Help me with my Los Angeles trip

All my celeb sightings have been in hotels/restaurants. I’ve seen a celeb every time I’ve been to the Polo Lounge for a weekday lunch and 2/5 times I went for Sunday brunch. I’ve also seen celebs at the Peninsula hotel and the Four Seasons in Doheny. Sat beside Jason Statham at the Tower bar.

I liked Kinney Blvd and the canals in Venice. The beach area is grimy and crowded and overrated.

If you want to see celebs, go to the Trader Joe's in Toluca Lake or go across the street to The Counter or Sharky's. I've seen Miley Cyrus with Liam, Kathy Griffin, James Marsden, Jean Smart and a ton of other actors.

Venice Beach has gentrified a lot -- fueled by the growth of tech in that region. Abbot Kinney, in particular, is Hipsterlandia. It still has its scuzzy corners, and the boardwalk still attracts characters. If you're already seeing Hollywood, it's not a must. There are nicer beaches, but it is more entertaining than the Santa Monica pier.

Toluca Lake looks depressing.

How is Ventura Blvd in Studio City?

Ventura Blvd is a never-ending strip mall. You got to Beverly Hills, WeHo and Santa Monica. And a day in Malibu. If you make the trip about seeing celebs, you will be disappointed. Completely unpredictable - can go months without seeing one.

Enjoy the beach, the beautiful neighborhoods, a night on SM Blvd in WeHo. I personally hate downtown LA- ugly and depressing. And I wouldn’t bother with the Valley or Venice. Maybe Pasadena for the Huntington.

If Toluca Lake looks depressing to you, r4, you are in for a rude awakening LOL. There's a steaming bowl of diarrhea waiting for you on Hollywood Blvd and rampant construction everywhere else. The week before the Oscars there will be a travel nightmare trying to get around since they close off Hollywood for security. Enjoy.

As someone from a small rust belt factory town Toluca Lake looks like movie perfect suburban Americana. I don’t get depressing at all. If I had a family and money! I’d love to buy a home in Toluca Lake or Burbank. Every time I drive through it makes me nostalgic for something I never had.

LA has lots to offer though. People who live there can be it’s toughest critics. I was priced out but miss it all the time. I had a fantastic lifestyle with the weather and all the opportunities nearby for living an outdoorsy life.

R5 has given you good advice. My advice would be skip the Hollywood Blvd/Highland area unless you know going in what’s it’s about (a grimier Times Square) and want to squeeze into your itinerary amongst other much cooler things. If I had a dollar for every person who told me they went just. to Hollywood, stayed right there in Loews or one of the nearby hotels and then did a to the Santa Monica Beach and HATED LA.....I’d have my little dream house in the valley. For some reason millions of people from all over the world follow that itinerary and miss everything else in the city. Even the biggies like the observatory, Sunset Strip and LACMA. It’s strange because people don’t go to London, stay in Leicester Square and do the London eye and then say what a crowded, commercial dump. 🤷‍♂️ Even midwestern tourists venture out of Times Square and visit Central Park and the Highline. Maybe if L.A. has better public transport...

West Hollywood Boulevard, after 11:00 pm.

Some of you bitches are sheltered.

I have already been to Hollywood Boulevard and don’t need to see anything there. I would like to see a movie inside Grauman’s but I don’t think anything interesting would be playing.

FWIW I have already been to LA and have already seen quite a bit - Hollywood Blvd, the Getty, LACMA, the Tar Pits, the Natural History Museum, the Norton Simon, the Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, downtown Pasadena, downtown Santa Monica, downtown LA...

This trip I am less occupied with museums and sites and would just like to catch the vibe and enjoy offbeat sights and local flavor.

Celebs? Try Gelson's off Franklin, or for younger Hollywood, possibly Runyon Canyon.

I've been told that it you want to see celebrities. Eat dinner at the Chateau Marmont, or hang out at its bar. I've never tried it, but FYI I've never seen a celebrity at the Grove, on Robertson Blvd. or Rodeo Drive, at the Beverly Center, or at the Beverly Hills Bristol Farms.

But really, if you have ANY interest, I can't recommend LA's art museums highly enough! The awesome Getty, the Norton Simon in Pasadena, and do reserve a whole day for the LA,County Museum of Art complex, with the nearby paleontology museum in the same park. I cant wait until gge Oscars museum opens in the same park! Which ought to be some time in the next century, at this rate...

There's really nothing to see in Malibu, it's all private property designed to keep the hoi polloi out. There's the pier and a few places where you can get to the beaches, but really, no point going there unless you like coastal drives for their own sake.

