Billed as the happiest place on earth, Disneyland is a masterpiece of picture-perfect choreography - even the litter bins are themed. The park is divided into seven different lands: Adventureland, Frontierland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, New Orleans Square, Mickey's Toontown and Critter Country. High-sugar fun.
Getty CenterContrary to popular belief, LA does have an intellectual, refined side. The Getty Center combines paintings, photography, decorative arts and other collections in a spectacular hilltop space overlooking the Santa Monica Mountains, the Pacific Ocean and the entire city. Admission is free, making this one of the best bargains in town.
Hollywood BowlToting your own picnic basket under starry skies is still magic. Bob Dylan, the Beatles and Igor Stravinsky have played in this historical amphitheatre. Get a sneak preview of the show: morning rehearsals are free. The Hollywood Bowl Museum has footage of historic performances, live recordings and memorabilia.
Museum Of Television & RadioThis sweeping glass and stone landmark by Getty designer Richard Meier holds cultural treasures as captivating as the building itself. Scan the collections list, pick your TV or radio fave, then grab a seat at a console and enjoy. Media addicts beware: with more than 100,000 donated programs, from early Burns & Allen to the moon walk to Secretariat's triple crown win, you could be here a while.
Museum of the American WestAny one hooked on the mythology of the prairie will hit pay-dirt at this delighful museum. Its 10 galleries skillfully combine scholarship and showmanship to reveal how the West was 'discovered' again and again, by everyone from prehistoric tribes to gold diggers. Yeehar!
Los Angeles County Museum of ArtOne of the finest art museums in the US, this high-brow treasure-trove presents fabulous art, sculpture and photographs from around the world and through the ages. Highlights include works by Rembrandt and Cézanne, glazed pottery from China and Iran, and netsuke (miniature sculptures) from Japan.
La Brea Tar PitsOngoing excavation of La Brea's oozing asphalt pits has so far yielded over a million fossilised skeleton parts, many of which are mounted inside the adjacent Page Museum. Everyone from kids to science geeks love watching palaeontologists examine the remains of 40,000-year-old dire wolves, prehistoric camels and sabre-toothed tigers.
Hollywood Forever CemeteryAn infinity symbol marks the gateway to the graves of over 300 Hollywood legends, including directors Cecil B DeMille and John Huston. Rudolph Valentino is in the Cathedral Mausoleum, while Jayne Mansfield, who lost her head in a car accident, has a lakeside cenotaph. Bugsy Siegel lies in the Jewish section, called the Beth Olam Memorial Park.
Bradbury BuildingDesigned in 1892 with the help of a ouija board and Edward Bellamy's utopian novel Looking Backward, the Bradbury's brief appearance in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner hardly does justice to this Taj Mahal of the New World. The dream project of a mining mogul turned real estate developer, it's a symphony of light, space, and floating staircases.
Universal StudiosUniversal Studios is the world's largest movie studio. Its famous theme park, one of LA's top attractions, has gut-wrenching rides, mind-blowing special-effects shows and the Studio Tour, a part-educational, part-thrill ride exploration of the studio backlot.
CurveJennifer Aniston is among those making pilgrimages to this loft-like emporium. Creative, girly and trend-setting couture by both underground and established designers mingle with co-owner Delia Seaman's own creations and jewellery by her partner Nevena Borissova.
Larry Edmunds BookshopThe small storefront belies the Tinseltown treasures that can be unearthed at this long-time purveyor of Hollywood media. Dig here for favourite movie scripts, posters and star biographies. An anthropological study on the making of Lawrence of Arabia may rub spines with voyeuristic blood-and-guts histories of Hollywood itself.
Amoeba MusicHailing from San Francisco, Amoeba instantly made a big splash in Hollywood. Clued-in staff and banks of listening stations help you sort through half a million or so new and used CDs, DVDs, videos and vinyl. Their free in-store concerts are legendary. It's great for sourcing rare and out-of-print albums to buying mainstream Top 40 tunes.
KitsonIf you like to stay ahead of the fashion curve, pop into this hip haven. It's chock-full of tomorrow's oufits and accessories, many of them by local labels. Expect plenty of paparazzi lying in wait outside: this place is a major celebrity magnet and you never know when Paris will show up.
Book SoupThis is where Hollywood and literature meets. Screenwriters, rock stars and prize-winning authors sign their books at this labyrinthine bookstore on the Sunset Strip. The stock is heavy on arts and culture while the annexe stocks used books. There is a killer newsstand outside, so grab the latest mag and head to the cantina at The Standard for full effect.
WastelandIf you've got the taste, but not the budget, for classic and hip designer outfits, make a beeline to this warehouse-sized store stocked with gently worn clothing and accessories. Quality is top-notch, the selection huge and prices surprisingly moderate.
Off the Wall AntiquesThis mini-warehouse is filled with wacky collectibles and feels somewhat like a movie studio prop room (quite possibly the source of the bric-a-brac) verging on a curio shop. Depression-era radios, a roulette wheel, pool tables, a bear skeleton or life-size plastic penguins - you never know what you'll find. Just don't feed it before midnight.
