La Brea Tar Pits: It’s worth braving the smell for a glimpse at the fossilized remains of everything from mammoths to mice. The accompanying museums allows visitors a peek at museum’s paleontologists at work.

LACMA: LACMA’s seven buildings house a diverse and extaordinary array of art in a variety of mediums. Time your visit to coincide with one of their prestigous exhibitions.

Hollywood Walk of Fame: Since 1968, entertainment legends have wished for a star on this three-mile walk of fame.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre: This Hollywood icon opened in 1927 and has played host to hand and footprints of the stars, along with premieres of their movies.

Griffith Park: A welcome expanse of greenery, “L.A.’s Central Park” includes the Griffith Observatory, the L.A. Zoo, and the Hollywood sign, as well as several film locations.

Santa Monica Pier: On a sunny Southern California day, nothing beats a day at the pier. Rides the rides, gorge at the midway-style stands, or simply spread a blanket on the beach.

Venice Boardwalk: From the freaky to the fantastic, the Venice Boardwalk has it all. Park yourself for people-watching of fantastic proportions or even participate a bit yourself.

The Gamble House: Take a tour of the Gamble House, a (potentially haunted!) masterpiece of 20th century Craftsmen architecture.

California Adventure: Disneyland may have the mouse, but it’s California Adventure — the Golden State—themed park that accompanies it — that has all the rides.

The Queen Mary: This famous former pleasure cruiser is now a famously haunted and historic hotel, musem, and entertainment center. Be sure to book the Paranormal Ship Walk for a highlight of the ship’s “most haunted” spots.