Hollywood and Palm Springs

Description:

The property has 66 guest rooms, all equipped with television sets, CD players, high-speed internet access, and mini refrigerators. Keeping with the old tradition, all the rooms are marked HIS (rooms done up in red) and HERS (rooms done up in yellow and turquoise). This hotel has the popular Tart restaurant on its premises which serves contemporary fare.

Description:

Awarded best 'Chips and Salsa' in Ciudad magazine and as 'one of the best places to taste tequila' in Los Angeles by Sunset magazine. Malo is the Silverlake home to over 150 different tequilas; all of them 100% blue agave; add the daily house-made sweet and sour for a margarita or hit one of the fresh fruit infused tequilas that line the bar. Malo is a Los Angeles favorite for not only the margaritas and mojitos in the bar, but also the food. "This hip but casual restaurant offers a new take on Mexican food by intertwining a gourmet aesthetic with home style favorites served with sturdy margaritas." The Ground Beef & Pickle tacos have been written up nationally as one of the best tacos in Los Angeles and the Burnt Habanero & Crema salsa is a local favorite. Fish tacos, Oaxacan shrimp and the Lobster Diablo are the current favorites from the sea and the Carne Asada and Pork Al Pastor rule the land.

Description:

Made world-famous in the film Rebel Without a Cause, Griffith Observatory's bronze domes have been Hollywood Hills landmarks since 1935. Closed for renovation for what seemed like forever, it finally reopened in November of 2006 after a $93-million overhaul. The central dome houses the 300-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium, where hourly screenings of a narrated half-hour projection show called "Centered in the Universe" reveal the stars and planets that are hidden from the naked eye by the city's ubiquitous lights and smog.

The observatory also features 60 space-related exhibits designed to "sparkle your imagination," the highlight being the largest astronomically accurate image ever produced -- a 20*152-foot porcelain enamel dazzler that's cleverly called "The Big Picture." It supposedly encompasses a million galaxies, but I lost count after 11. There's also a new 200-seat Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon Theater (go Spock!), a Wolfgang Puck "Café at the End of the Universe," and several Zeiss and solar telescopes for public use both day and night.

Truth be told, most locals never actually go inside the observatory; they come to this spot on the south slope of Mount Hollywood for the unparalleled...

Description:

El Cid is a historic Silver Lake restaurant that presents a wide range of live entertainment, from flamenco and burlesque shows to stand-up comedy and DJs. A white stairwell winds down to a pleasantly lit red, black and gold room with plush leather booths. Outside, the sprawling patio features decorative plants and festive lighting. Early in the evening, the restaurant hosts authentic flamenco shows for a crowd of cozy couples and groups celebrating special occasions. Later in the evening, the DJs take over and play music ranging from rock and salsa to house.

Description:

Since 1928, this L.A. standby has been offering 24-hour casual dining in the heart of the Fairfax district. You'll find the food here authentic and the people-watching amazing. Everyone from The Wallflowers to K.D. Lang and Madonna has stopped in to eat here. Favorites include the in-house pickled corned beef pastrami, the hot corned beef, the tender beef brisket and the many offerings from the in-house bakery. Next door is the Kibitz Room, where there's live music most nights. A full bar and decent wines work well with the food.

Description:

This is a great park for the whole family. The kids will enjoy the playground items like swings, slides and monkey bars. For the adults there's a putting green, barbecue pits and basketball courts. One unique thing about this park is the waterfall, which includes a stream that winds through the grounds-a great place for kids to get their daily dose of splashing and laughing (and adults, too.) There is a snack stand selling hot dogs, burgers and refreshing drinks for the whole family.

Description:

Once upon a time, Rancho La Brea was a Mexican land grant. It is now a park, and the tar pits are the world's richest deposit of Ice Age fossils. More than 40,000 years ago mammoths, saber-toothed cats and dire wolves freely roamed the Los Angeles basin and became entrapped in the natural asphalt of the tar pits. During the summer months, visitors can observe the ongoing excavation from Pit 91. A visit to the on-site Page Museum is a must.