I do like Santa Monica, with its shopping district next to the pier and the beach, but it's frightfully touristy. Go if you want th o feel like an unabashed tourist yahoo like everyone around you.

Coming in 2123... The Academy Museum!

A friend works at Bristol Farms on Wilshire in Santa Monica and meets or sees celebs on the daily there. As far as places to visit, I live in DTLA and hate it here. Whenever I need to remember why I live in LA, I go to The Getty Villa. So beautiful. Hit Geoffrey's in Malibu after for a late lunch and that's a perfect day. I drive the long way home from there up Wilshire-where you can stop at said Bristol Farms.

The promenade in Santa Monica is the perfect combination of soaking up the LA vibe and appreciating its stunning beauty. Then can walk to the mall and get a salad. Santa Monica is the best of LA. DTLA is the worst followed by Hollywood.

[quote]I would like to see a movie inside Grauman’s but I don’t think anything interesting would be playing.

Grauman's was renovated a half dozen years ago and now features one of the largest screens (1.90:1 IMAX) in the country.

If you're in L.A. at the end of January/early February, you may be able to see [italic]1917[/italic] there, as it is being released in IMAX on January 24.

R17 = Sam Mendes

I did not find the Third Street Promenade too special, it reminded me of Lincoln Street Mall in Miami. Same chain stores, manufactured vibe, etc. No different from The Grove where I have also been.

Downtown LA despite its grubbiness I at least appreciate because of its authenticity. Other places I liked in LA were Sunset Junction and Highland Park because they also felt very authentic.

All the great Chinese food is in the San Gabriel Valley but some places have opened on the Westside.

I live here and this site gives me good interesting tips all the time.

“What is a good place to see celebs?“

Tanning salons, Botox stations, Beard-for-a-Night set-up agents.

The ivy on Robertson or matsuhisa on la cienega if you’re into celebrity sightings.

Yes, I agree about the Getty Villa. Go - it's amazing.

OP, did you check out Highland Park Bowl? Good pizza, if pricey bowling.

Spire 73, America's tallest open air bar, has stunning views of downtown and nice drinks.

Erewan in Venice

Which is superior, Huntington Gardens or Getty Malibu?

Depends what you like, R27. The Huntington Gardens are vast, and you can spend all day walking through the various theme gardens, eating lunch at one of the restaurants, and looking through the conservatory and art museums. I wouldn't say the art museums are worth the trip in themselves, they don't compare to the great LA Basin art museums listed above. I need to visit again, after they finish expanding the amazing Chinese Garden and put up the Chinese art museum. As of now, it's the gardens that are the big draw, and if you like gardens I also highly recommend the nearly Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia.

The Getty Villa in Malibu is much smaller, it has some wonderful ancient art and the building itself is amazing, but I would be stretched to spend more than a half day there. Still, everyone with any interest in art or architecture should see it at least once.

Getty is more to look at the view. Even the architecture while dramatic isn’t exactly stunning. Huntington is flowers and gardens,

Take in a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Pack a picnic lunch for the full experience. Also, there is a low cost shuttle that has several pickup points throughout the greater LA area.

For Chinese food, Jonathan Gold’s fave was Chengdu Taste in Alhambra. If you want something different but universally palatable, there are also several Islamic Chinese and Uighur places (China Islamic in Rosemead, Omar’s in San Gabriel, Ma’s in Anaheim, Nomad in Long Beach) which offer unique dishes and awesome breads, unique to the region.

If you like Thai, Jitlada is a firm favorite.

Consider flying in and out of Long Beach or Burbank, much less frustrating than LAX.

[quote]The ivy on Robertson or matsuhisa on la cienega if you’re into celebrity sightings.

I'll second the Ivy, but it's been decades since I was interning right across the street from it. However, it has always been a hot spot for celebs, especially during the day.

At night, I suggest taking a slow drive down Sunset Boulevard around the Laugh Factory.

No I am already booked in and out of LAX. The FlyAway bus was no hassle the last time I took it.

The Musso and Frank Grill, 6667 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

I agree, to see celebs hit up restaurants like Polo Lounge, Michaels or Ivy (either one), and head out to Malibu and have lunch there, shop a bit, to see celebs. Try going for a walk on Broad Beach, lots of celebs live there and are often found walking their dogs.

You can also get yourself put on a 5150 and taken to UCLA and admitted to their psych ward. You will no doubt run into - if not celebs - definitely at least a few of their mentally ill/drug addicted offspring (you will see their parents during visiting hours).

