"If You Must" Los Angeles by LostBoyPN

Los Angeles Travel Guide: 4,336 reviews and 8,577 photos

My Home

I've lived in the Los Angeles area for the past six years. Let's just say... I've learned a lot.

There's definitely a lot to do here. If you're visiting, maybe you won't mind the snobbery. Or, if you do, just remember that you'll be able to go back home to normal folks soon.

While you're here, though, there are a few great things to do.

Santa Monica is the best. The beach is wide. The pier is fun. And Third Street Promenade has shops, restaurants, bars and clubs.

My favorite restaurant, however, is off 3rd Street. It's "Gate of India." Try the Chicken Tikka Masala and get ready for a taste explosion.

Rent some bikes and cruise down to Venice Beach (where the freaks hang out) or north to Malibu.

Hollywood & Highland is the new hip spot, if you're into the Hollywood scene. Again, shops, restaurants and bars are aplenty.

My recommendation for a romantic scene with a great view of Hollywood, is Yamashiro's. You can get some drinks and look out at the city.

Dia De Las Muertas

Art celebrating Dia De Las Muertas

Los Angeles is a very ehtnically diverse place. Here are some photos I took at an event celebrating the Mexican "Dia De Las Muertas" (Day of the Dead).

The cool thing was that the event took place on a bridge over the "L.A. River." As you can see from one of the photos... there isn't a river there!

But, this was a "winter" day and it shows you that if there aren't any clouds in the sky, the weather in LA is always nice.

Antother Day of the Dead photo

Grim Reaper

This was a cool work of art. On the other side of that fence is a drop off the bridge and onto the freeway.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Culturally diverse, great weather
Cons:Traffic, smog, crowds
In a nutshell:You can see beaches, mountains and all kinds of weird people

Intro Updated Dec 20, 2004
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (8)

LA Traffic is the Worst Warnings and Dangers (1)

You really have to plan your days according to traffic patterns. If you're here during the week, anytime between 8 am... more travel advice

Pasadena: Still LA, but Different Nightlife (2)

Pasadena is a suburb of Los Angeles nestled in the San Gabriel Mountains. To me, it's right up there with Santa Monica... more travel advice

LA's beaches are a bit underrated Things to Do (1)

I watched the "Best Beaches" specials on the Travel Channel and was somewhat disappointed that LAs beaches were... more travel advice

Typical LA/Hollywood Experience Nightlife (2)

The world famous Sunset Strip is the ultimate LA party scene destination. You can catch glimpses of it on "Celebrities... more travel advice

Restaurants (3)
See All My Favorite Restaurant in LA

Hotels (1)
Hip and Fun

Comments (4)

Reply
- Report abuse
irishgalmtl Nov 12, 2006 at 12:54 AM

Hiya Phil, You are very welcome. And yes its cool its 2 with light rain but feel like -3 right now. Donna :)
Reply
- Report abuse
joyfilledlife Nov 2, 2005 at 6:12 AM

Great site! I was actually searching the web for info about Dia de las Muertas. Could you tell me more?
Reply
- Report abuse
minstrel74 Dec 28, 2004 at 8:52 PM

Nice write-up about L.A. Very heart-felt and sincere. Everybody should pay attention to those tips!
Reply
- Report abuse
CALSF Sep 3, 2004 at 5:50 AM

Great tips especially the restaurant tips. Forget what the Travel Channel says, they don't know anything about travel!