Fred SegalFashionistas like Cameron Diaz and Madonna have been spotted trying on eclectic urban wear at this multi-boutique hall of fame. Staff are less concerned about cool than your fellow customers are. Shop for hard-to-find clothing, cosmetics and shoe designs here or at their Santa Monica location - and bring a fat wallet.
MoondanceIts demure facade belies the beauty found within. This skylit gallery is the go-to place for artisan jewellery hand-crafted by the best of today's A-list of contemporary designers. Gorgeous handbags from the likes of Me&Ro, Anthony Nak and Mizuki complete the irresistible picture.
It's a WrapFancy Arnie's leather pants from T3, one of Frasier's suits or one of Buffy's outfits complete with Hollywood pseudo-blood? This is the place that hawks - at surprisingly small prices - the outfits worn during movies, sitcoms, soaps and other shoots. Each item has been dry-cleaned (if worn at all) and tagged by star or show.
UK ConsulateThis is the headquarters of the AASC, although there are numerous other offices throughout LA. A subdivision of the American Automobile Association, AAA provides its members and those of affiliated foreign clubs with information, maps, books, car insurance and most importantly, free emergency road services and towing.
Cedars-Sinai Medical CenterThis is a one-stop service and health agency. Besides operating a clinic and on-site pharmacy, it also offers legal services, a packed schedule of activities and a youth centre. Most services are free or low cost.
Hollywood Visitors CentreMaps, brochures, lodging information and tickets to theme parks and other attractions are available through this office.
Los Angeles Business CouncilA useful business resource centre to help you understand local practices. It provides referrals to important agencies and has business-related publications.
Los Angeles Free ClinicA handy clinic for general medical and dental care as well as counselling. It also has a branches at 8405 Beverly Blvd and at 5205 Melrose Ave (same telephone number for all branches). located near the Beverly Center mall.
Camera Service CenterIf your Nikons or Hasselblads take a nosedive just when you're heading out to take your ultimate travel shots, head to this place to get your travel documenting back on board.
Village Health FoundationThis low-cost, alternative health clinic provides services such as acupuncture, Chinese medicine, massage therapy and herbal therapy.
Australian ConsulateThis little motel is one of a dying breed: a clean, budget-priced place mere steps from the beach, as well as bars, boutiques and restaurants. Slicked-up rooms have tile floors, refrigerators, air-con, data-port phones and cable TV.
Dockside Boat & BedSalty types with a sense of romance should check into this floating hostelry. Let yourself be rocked to sleep by the waves aboard your own private yacht, moored close to downtown Long Beach and within view of the RMS Queen Mary. The management is very friendly.
Hotel CaliforniaThis cheerful yellow, squeaky-clean place is only steps from the sand. Surf-inspired decor, hardwood floors, luxury mattresses, super friendly staff and free email ensure a great stay, except in cheaper rooms that face the highway.
Cal Mar Hotel SuitesActive families who need room to move will love these apartment-sized suites with full kitchens and extra sofa beds. A small pool and nearby fitness gym go a long way toward making up for the generic decor and lots of noise.
Maison 140This boutique hotel, housed in the former villa of silent movie star Lillian Gish, redefines value for money. In its Parisian boudoir atmosphere, French kiss meets the Far East - and it's love at first sight.
UCLA Guest House HotelIn the village of Westwood, this basic guesthouse is the most affordable place to stay on the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) campus. The smallish rooms, which could easily have been institutional, are actually quite comfortable and have large windows.
Beverly Hills HotelFeatured on the cover of the Eagles' Hotel California album, the Beverly Hills Hotel is as revered in LA as the countless Hollywood legends who have cavorted here (and still do). The ambience at this hotel defines opulence and is infused with historical charm.
Beverly Laurel Motor HotelThose wanting to ride the retro wave on a slim budget should check out this venerable 1950s motel. Rooms, which wrap around a well-kept swimming pool, have modern furnishings and more than a modicum of style.
Hollywood Celebrity HotelThe sleek new Art Deco-style lobby is a promising overture, but it contrasts with the rooms which are a bit long in the tooth. Still, most are fairly large and those with full kitchens are ideal for self-caterers.
Chamberlain West HollywoodHandily located near West Hollywood nightlife and restaurants, yet hidden on a quiet, residential street, this all-suite property scores high on the hipness scale. It's outfitted with almost everything you'll need for a pleasure-filled stay, boys.
Viper RoomThis hip Art Deco club used to be the Melody Room, frequented by gangster Bugsy Siegel, and retains the style of that era. Infamously, it was once owned by Johnny Depp and is the spot where River Phoenix overdosed on Halloween night, 1993. The door policy is tough and drinks are pricey, but once inside chances of spotting a celeb are pretty good.
AkbarThe Akbar refuses to be pigeon-holed. The facts: it's a divey, lightly Moroccan-themed watering hole with a killer jukebox and a drink wheel. But try to pin down if it's gay or straight, smoking or non, neighbourhood-friendly or hipster-tetchy, and you're outta luck.
Knitting FactoryThis bastion of indie bands isn't as out there as its New York City mother club, but it welcomes patrons of all ages and offers up top-notch world music, progressive jazz and other alternative sounds. Headliners take the main stage, the rest make do with the intimate (and often free) AlterKnit Lounge.
