Los Angelas Mini-Vacation

[MaggieTheCat]

Boyfriend and I have been invited to a friend's wedding in about a month! It is in Santa Monica, CA on a Sunday evening, so we would be flying in Sunday morning, and we thought we'd make a mini-vacation out of it and stay in the area for a few days, maybe till Wednesday or so.

So, is anyone here from around LA or Santa Monica, and know of any good attractions that are must-sees for tourists? Neither one of us have been to LA before so we don't really know where to start!

Edit: I suck at spelling. Sorry for the typo in the title.

[Jester]

Maggie, I am from East East East East East East East East East East Los Angeles. Most people know it as Phoenix.

In any case, I have made many incursions into the area, and have a few suggestions.

1. The Santa Monica Pier. Hell, you're going to be IN Santa Monica, you might as well see one of their most famous attractions.
2. The Third Street Promenade. And another of their most famous attractions.
3. Venice Beach. Venice Beach is Freakville, USA. A great place to wander around, get some food and drinks (if you are of the inclination to do so), do some shopping (cheap shades, amusing t-shirts abound!) and check out the street performers, who are out in droves. You can also check out Muscle Beach, where all the iron pumpers work out on full display, and the basketball courts, where street ball is in full swing. You can make a full day of just hanging out at Venice Beach. Hell, I've made DAYS out of it. And if he's still there, make sure you check out Tony the Fireman. (A juggler and comedian that will blow your mind.) Venice Beach is right next to Santa Monica, so not at all out of your way.
4. Hollywood. Walk of Fame. Mann's Chinese Theater. Sunset. Vine. Etc., etc., etc., etc. Do I really need to elaborate on why one might want to head to Hollywood?
5. The Magic Castle. A private club for magicians, where magicians perform. The problem is, of course, it is a private club, and you cannot get in without an invitation from them or one of their members. If you happen to know any magicians in your area, ask them about this. As I am not myself a member, I cannot help you in this regards, other than to say it is absolutely worth it. And if you do go, you can either go for dinner and the show(s), or just the show(s). They actually put out an amazing dinner.
6. The Stinking Rose. I have no idea where this is, other than it is somewhere in L.A. I myself have been to the original one in San Francisco, and loved it. Basically, it's a garlic restaurant. If you love garlic (I DO!), this is a great place to eat. However, I warn you, it is very easy to OG (Over Garlic), and the next day, you WILL have garlic oozing out of your pores and you WILL smell like a brewery. I found that out the hard way. Was it worth it? Duh. Google it for its location if it sounds appealing to you. I am too lazy at this time of morning to do that much work.

[JoitheArtist]

Somehow I didn't even notice this thread. I live about 30-45 minutes from LA! Fun place.

Jester's already mentioned the touristy places I know. As for me, my tastes in "interesting" things are a little...well...odd. For instance, my fav places:

Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale. Gorgeous cemetery, lots of famous folks buried there: I've paid my respects to Jimmy Stewart, L. Frank Baum, Jay Ward, and others.

Music Box Stairs: You know that classic Laurel and Hardy film where they try to move that piano up that long staircase? Those stairs are still there: 925 Vendome St., Los Angeles. Got a brass plaque to commemorate it, but you've kind of got to know what you're looking for when you go.

If you're in the area, and want a great panini, I recommend going to the Amsterdam Cafe on Magnolia, in Hollywood. It's got a hookah bar! Just a little hole-in-the-wall place, but I like it a lot.

[Food Lady]

I did like the La Brea Tar Pits. Not terribly exciting, but interesting link to the ancient past. But honestly, I'd take the beach over the touristy spots anyway, especially now that I live in Wisconsin.

[Jester]

Food Lady, one of the very reasons I mentioned Venice Beach. You have the beach. You have the touristy shit. You have food and drink. All in one place! What a deal!

[Food Lady]

So I've heard. I've never been. We always went to Laguna or Newport. Oh, Maggie, I don't know where you're from, but if you are from east of the Mississippi, you probably haven't experienced See's Candy. Find a shop!