• Disneyland : "The happiest place on earth" and its little sibling, Disney's California Adventure are a big hit.
  View photos



• Universal Studios Hollywood: A theme park that grew out of a studio tour.
  View photos



• Hollywood: Hollywood Boulevard is ready for its closeup, thanks to years of urban renewal and renovation. Enjoy the Walk of Fame, Entertainment Museum, Mann's Theatre and more.
  View photos



• Rodeo Drive: Packed with exclusive shops, full of gawkers. They all came to enjoy the excess.
  View photos



• Venice Beach: Los Angeles kitsch and over-the-top culture at its best. Here you'll find Muscle Beach, street performers and tacky shops galore.
  View photos



• Sunset Boulevard: Perhaps one of the world's most famous streets, it began as a route between the stars' posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the "Sunset Strip" on its way.



• The Beaches: The Southern California beach scene is almost iconic for Los Angeles, and you'll find a selection to choose from. Our favorites are the "South Bay" beach towns: Manhattan Beachtrong>, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach. The beach scene and a classic seaside amusement park at Santa Monica Beach and Pier are also popular.



• Knott's Berry Farm: Knotts' Southern California Resort includes Soak City U.S.A. and a theme park-full of family shows and rides.



• Queen Mary: Once the largest ship afloat, she's been docked in Long Beach for longer than she sailed, and her elegance never fails to impress.
  View Photos



• Six Flags Magic Mountain: Roller coaster heaven.

There are plenty of other things to do in Los Angeles besides the ones on this list. If you're looking for something else, or something different, start with the Best of the Rest. If you are very interested in a specific sight or activity, and you have plenty of information about it, don't skip it because of my recommendations. However, if you don't know much about it, there may be a reason why it's not listed. Research it carefully before you go to be sure you spend your vacation time and money wisely.