TroubadourA mix of rock legends, cult faves and MySpace up-and-comers keep the rafters rising at this legendary rock hall - open since 1957 - where a beer-drinking crowd serious about its music keeps attitude to a minimum. Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, James Taylor and Guns N' Roses played early gigs here.
HideoutBack in the day, this beachfront building on the north side of town housed Will Rogers' favorite speak-easy, Doc Law's Drugstore, which Rogers dubbed 'the hideout'. These days it's a hideout for folks who can't be bothered spending two hours primping before hitting the bar. DJs mix it up on weekends and there are free tacos on Thursdays.
Harvelle'sThe Chicago vibe at this swank, beachside blues joint is very convincing. Harvelle's has been packing in the crowds since it opened in 1931, and while there are no recognisable big-name acts, it's quality all the way at Harvelle's.
Temple BarThis candlelit place scores high on the cool-o-meter for its unique 'Buddha-meets-beach' decor and quality cross-cultural lineup spanning everything from edgy jazz to upbeat Latin and hip-hop. The crowd's relaxed, the air incense-laden and the food spicy. Also check out the monthly film and poetry nights.
Lava LoungeLava Lounge's seductive tropical feel lingers in curvaceous booths, tiny tiki lamps, bamboo and palm fronds. Mostly local talent takes to the small stage, enlivening the place with everything from disco to soul, jazz to funk. To get that special Maui buzz, order a Blue Hawaiian (also the name of one of the house bands...)
Formosa CafeLike a faded starlet, the Formosa has all the irresistibly gritty charm of Hollywood history. The dimly lit walls are an autographed gallery of Hollywood icons who have dined here, most famously Bogart, Monroe and Gable. Skip the distinctly average Chinese menu, and move straight to the suitably strong mai tais.
Golden GopherThis campy lounge manages to draw drinkers from all stripes to its somewhat sketchy neighbourhood. The furnishings cover all bases too, with chandeliers and Ms Pac-Man. Those who haven't had enough at closing time can stock up for later at the in-house liquor store.
Rose CaféThis twenty-five-year-old Venice mainstay has it all: cafe, dining room, bakery and art space. Brunch is atrociously popular thanks to the rave-worthy frittatas and the lovely semi-enclosed patio. Be warned, there are no reservations taken on weekends.
Father's OfficeOkay, technically it's a bar - a tiny bar with a stellar lineup of beers at that. But it's also where you'll find the best damn fancy-pants burgers in LA. Juicy patties with caramelised onion, applewood bacon compote, blue and gruyere cheeses and arugula. If you know what's good for you, you won't ask for substitutions or ketchup.
Fred 62The flickering blue neon sign pulls you in to this meticulously stylish yet cosy setting. Whatever you're craving - bagels 'n' lox, vegetarian pot pie, spicy Asian salad, perhaps a bottle of champagne - a perky waitress in a racing-stripe apron will happily oblige. Drew Barrymore is reported to make regular appearances.
AxeIts name derives from a Yoruba word meaning 'go with the power of the gods and goddesses', and presumably this power comes from the all-organic, farm-fresh ingredients. Create your own salad, order the incredible rice bowl, or go for one of the tasty meat dishes. And by the way, it's pronounced 'ah-shay', not 'aks'. Naturally.
Nate 'n Al'sThis 1943 institution will have you scarfing down what may be the best deli nosh this side of the Mississippi. (Ever try brie matzoh?) Doris Day used to walk over in her bathrobe every day for breakfast. With luck, you'll get a free helping of star sightings yourself, especially in the mornings.
Canter's DeliCanter's isn't really about the food, though it covers the Jewish deli basics decently, gets high marks for its waffles and even serves full Thanksgiving dinners nightly. It ain't about the service either, which is indifferent on a good day. And it's not about sophistication - they serve Coor's on tap. But it's an LA institution and it's open All. The. Time.
New ParadiseLong Beach has a strong community of Cambodians, and one of the best culinary manifestations is New Paradise. It's also wedding reception central, so if you come on a weekend, expect a party. Wedding or not, there's live music every Friday night and during the day on the weekend. There's not a dud on the menu, but the beef sticks are tremendous.
Norman'sNorman's proves that an outstanding dinner experience can be had on the Strip. The menu is French-based with creative Asian influences, and changes monthly. Decor is spare, updated steakhouse, with glass panels for spying on the kitchen. Service is exceptional; master sommelier Peter Birmingham is a marvel. For a romantic date, reserve a curtained-off booth.
El CochinitoEl Cochinito ('the little pig')is arguably the best Cuban food in the city. This 12-table hole-in-the wall is family run and neighbourhood adored. This is traditional 'pre-Castro' Cuban at its finest. The tostones are thin and crispy and the roasted pork melts in your mouth.
Sushi GenYou won't find any truffle-oil-infused wasabi nonsense at this shoot-from-the-hip sushi joint. The fish here just doesn't get any fresher, so focus on sashimi and rolls. Lunchtime will see you competing with business folk and Japanese ex-pats for the sashimi lunch special.