Offbeat Los Angeles

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This memorial is a beautiful place hidden away in Pacific Palisades. It is the resting place for a portion of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes and people from around the world come to pay their respects. The grounds cover ten acres and lie on a former movie set. There is a lake with swans, lush greenery, waterfalls and beautiful statues. A perfect place to spend the day when you need to get away from it all, the memorial is open to visitors of any denomination. This pleasant place was created by Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950. Services for followers of this yogi are held in a Dutch windmill left over from its days as a movie studio.

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Camera Obscura, the term is a scientific mechanism. On your trip to Los Angeles visit this 108 year-old edifice in Senior Recreation Center which introduces you to this fascinating device. Standing in the dark rooms of this building, it is truly delightful to watch the outside scenery projected on a four foot disc. Don't miss out on this one, as this is one of the very few devices that are still running in the world!

Our Local Expert Says:

This is a classic Los Angeles destination

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This has long been one of L.A.'s most colorful areas and a must-visit for any first-time tourist. Founded at the turn of the last century, Venice was a development inspired by its Italian namesake. Authentic gondolas plied miles of inland waterways lined with rococo palaces. In the 1950s, Venice became the stamping grounds of Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and other Beats. In the 1960s, this was the epicenter of L.A.'s hippie scene.

Today, Venice is still one of the world's most engaging bohemian locales. It's not an exaggeration to say that no visit to L.A. would be complete without a stroll along the famous paved beach path, an almost surreal assemblage of every L.A. stereotype -- and then some. Among stalls and stands selling cheap sunglasses, Mexican blankets, and "herbal ecstasy" pills swirls a carnival of humanity that includes bikini-clad in-line skaters, tattooed bikers, tan hunks pumping iron at Muscle Beach, panhandling vets, beautiful wannabes, and plenty of tourists and gawkers. On any given day, you're bound to come across all kinds of performers: mimes, break-dancers, stoned drummers, chain-saw jugglers, talking parrots, and the occasional apocalyptic...

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Once a station for the Red Car trolley line, this industrial space is now home to the Santa Monica Museum of Art, plus two dozen art galleries, a cafe, a bookstore, and offices. Most of the galleries are closed Monday. The train yard is located at the terminus of Michigan Avenue, west of Cloverfield Boulevard.

The wide variety of exhibits changes often: Julius Shulman's black-and-white photo retrospective of L.A.'s Case Study Houses; a provocative exhibit of Vietnam War propaganda posters from the United States and Vietnam; whimsical furniture constructed entirely of corrugated cardboard. A sampling of offerings includes the Gallery of Functional Art (tel. 310/829-6990), which features one-of-a-kind and limited-edition furniture, lighting, bathroom fixtures, and other functional art pieces, as well as smaller items like jewelry, flatware, ceramics, and glass. The Rosamund Felsen Gallery (tel. 310/828-8488) is well known for showcasing L.A.-based contemporary artists; this is a good place to get a taste of current trends. Track 16 Gallery (tel. 310/264-4678) has exhibitions that range from pop art to avant-garde inventiveness.

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The largest home ever built in Beverly Hills is this 55-room English Tudor Mansion constructed by Edward L. Doheny in 1928. A gift to his son, it was built for more than $50 million dollars, and includes a 16-acre garden. The grounds have been used as a public park, and the home itself for varying purposes, most recently for the activities of the American Film Institute. Dozens of films have been shot here, including The Loved One, The Bodyguard, The Witches of Eastwick and Death Becomes Her. The interior of the mansion is closed to the public, but the exterior and surrounding park is completely open for visitors. Admission is free and complimentary parking is available within the gates.

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Separating the residential and shopping/city center districts of Beverly Hills is this two-mile long park that runs along Santa Monica Boulevard. Built in 1911 when there were still very few homes in the area, the park runs through the entire city and features a rose garden, a lily pond, tall trees, a path for joggers and one of the most impressive collections of cacti anywhere. Two city festivals are held here each year: the Bi-annual Affaire In The Garden held in May and October and the Beverly Hills Food Festival each June. The park is also the site of the Electric Fountain, which was quite a wonder when its multi-colored lights were unveiled in 1931. Admission is free.

