district of Hollywood.
10 residents recomanen
Dragonfly Bar
6510 Santa Monica BoulevardOne of the many "happening" bars in the hip, resurgent bar district of Hollywood.
Cool, hip bar that also serves pretty good food, and close enough to walk or take a taxi to.
181 residents recomanen
Jones Hollywood
7205 Santa Monica BlvdCool, hip bar that also serves pretty good food, and close enough to walk or take a taxi to.
It's been awhile since Curtis embarrassed himself here, but this is the place to do it.
74 residents recomanen
Brass Monkey Karaoke
3440 Wilshire BlvdIt's been awhile since Curtis embarrassed himself here, but this is the place to do it.
Never been here but it is apparently a popular neighborhood bar you can walk to.
43 residents recomanen
The Darkroom
7302 Melrose AveNever been here but it is apparently a popular neighborhood bar you can walk to.
Not to be confused with the sports bar on Melrose, this is a dark funky local bar in Hollywood - a lot of fun.
23 residents recomanen
Parlour Room
6423 Yucca StNot to be confused with the sports bar on Melrose, this is a dark funky local bar in Hollywood - a lot of fun.
Rooftop bar in downtown L.A. with stunning views of the city, and very good food in its restaurant. Atop the Pershing Square Building next to the Pershing Square Metro Station (Red Line).
786 residents recomanen
Perch
448 S Hill StRooftop bar in downtown L.A. with stunning views of the city, and very good food in its restaurant. Atop the Pershing Square Building next to the Pershing Square Metro Station (Red Line).
Entertainment & Activities
Our favorite movie theatre in L.A. for the sheer comfort, picture and sound quality. Reserved seating and great caramel popcorn.
772 residents recomanen
Pacific Cinerama Dome
6360 Sunset BlvdOur favorite movie theatre in L.A. for the sheer comfort, picture and sound quality. Reserved seating and great caramel popcorn.
Just drive by so you can see where the Sonny & Cher Show and other classic TV happened. Or, try to get tickets and be in the audience for The Price Is Right or Bill Maher's show.
75 residents recomanen
Television City
7800 Beverly BlvdJust drive by so you can see where the Sonny & Cher Show and other classic TV happened. Or, try to get tickets and be in the audience for The Price Is Right or Bill Maher's show.
Disney bought and did a $14M restoration in the 90's, which started the revitalization of Hollywood. Gorgeously restored and great place to see a movie (if you like Disney movies)
212 residents recomanen
Teatre El Capitan
6838 Hollywood BlvdDisney bought and did a $14M restoration in the 90's, which started the revitalization of Hollywood. Gorgeously restored and great place to see a movie (if you like Disney movies)
Quentin Tarrentino owns this grindhouse and curates the double features that play here. Pretty cool, and walking distance.
43 residents recomanen
New Beverly Cinema
7165 Beverly BlvdQuentin Tarrentino owns this grindhouse and curates the double features that play here. Pretty cool, and walking distance.
An anchor for the newly animated downtown area - restaurants, bars, movie theatres, near Staples Center if you want to see a Lakers or Clippers game.
38 residents recomanen
StubHub
An anchor for the newly animated downtown area - restaurants, bars, movie theatres, near Staples Center if you want to see a Lakers or Clippers game.
If you're going to the beach and the third street promenade, here's one more touristy thing to do. You may recognize this area from the opening credits of 70's sitcom "Three's Company."
2744 residents recomanen
Moll de Santa M貌nica
200 Santa Monica PierIf you're going to the beach and the third street promenade, here's one more touristy thing to do. You may recognize this area from the opening credits of 70's sitcom "Three's Company."
Even if you don't like the Dodgers, this is one of the last great old stadiums. One of the places that made Curtis fall in love with LA.
877 residents recomanen
Estadi dels Dodgers
1000 Vin Scully AveEven if you don't like the Dodgers, this is one of the last great old stadiums. One of the places that made Curtis fall in love with LA.
Pretty fun Disneyland alternative. Take the subway from Hollywood/Highland to avoid parking hassle and expense.
3326 residents recomanen
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City PlazaPretty fun Disneyland alternative. Take the subway from Hollywood/Highland to avoid parking hassle and expense.
