Ever wonder where all the props and costumes from show go after filming stops? Well, a lot of it comes here, to It's a Wrap. There are racks and racks and racks of clothing that can be worn every day as well as very costumey-looking costumes. All of it is in pretty good condition and a lot of it is Ever wonder where all the props and costumes from show go after filming stops? Well, a lot of it comes here, to It's a Wrap. There are racks and racks and racks of clothing that can be worn every day as well as very costumey-looking costumes. All of it is in pretty good condition and a lot of it is labeled so you can see which production it was worn in. You can actually get some pretty good bargains here but you do need a lot of patience.… see moresee less

Believe it or not this super-hip hotel actually used to be a nursing home. It has a fabulous, unpretentious vibe and a great boutiquey feel. One of my favorite hotels in the city!

You have to hit it at the right time but if you do, the exhibits at FIDM are pretty great (most Angelenos don't even know this museum is here). Most of them are in some way related to the movie or television industry so some of the things you see may be very familiar. Be sure to check it out if You have to hit it at the right time but if you do, the exhibits at FIDM are pretty great (most Angelenos don't even know this museum is here). Most of them are in some way related to the movie or television industry so some of the things you see may be very familiar. Be sure to check it out if you're downtown.… see moresee less

It's now a law school, but back in the day it was the city's and maybe one of the world's, most beautiful department stores. They only give tours of this building once a year when classes aren't in session, but if you're in town then, it's well, well, well, worth doing. You cannot imagine the beautyIt's now a law school, but back in the day it was the city's and maybe one of the world's, most beautiful department stores. They only give tours of this building once a year when classes aren't in session, but if you're in town then, it's well, well, well, worth doing. You cannot imagine the beauty of this art deco masterpiece. So much is mint condition that you can almost see the little starlets running in to buy a dress for auditions. The details are incredible and while I hate the idea that it's no longer a Bullock's (I moved here just in time to see it close), I love that the school has made such efforts to maintain the building's integrity.… see moresee less

While I find the peace, love, and happiness theme here annoying, I have to admit, the food is freakin' fantastic. Really hearty, not mamby-pamby like a lot of places that pride themselves on an "organic" menu and you get one tomato that still has dirt on it. Fantastic, cosy vibe, too. Great place toWhile I find the peace, love, and happiness theme here annoying, I have to admit, the food is freakin' fantastic. Really hearty, not mamby-pamby like a lot of places that pride themselves on an "organic" menu and you get one tomato that still has dirt on it. Fantastic, cosy vibe, too. Great place to go when it gets a little chilly.… see moresee less

It's insanely noisy so you can pretty much forget having an intimate chat, but if you want one of the best meals of your life, this is the perfect place for it. Not cheap, for sure, but totally worth it and fabulous people watching. I still have dreams about their oysters.

This is the place Hilary Swank stopped off to have a bit to eat after winning her 2nd Oscar and with good reason. The veggie burgers here are incredible! Best I've ever tasted! I don't know what they do to them, but when I get a craving for one I've gotta have it! Make sure you try them out!

I'm a fondue fanatic, so if I give the thumbs up to a fondue place, it's got to be good! You will NOT be disappointed in Monsieur Marcel! Great fondue and a fabulous atmosphere to go with it. Would absolutely recommend as a fun, lively spot to have dinner!

Even though it's girly, the Trina Turk store in L.A. is so beautiful I think I'd be into it even if I were a guy. It's really like something out of a 1950s movie and the staff is incredible. It's a great starting point for walking up and down 3rd street which is a fabulous walking street full of Even though it's girly, the Trina Turk store in L.A. is so beautiful I think I'd be into it even if I were a guy. It's really like something out of a 1950s movie and the staff is incredible. It's a great starting point for walking up and down 3rd street which is a fabulous walking street full of shops and places to eat and one of my favorite streets in L.A. Whatever you do, don't miss it.… see moresee less

This is my absolute, all-time, most favorite thing to do in this city: go to estate sales in Beverly Hills. You'll be shocked at some of the homes you'll be allowed into. Even if they don't tell you whose home it was, sometimes you can figure it out by all the stuff. I go just about every weekend This is my absolute, all-time, most favorite thing to do in this city: go to estate sales in Beverly Hills. You'll be shocked at some of the homes you'll be allowed into. Even if they don't tell you whose home it was, sometimes you can figure it out by all the stuff. I go just about every weekend and I've found some incredible things. It's well worth it to take a Saturday morning, do a little research on the Internet, and hit a few. Even if you don't buy a thing it's a complete blast!… see moresee less