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One of the most fabulous homes in Beverly Hills has curiously never been inhabited by any of its stars. Constructed in 1921 by art director Harry C. Oliver and aptly nicknamed the "Witch's House," Spadena House really does look like it belongs in a fantasy world, with its jagged, peaked roof and mullioned windows. A testament to its true wackiness, the house was originally located in Culver City, but was moved because admirers frequently caused traffic problems. Unfortunately, today the house is a private residence and is not open to the public.

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One of the most intriguing museums in Los Angeles, the exhibits here are both professionally sound and completely dubious at the same time. Although the exhibits feature artifacts and relics from the Lower Jurassic period, they seem to stay faithful to the theme of the museum. The main quest for the visitor is to determine whether or not this entire museum is a sham. Regardless of your ultimate conclusion, the museum is certainly worth both the price of admission as well as your time exploring it.

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The Center for Land Use Interpretation is dedicated to the exploration and understanding of land use and landscape issues. Recent projects bear titles such as: Urban Crude: The Oil Fields of the Los Angeles, Post Consumed: The Landscape of Waste in Los Angeles, and Pavement Paradise: American Parking Space. These presentations take the form on guided bus tours (they sell out immediately), online articles, and videos and exhibits at the brick and mortar locations, such as the one here in Culver City. The dedicated research and intelligent interpretation of the CLUI team allow us a tremendous chance to peer into the workings and history of the urban built environment that surrounds us.

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This Kyoto-style rock garden features a teahouse, bridges, a shrine and a central pond, and is located about a mile away from the UCLA campus in Bel Air. It contains antique Japanese carvings and structures, some dating back more than 1,000 years. Many of the modern structures here were constructed in Japan and then transported to this site. Although admission is free, you must make a reservation to visit the garden. Visits are self-guided, but docents are also available to answer any questions you may have.

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Point Dume State Beach preserves a wide strip of white-sand beaches backed by tall bluffs and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area west of Los Angeles. The park encompasses headlands, cliffs, secluded coves and tidepools. The beach offers views of the coast, including the sight of migrating California gray whales between November and May. Amenities include hiking trails, restrooms and lifeguard stations.

Recreation opportunities abound at this State Beach. Visitors can enjoy hiking, sun bathing, viewing scenery, wildlife watching and surfing. Swimming is permitted at Point Dume, but bathers should be aware of strong currents that sometimes exist.

This beach is located in Los Angeles County,18 miles west of Santa Monica. The entrance is on Westward Road.

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Its a like gingerbread house stuffed full of vintage clothes and trinkets! If you are in the Topanga area and have a taste for vintage fare, then it's worth checking this place out. Many items sell in the $10 to $30 price range and there is a lot of stuff to sort through here.

Our Local Expert Says:

A trip back in time to Hollywood's golden years

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Open since 1919, this classic restaurant was long the bastion of Hollywood industry power dining. With the look and feel of a private Men's club, Musso & Frank Grill rose to fame in the Golden Years of Hollywood, when Irving Thalberg, Clark Gable and the Marx Brothers were among its most celebrated clients. Nowadays, it is still considered the home of the finest dry martini in town. The Filet Mignon is hard to beat and the service is perfect, with just a touch of attitude. If you are not in the mood for beef, try the succulent lobster and the rich, heavy desserts.

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The "divest" of the dive bars, this tiny hole next to the famed Pantages Theater has been a Hollywood legend for decades. Used frequently in films for its authentic broken down feel, the bar remains good-natured about its appearance. Don't be dismayed by the shabby interior, however. The bartenders are always friendly and the crowd is made up of Hollywood musicians of many varying levels of success. And despite its "flannel shirt" appeal, don't be surprised to see a really famous face or two drop in once in a while.

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The Scene
You are now entering the Thai-light Zone. In the heart of Thai Town, Palms is the home of the Thai Elvis (aka Kevin), complete with platform shoes and flashy Vegas suits. At first, he seems over-the-top kitsch, but a few songs later, you'll realize he's actually quite good. Thanks to him, what used to be a low-key Thai dinner club scene now attracts a number of Hollywood hipsters.

