where should i check out in LA?

Question

im off to LosAngeles next week for a bit of business but wanted to check the city shops, bars etc out too if i get the time - staying downtown. anyone know of anythign i shouldn't miss?

Answer 1

There's a dance club in downtown L.A. called "The Mayan" its really fun, to go. It offers latin music like salsa, merengue, cumbia etc.
I would also suggest goint to Hermosa Beach. There are so many bars there that you can't go wrong. Try Patrick Molloys or Sangrias.
Universal City Walk is also a good place to go. "The Rumba Room" is another latin dance club, and the Saddle Back Ranch is fun. Its a western themed restaurant/club. You could catch females riding the bull and dancing on top of the bars.

Have fun!

Answer 2

There's so much to see here and Los Angeles is so big that it really depends on what part of town you're staying in. Some of my favorite places to visit are the canals and Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice, Olvera Street and Chinatown in downtown LA and UCLA/Westwood Village. Whether or not you're into walking, I recommend checking out the guidebook "Walking LA: 36 Walking Tours Exploring Stairways, Streets and Buildings You Never Knew Existed" to get some ideas. It includes a lot of interesting areas and neighborhoods that are off the beaten path, as well as some great shopping/dining/drinking destinations for both locals and visitors. You can read the reviews at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Walking-L-A-Exploring-Stairways-Buildings/dp/0899973639

Answer 3

Definitely go to Santa Monica / Venice. A lot of great shops and restaurants there (check out the yahoo local link below for good recommendations). Personal favorites include the Library Ale House (which has great food too), 3rd Street Promenade (tons of shops and restaurants), and The Otherroom in Venice.

Answer 4

Go to Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Suset Blvd. is fun. Whilshire Blvd in Santa Monica- maybe drop in on the Kabala Center there). City Walk sucks, but everyone will tell you to go there.