SILVER LAKE

When compared to its neighbors Echo Park and Eagle Rock, Silver Lake still rules with an iron fist. A lot can be done in a day as you parade through the interweaving streets.

Drink a cup of coffee at a local coffee shop. Tickle your clothing fancy as you navigate your way through the high-end stores trying to pick out the perfect vintage dress or plaid design that'll go well with your shoes.

For lunch you can grab a slice of pepperoni and sausage at Hard Times which you can then work off as you can take a long walk over to the Vista. You'll burn a good two and half-hours watching a popular film under the theater's amazing architecture. Cap the day with a drink or two while listening to the next great band in the making at Spaceland.

VENICE BEACH

There's only place where you can buy three shirts for $10, catch a singer-songwriter heartbrokenly wail for a couple of dollars for lunch and gulp down a cold, refreshing drink encased in a heavy coconut. At Venice Beach you can do all three in an instant, and if you're lucky you can do it all simultaneously.

While you peruse through the many different boutiques and contemplate whether it's time to get a tattoo and ink up, it is important to at least witness the mass gathering of the drum circle. The multitude of drummers melding as one giant drum force is a communal experience to bask in.

In all of your bongo bliss just try remember to not walk on the bike lane. You don't want a three-seat bike collision to ruin your day.

SANTA MONICA

Walking along the Santa Monica pier with your mate in tow during twilight is one of the most joyous things about living in Los Angeles. Eating an enormous amount of soft serve ice cream on a cone along the beach, strangely enough, is almost as equal to that. That's the beauty of Santa Monica.

In its multitude of adventures to be had, you can play carnival games, eat an endless amount of garlic butter shrimp or do what most people do when they come by and visit: sit on the sand, reflect, meditate and of course, catch some rays.

The selling point of Santa Monica, however, is the Third Street Promenade. And sell it shall with household names galore. Apple and Starbucks are popular, so is the large Borders bookstore. If you're in the mood to watch a film, it'll be a tough decision as there are two movie theatres in close proximity to each other!

GRIFFITH PARK

You really can't miss Griffith Park. If you see a large amount of shrubbery in the distance beneath the Hollywood Sign, then that's probably it. Encompassed in the epic amounts of green are the Wild West backdrops of the Gene Autry Museum, the snake pits and tasty honey almonds of the Los Angeles Zoo and the tremendously large trains of Travel Town.

Don't be embarrassed if you're the only person over 8-years-old that's riding the choo choo train. It'll be worth it.

Still with all the hijinks that Griffith Park has to offer, it's best to just enjoy what it's there for: taking a long hike up the trails, and ending it off with a nice peanut butter and jelly sandwich picnic with your friends.

BEVERLY HILLS

Depending upon your bank account, you may have to think wisely as to what you're going to do once you place a single foot in Beverly Hills, the most posh pocket of L.A. Though like they always say, you only live once.

So as the other saying goes, shop till you drop! Most notably at the illustrious Rodeo Drive where Lamborginis roar and charges on your credit cards soar.

Dining may be tricky, as there are so many five star ratings to boggle the mind. But stick to the best, Spago, the famed Wolfgang Puck eatery that serves world class pizzas that will boggle that brain even more so.

If you just so happen to wake up after those champagne wishes and caviar dreams and realize that you only have a few bucks in your wallet, rest assured. You can grab a star map with those two dollars, find out where the Playboy Mansion is and let your imagination do the rest.

DOWNTOWN

Most Angelinos never see much of downtown unless we're stuck the whole day doing jury duty. But this area of the city offers a myriad of possibilities so diverse it gives the many patrons stuck in its congested streets the opportunity to seek out new adventures, distinguish themselves and not be the same boring person our friends think we are.

One minute you're enjoying the soft strings of the L.A. Philharmonic at the Disney Concert hall. Two hours later you're at a midnight show at an abandoned warehouse listening to some noise band.

Sure you can enjoy fine dining, but only a few hours ago you were eating a cheap but great burrito at a nearby taco stand.

LITTLE TOKYO

Little Tokyo in the Japanese-American district of downtown is one of only three official Japan-towns left in the United States. The area is the central focal point for Japanese culture, functioning as both a work and entertainment district.

From the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center to the Japanese American National Museum (the only museum of its kind), Little Tokyo offers an entertaining but also educational lesson to the patrons that visit. Geeks can salivate knowing that an endless supply of hard to find Japanese films and video games are sold in stores littered around the area.

Though what needs to be drooled upon are the many restaurants especially in the Japanese Village Plaza. Get your udon on and enjoy.



CHINATOWN

There's nothing better than the smell of Peking Duck in the morning. And there aren't any better than the ones that are served at any restaurant in Chinatown. As the aroma hits the base of your nose your weight is shifted and you're literally floating on your way to that succulent bird.

On your journey you can visit Gwai Lo art galleries in the area, take in a little bit of dim sum with tea or shop at the numerous stores looking for a toy for your kid brother or ginseng and herbs for good ol' mom. Sip a little bit of boba on your way to the main event, a half plate of duck.

OLVERA STREET

The oldest part of downtown, Olvera Street is often called the birthplace of the City of Angels. The street started as a lane but was extended and named after Agustin Olvera, a preeminent local judge during 1877.

Twenty-seven historic buildings surround Olvera Street including the Avila Adobe, Pelanconi House and the Sepulveda House. By 1930, that once small lane became a vibrant marketplace home for music, dancing, and all things celebratory.

Even if it is nestled amongst the busy bodies of Downtown L.A., Olvera Street can offer a relaxed atmosphere with vendors from all over selling piñatas, pottery and festive garb. Lose yourself in all the wonderful smells from the food roasting and you won't have to wonder why Olvera Street gets two million visitors per year.