The Food
While the standards are superior, it's hard to resist the exotic specialties. Wild boar in spicy coconut sauce is chewy, but incredibly flavorful; deer in crispy mint leaves is rich and luscious; frogs legs fried in chili with green peppercorns are heavenly. Carpaccio fans will reach nirvana with the lime-drenched, basil-tinged, chili-infused raw beef salad. Milder thrills are found in the coconut-chicken soup or delicate fish broth, full of snapper floating in aromatic lime leaves.

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Anyone longing for a piece of Tinseltown history should certainly spend some time here. Some of the most impressive homes in Hollywood are found here. All of the homes were developed in the 20s and 30s by Hobart J. Whitley, and remain in very good condition today. This was a mini-Beverly Hills of yesteryear, where stars like Marion Davies, Rudolph Valentino, Ethel Barrymore and many others lived and partied. Whitley, who had great admiration for Italian architecture, built these homes into the hillside, and dubbed the community an "Italian Hill Town."

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Los Angeles is the only major city in the world divided by a mountain range, and the road on top of this range is the famous Mulholland Drive. It travels 21 miles along the peaks and canyons of Hollywood Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains, separating the Los Angeles basin from the San Fernando Valley. The winding road provides amazing views of the city (particularly at night) and offers many opportunities to pull over and enjoy the view 1,400 feet above sea level.

Completed in 1924, it's named after William Mulholland, the engineer of the aqueduct connecting L.A. and the Valley. Yes, there are celebrities up in them thar hills -- Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Costner -- but you'll never find them, as most of the mansions are well hidden. You don't need to drive the whole road to get the full effect. From Cahuenga Boulevard (near the Hollywood Bowl), take the Mulholland Drive turnoff heading west. After about a mile, you'll see the scenic view area on your left (look for the black iron fence). Park at the small paved parking lot (which closes at sunset), ooh and aah over the view of the L.A. basin, and then drive a few miles farther west until you spot the other scenic view area on your...

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Presented in a Victorian style, this place specializes in the macabre and artfully morbid. They actually have two storefronts (at 7220 Melrose and 7218 Melrose) with one showroom stocking items related to natural history and the other more oriented towards death and obsolete medical science. If you are looking for anything in this genre of death, taxidermy and osteology, then this is the place to go. Evidently they do have a license to sell human bones. Its a fun place to browse and a good gift shop for visitors.

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Just as movie fans must walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame, fans of music must walk the aisles of Amoeba. With nearly 1 million new and used CDs, LPs, 45s, and 78s, as well as DVDs and other video formats, Amoeba prides itself on its breadth and depth with music of every genre from hip-hop, pop, rock, jazz, and country, to R&B, folk, classical, blues, reggae, dance, and so on. With the largest collection of vinyl albums in one location anywhere on the planet, they also stock a huge assortment of new and vintage music and film-oriented posters.

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Dearly Departed Tours gives you the raw details of Hollywood's ugly secrets, tragic deaths, and embarrassing moments. Tour operator Scott Michaels takes tourists on his 13-seater van and covers around 100 sites, including the Tate-Polanski murder location, the Happy Days house, and Sinatra's last gasp site. Tours last for a little over three hours.

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An odorous swamp of gooey asphalt oozes to the earth's surface in the middle of Los Angeles. No, it's not a low-budget horror-movie set -- it's La Brea Tar Pits, a truly bizarre primal pool on Museum Row where hot tar has been bubbling from the earth for more than 40,000 years. The bubbling pools may look like a fake Disney set, but they're the real thing and have enticed thirsty animals throughout history. Nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and fish -- many of which are now extinct -- walked, crawled, landed, swam, or slithered into the sticky sludge, got stuck in the worst way, and stayed forever. In 1906, scientists began a systematic removal and classification of entombed specimens, including ground sloths, giant vultures, mastodons, camels, bears, lizards, and even prehistoric relatives of today's super-rats. Today it's one of the world's richest excavation sites for Ice Age fossils. The best finds are on display in the adjacent Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, which houses the largest and most diverse collection of Ice Age plants and tar-stained skeletons in the world. Archaeological work is ongoing; you can watch as scientists clean, identify, and catalog new...

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This highly imaginative center of urban folk art was created by Roderick Sykes and fellow artists in the 70s. Formerly a run-down residential complex of bungalows, they used a number of discarded objects, in the spirit of the Watts Towers, to create an explosion of color and optimism that is now an official city landmark. The center functions as a kind of communal outreach center, hosting painting, theater and conga classes for youth during the weekends. Admission is free.

