Local Attractions

The Beach Towns

Santa Monica - Lots of shopping, food and different looking people to see. Fun for locals and tourists.

Venice Beach - A grungier version of Santa Monica. Lots of cheap shopping, food and downright wierd looking people to see. Fun for locals and tourists.

Santa Barbara - about an hour north of Thousand Oaks this is probably the most relaxing place to spend a weekend. Plenty to see and do for people of all ages.

Malibu - About the only thing Malibu is good for is beaches. Fortunately the beaches are VERY good. Plenty of sand, surf and sun!

Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood Take the tram tour and see how movies are made.
Paramount Studios has a nice walking tour.

Other Hollywood Attractions

Seeing Stars in Hollywood is a very thorough guide for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrity or to locate famous movie related landmarks. Easy to navigate and with dozens of sections ... restaurants, film locations, events, nightclubs, even churches frequented by the stars. The site also provides up to date addresses and maps to over 1,000 celebrities, both living and deceased. Travelers can save themselves the $10-$15 charged by local street hawkers for printed maps. Of course the disclaimer reminds you to respect the privacy of the occupants (i.e. don't yell "Hey Rambo" at an open bathroom window).

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Published by the Hollywood chamber of commerce, this site has the whole history on the Walk. You'll also find details on where to find every actor that's had their name added to the world's most famous sidewalk

Citywalk is located in Universal City. Here you can spend a day or evening shopping at unique, one of a kind stores. Dining at a few of the best restaurants LA has to offer.

Museums

The Getty Great Museum, Great Architecture. If you see one museum while in town this is it.

LACMA Los Angeles County Museum of Art - Some nice permanent exhibits but we only go when there is a good roaming exhibit in town. In July there will be something showing on Winslow Homer.

MOCA Museum of Contemporary Art - Nothing on their website yet about events in July

La Brea Tar Pits Great for kids or really old people (28,000 years or so). I hated going there as a kid (which means it was edukational).

Museum of Tolerance A Simon Wiesenthal Center Museum - "The Museum of Tolerance is a high tech, hands-on experiential museum that focuses on two central themes through unique interactive exhibits: the dynamics of racism and prejudice in America and the history of the Holocaust."

Amusement and Theme Parks

Disneyland

Hidden Mickeys of Disney Did you know that images of Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters can be found in the most unusual places. This site points out their locations, adding another dimension of fun to your visit to Disneyland.

Magic Mountain

Knotts Berry Farm