I'll be honest; I don't find this museum to be very exciting...with the exception of its Friday night jazz concerts and those are a lot of fun! They're free and the people watching is fabulous. The one other thing I would recommend here are the screenings. Just about every week or so they screen I'll be honest; I don't find this museum to be very exciting...with the exception of its Friday night jazz concerts and those are a lot of fun! They're free and the people watching is fabulous. The one other thing I would recommend here are the screenings. Just about every week or so they screen some really great movie (usually a classic of some kind or a foreign film) in their fabulous retro theater and it's really a blast.… see moresee less

It's almost hard to believe this place actually exists. Essentially, it's a community center right on the beach that offers everything from exhibits to talks to synchronized swimming lessons. There's a cost to use all of it but it's fairly minimal and the space is just stunning and actually has a It's almost hard to believe this place actually exists. Essentially, it's a community center right on the beach that offers everything from exhibits to talks to synchronized swimming lessons. There's a cost to use all of it but it's fairly minimal and the space is just stunning and actually has a really interesting history--it was built by Hearst for his mistress actress Marion Davies.… see moresee less

While it's a tad more than I, personally, would pay for a room (about $250), the Shangri-La is a nice splurge. So, so well located in Santa Monica, it's a sleek, art deco hotel with some really, really charming features and excellent service.

Having recently had a remodel, this Best Western is becoming a pretty hot property in L.A. I think part of that is the hip remodel and part of it is that there's a very famous hipster coffee shop downstairs. They've managed to give it a really fresh look while still retaining a modest charm. Take Having recently had a remodel, this Best Western is becoming a pretty hot property in L.A. I think part of that is the hip remodel and part of it is that there's a very famous hipster coffee shop downstairs. They've managed to give it a really fresh look while still retaining a modest charm. Take note, though: if you're choosing it because it's in "The Hills," you're going to be disappointed. It's really more at the base of the Hills by the entrance to the freeway.… see moresee less

It bills itself as a luxury hotel but in truth it's really more of a boutique hotel. It straddles the budget line between mid- and high-range but if you can find a deal, it's a lovely place to stay.

I've always loved the feel and look of this place and always thought it looked more like a New York hotel than an L.A. one. In addition to having incredible charm it also has a fascinating history. One of the many tales about this place is that the munchkins from the "Wizard of Oz" were housed her I've always loved the feel and look of this place and always thought it looked more like a New York hotel than an L.A. one. In addition to having incredible charm it also has a fascinating history. One of the many tales about this place is that the munchkins from the "Wizard of Oz" were housed her during filming.… see moresee less

Werstler...Santa Monica...what else do you want? While it's not super cheap, this would be my first choice of hotels in L.A. It's fresh, it's well located, and I think years from now it's going to be considered a classic. The kind of place for which you hold on to the matchbook if you know what I Werstler...Santa Monica...what else do you want? While it's not super cheap, this would be my first choice of hotels in L.A. It's fresh, it's well located, and I think years from now it's going to be considered a classic. The kind of place for which you hold on to the matchbook if you know what I mean.… see moresee less

Viceroy Santa Monica, Santa Monica, CA

I stayed here once for a night and I'm convinced it's haunted. Ghosts aside, it's a breathtakingly beautiful old hotel and a place you should definitely check out for California architecture at its best.

Rainbow colors over The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

The historic lobby of The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel.

It actually doesn't look like much from the outside but inside...wow!!! In my opinion it's one of the most gorgeous buildings in L.A. and the history is insane. If you don't stay here (and by the way, the rates aren't all that bad), do yourself a favor and at least eat here or lounge in the gorgeousIt actually doesn't look like much from the outside but inside...wow!!! In my opinion it's one of the most gorgeous buildings in L.A. and the history is insane. If you don't stay here (and by the way, the rates aren't all that bad), do yourself a favor and at least eat here or lounge in the gorgeous lobby for a while. I can pretty much promise you you'll spot some pretty interesting people.… see moresee less

Only stayed here for a night but loved it! Gorgeous hotel, clean, well decorated, and a fabulous pool. Not super cheap, but if you can find a deal it's a great place to stay, primarily because of the location.

