Top Ten Places to Hit in LA

Okay, number one, numero uno, you must, absolutely have to, rent a car. The mass transit system in LA is a joke. Best thing to do is just drop some cash on a rental. Even get a hummer if they'll give it to you. (No, I'm just kidding. The hummer's are strictly reserved for Arnold.) And also, find a vacation rental. They are super cheap compared to hotels and you don't have to deal with other tourists next door.

10. Canter's Deli

For a good bite anytime (with a little nip of history), go to Canters Deli on Fairfax and Beverly. It's been there since 1931. It's a Jewish-style deli and celebs come in all the time. Unequaled rugelach, great chicken soup and the reubens are delicious. Plus if you are in the mood and you're there on a Friday night, there's a jazz bar attached and the bands are usually pretty good. Even there, you never know who is going to jump up on stage at the bar.

9. Venice Beach

Oh, the bodies you'll see. I can't even name all the movies that have shot people rollerskating around on this beach. It's beautiful in so many ways. Wherever you go in California you have to stop in at Venice Beach. But maybe your should go there before the Deli. No one wants to sport root beer gut at the beach.

8. Grauman Mann's Chinese Theater

Yes, it is what every tourist does, sticking their fat ketchup-y fingers in those cement handprints of their favorite stars. It's goofy fun. But, once you're done check out the theater. It's beautiful. There is a tour in between shows and once that's done go in and watch a movie the way that the old Hollywood did it. It's a one of a kind experience. Even the bathrooms are gorgeous!

7. Newport Landing Whale Watching

You'll never see a sight like this in your life. Take to the seas to view whales and dolphins in their natural ocean habitat. Newport Landing has whale watching tours leaving everyday, year-round, from Newport Beach. Gray whales, blue whales, finback whales, and 6 different species of dolphin, sea lions, and more. I'm no marine biologist but I know it was amazing when I went.

6. The New Getty Museum

This is best at night when they are open late. The art collection is out of this world and they have an outdoor area with a view to match, especially as the sun is setting over the Pacific and the lights all over LA are coming on. It's so romantic.

5. Mulholland Drive

See the street, not the freaky 2001 movie starring Naomi Watts. It's a great place to take a long drive with someone and see the San Fernando Valley, The Hollywood Hills and the Santa Monica Mountains. And at the end of your drive stop at...

4. The Santa Monica Pier

One of only two such piers left in California (the other being in Santa Cruz in Northern California). Santa Monica is a lovely place to walk in the evening, though it's a bit too full of chain restaurants and chain stores for me. I mean, why go someplace different just to eat at restaurants and shop at stores that you have at home? But for a chance to see the Pacific, it's hard to beat.

3. Rodeo Drive

After you leave the pier, or before you get there, hit the Golden Triangle (my old college moniker) where there is more riches and fine stores than some tiny countries. In the middle, is Rodeo Drive. It's where that hooker from "Pretty Woman" had her shopping spree. If you can afford it there is Tiffany's, Cartier, Chanel, Bally, Gucci and other debit card devourers.

2. Toyota Speedway

And for the thrill seekers there's the Toyota Speedway in Irwindale. The Fast and the Furious repopularized drag racing. Too bad it's illegal. But then there’s the Toyota Speedway, which started hosting a 1/8-mile drag racing strip for anyone who gets a rush out of racing. Racing only costs $20, while entering the Summit Street Legal Drag Racing events (to win money) costs $55. Audience pays $12. Not a bad value.

1. NightLife

Did I forget to mention the night life? Well, clubs come and go pretty often so I'll offer up some choices. See what's around when you make it to Los Angeles. It seems like there’s a blazing new club opening in LA every week. However, the good ones usually manage to stick around. An awesome dance club takes crazy vision, electric DJs, and some hot people.

At places like LAX (DJ AM RIP) and Mood (where Zen and Zombies mix), you'll feel like a success just by getting past the velvet rope. Check out Elevate Lounge, too. Clubbers get to surrounded by LA's tallest skyscrapers. Level 3, a raver in the Hollywood & Highland Center is easily the sexiest place you'll find. They decorate the stage with beds and invite guests to “lounge.” The Kress is a just restored multi-level entertainment and culinary garden of Eden, offering a bar, lounge, restaurant, nightclub and a rooftop Lounge with an outstanding view of the Hollywood Hills. Finally, The Mayan there's salsa, meringue and all Latin dance rhythms for every night of the week.