Venice Beach itself is awful. Avoid. I dislike the entire area. Go have lunch/drinks at Casa del Mar, you may see a celeb or 2 there.

Musso and Frank's is only good for the ambiance and cocktails but AVOID the food. It is not good, it is bland and flavorless. But, honestly, IF you go there, valet or pay for a parking structure. It is very difficult to find parking around that area any more and sometimes you can only do it for an hour. If you try to put more coin in the meter for an extra hour, they might still ticket you so read the signs. Honestly, avoid Hollywood altogether.

Watch TMZ and listen to the restaurants they are always in front of. Celebs know the paps will be and go to be seen.

Only expensive cars are allowed to crash into this eatery

I actually like Venice more than Santa Monica. The boardwalk sucks, but apart from that, it's just so much more colorful and interesting than bland SM.

Other suggestions are the Self Realization Gardens (near Getty Villa), Hollywood Forever Cemetery, Greystone Mansion in BH, Little Tokyo and/or Koreatown. The Arboretum is terrific as well.

Pacific Palisades

Thank you R40 your post is so, so helpful.

It is not like it is a big place R41.

Is it worth going out to Glendora for The Donut Man?

R43, Glendora is a bit of a jaunt. Donut man is good. He does seasonal varieties -- so his strawberry and peach donuts are available in the summer only, I think. It could be worth it if you combine it with a trip up to the San Gabriel mountains.

Speaking of mountains, a trip to the Mt. Wilson Observatory is pretty neat. On certain days, they have guides and lectures, and you can see the telescopes. On a clear day, great views of the city. You'd have to drive up the windy 2 Highway though, and cell service cuts out in the mountains.

What is a good place to buy edibles?

I think Donut Man opened a space in Grand Central Market in DTLA or is opening one. DTLA is a shithole but GCM, The Last Bookstore, and The Broad are all worth visiting.

Is there anything worth seeing in Atwater Village? I am staying in Los Feliz.

Yes.

Thanks but I am from Florida, we already have those.

Can anyone recommend a googie diner, I wanted to go to the one from "Mulholland Drive" but it's out in Gardena.

Joe E. Tata likes to day drink at the State Social House on Sunset.

By himself.

A few years ago we literally walked the red carpet the day before the Oscars and, of course, there wasn't a celebrity to be seen.

[quote] I am staying in Los Feliz.

You'll be near Griffith Park. The Observatory and wisdom tree are worth checking out. A certain couple of moonlight hikes give you great night city views.

[quote] s there anything worth seeing in Atwater Village?

The gorgeous LA River.

Another vote for Toluca Lake. Why? The majority of the studios literally surround it. Not a day goes by when I do NOT see a celebrity around town.

Can I piggy back here? Going to LA later this year for a concert and staying near the venue, The Wiltern -- where would you go for lunch if you wanted the LA experience? Classic diner? Dive bar? Chinatown? Fancy restaurant? There for two nights/three days but the second day is already booked with touristy stuff. TIA!

There is absolutely nothing of interest about Atwater Village, but if you are headed that direction - Forest Lawn Memorial Park is a MUST SEE. So many celebrities are buried there and the buildings and grounds are amazing (they usually have a large portion of the giant main castle roped off, but everyone pretty much wanders where they feel like - as long as you are not obvious about it). You could spend the entire afternoon and still not see everything notable and it is free of course.

I have already been to Hollywood Forever, so I don't think I need to see another cemetery.

Has anyone been to the Bob's Big Boy near Warner Brothers? Worth the trip?

Forest Lawn Glendale is a far, far more impressive place than the Hollywood Forever. Bob's is worth a visit. The food is nothing to speak of, but the Friday night car show is a must if you have any interest in vintage/exotic cars.

I think Atwater is kinda cute-I had an amazing Croque monsieur at Bon Vivant Cafe and Market there. It could be a charming little village if there were any damned trees! Nice little records store, bookstore, and some thrift stores if that's your thing. I saw DL superstar Jazz Jennings at Home Restaurant in Los Feliz a few weeks ago(and also saw Seth Rogan there-not a fan and he was very loud). There's a cute Italian place called The Sit Down and a fun bookstore/art gallery called Wacko across the street on Hollywood. I love Los Feliz but be warned there are TONS of homeless encampments popping up there. I live in DTLA and see it all the time but I was surprised how many were in Los Feliz...I suppose homeless people like it, too. It really is a cute hood.