The observatory had a big facelift a few years ago and is looking spiffier than ever. It's a stunner of a building and the views of L.A. are beyond words. Great place to bring kids!

Adorable little hipster hotel with relatively low rates (about $200/night) that's right across from the Grove and the Farmer's Market. Also very close to 3rd street. If you're coming here and you don't have a car, it's the perfect place to stay.

If I hipster wants it or wears it, I can pretty much promise you it's here whether it's new or vintage. I once saw Helen Mirren trying on a fabulous jacket here.

Talk about a gift to the city! This place has art exhibits, classes, movie nights, wine tasting, receptions, and a load of other things. It's also the site of an incredible Frank Lloyd Wright building. It's just at the border of Los Feliz so be sure to check out the area while you're there.

I usually shy away from restaurants that seem to market themselves as the "Next Big Thing" before they even open, but Lemonade deserves all the popularity being heaped on it. Think of the cafeteria you went to with your grandparents after church only with incredibly inventive dishes and fresh decor I usually shy away from restaurants that seem to market themselves as the "Next Big Thing" before they even open, but Lemonade deserves all the popularity being heaped on it. Think of the cafeteria you went to with your grandparents after church only with incredibly inventive dishes and fresh decor and you've pretty much got Lemonade. It's reliable, inexpensive, and a nice place to be all around.… see moresee less

I don't know why but for some reason Angelenos love taking all the fun out of Chinese food by making it a little too healthy. Mandarette is the only place I know in the city that manages to make it light but tasty. Great prices, interesting menus, and always great celeb watching.

ooohhh interesting :) Never been!

One of the best places for Korean BBQ. I love the dark wood tables with the charcoal grills in the center. The service is impeccable. I cannot recommend it enough.

If you come to L.A. and you don't have Korean BBQ, you're missing one of the great delights of the city. Basically they serve you a slew of raw meat, veggies, etc., and then you cook them in a little fondue pot-looking thing in the center of the table. It's a lot of fun and relatively speaking, If you come to L.A. and you don't have Korean BBQ, you're missing one of the great delights of the city. Basically they serve you a slew of raw meat, veggies, etc., and then you cook them in a little fondue pot-looking thing in the center of the table. It's a lot of fun and relatively speaking, pretty cheap. Also, if you see a "B" health rating on the door, don't panic. That's usually mandatory since the meat arrives uncooked.… see moresee less

This stunning 1939 train station has been the location for dozens of movies and it's easy to see why. A sort of Spanish-Art Deco style, it really is one of the true gems of the city and if you're an architecture fan like I am, you really, really need to see it!

I have a special affection for the Beverly Laurel as it was where I stayed when I first moved here. The prices are excellent, the location can't be beat, and it's actually a pretty easy place from which to grab a bus, which, if you don't have a car while you're here is no small thing.

Save for the cheesy, outdated decor, Sardo's has absolutely nothing going for it...except...one hell of a karaoke experience! People here take karaoke as seriously as doctors take surgery and I'm not kidding. The competition here (whether real or imagined) is serious and it's a blast to watch. As Save for the cheesy, outdated decor, Sardo's has absolutely nothing going for it...except...one hell of a karaoke experience! People here take karaoke as seriously as doctors take surgery and I'm not kidding. The competition here (whether real or imagined) is serious and it's a blast to watch. As it's in Burbank it gets a lot of celeb traffic, too. Always fun to watch your favorite TV stars belt out a little Aerosmith.… see moresee less

Whenever I know I'm having dinner at the Great Greek I can barely function during the day because I love the food so much. It's always, always fresh and cooked perfectly. The food, though, is almost secondary to the atmosphere. When the music starts the waiters stop what they're doing and dance withWhenever I know I'm having dinner at the Great Greek I can barely function during the day because I love the food so much. It's always, always fresh and cooked perfectly. The food, though, is almost secondary to the atmosphere. When the music starts the waiters stop what they're doing and dance with their arms around each other's shoulders, eventually inviting the customers to join them. I've actually seen the line get so long it goes out the door. Whatever you do, get an order of saganaki which is cheese drenched in cognac and set on fire. I want to be there just thinking about it!!!… see moresee less