This is where all the big movie stars left their handprints in cement. Check it out, see a movie even, but DEFINITELY take the behind-the-scenes tour: http://www.tclchinesetheatres.com/theatre-tour/
1423 residents recomanen
Teatres Xinesos TCL
6925 Hollywood BlvdThis is where all the big movie stars left their handprints in cement. Check it out, see a movie even, but DEFINITELY take the behind-the-scenes tour: http://www.tclchinesetheatres.com/theatre-tour/
We have never been on this tour but many guests tell us they enjoyed it.
225 residents recomanen
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
3400 Warner BlvdWe have never been on this tour but many guests tell us they enjoyed it.
5555 Melrose Ave. A real Movie Studio - the only big one actually in Hollywood, and the closest to the house. Drive by and check out the famous Gates seen in Sunset Boulevard.
267 residents recomanen
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour
5515 Melrose Ave5555 Melrose Ave. A real Movie Studio - the only big one actually in Hollywood, and the closest to the house. Drive by and check out the famous Gates seen in Sunset Boulevard.
Catch a concert, an LA Kings hockey game, or an LA Clippers or LA Lakers basketball game.
1228 residents recomanen
Centre Staples
1111 S Figueroa StCatch a concert, an LA Kings hockey game, or an LA Clippers or LA Lakers basketball game.
The Comedy Store
8433 Sunset BlvdAnother hot spot for stand-up comedy
Shopping
Such a pleasant place to stroll and shop, eat, or see a movie. 0.9 miles from the house.
2581 residents recomanen
The Grove
189 The Grove DrSuch a pleasant place to stroll and shop, eat, or see a movie. 0.9 miles from the house.
Famous shopping monstrosity. Bonus: Did you see the horrible Tommy Lee Jones "Volcano"? This is where the volcano erupts in that movie.
1266 residents recomanen
Beverly Center
8500 Beverly BlvdFamous shopping monstrosity. Bonus: Did you see the horrible Tommy Lee Jones "Volcano"? This is where the volcano erupts in that movie.
Melrose Avenue
7763 Melrose AveFunky, boutique, and iconic - and our walking neighborhood.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo DriveRodeo Drive. Enough said.
Pretty impressive American mall, after the Beverly Center
372 residents recomanen
Westfield Century City
10250 Santa Monica BlvdPretty impressive American mall, after the Beverly Center
Essentials
Target
735 S Figueroa StIt's Target. It's close. Enough said.
Typical big American grocery store. Closest to house. We only go here for things we can't find at Trader Joe's or Sprouts.
947 residents recomanen
Ralphs
7257 Sunset BlvdTypical big American grocery store. Closest to house. We only go here for things we can't find at Trader Joe's or Sprouts.
If you want a bottle of wine for the rooftop, swing by this place. Locally owned, curated by the owner, great finds and reasonable prices.
8 residents recomanen
Domaine LA
6801 Melrose AveIf you want a bottle of wine for the rooftop, swing by this place. Locally owned, curated by the owner, great finds and reasonable prices.
The closest LA Fitness to the house. This is our gym. Parking is a hassle so best to walk or take public transport
167 residents recomanen
LA Fitness
1628 N El Centro AveThe closest LA Fitness to the house. This is our gym. Parking is a hassle so best to walk or take public transport
Slightly closer than the one in West Hollywood, this one is in the CineramaDome/Arclight complex, which is worth visiting in and of itself.
223 residents recomanen
24 Hour Fitness
8612 Santa Monica BlvdSlightly closer than the one in West Hollywood, this one is in the CineramaDome/Arclight complex, which is worth visiting in and of itself.
Grocery store close enough to walk to. Sort of a hybrid between Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
137 residents recomanen
Sprouts Farmers Market
915 N La Brea AveGrocery store close enough to walk to. Sort of a hybrid between Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
Our preferred Trader Joe's because the aisles are wider and parking more ample.
1811 residents recomanen
Trader Joe's
11976 Ventura BlvdOur preferred Trader Joe's because the aisles are wider and parking more ample.
Pampered Hands
7215 Melrose AveIf you need a manicure