[quote]Going to LA later this year for a concert and staying near the venue, The Wiltern -- where would you go for lunch if you wanted the LA experience?

That's easy. The original El Cholo on Western, only a few minutes south of The Wiltern.

Studio City is a good place to spot celebs doing everyday things, especially at Whole Foods and Bed, Bath and Beyond. I used to work at that B,B&B and the weekends were prime celeb traffic times.

How is the Museum of Jurassic Technology?

You have to have an odd, subtle, sense of humor to enjoy the Museum of Jurassic Technology. I went years ago, and enjoyed it, but a lot of people might think it's a wasted afternoon.

It’s not for everybody, but the tar pits can be intriguing.

I like the tar pits, I like the paleontology museum next to it, and I LOVE the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in the same park! And if I'm in LA by myself, I like going down the street a mile to eat at the Farmer's Market.

It's a whole day's worth of fun, for someone who likes art and science, and who's going to be eating dinner alone.

Already done that.

[quote]Take in a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. Pack a picnic lunch for the full experience. Also, there is a low cost shuttle that has several pickup points throughout the greater LA area.

The Hollywood Bowl won't be open during the time OP is there.

If you mean casually seeing celebrities on the town, you'll want to sync your out and about schedule with theirs. TV stars work afternoon late into the night. They're not out getting coffee or marketing until the afternoon. Movies are rarely filmed in LA, so I wouldn't count on seeing many randomly, unless you drive up to Malibu. in the afternoon and go grocery shopping at Pavilions, Vintage, or even the Malibu Ralphs. Get a guest day pass at exclusive gyms, not 24 Hour or Equinox.

Lunch at extraordinarily expensive restaurants can be good scouting grounds. Chauteau Marmont, Polo Lounge, The Palm.

There are many homeless in Venice on the streets,

Where do thecD listers hang out? I think it would be more interesting to run into the washed up celebs for some reason. Like maybe they would be more appreciative of being recognized. The big stars are all boring now anyway.

Pump and the Abbey, next door to Pump, on Robertson. They're the sad ones who are desperate for somebody to recognize them and offer to buy them a drink.

OP, maybe you'll see Angelyne in her little pink corvette. She might even give you a lift in her car, but you'd probably have to buy groceries for her..

Is this Tristan?

Craigs or Madeo for celeb dinner sightings, but reserve now. Walk Beverly Hills at lunch.

Is there anything worth seeing in Westwood Village/

Westwood Village looked like a very attractive place to have lunch and stroll around, but I couldn't find a place to park so I didn't.

Westwood is so late 80's early 90's. Half the storefronts are empty. Once the drive-by shootings and gang activity picked up there, people fled. Now they congregate at the Grove or LA Live downtown.

Is it worth going to Roscoe's or are there better places for chicken and waffles?

The Broad is fun if you like easily accessible pop art.

I have already ordered my ticket for the Broad.

How is Norm's near the Beverly Center? It looks like a great vintage googie.

I don't know most of the "celebrities" featured on TMZ but the bus tour might be a good way to see parts of the city and spot a few celebs in their natural habitat. It would help me if I had someone to point out famous people to me. I almost never recognize them, it's like I go face blind and it's someone I should recognize. They're usually much smaller in person than I would expect.

Try to get tickets to a TV taping (Tonight Show, Ellen, etc.). A sure fire way to see a celebrity.

I am not going to a fucking Ellen taping, I am there the week before the Oscars, I just want to see them walking around.

Duh! Hire an escort from Corbin Fisher.

No trip to California is complete without having sex with a whore.

She only needs to hang in Weho for that. ^

Have dinner at Craig's or Catch. You will see celebrities there.

The rest of you clearly visited LA once back in '95 judging by your lame advice.

If you want to see celebrities go to a tv show taping.

It's true about Craig's. Joan Collins dines there regularly. If Joan still counts as a celebrity. But the paps shoot her waddling out all the time.

There is a wonderful establishment in Silver Lake called The Slammer

I frequently see celebrities at Amoeba Music and the ArcLight theater in Hollywood. Go in the evening.

The recently revamped Century City mall can also be good for celebrity sighting but it’s such a nightmare dealing with parking and crowds it’s not really worth the hassle. I’ve seen many celebs at the Grove/Farmers Market over the years and it’s a much more pleasant experience.

I saw Patricia Arquette at the West Hollywood Target last year. Also Harriet Samson Harris. I was much more excited to see HSH!