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Taylor's Steak House has been voted the Best Steak in Los Angeles, which is the main reason to go. The super plush interior pairs well with the London Broil, pan fried steak, prime sirloin pepper steak and the steak sandwich. Entrees are moderately priced, the family owned business will make you feel at home.

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According to a security guard, John Wayne and Redd Foxx once got into a fight here after Wayne refused to ride in the same limo as Foxx, who called the movie star a "redneck." Well, your NBC tour will probably be a bit more docile than that. The guided indoor walking tour includes a behind-the-scenes unstaged look at The Tonight Show with Jay Leno set; wardrobe, makeup, and set-building departments; and several sound studios. In fact, NBC is the only TV studio that offers the public a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of its television operation, and it's a lot less expensive than the competition's studio tours. Granted, it doesn't have the cachet of a major motion picture studio tour, but it's entertaining nonetheless.

Tours depart at the top of the hour Monday through Friday from 9am to 3pm, and tickets are sold at the Guest Relations Department (bring cash -- they don't take credit cards). Also, this is one of the few studio tours that doesn't have a minimum age requirement. Note: Before you make the drive to Burbank be sure to call the studio and make sure tours are being offered that day and aren't already sold out.

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Walking into this long-time haunt is like stepping back in time. Although the place has been open since the 1930s and hasn't changed all that much since, no one's complaining. The nautical theme is evident in the decor. The small menu (fish & chips, sandwiches, etc.) and the crusty regulars, are as friendly as they are devoted to this watering hole. A slightly younger crowd fills the place on weekends. This is a really fun place that's definitely not like every other place out there.

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Step into this plush bohemian lounge and breathe in the zeitgeist of the bygone era... with a hint of wafting smoke. The Prince has changed little since its inception in the 1920's as part of The Windsor Inn. A well-appointed speakeasy, it served as a location in Polanski's and has held its own over decades of keen patronage by locals and travelers alike. Enjoy a wide range of Korean fare and a robust selection of sojus. But the main draw is the unhurried, decadent pace of the place, where indoor smoking is permitted and congenial lingering is expected. The place is well ventilated to accommodate non-smokers. Experience this hidden jewel of Koreatown, one of the precious few untouched art deco monuments of LA. -Kate Sobol

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During its heyday, this sprawling department store was dubbed the "Cathedral of Commerce." Opened in 1929, the Bullocks Wilshire Building was one of the most impressive consumer centers that the city had ever seen, an art deco masterpiece adorned with chrome, marble, leather and crystal. The building has since garnered a place on the National Register of Historic Places. It has now been restored and re-opened as the Law Library of the Southwestern Law School. The building is open to the public only periodically throughout the year; call the number listed below for recorded information on upcoming tours.

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The great thing about the Shatto 39 Lanes bowling alley is that it has not been renovated in a long long time. Yes, the parking garage is a little spooky but all the other pluses about the place more than make up for it. There is a chill bar, a great arcade, and reasonably priced bowling. The scene here is a mixed bag and reveals Los Angeles as an interesting and diverse place.

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What started out as a natural arroyo filled with water from a stream is now a notable expansive park and famous neighborhood. Formely known as Elendale, Echo park consists of 26 acres of greenery and a beautiful lake too. Based on a design by Joseph Henry Tomlinson, the park is beautifully conceptualized. Tours of the the park are available, which includes the other neighborhood landmarks like the historic Baxter Steps and the Echo park boathouse. Festivals and other cultural activities too are held in this neighborhood and park with great furor and enthusiasm.

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The oldest religious structure in Los Angeles, this 1822 building is also known as the Church of Our Lady the Queen of the Angels. Originally built as a simple adobe by Franciscan Padres with the labor of local Native American Indians, it took an additional 40 years to construct the whole church. This Catholic church now features some fine modern additions, including a tile mosaic of The Annunciation, created by artist Isabel Piczek in 1981. Services are held all day on Sunday, but be advised that each session is in Spanish, except for the 8am session. Visitors are invited to walk the grounds throughout the week as well.

