Impromptu LA trip... advice?

I might head out there in a couple weeks and just lining things up now. Besides the obvious tourist traps, any other suggestions? I think I’ll have four days. Koreatown seems cool... is it worth the trip?

Thanks.

 

Wow, nobody on this yet?. I'll respond just to get it back to the top.

Are you a history buff? I've only been out there once, but of the many things I did in those 10 days, visiting Reagan and Nixon's presidential museums are my favorites. Seriously. But I'm a history nerd -- YMMV.

 

I say it all the time ... Stay off the 405.

 

One great big festering neon distraction,
I've a suggestion to keep you all occupied.

Learn to swim.
Learn to swim.
Learn to swim.

 

The oceanside bars at Hermosa Beach.

 

I'd just visit UCLA and USC and gawk.

 

Hermosa is very nice; or Manhattan Beach pier at sunset is gorgeous;

La Brea tar pits is very nice stop.

If there's a Laker game, the scene at LA Live when the game lets out is not to be missed; you can hang at the bar at the JW Marriott next door as the crowd streams out.

If its beach, unbelievably there is a huge stretch from Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach down to Palos Verdes that's just open beach with gorgeous water and most importantly available street parking.

Even as a Giants fan, a game at Chavez Ravine is fantastic; cleanest stadium (Disneyland like), great Dodger Dogs, great weather.

But yeah most importantly, stay off 405 if at all possible.

BTW, LA does not mean Orange County, they are two different time zones practically (driving wise) don't think you can be in downtown LA then just "hop" over to the OC. Then you'll be in the 405 gauntlet for 90 mins easy.

 

Go to the original Philippe's for a French dip.
Go to Koreatown for Korean barbeque.
There's a taco stand in Los Feliz whose name I forget that has a James Beard Award and deserves it.
It's the best restaurant city in America. Do some research and you will be rewarded.