R55, if you’re looking for Young Dong you’re in luck! You’ll find it just steps away from the Wiltern on Wilshire.

You can usually see someone at the Original Farmers Market on 3rd & Fairfax, if you get there early enough and hang out at 326 bar. Have dinner at Dan Tanas, I've seen several people there. Have drinks at the Sunset Marquis or if you must, The Chateau Marmont. Some sightings in Santa Monica near the Promenade, but usually off streets near it.

[quote] Also Harriet Samson Harris. I was much more excited to see HSH!

So excited that you couldn't get her name right!

[quote]Have dinner at Dan Tanas, I've seen several people there.

I saw Jim Nabors at Dan Tana's.

In 1975.

Is there any chance they'll be filming a Battle of the Network Stars?

Is there anything worth seeing at the Beverly Center?

What about the bars from “Barfly”? Are any of them left? Where would Barbara Payton have hung out?

LA is like New Orleans to me.

Mostly really worn down, and ALWAYS smelling like piss and/or shit.

Is the Abbey still a thing? Worth checking out or overrun by white women?

Isn’t this trip over yet?

What about the Don's Bar from Nightmare on Elm Street 2? I remembered reading that scene was shot in a real bar in LA but cannot find where I read it again. Google has failed me. Anyone know?

OMG Donut Man is opening in Grand Central Market! It says February but doesn’t give a day. I hope I catch them.

Is there a decent independent theatre scene like in London? Any recommendations?

The post about checking yourself into a psychiatric hospital to spot a celebrity made me lol.It wouldn't surprise me if someone has already been there,done that.

Are you going for work, OP? I've never really understood why Americans would decide to vacation to other places in America. We're such a boring country, even our most exciting and unique attractions are dull.

I always take visiting friends and family on my "Hollywood Death Tour" - visiting sites of famous deaths and murders - John Belushi, Marilyn Monroe, Janis Joplin & Divine (same hotel), The Menendez Bros murder, the Manson murders, Dennis Wilson, Nicole Brown Simpson & Ron Goldman, Michael Jackson, Bugsy Siegal, River Phoenix, Freddy Prinze, and others. I even have a brochure printed up for it. You really get to see all of LA. It's really quite the tour (now offered by Grey Line Tours, I might add, well after I established mine).

I guess I have a new spot to add.

[R106] I live near DC and have thought about doing a spy tour and showing the parks where drops were made, restaurants where the spooks would meet up etc. All the suburbs look so monotonous though. I’d love to go on your tour!

[quote]why Americans would decide to vacation to other places in America

Because it's a gigantic fucking country? Arizona/Nevada/Utah looks nothing like the east coast and most of the big cities feel completely different from each other. If you're the type that only goes to Starbucks and Olive Garden I can see your point though.

Don't take any helicopter flights....

You guys suck. I searched for "hiking" and only one result came up. Searched for "outdoors" and only one result came up. Searched for "nature" and the only mention of it was in relation to the Natural History Museum. Someone up above called you sheltered and I'd agree. What have you been talking about for the last 100+ replies? West Hollywood? Places to shop and fuck?

Go outside while you're here, OP. Southern California is surrounded by mountains, and some of those mountains can be found in Los Angeles! The Santa Monica Mountains are incredible what with Griffith Park, Topanga Canyon, and Malibu Creek State Park... among others. They stretch all the way out to Oxnard. GO WALK IN NATURE!

Also, if you want even more nature than the Santa Monica Mountains, you've got the entire San Gabriel National Forest to the northeast, as well as the San Bernardino National Forest and parts of the Cleveland National Forest to see if you're feeling adventurous.

There are better, more peaceful parts of the coast than Venice or the Santa Monica Pier if water's what you want, but if you're looking for that energy and hustle bustle, then those'll do fine.

Also, see museums. There are TONS and some are free. I suggest the Norton Simon or the Hammer. The Broad and MOCA are also free. There's tons of free parking around the city if you know where to find it and how to read signs. I suggest the SpotAngels app if you'll be driving yourself. If you're just Ubering everywhere ignore this.

If you don't get distracted by the bullshit, LA's fun!

Always up for a hike and tacos in El-Lay!

By all means go to Grauman's - last time I was there, John Wayne's block was loose.

I really wanted to see a movie at Graumann’s but it looks like they’re closing after Wednesday because of Hollywood Boulevard red carpet preparations.

Who else has a good IMAX theater, Universal City? I was hoping to see 1917.