Description:

If gelato has become old hat, it's time to think about Persian ice cream. Rose-pistachio, along with vanilla, strawberry, chocolate and all of the usual flavors are made extra creamy onsite at this Persian bakery and community trading post. In addition to ice cream, you can pick up local Persian papers, Turkish delight, breads, teas, spices and pastries fancy enough to have been made for a sultan. No credit cards are accepted.

Description:

The property has 66 guest rooms, all equipped with television sets, CD players, high-speed internet access, and mini refrigerators. Keeping with the old tradition, all the rooms are marked HIS (rooms done up in red) and HERS (rooms done up in yellow and turquoise). This hotel has the popular Tart restaurant on its premises which serves contemporary fare.

Description:

Once the most exclusive residential community in the city, this area was developed by Captain G. Allan Hancock circa 1910. His father, Henry Hancock, owned the entire Rancho La Brea area and ran it as a farm until 1905, when Edward Doheny struck oil shoveling into a hillside. The Hancock family then jumped in on the oil craze, which was quickly exhausted but which also led to the discovery of the La Brea Tar Pits. Besides the Doheny and Hancock families, many other prominent Southland families once owned (or still do) estates here, including the Huntington, Crocker and Van Nuys families. The area makes for a great walking or driving tour at your own pace.

Our Local Expert Says:

A.O.C. is a tapas restaurant. The dishes are small, but rich. Expect to shell out quite a bit of money if you go expecting to get full. This is also a great place to catch some celebrities.

Description:

A.O.C. was founded as a wine bar with more than 50 wines by the glass. Their menu has expanded to include a selection of cheese, charcuterie, meat dishes, salads, and desserts. Some selections include "toma blu alle erbe treviso italy", jamon serrano, "caramelized rhubarb" and "balsamic", pink shrimp with smoked tomato butter and basil, and bittersweet chocolate tart with caramelized bananas and hazelnuts. Meals are served tapas style, or small plates, in line with the restaurant's "diminutive-dining concept." This allows patrons to try little portions of wide range of delicacies on offer, thus allowing them to experiment with interesting combination and flavors. Check website for more details.

Our Local Expert Says:

Mann's is, if you're visiting LA, one of the places you must visit. Take a picture with the costumed celebrity impersonators, compare hand and foot sizes with the famous people who have left their prints in the concrete outside or even...go see a movie.

Description:

Enter the Pagoda-like structure of this theater with dragons and lions welcoming you into the premises. Check out the exotic interiors and revel in the glory of days gone by. Mann's has the distinction of being the venue for the world premier of the much-loved movie "Wizard of Oz", and has also hosted the Academy Awards. Featured in TV serials and movies, it has been an integral part of Hollywood. Outside you will find various tour guides and kitschy souvenirs. Although not the most well-preserved theater in the city, it's colorful history definitely compensates for that. You can buy tickets online or even plan your next premiere here!

Description:

The property has 66 guest rooms, all equipped with television sets, CD players, high-speed internet access, and mini refrigerators. Keeping with the old tradition, all the rooms are marked HIS (rooms done up in red) and HERS (rooms done up in yellow and turquoise). This hotel has the popular Tart restaurant on its premises which serves contemporary fare.

Our Local Expert Says:

A good way to see remnants of local indigenous tribes

Description:

The Indian Canyons are beautiful retreats from the sometimes-glitzy atmosphere of Palm Springs. When the streams are running, children enjoy splashing in the water and it's a popular area for picnics. Visitors now have the chance to see the "Witch of Tahquitz Canyon," an eerie shadow occasionally cast in the recently reopened canyon.

Description:

This renowned desert museum offers an array of exhibits in an architecturally stunning facility. Recent shows have included "Desert Volcanoes," an examination of the still-active forces beneath the sands. Permanent features include sculpture gardens, the internationally known Annenberg Theater and different galleries focusing on various aspects of artistic experience. Free admission is available on the first Friday of every month. Some special shows or events may require separate admission.

Our Local Expert Says:

The Las Casuelas family of restaurants has other locations, all very similar but still distinct form one another, spread throughout the valley.

