What to do in Los Angeles?

[kwigibo]

I believe there were a couple of threads like this already, but I think they were before the site crash, otherwise I would have consulted those.

I'm going to be in Los Angeles from the 22nd to the 25th of February. Obviously I'm going to try and see as much live comedy as I can, but I'm unsure of how to fill the rest of my time. So I thought I'd defer to the wisdom of the most discerning locals I know. What should I not miss that wouldn't be obvious to a naive foreigner like me? Anything you can recommend would be very appreciated.

[Osquip]

The Getty Museum is really awesome and cheap.

[dorothy mantooth]

Eat at the Farmer's Market. Check out the view at the Griffith Park Observatory. Stroll along Venice beach (preferably at sunset).

Oh, and there are some great comedy stylings at Largo that week.

Enjoy!

[theodoric]

Twelve Shiny Nickels is a fun hour-and-a-half.

[Liezl]

Where are you from?
I wouldn't want to send you to a place you already have at home.

also, exactly where in Los Angeles are you going to be staying?

I second the ideas of Getty Museum, Griffith Observatory (on a clear night), Venice Beach at sunset, Santa Monica Pier, the Marina Del Rey jetty, Museum of Contemporary Art (MoCA)...

as for food, the only thing I recommend is Korean BBQ and Baby Blues BBQ here in Venice. you can get food recommendations via Yelp.

[megalope]

Important question: Are you driving, or taking public transit?

If you're a big music person you should definitely go to Amoeba, catch a movie at Arclight, and then eat at In-N-Out afterwards (short drive, semi-reasonable hike to In-N-Out).

Definitely eat at Philippe's or Cole's French Dip downtown; I prefer Cole's, but Philippe's is perfectly legitimate. Downtown LA is a neat choice for the daytime, because there's lots of great architecture (many/most of the buildings you can go in and poke around, like the Bradbury building), interesting spots (have a snack at Clifton's Cafeteria, walk around Grand Central Market), and good public transportation (drink and stumble around!). I love the jewelry district and all of Broadway; however, I don't recommend Downtown in the evening. Pretty sketch.

[Osquip]

If you're planning on going to UCB, you should get dinner at Birds which is two doors down. It's good and the food/booze is moderately priced. I really like a Peruvian place called Choza Mama near the backside of Universal. It's also not very expensive.

[kwigibo]

Thank you, this is all very helpful.

[kwigibo]

Where are you from?
I wouldn't want to send you to a place you already have at home.

also, exactly where in Los Angeles are you going to be staying?

I am from the Gold Coast, Australia ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Coast,_Queensland )

I am staying at a place on Hollywood Boulevard.

[kwigibo]

Important question: Are you driving, or taking public transit?

Public transit.

[Osquip]

If you decide to come by Twelve Shiny Nickels, it is underneath a very popular Thai restaurant called Toi on Sunset Blvd. that is open extremely late (5am? I'm not sure). And say hello since I work at 12SN.

[AmericasMobileDevice]

Hit up Los Feliz for at least one night.

Take the metro to China Town and get some Dim Sum. Then head to Union station downtown to get a churro.

Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles is pretty great.

The LACMA and Tar Pits are cool.

[theodoric]

#1: Don't bother to look for Fourex.

#2: Walk or take cabs everywhere (if you plan on doing everything Hollywood), or rent a car (if you're headed out beyond a few kms) - cars can be cheap at LAX. Remember we drive on the right (correct) side of the road.

People you run into on the street are not as genuinely friendly in LA (especially Hollywood) as they are in QLD (unless you have made arrangements in advance). Lots of lunacy where you're headed - think King's Cross, Sydney, times 100.

[kwigibo]

#1: Don't bother to look for Fourex.

It's XXXX, and it's not really my brand. I'll drink whatever is cheap and strong anyway.

[aenemaTron]

I agree that you should either walk, take cabs or rent a car. Oh, or ride a bike, motorcycle, ATV or segway.

[Meen Bellpeppers]

Agreed. A jetpack would make you look like a tourist.

[aenemaTron]

Speaking of being in LA, the wife and I will be there from March 13 to March 20. ENTERTAIN US.

[Babychoby]

If you decide to come by Twelve Shiny Nickels, it is underneath a very popular Thai restaurant called Toi on Sunset Blvd. that is open extremely late (5am? I'm not sure). And say hello since I work at 12SN.

When I lived in West Hollywood I saw Weird Al at Toi. The places I miss eating at are Versailles (cuban) and Zankou chicken (Armenian). The garlic sauce will burn you up inside but in a good way.

Also, go to the Hollywood Forever cemetery for free fun.

[megalope]

Aw hell yes, while Versailles is tasty, nothing beats El Colmao on Pico just east of Vermont. I super-triple Zankou chicken (though if you're going for comedy authenticity, there's a rumor that Zankou competitor Al Wazir chicken at Hollywood and Gower is Paul F. Tompkins' favorite restaurant (though if you're into Beck, Zankou probably would top Al Wazir)).

[dorothy mantooth]

Aw hell yes, while Versailles is tasty, nothing beats El Colmao on Pico just east of Vermont. I super-triple Zankou chicken (though if you're going for comedy authenticity, there's a rumor that Zankou competitor Al Wazir chicken at Hollywood and Gower is Paul F. Tompkins' favorite restaurant (though if you're into Beck, Zankou probably would top Al Wazir)).

Zankou and Al Wazir are both rock solid. While I don't dislike Toi, if you want Thai, I *strongly* suggest Palm on Hollywood Blvd. DELICIOUS. And, if you go on the weekend, you might be treated to the vocal stylings of Thai Elvis.