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You would be hard pressed to find a native Angeleno child who hasn't been mesmerized by the enchanting puppet shows this icon has been putting on for generations. The moment you enter this magical oasis, you are transported to a world created by master puppeteers, beloved by children and adults alike. If you are looking for a memorable place to have your child's birthday party, you can't go wrong when you select this venue. The shows change about three times a year. Reservations are a must.

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This traditional structure was built in 1976 for the Jodo Shinshu Sect under the Buddhist Churches of America. Higashi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple is associated with the Honpa Hongwangi-ha Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji) in Kyoto, Japan. A wide flight of stairs leads to the entrance, and the roof is made of pretty blue tiles and holds two dragons to protect it. The temple is open to anyone: regardless of color, creed or nationality who is interested in learning about the teachings of Amida Buddha. Call the temple before attending for more information.

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Like nearby Chinatown, this redeveloped ethnic neighborhood isn't home to the majority of Angelenos of Japanese ancestry; suburban Gardena has that distinction. But Little Tokyo functions as the community's cultural focal point and is home to several malls filled with bakeries, bookshops, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as the occasional Buddhist temple. The Japanese American National Museum is here, as is the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St. (tel. 213/628-2725; www.jaccc.org), which regularly offers traditional Kabuki dramas and modern music concerts.

Unfortunately Little Tokyo is shabbier than almost any district in the Japanese capital, and it has difficulty holding a visitor's attention for much longer than the time it takes to eat lunch. Exceptions to this rule come twice yearly, during the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring and Nisei Week in late summer. Both heritage festivals celebrate Japanese culture with parades, traditional Ondo street dancing, a carnival, and an arts fair. The Japanese American Network provides a community calendar, a map of Little Tokyo points of interest, and useful Web links online at www.janet.org/janet_little_tokyo/ja_little_tokyo.html....

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Resurrecting a bygone institution's tough: get it right, and you've breathed new life into the Star Trek franchise, but get it wrong, and you'll find you've just remade Star Trek III. For a resurrection that's right, check out Cole's. Originally established in 1908, the restaurant that claimed invention of the French Dip had fallen into shameful disrepair before closing last year; now, with $1.6 million from the Seven Grand/Broadway Bar guy, it'll once again meet patrons' need to publicly dip their meat in juice. What's new: The Decor: They've traded in the nuevo-skid-row look of recent years for the original old-school saloon look, with restored original glass light fixtures, stools, penny-tile floors, transom windows, and a mahogany bar abetted by a brand new meat carving station, so the flavor of 1908 isn't actually the flavor of 1908. The Food: Sandwiches come from the Iron Chef-winning Foundry guy, with sub-$10 meat options including pork, turkey, lamb, and beef, all fix-uppable with the restaurant's "custom mustard" -- so it's got flames on the sides, and plays "La Cucaracha" when you honk? The Drinks: The front "historic bar" will serve up rotating craft beers (Spaten, Franz... read more

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This is one of the last remaining old L.A. eateries in downtown. In years gone by, Angeleno families would make a trip here for dinner as a special Sunday outing. If you are looking for a square meal while making the rounds of downtown points of interest, it will not disappoint you. Located right in the heart of Broadway, the clientele is mostly Latino. During the week it is primarily shoppers and workers from the nearby stores, but there are more families on weekends. The decor is cornball tropical island complete with faux streams and brooks. If you were taken here as a child, there were memorable choices, such as the Jell-O with whipped cream topping or the pineapple upside down cake. Heavier fare includes the standard mashed potatoes and gravy, roast beef, fish, or chicken. Of course this is just a sampling of the many dishes offered, past and present, at this venerable dining spot.

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For a quiet romantic evening, Bonavista is just the right place to be. Sip cocktails from the interestingly shaped mugs, and enjoy the light fare that is served here while you hold those quiet conversations. The interiors may not be rather hip or happening, but the drinks and the view make up for it. It's location in the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites gives stunning views of the downtown while it rotates 360 degrees in an hour!

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Cicada is regarded as not only one of the best Italian eateries in the city, but also one of the most beautiful spaces. This opulent architectural landmark is truly beyond description. Diners are offered modern Italian fare and, more than one regular patron has proclaimed the Fettuccini Alfredo to be one of the best on the West Coast. The Penthouse is an ideal event space that can be hired for hosting private events and weddings. If you can get a reservation, which is essential, pay a visit here. You won't regret it. You may bring your own bottle of wine, subject to a corkage fee. Check website for hours.

