Dude, LA is the Place!

There once was a tiny Spanish settlement known as El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles de Porciúncul, located on the rim of the New World, with temperate weather and natural beauty. From its humble beginnings and lengthy name, this tiny burg morphed into what is known today as Los Angeles. The city of the angels has come a long way since the days as a Spanish colony and if New York is the center of the universe, L.A. is the center of the make believe universe. The one that makes and creates. Where image is everything and the weather never changes. It's always warm and sunny, the lifestyle is decidedly laid back and the people are, well different. So grab you pack, jump in your convertible and put on your best SoCal attitude. If you're visiting Los Angeles, here are a four standard, yet unique LA attractions.

Downtown Los Angeles. It used to be a wasteland, a veritable ghost town, but now the center of Los Angeles has become a hot,happening, hipster spot. Unlike most big cities, the majority of LA residents people don't live downtown, but that is changing what with the renovations of many older warehouses into cool lofts and apartments.

If you're just visiting, check out a Laker game at Staples Center, where you can watch celebrities, have a great meal and critique Kobe's latest game. Across the street is the new Nokia Theater where acts such as Neil Young, Fergie and Stevie Wonder have already rocked the house. After the show, be sure to make your way up to The Original Pantry. Open twenty-four hours, seven days a week, the Pantry, located at 9th and Figeruoa, is a national landmark, despite the greasy interior and grouchy waiters. The food is comforting to say the least, but don't expect to go low fat and carb free. Be ready to wait in line, but be assured it's worth the wait.

Downtown is also home to a thriving arts district, with galleries and shows happening all the time. If you're looking for a bargain on designer clothes, the Fashion District should definatly be a stop. Home to ninety blocks of new designers, old favorites, textiles, flowers and more. Expect to pay below retail prices. For a list of shops and everything you need to know about the fashion district, log onto www.lafashiondistrict.

While downtown, don't forget the marvelous cultural center, the Disney Concert Hall. The most incredible acoustics and architecture in the city. Last, for your spiritual health, check on the awe inspiring downtown Our Lady of the Angels Cathedral, with its modern architecture and old world religion, it's truly unique to the city.

J. Paul Getty Museum in Brentwood. L.A. gets a bad rap as a vapid and cultural wasteland. Not true! Home to an incredible array of museums, from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, to the Museum of Tolerance, Los Angeles has an extensive list of wonderful cultural venues. However, if you really want an unique LA experience, check out what the locals call "The Getty".

Located at the top of a mountain with expansive views of the city and ocean, the Getty was opened in 1997 to rave reviews. Park and ride up the side of the mountain on the monorail, which allows a slow visual of the streets, freeways and beyond. Most Angelinos travel in cars, public transportation is lacking, so the monorail gives you a chance to take in the beauty surrounding the museum.

Once there, the Getty does not disappoint, nor does it compete with the environment. Designed by Richard J. Meir, the museum boasts 1.2 million square feet of Italian cut Travertine. The stone reflects the sunny Southern California light in an ever changing display. The art and exhibitions are always first rate, ranging from photographs, sculptures, and paintings by Turner and van Gogh.

One of the most incredible features however is the gardens. Waterfalls, bougainvillea sculpturesand a succulent garden are some of the highlights. The circular paths are filled with native plants and shurbs. No matter the time of year, there is always something in bloom and alive with color and scent.

Plan a day and have dinner at either of the two cafeteria style diners. The food is excellent and reasonable in price. If you really want something special however, make a reservation and dine at the Getty Restaurant. The breathtaking views outside the floor to ceiling windows, is just the beginning of the exciting experience of the restaurant. The food is delicious and consists of a wide assortment of salads, fish, meat and poultry offerings. It's not cheap, but it's definatly a perfect place for a special occasion dinner, after a day of viewing the galleries, it's the perfect spot to unwind, and take in the natural beauty of the city.

Hollywood and Highland. If you have ever wondered what it would be like to walk the red carpet at the Oscars, the Hollywood and Highland complex is just for you. This is Hollywood, in all its gritty glamour. Located in Hollywood at, where else? Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave, the shopping and event area is an Los Angeles must see, starting with the world famous Kodak Theater, home to annual Academy Awards shows, along with numerous live perfomances, this venue is gorgeous and happening.

With the famous Hollywood sign in clear view, you can catch up on your shopping. The place is loaded with stores like Sephora, the Virgin Megastores and Sanrio, to name a few. And don't forget the nightlife. Home to Lucky Strike bowling and Level 3 Nightclub, you can party like a rock star, movie star or whatever suits your fancy. If you enjoy the adult beverages, don't get in a car and drive around like Brit or Lindsey, just book a room at the fabulous Renaissance Hotel, located on the premises. For the ultimate Hollywood experience, head over to the world famous Grauman's Chinese Theater and catch the latest Will Smith flick, then walk out on the courtyard and see if you can fill the Fresh Prince's shoes in cement! Live entertainment in the form of celebrity look-a-likes meander around the theaters pavillion. You'll meet everyone from Marilyn, Laurel and Hardy, Spiderman and Elmo! Only in Hollywood!

Malibu Country Mart. After a day of surfing and sunning at the beach in Malibu, stroll over to the Malibu Country Mart. This little shopping center is filled with great food, cool shopping and celebrity sightings abound.

Check out Taverna Tony's, for a big fat Greek meal. Maybe you'll spot Jennifer Aniston over lunch or John Cuzack at the bar. They're known to frequent Tony's place. The Mart is also home to a great family hot spot with a charming childrens' playground in the middle of the shopping courtyard. Have a taco at Howdy's Taquria or grab some awesome chili fries at Malibu Mutt's Grill.

After you fulfilled your hunger yearnings, it's time to shop. Some of the fanciest shopping outside of Beverly Hills can be found in Malibu. And why not? Just because the clientele is dressed in swim attire and are at times barefoot, doesn't mean they don't have the platinum Visa to in their Gucci fanny pack. Ron Herman, Juicy Couture and Polo Ralph Lauren are just a few of the top names in fashion that hang their shingle outside these ultra chic shops.

Perhaps the best part of Malibu Country Mart, besides the people watching, is the natural environment. Set off of Pacific Coast Highway, in beautiful Malibu, the mountains to the east and the vast Pacific Ocean to the west, there is no more beautiful place in Los Angeles. Sit back, have a Starbucks, and enjoy the scenery.

These are just a few of the many incredible destinations in Los Angeles. But for someone who wants to go off the beaten path, yet stay true to the beauty and fun of the city of Los Angeles, the above places are highly recommended. See you there and don't forget the sunscreen!