Description:

Always busy, this well-run restaurant and bar, complete with dance floor, provides great Mexican food, friendly service and a never-failing spirit of fun. Sit inside for a little insulation from the hustle and bustle or grab a sidewalk-side table near the Palapas Bar, where the heated dance floor keeps people bouncing even when the temperature is unseasonably cold. Choose a tequila from the vast selection of premium brands while listening to the strolling mariachis, who start playing in the morning. The Carnitas (seasoned, twice-cooked pork with salsa and condiments) are excellent

Our Local Expert Says:

They offer an excellent salad to enjoy before your meal prepared table side; and the recipe is available for those who enjoy it as I do.

Description:

From the moment guests arrive in this unusual restaurant with a high ceiling reminiscent of Native American sacred ceremonial kiva chambers, the aroma of sizzling steaks and other good food wraps around them. A winner of awards from Tom Horan's Top Ten Club, the Distinguished Restaurants of North America and the Zagat Guide, this restaurant takes great pride in using only USDA Prime beef. Portions here are massive: the "Gold Strike" Porterhouse offers over two and one-half pounds of steak. Less intimidating options include the Filet Mignon and the Rack of Lamb.

Our Local Expert Says:

Some of the Hollywood stars on the walk may be names of those you may have already known were Palm Springs regulars, but some may surprise you, and others may be names you've never heard of that make you wonder why they are famous.

Description:

Hollywood had it first, but Palm Springs happily pays homage to the original Walk of Stars. Of course, Palm Springs does put its own spin on things. In addition to actors, actresses, directors and other film-related personalities, the city has immortalized a few Palm Springs pioneers, frontier doctors and other inhabitants from the early days. The big, Hollywood-style brass and mosaic stars run for blocks along both sides of Palm Canyon Drive. Local historical stars are congregated in front of the Village Green museums, while major stars such as Sinatra and Bob Hope are in front of the Desert Fashion Plaza.

Description:

This four-acre resort has all you need for a rejuvenating holiday. Huge, richly-decorated rooms allow the body to rest, while the luxuriant spa sees to it that your mind is free from stress. The all-important tummy is not forgotten either-a fine-dining restaurant and café are open to guests all day long. The pool doubles as a sauna of sorts, with its misty ambiance and competent fitness center tests. Business facilities include over sized meeting rooms and top-notch equipment. The hotel's convenient location, a short distance away from the international airport and a hop away from the downtown shopping area, makes it a destination of choice among tourists.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can purchase gift certificates at a discounted price at area Costco's.

Description:

With moderate prices and a sophisticated atmosphere, this restaurant is a destination in itself, but also has become a favorite for those planning a post-dinner visit to Muriel's nightclub across the street. The dark, intimate atmosphere is particularly welcoming to couples, who also enjoy the patio tables. There is a full bar and a wine list with many by-the-glass selections. The mesquite-grilled Shrimp Pancetta with Coachella Valley Citrus Sauce is a marvel. In addition, the steaks are all excellent and the desserts are decadent.

Our Local Expert Says:

This street can get very busy and very crowded during the middle of the day. There are lots of great shops and restaurants; if you come early you can find street parking and you will have a days worth of shopping ahead of you. If you visit later in the day it is easier to find parking off the main street just a short walk away.

Description:

This mile-long avenue in Palm Desert is often called "The Rodeo Drive of the Desert," comparing it to the renowned upscale shopping district of Beverly Hills. Art galleries, fine furnishings, couture clothing and restaurants make this tree-shaded avenue ideal for strolling and browsing. There are some bargains to be found, especially in the upscale chain stores at The Gardens on El Paseo, but most of the clientele here do not need to check the price tags. However, everyone can enjoy the free contemporary outdoor sculpture exhibits presented on the landscaped meridian.

Our Local Expert Says:

You can bring sleds and toboggans in the winter for some downhill fun in the snow.

Description:

A thrilling cable car ride shuttles visitors from the desert floor to the heights of Mt. San Jacinto, sometimes providing a 40-degree temperature drop in just a few minutes. Once at the top, there are hiking trails, mule rides, a cocktail bar and a restaurant. While many visitors just hop up for the view, it can be a starting point for many outdoor activities.