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This gift shop was established in 1993 to raise money for the city government, in particular the Youthful Drunk Driving Visitation Program (YDDVP). Since then the place has been well received and successful. The gift store is not large but the items they stock are pretty cool. A big seller is the towel with the body outline. Another logo they use a lot on their products is a Sherlock Holmes-type skeleton. While the stuff they carry does not push into bloody or gross territory it does appeal to a darker sense of life.

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If you thought that the only place you'll find neon lights would be in a nightclub or bar, think again. The Museum of Neon Art is filled with exhibits and documents of contemporary fine art in electric media as well as some very creative neon signs. Make sure you take the night tour provided by the museum, which provides a historic insight into the culture of neon lights by bus. If you're into visiting places that are not conventional tourist spots, then this museum may just do it for you.

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This lovely site, created by Sara Velas, brings back the glory of the panoramic paintings (called cycloramas in the United States) that were a major public entertainment in the 18th and 19th centuries. This phenomena is basically a painted circular environment that fills all your sight-lines and in this way gives you the impression of being in some far-away place. You enter the space from a circular wooden stairway; inside there is a circular bench where you can relax and take in the painted and sculpted environment and the 35 minute sound and light show. The building that houses this attraction is a historic movie theater from 1921. In addition to the panorama there is also a garden, gift shop, and small theater space on site.

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Of 13 large estates built at the turn of the century, this is one of the grandest. Built on a block-size park, this large European-style chateau was owned by oil baron Edward Doheny. Now owned by Mount St. Mary's College and used for faculty residences, the mansion has survived well over the years with few alterations. The interior is not open to the public but the exterior of the house and the surrounding estates provide a fine walk along Adams Boulevard.

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A $130-million renovation -- reinvention, actually -- has turned the former Museum of Science and Industry into Exposition Park's most popular attraction. Using high-tech sleight of hand, the center stimulates kids of all ages with questions, answers, and lessons about the world. The museum is organized into themed worlds, and one of the museum's highlights is Tess, a 50-foot animatronic woman whose muscles, bones, organs, and blood vessels are revealed, demonstrating how the body reacts to a variety of external conditions and activities. (Appropriate for children of all ages, Tess doesn't possess reproductive organs.) Another highlight is the Air and Space Gallery, a seven-story space where real air- and spacecraft are suspended overhead.

There are nominal fees, ranging from $2 to $5, to enjoy the science center's more thrilling attractions. You can pedal a bicycle across a high-wire suspended 43 feet above the ground (demonstrating the principle of gravity and counterweights) or get strapped into the Space Docking Simulator for a virtual-reality taste of zero gravity. There's plenty more, and plans for expansion are always in the works. The IMAX theater screen is seven stories high...

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This museum presents wax figures of African American personalities. It also showcases the eras through authentic clothing, uniforms and artifacts. The museum has figures of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Harriet Tubman, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Louis Armstrong and George Washington. It also presents cultural artifacts from the African world as well as black memorabilia from recent times.

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It's not exactly the Great Wall of China, but it's still a sight to see. Painted on a flood control reservoir, which runs along Coldwater Canyon Boulevard, this 2,435-foot-long painting is easily the longest mural in the world. It was created by a number of different artists, primarily from 1976 through 1983, and depicts the key events in the history of Los Angeles, from the founding of the city up to the present day. The mural can be seen from several different vantage points near the Los Angeles Valley College campus.

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In the late 18th century, Franciscan missionaries established 21 missions up the California coast, from San Diego to Sonoma. Each uniquely beautiful mission was built 1 day's trek from the next, along a path known as El Camino Real ("the Royal Road"), remnants of which still exist. The missions' construction marked the beginning of European settlement of California and the displacement of the Native American population. The two L.A.-area missions are located in the valleys that took their names: the San Fernando Valley and the San Gabriel Valley. A third mission, San Juan Capistrano, is located in Orange County.

