L.A. Top 5

A major metropolis on the ocean is a rare and beautiful thing in the first world - and even rarer when that ocean is swimmable year-round. L.A. has a radius greater than 50 miles, and the sights can overwhelm a first-time visitor. Here's a condensed plan for a 5 day visit for those who like their crass commercialism with a side of culture.

1) Drive over to Malibu and eat on the beach at the classic seafood restaurant Gladstone's. The food is somewhat overpriced but the view - and seafood chowder - are definitely worth it. Afterwards, walk along one of the nearby golden beaches or take a seat on one of the many rock faces lining the highway to watch surfers shred.

2) Hike the 3 mile trail at Runyon Canyon Loop, not far from Hollywood Boulevard. No hiking boots needed on this gentle path up to spectacular, gasp-inducing views of the entire basin.

3) Challenge yourself with a contemporary art exhibit or lecture at MOCA or LACMA. L.A.'s art scene is more open and less market-driven than NYC's: emerging artists are given serious consideration here along with the usual suspects. Look for free admission days on museum websites.

4) People-watch in gritty Venice Beach (there's a huge H&M store nearby too for interested shoppers). A cross-section of memorable characters frequent the pier, main drag and side streets of this section of L.A., so take a camera and an open mind. Street buskers performing offbeat acts such as walking on glass and colorful comedy routines provide some of the best free entertainment L.A. has to offer. Avoid visiting at night.

5) Rent bikes and ride along the beach in Santa Monica. Peer into shop windows on Third Street Promenade and make your way to Palisades Park. This tony area a few miles from L.A. is the quintessential Southern California.

The Walk of Fame and Grauman's Chinese theater are well-loved landmarks but in person they're disappointingly seedy and heavily congested, not to mention rife with pickpockets and panhandlers. See for yourself if you must. Rodeo Drive and Robertson Boulevard are budget busters but worth experiencing if time allows.

For more ideas and a calendar of events, visit http://discoverlosangeles.com/.