GLADSTONE'S RESTAURANT

17300 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacific Palisades (310) 454-3474

Located in the world-famous Malibu beach, Gladstone's serves the largest selection of fresh seafood on the West Coast. The expert chefs prepare 50 varieties of seafood and serve more than a million dishes every year.

The scenic view from the outdoor patio seating is spectacular. Grab your piña colada and take it all in while enjoying cuisine that will melt in your mouth and make your taste buds dance.

For more information , visit www.gladstones.com .

DISNEY CONCERT HALL

135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles (213) 972-7211

The Music Center in downtown L.A. is home to four venues, including the impressive Disney Concert Hall. The Hall houses performances from internationally renowned performing arts companies. The 2,265-seat hall features the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.

The facility also includes outdoor program areas for children. Guided and self-guided tours are available at the Disney Concert Hall.

For more information, visit www.musiccenter.or g .

AMOEBA MUSIC

6400 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood (323) 245-6400

Inspired by many of the great independent record stores, Amoeba is not only a store, but also the ultimate experience for the true music lover. The shop stocks everything – from the most popular artists to the most obscure in all genres.

Each member of the staff makes music their lives in one way or another. Many are musicians themselves and their deep knowledge is virtually unparalleled in the business.

Amoeba strives to give customers the opportunity to have a personal connection with their music retailers and a chance to find music other than what the major labels want them to see. On many nights you can catch live performances by some of the most talented bands or get your groove on with the resident DJ spinning.  

For more information, visit www.amoebamusic.com .

HUNTINGTON BOTANICAL GARDENS

1151 Oxford Road, San Marino (626) 405-2100

Spanning nearly 150 acres in the Pasadena area, the Huntington features sweeping lawns and vistas interspersed with statues, tempiettos and benches. Approximately 15,000 kinds of plants from all over the world make up the botanical collections, many landscaped into a series of theme gardens.

The Huntington offers free garden tours with paid admission. Some of the featured gardens are the Chinese Garden, Children's Garden, Botanical Conservatory, Desert Garden, Herb Garden, Rose Garden and Shakespeare Garden, just to name a few.  

For more information, visit www.huntington.org .

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS CITYWALK HOLLYWOOD

Universal City (818) 622-4455

While visiting L.A., you will find plenty of things to do at CityWalk. Everything from shopping and dining to movies and dancing is all at your disposal.

People from all over the world come to CityWalk to get the ultimate in the Hollywood experience. At CityWalk you can spend all day shopping at the hottest stores, catch the latest flick at the Cineplex Odeon, have an elegant meal at one of many restaurants and then sip cocktails as you sing along to dueling pianos or dance the night away.  

For more information, visit www.citywalkhollywood.com .

HOLLYWOOD FARMERS' MARKET

Ivar and Selma Avenues (323) 463-3171

Besides offering a fantastic variety of the freshest California-grown fruits and vegetables, the Hollywood Farmers' Market has increasingly become a “total package” shopping venue. It's an amazing open-air street market with approximately 90 farmers and many other vendors who sell their own products every Sunday.

In this direct-to-consumer marketplace everything is fresh and from local, California vendors and growers. And don't be surprised when you bump into the many celebrities who frequent the market to do their own shopping.

For more information, visit www.farmernet.com .

KATE MANTELLINI'S RESTAURANT

9101 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills (310) 278-3699

If you want to go to a hip and trendy L.A. eatery without the snobbish waiters and stuck-up crowds then Kate Mantellini's is the perfect place. Not only can you get some of the city's best comfort food like meatloaf and pot pies, but the atmosphere is entertaining and not a bit intimidating.

At Kate's you will see an eclectic mix of celebs, agents and producers right along with regular people with their kids in tow. The restaurant is upscale without being pretentious.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT GRIFFITH PARK

Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles (323) 913-4688 x9

Beginning almost a decade ago, the magnificent display of lights has become a holiday tradition. The festival runs along a one-mile segment of Crystal Springs Drive in Griffith Park and attracts more than a half million visitors each year. Visitors can view the glittering presentation of lights from their car or enjoy the festivities on foot via the walking path.

For more information, visit www.dwplightfestival.com .

THE STANDARD DOWNTOWN ROOFTOP BAR

550 South Flower St., Los Angeles (213) 892-8080

For an incredible view on a warm L.A. evening, make the short trip downtown to The Standard's Rooftop Bar. Dine at this chic poolside lounge atop the hip hotel.

Downtown L.A.'s skyline frames the impressive scene. The plush red couches are large enough for your whole group and set slightly back from the thumping dance floor. Or try to hop into one of the coveted waterbed pods, perfect for snuggling.

For more information, visit www.standardhotel.com .

CHINATOWN

Downtown Los Angeles (213) 680-0243

Step onto the streets of Chinatown and immediately you are transported to the real thing. Everything from the architecture to the food to the shopping is directly the result of Chinese influence and stands as a beacon of this unique culture.

To walk down the quaint avenues is to experience China in the very first modern American Chinatown. Many ethnic Chinese immigrants from Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos have specialty shops in the bazaars of Chinatown.

For more information, visit www.chinatownla.com .

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Los Angeles Zoo: www.lazoo.org

Los Angeles Cathedral Downtown: www.olacathedral.org

Gamble House & Surrounding Craftsmen Homes: www.gamblehouse.org

Venice Canals: www.westland.net/venice/canals.htm

Descanso Gardens: www.descanso.com

Runyon Canyon: www.runyon-canyon.com