Established in 1797, Mission San Fernando once controlled more than 1 1/2 million acres, employed 1,500 Native Americans, and boasted more than 22,000 head of cattle and extensive orchards. The fragile adobe mission complex was destroyed several times but was always faithfully rebuilt with low buildings surrounding grassy courtyards. The aging church was replaced in the 1940s and again in the 1970s after an earthquake. The Convento, a 250-foot-long colonnaded structure dating from 1810, is the compound's oldest remaining building. Some of the mission's rooms, including the old...

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Watts became notorious as the site of riots in the summer of 1965, during which 34 people were killed and more than 1,000 were injured. Today, a visit to Watts is a lesson in inner-city life. It's a high-density land of gray strip malls, well-guarded check-cashing shops, and fast-food restaurants; but it's also a neighborhood of hardworking families struggling to survive in the midst of gangland. Although there's not much for the casual tourist here, the Watts Towers are truly a unique attraction, and the adjoining art gallery illustrates the fierce determination of area residents to maintain cultural integrity.

The Towers -- the largest piece of folk art created by a single person -- are colorful, 99-foot-tall cement and steel sculptures ornamented with mosaics of bottles, seashells, cups, plates, pottery, and ceramic tiles. They were completed in 1955 by folk artist Simon Rodia, an immigrant Italian tile-setter who worked on them for 33 years in his spare time. True fans of decorative ceramics will enjoy the fact that Rodia's day job was at the legendary Malibu Potteries (are those fragments of valuable Malibu tile encrusting the Towers?). Closed in 1994 due to earthquake damage,...

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This complex is a fine alternative to ocean-themed parks like San Diego's Sea World. Here, you can view sick or injured seals and sea lions rehabilitating in preparation for their return to the ocean. The center, run by two full-time staff members and a number of volunteers, caters primarily to California Sea Lions, Northern Elephant Seals, Northern Fur Seals and Harbor Seals. The center also has a gift shop and exhibits with materials intended to educate the public about marine mammals. Admission is free.

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Across Manchester Boulevard from the Inglewood City Hall and next to Inglewood High School, Grevillea Art Park is best known now as the location of Helen Lundeberg's 240 foot long "History of Transportation" mural. This artwork was a WPA piece that was completed in 1940 and is made of petra-chrome, a material similar to terrazzo. Previously located in Centinela Park, the mural was restored in 2007 and moved here to downtown Inglewood. For more pictures and info about this piece, check out this photo gallery.

During the summer, the city of Inglewood sometimes sponsors free concerts here by the mural. Check on the City of Inglewood website - />
Inglewood is also a great place to see the airplanes landing at LAX.

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This large housing development was built between 1935 and 1942 and designed by the architect Reginald Johnson, landscape architects Fred Barlow and Katherine Bashford and urban planner Clarence Stein (the architecture firm of Wilson, Merill and Alexander was also involved). The form of the 64 acre, 627 unit residential area is based on the ideas of the "Garden City" and follows the model of previous projects like Sunnyside Gardens and Radburn. The obvious thing you will notice is that there is complete separation of automobile and pedestrian space. As a result the interior green space of the development is weirdly quiet, like you have somehow wandered off of La Brea Ave and into a meadow. (Please note that this lovely place is private property.)

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This historic grocery store was founded at a downtown location 100 years and moved to its current site in Highland Park 50 years ago. It came into its present form when the current owner John Nese was pressured by Pepsi to stock a preponderance of Pepsi products. John Nese did exactly the opposite and created this soda emporium that carries all sorts of esoteric brands and varieties of soda. The store also stocks old-time candy (my favorite part of visiting is seeing what were once vegetable bins filled with candy). If you prefer soda's made with real sugar over the now ubiquitous corn syrup, then this place is a gold mine. Or if you just love soda pop in all it's variety and glory (they have hundreds of types of soda here!), then this place is heaven. They also have an excellent beer selection.

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Opened in 1970, Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center holds classes for local youth in the visual and performing arts. The emphasis is on the Latino heritage of most of the local residents and students, bringing a greater understanding to the children about their heritage and ancestors. There is an in-house theater group that puts on frequent performances as well as a summer concert series featuring Latino acts. Visitors can view and purchase artwork in the gallery and other items in the gift shop. Whether you have a Latino background or not, you will enjoy this center.

