Los Angeles' most recomended restaurants, clubs and bars were chosen by visitors to this site. About 40% of the people who participated live in Los Angeles or Southern California. 30% live in other places in America such as New York, Atlanta and Virginia. The rest are visitors who live in other countries such as Brazil, the UK and even China. 1) Griffith Park observatory: On the southern slope of Mount Hollywood it features an amazing view of the Los Angeles basin below. The observatory is a non-profit educational institution which provides information on astronomy and related sciences to the public. There is also the laserium show which is an impressive laser show set to wonderful music such as Pink Floyd and U2. The observatory grounds also offer a good view of the hollywood sign as well as a few hiking trails around the area. 2) 3rd Street Prmonade, Santa Monica: An open-air pedestrian street populated with a variaty of restaurants, shops, movie theatres, nightclubs and street performers. More about the 3rd Street Prmonade. 3) West Hollywood/ Sunset Blvd.: Santa Monica Blvd. is probably the most colorful street in Los Angeles and is famous for being the gay community's main hangout. Sunset strip is known for its daytime outdoor cafes and restaurants, and busy nights at the strip's many dance clubs, bars, comedy clubs and local clubs featuring young musicans. 4) Mulholland Drive: This famous scenic drive is considered to be one of the most relaxing getaway spots in LA. Mulholland Drive cuts through the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area from Hollywood to the Ventura County line. Driving the length of the hilltop road is slow and the rewards are sensational views of valley and city on each side and expensive homes along the way. 5) The Grove (3rd. & Fairfax): The Grove is a new European style extension to the historic farmers market. At first glance the Grove seems to be just like any other outdoor mall. However, a closer look will reveal a place which has something for everybody. From the most comfortable theaters to the outdoor coffee shops. The Grove also offers different restaurants, bars, stands and a variety of stores. As a final touch you'll find music performances,puppet shows, dancing fountains and even an active trolley. 6) Melrose Avenue: The right place to find these shoes you'll never be able to actually walk with, but they look really cool. It all happens between Fairfax and La Brea, where you'll come upon Interesting shops which compete over your attention with unique and extravagant window displays. And if you're not looking for unusual merchandise, you'll soon realize you arrived to the best place for pink-haired people watching. More about Melrose. 7) Hollywood & Highland: The recent addition to Hollywood, the Hollywood & Highland mall is the new permanent home for the annual Academy Awards show (the Oscars). The mall includes the Kodak Theatre, the Grand Ballroom, restaurants, clubs, shops, the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel . It is located by the Hollywood Walk of Fame, next door to the Mann's Chinese Theatre and accross the street from the El Capitan theatre. 8) Universal City Walk: Next door to Universal Studios in Hollywood, City Walk offers shopping, dining, clubing and movie theatres. Entrance if free but parking is not. Best time to visit is at night when neon lights bring to life that downright Hollywood charm. 9) Venice Beach: One of the most famous beaches in the world, Venice Beach is where the wierd and the cool meet for sea food lunch, psychic reading and a surf. Venice Beach offers the visitors a big variety of outdoor activities (surfing, biking, roller-skating, volleyball, basketball and even an outdoor gym – i.e. “muscles beach”). But that is not all. Along the Boardwalk one can find the typical Venice shops, restaurants and lots of sunglasses stands. The Boardwalk will also be the right place to have your future revealed to you through palm reading, get your hair braided, watch Venice artists at work, get free tickets to TV show tapings and have fun watching the cool street performers. More about Venice Beach. 10) Olvera St./Union Station - Downtown LA: Olvera Street is the oldest part of the City of Los Angeles. It contains 27 historic buildings, a traditional Mexican style plaza area to shop for souvenirs and handcrafted Mexican wares typical of old Mexico or to enjoy that famous mexican food. Acroos the street, Union Station is not just the home for LA's transit but also known for it's unique architechtural beauty. It was built in 1939 and mixes two architectural styles, Spanish Colonial Revival and Art Deco. Other Choices: Santa Monica pier, Rodeo drive, Pacific Palisades, Hollywood walk of fame, Santa Monica mountains, Bel Air, Hermosa Beach, Malibu, Zuma Beach, Westwood Village, Bunker Hill, Broadway, Grand Central Market, Beverly Center, Century City Mall, Hollywood & Vine, The Getty museum, Hollywood Hills, La brea tar pits, little Tokyo, Old Pasadena, USC, UCLA, Marina del Rey, Venice canals, Chinatown, Echo Park and Redondo beach.