[quote]You guys suck. I searched for "hiking" and only one result came up. Searched for "outdoors" and only one result came up. Searched for "nature" and the only mention of it was in relation to the Natural History Museum. Someone up above called you sheltered and I'd agree.

Maybe because the OP asked [italics]specifically[/italics] for places to see celebrities, cafes & bars, and whether Venice Beach was "worth it". Subsequent inquiries were made about specific neighborhoods, locations, or "local flavor". If anyone had inquired about hiking trails, sports activities or nature walks, I'm sure there would have been plenty of responses.

Get over yourself.

Short of the website itself, Runyon Canyon probably has more Youtube and young Hollywood celebrities gathered all in one place than any other spot in the world..

I tried to go hiking in Runyon Canyon once, and found there was no parking available. Apparently you have to live in the area to use it, or walk a few miles from the nearest legal parking for that extra degree of fitness.

Franklin Reservoir has lots of trails, AND parking.

[quote]I tried to go hiking in Runyon Canyon once, and found there was no parking available. Apparently you have to live in the area to use it, or walk a few miles from the nearest legal parking for that extra degree of fitness.

Hahaha, okay, this is just wrong. The trailhead for Runyon Canyon is at the end of Fuller Street, which you can freely park along for at least a mile... maybe more. I don't know because I got bored scrolling through Google Street View. You can plop the orange guy down on the map yourself and drive up and down Fuller and you'll see that for the most part there's only one sign which says you can't park there for a certain amount of hours on Tuesday for street sweeping.

I'm serious when I say there's free parking all over Los Angeles. You just have to know where to look and which signs to read. Also, there are [bold]way[/bold] better hikes in Los Angeles than Runyon Canyon that provide more striking views not just of Los Angeles, but from the Pacific out to Palm Springs, and they're barely frequented compared to the selfie trap that is Runyon Canyon, but people aren't curious about these things so they don't know.

Runyon Canyon is only several blocks from the Hollywood and Highland Metro station and its easily accessible for Uber or Lyft... are people really that selfish that they can’t fathom not driving their own car there?

You're asking if humans are selfish? Anyway, you're right about its proximity to Hollywood and Highland. Keep in mind though that not everyone's getting to Runyon Canyon by train or Uber. I live about an hour out of the city, and public transport fucking sucks from that distance. More efficient to selfishly drive myself.

If you're driving an hour to go to Runyon...

Since the Oscars are on 2/9, I assume you'll be here next week. Unseasonably warm weather is forecast for the early part of your stay (83 this Saturday, if you'll be here that early), so be prepared. Rest of the week we're back to the typical 60s. No rain, at least per current estimates.

R120 I don't drive an hour to go to Runyon. It takes me about an hour to get to Los Angeles in general. I did Runyon once a couple years ago and that was enough for me. There are so many more worthwhile things to do in the city.

I think I'm the poster who originally mentioned Runyon Canyon (because OP wanted to see celebrities), but I agree with R122, that there are much more interesting places to go -- including other hiking.

Santa Monica Pier/Beach is scary as FUCK. I went there after not being there for many years, and I'm not one to talk/think about shit like this, but it had a very palpable DARK energy. Lots of homeless people, which is fine, doesn't bother me, but people were just super weird energy. It's the only time when I went to a beach-like area and felt that very strong, evil energy.

R122 - Runyan kind of sucks but I did have Charli XCX hiking behind me with a friend and I eavesdropped on her entire conversation.

You should always rent a car in Los Angeles...I rented one for super cheap from this place in Santa Monica and I only paid $136 for 4 days and I drove everywhere. Gas is expensive as fuck though, but I only had to refill once. Los Angeles speed limits are 35 mph on most roads so I was not intimidated to drive.

R125...anything good?

I do Runyon now and again because it's centrally located and easy to get in and out of, but either I go at bad times or I don't pay attention (most likely) because I never notice anybody.

R116 - you can find parking to get to Runyan, but it can take awhile.

If you don't need to be somewhere immediately before or after, save yourself the trouble and Uber or Lyft.

If you're renting a car, beware of driving huge sections of damn Santa Monica Bl. and Melrose Avenue -- streets which always seem to have ginormous, gaping potholes, the size of which rival those found in La Paz.

I'm the dude who said there were more worthwhile things to do than hike Runyon. I should clarify that I don't think Runyon sucks. It's just one small section of the Santa Monica Mountains. Its reputation and the people who perpetuate it suck. They've decided that this is the place for them to take their shirtless Yoga selfies and bump their bluetooth speakers. I assume this is because it's easy to get to the trailhead and near the heart of Hollywood. And ultimately that's fine. Live your life, and honestly it's better that the masses remain there instead of spreading to more remote trails of the mountains.