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Largely inspired by the Mexican mural movement of the early 20th century, Los Angeles contains some of the most fabulous murals in the world, created by a diverse multi-ethnic population. Crowned by the Great Wall of Los Angeles, there are more than 1,000 murals in the city today, and this organization seeks to conserve and acknowledge all of them. The conservancy conducts several bus tours each year, with different themesast-luding areas, eras and artists. Many of these tours are led by the muralists themselves, providing a great opportunity to meet the creative minds who help shape the city. The tours usually last all day and make a one-hour stop for lunch. Tours are given several times per year.

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This place is a community visual arts center that was started by a small group of artists working out of a garage in East Los Angeles in the 70s. Its goal was to create art that showcased the cultural heart of the Los Angeles Chicano community. The community embraced this idea and many more artists got involved over the years. It has achieved national recognition for its contribution to Chicano art and cultural awareness. Artists can use the printmaking facilities and there are community outreach programs to draw more people into the world of arts. The onsite Galeria Otra Vez presents local artists to the community. There's also a shop selling prints, artwork and crafts.

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A brief visit here can give you a great sense of California's early history. 45 years after the Mission San Gabriel was constructed, Native Americans from the mission built this water-powered mill, the first of its kind in Southern California. Although the mill itself has largely been lost, the tile-roofed building that enclosed it is still in good condition. The location is very appealing, as the mill is set in a beautiful courtyard with fruit trees and other surrounding vegetation. Admission is free.

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Founded in 1771, Mission San Gabriel Arcangel retains its original facade, notable for its high oblong windows and large capped buttresses said to have been influenced by the cathedral in Cordova, Spain. The mission's self-contained compound encompasses an aqueduct, a cemetery, a tannery, and a working winery. Within the church stands a copper font with the distinction of being the first one used to baptize a Native Californian. The most notable contents of the mission's museum are Native American paintings depicting the Stations of the Cross, done on sailcloth, with colors made from crushed desert flower petals.

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The Mt. Wilson Observatory was established in 1904 by astronomer George Hale (1868-1938) in the suburb of Pasadena. It was the first observatory in the western United States and the largest in the world. The grounds are open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays during daylight savings only (April to November). Guided walking tours are offered at 1p each weekend day. The tours are free of charge and do not require advance reservations. Outdoor picnic facilities are available, but visitors are urged to bring their own drinking water, as it is not always available on the premises. To visit Mount Wilson Observatory, exit the 210 freeway to follow CA Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) into the San Gabriel Mountains for 14 miles to Red Box Road. Turn right, then go another 5 miles until you reach the Observatory gate. To drive up the Angeles Crest Highway, you will need a National Forest Adventure Pass, available at various locations throughout Los Angeles County.

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The Wigwam Motel features 19, 30-foot-tall tepees situated in a village like arrangement centered around grounds that include an outdoor barbecue grill and kidney-shaped swimming pool. Each tepee is a cute and cozy full featured motel room like your own private cabin with all the modern conveniences you would expect, including a full bath with hot showers, air conditioning and free wifi access. Remember the good-ole-days, before air travel was easily affordable and the road-trip was king. Those days are still here-at the Wigwam Motel. Originally constructed in 1949, this is the 7th and final wigwam location in the series of similar properties first launched in by developer frank redford in his home state of Kentucky. Situated on famed Route 66, the most famous highway of all, the Wigwam Motel is in the true American tradition of the roadside attraction, just like the giant dinosaurs, villages of mystery and other classic roadside attractions that lined America's highways of the past. The Wigwam Motel is a real slice of Americana, bringing back the heyday of our glorious American past. On your next road-trip, swing-by and check us out. We guarantee the Wigwam Motel will charm its way... read more

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You gotta love huge dinosaurs in the desert! Construction on the Cabazon Dinosaurs began in 1964 when the original proprietor Claude Bell felt compelled to build a 4-story brontosaurus ("Dinny"). A very large Tyrannosaurus soon followed. Over the years the very large dinosaurs have been supplemented by some additional attractions. Most recently the property was aquired in 2005 by Gary Kanter; he has added a creationist spin to the whole site. Admission to the interior of the T-Rex and other attractions is $6.95 for adults and $5.95 for children (children under 2 free).
There is also a diner here, the "Wheel Inn," from which you can take-in the exterior of the large dinosaurs for free and skip the religious texts.