This and the Hollywood Bowl are the two best things about summer in L.A. Cinespa shows movies about once every week or two at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and it's a riot. People bring giant inflatable ducks to sit in, boats, and every other kind of thing you can think of to sit in. Just make sureThis and the Hollywood Bowl are the two best things about summer in L.A. Cinespa shows movies about once every week or two at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery and it's a riot. People bring giant inflatable ducks to sit in, boats, and every other kind of thing you can think of to sit in. Just make sure your chair isn't over the height limit or they won't let you in. The flicks they show are real classics like Sunset Boulevard or E.T. so don't expect the latest blockbuster.… see moresee less

Right next to the Ivy restaurant (yes, that Ivy), is one of the best home furnishings stores I've ever been in. I can almost promise you you'll find something here you've never seen before or at the very least get inspired.

One of my favorite eateries in the city, Joan's is always dependable for great, fresh, inventive food. Been here a lot and have yet to have a bad meal here. And, not to harp on this, but the people watching is insane.

If you love old school places but aren't into anything grungy looking, the Polo Lounge is perfect. While good, the food is fairly basic but of course you're not here for that, anyway. You're here for the people-watching which, on the right day is phenomenal and I don't just mean celebs. Lots of If you love old school places but aren't into anything grungy looking, the Polo Lounge is perfect. While good, the food is fairly basic but of course you're not here for that, anyway. You're here for the people-watching which, on the right day is phenomenal and I don't just mean celebs. Lots of Beverly Hills types come here to see and be seen and it's a lot of fun to watch them show off for each other.… see moresee less

I used to work across the street from Musso and Frank's so for a while I was going there quite a lot. Quite honestly, the food is fine--not great, just fine, but the atmosphere and the history is off the charts. It's L.A.'s first restaurant (it opened in 1919) and it feels like someone stopped the I used to work across the street from Musso and Frank's so for a while I was going there quite a lot. Quite honestly, the food is fine--not great, just fine, but the atmosphere and the history is off the charts. It's L.A.'s first restaurant (it opened in 1919) and it feels like someone stopped the clock at a few points in time since then. Every star in the history of Hollywood has eaten here and there's a great story about Cary Grant and Grace Kelly having dinner here and then realizing neither had any money on them so they washed dishes that night. Even if you can't make it for a meal, stop in for a drink.… see moresee less

I've been here a million times and to tell you the truth I didn't really know this is what it looked like because it's always so dark you can barely see your hand in front of your face. That said, it's a fun place that's great for people watching. I've heard that Sinatra was a patron back in the I've been here a million times and to tell you the truth I didn't really know this is what it looked like because it's always so dark you can barely see your hand in front of your face. That said, it's a fun place that's great for people watching. I've heard that Sinatra was a patron back in the day. Take note: if you're at all claustrophobic, this is probably not for you. It's very, very narrow in parts (it's always felt like a train car to me), and it can feel little tight, even to someone without claustrophobia.… see moresee less

Hands down, this is my favorite restaurant in L.A. My family and I have a tradition of coming here every year when they're in town and their food never fails. That said, I probably couldn't tell you anything I've ever had here because when you're here all you can concentrate on is the view. It goes Hands down, this is my favorite restaurant in L.A. My family and I have a tradition of coming here every year when they're in town and their food never fails. That said, I probably couldn't tell you anything I've ever had here because when you're here all you can concentrate on is the view. It goes almost directly on to the beach and it's absolutely mesmerizing. They have another restaurant at Shutters that's great for brunch, but One Pico will always be my fave.… see moresee less

I ended up here the very first night I was in L.A. and all I could think was "Where the hell am I?" and I'm from New York! Thankfully, the creation of the nearby Grove shopping mall did nothing to change the vintage charm of the Farmer's Market which is essentially a menage of eateries. It looks I ended up here the very first night I was in L.A. and all I could think was "Where the hell am I?" and I'm from New York! Thankfully, the creation of the nearby Grove shopping mall did nothing to change the vintage charm of the Farmer's Market which is essentially a menage of eateries. It looks virtually stopped in time which is what I love about it and all the quirky little stores that have been there for years are still there. This would definitely make my list of the top three things to do in L.A. so don't miss it!… see moresee less