[quote]Santa Monica Pier/Beach is scary as FUCK. I went there after not being there for many years, and I'm not one to talk/think about shit like this, but it had a very palpable DARK energy.

The first time I picked up on this was walking along Venice Beach where the vendors set up. My buddy and I got there shortly before sunset it was just another day along the coast, but as the sun went down, that dark energy you're talking about started rising. It was subtle at first... vendors closing up shop... the crowd thinning, but then not thinning completely, and you hear lighter clicks, and bikes dart by in the dark, and your suspicions start to rise. It was super eerie, and it was like my buddy and I, and some of the people around us, knew it was time to head out.

I've felt a similar energy near the Santa Monica Pier, but honestly it wasn't as unsettling as Venice. Yeah, it definitely gets sketchy at night, but for the most part you've got the lights of the ferris wheel and downtown illuminating the night, so it's not as intimidating as Venice, which lacks that light.

R132 - this is so true. When I am in Malibu, I feel very free and clear. When I am in Santa Monica near the beach, I feel like a dark force is trying to influence/get inside me. Will Rogers State Park beach has the "cleanest" energy but it also feels a bit "dull" and drains me ever so slightly.

I will not be renting a car, I will just use Metro when I can and Uber if that’s more convenient.

I will be there tomorrow! Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I live in LA. My friend occasionally goes to Craig's Restaurant and she always sees celebrities there. She met famous tennis star Roger Federer a couple years ago. I just looked at the Yelp reviews. Many people mention seeing celebs there--Justin Bieber was mentioned. It's on Melrose in West Hollywood--which is pretty far from Hollywood, sort of Beverly Hills adjacent. If Dan Tana's is still there (can't remember), it's in that same general area and also attracts a lot of celebs.

I always recommend people go to the Getty Center up off the 405 freeway north of Westwood/Santa Monica. The views can be spectacular (and of course there's the great art--especially the various photography exhibits) and the wonderful garden which changes with the seasons. Parking is expensive, but you can take an Uber there and there is a dropoff. There is also an LA bus that goes there. I think it's much more interesting than the Getty Villa, and the Villa needs an advanced reservation. The Getty Villa is a beautiful place, a reconstructed Etruscan villa I think, but the art is all just antiquities (which I find pretty boring personally) There is a beautiful view of the Pacific. You can go from there to Pacific Palisades, which has a new outdoor mall with new restaurants and you might see celebs there since a lot of them live in the Palisades. Have a good time.

Hi bitches!

[quote] What is a good place to see celebs?

That's so funny

Follow Alison Martino (daughter of singer Al "Johnny Fontaine" Martino) on IG. She posts all the LA hot spots, and seems to "run into" a different celebrity every day.

Admittedly, I haven't read this thread post to post. I have lived in LA for over 20 years and the LA area my whole life. Here's what you do: Getty. LACMA (I love art and museums). Avoid the Hollywood sign. It's silly and not worth the time. That said, walk Runyon. I do it all the time. It's stunning.

Alison Martino is a cunt.

Don’t let me catch you at Perino’s. That’s MY place!

What is the allure to seeing a celebrity?

r139 Los Angelino myself. I would also say for a tourist first time go see the walk of fame, TCL theater (where the handprints are) and the Kodak where they do the Oscars. Just once. Last time I had out of town guests I took them there - they were preparing for the Mummy premiere and doing the Pirates of The Carribean (not sure what one) - we stuck around and saw Depp and all the rest. Luckily I work in entertainment PR so I got them in a few shows they wanted to see that are impossible to get without two years waiting ( have no idea why cough Ellen cough). That took one day and then we could do the good stuff (pretty much your list lol..).

[quote]Los Angelino myself. I would also say for a tourist first time go see the walk of fame, TCL theater (where the handprints are) and the Kodak where they do the Oscars. Just once.

Must have been a while ago. It's the DOLBY Theater, not the Kodak.

DO NOT GO TO LACMA! Whole sections of it are shut down for renovation. There are only two buildings open, and the second floor of one of those buildings is closed. It's not worth the price of admission at all, and there are other museums, even free ones, that are more worthy of your time.

[quote]Avoid the Hollywood sign. It's silly and not worth the time. That said, walk Runyon. I do it all the time. It's stunning.

That's hilarious. OP, there the trails in Griffith park are better than Runyon, and provide way better views from the Pacific to the Observatory, to Downtown, out to Palm Springs. It's definitely worth the time to explore the park. I recommend Glendale Peak trail, which gives you all the views I talked about. I've hiked to the Hollywood sign before and it was way less crowded than Runyon was. The influencer presence was less obvious. I mean, Runyon's cool... do whatever you want. I assume you won't do any of this anyway lol.

Is Dan Tana’s worth a stop?

How is your trip so far, OP?

If you were in Boys Town last night, we might have briefly crossed paths. 😂

R146 ?

I am doing very well as far as my inventory of sites to visit. I have been to Graumans, the MOCA, the Broad, the Hammer, and the Getty already.

One sight that was not mentioned here that I was happy I went to was the OUE Skyspace in the US Bank Tower. It was not crowded and because it is clear, I had fantastic views from the mountains to the ocean.

Visiting Los Angeles is always a mixed bag for me though because of the volume of human suffering you see - it really is something like out an apocalyptic movie.

Dan Tana's is amazing, R146. I live about a block away. My best friend is from NYC and he is a snob about Italian food. I took him there and now it's where we go whenever he's back in LA.

[quote] One sight that was not mentioned here that I was happy I went to was the OUE Skyspace in the US Bank Tower. It was not crowded and because it is clear, I had fantastic views from the mountains to the ocean.

Did you ride the slide?

r149 I hope you're enjoying the weather, OP. It's so warm today that I have all my windows open.

What is a good WeHo bar to watch the Stupid Bowl in?

[quote] Joe E. Tata likes to day drink at the State Social House on Sunset.

Not that you would particularly want to go there unless you were a 90210 groupie but the Apple Pan is the inspiration for the Peach Pit on that show.

I don't think you sound like you want to do the nature thing but a book came out recently called Wild L.A. - and there's another one called Day Hiking In Los Angeles.

No I do not want to fucking go to the inspiration for the Peach Pit.

Seriously Micky’s, Hi Top, Rocco’s, Abbey? Someone recommend one.

You're an irritable, picky and demanding fellow for someone who's asking for advice, aren't you, OP?

R153 Gym

R155 Apple Pan has great burgers and pie but if you're one of those posh queens then please forgive me for my working class existence.

Oh and please go take a hike. Literally.

r144 - sorry I forget all the name changes - DC pavillion, Kodak, Dolby etc.. all I know is best place to park to do the Hwl Blvd walk.

I went to the Apple Pan a couple weeks ago for the first time and loved it! Pretty delicious burgers... fresh crisp lettuce. Cool experience. CASH ONLY!

Great idea for the Apple Pan. It's an institution. On Pico in West LA. My husband (who also grew up in LA) go there when we want to splurge. It feels like you're in a 40s noir film.

Splurge? Is it expensive?

I looked at the menu. It's quite reasonable. Especially for LA

Calorie splurge, duh.

R163, we try to eat healthy. When we want a burger, fries and a shake, that's where we go. Splurging for eating, not financially. Sorry if I wasn't more specific.

Get into The Zone at night.

Is the Zone still a thing?

I thought the kids these days looked down on those types of places. Or is it the 'older' crowd?

OP, are you serious!?!?

JFC. 😂!

[quote] OP, are you serious!?!?

No, I’m at food court at Charlotte. I left LA last night. My trip is over, you stupid cunt.

R110, read what you wrote as your opening salvo, and call me a stupid cunt again, without any irony, or laughter.

I’m betting you will.

Oops! Meant that for R17O not R110.

Apologies.

LOL. Stupid cunt fucked up.

I thought you said you were coming to LA the week before the Oscars -- which is THIS week.

LOL, stupid cunt is ok with making mistakes, whether in LA, or a food court in Charlotte, inhaling undoubtedly fine Chinese cuisine, and suddenly realizing that I didn’t have to go to LA to see stars, because if I looked up at the evening sky I could see the stars that really matter, for free!

A drink at the Culver Hotel bar. It’s very old time Hollywood and beautiful. It’s where the actors playing the Munchkins in The Wizard Of Oz stayed.

I always work out when there and have seen the most celebs at the gym.

but the burgers suck

LA has great burgers. I live here. It's one of the few things everybody says about LA food. Since you're back home there's no use telling you where to go.

I'm planning a trip to LA soon, R179. Tell me!

r180:

These should all still be open since it's from 6 months ago or so:

For the record, In-n-Out is not what it's hyped up to be.

But I'm sure there is an entire thread devoted to THAT.