Live Like a Local: Los Angeles 101

200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401 (map)

Okay, so the boardwalk is pretty tattered and the hot dogs a bit dubious, but this beloved beach landmark is a must-see, especially during the summer's free Twilight Dance series. Plus, where else are you going to find a solar-powered ferris wheel right above water?

Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

Seeing stars is par for the course in La-La Land, but now's your chance to walk all over them. With more than 2,000 stars on the sidewalk, this famed walk is worth a gander. But don't forget to look up, or you just might stroll past Mann's Chinese, the Capitol Records building and, of course, Frederick's of Hollywood.

111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)

If only Walt could step out of his cryogenic chamber and see this now: Downtown's most exuberant building is home to the L.A. Philharmonic and one of the city's top venues for live music. Even better, you can enjoy a pre- or post-show meal at the adjacent Patina restaurant and Concert Hall Cafe.

1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90049 (map)

Perched high atop the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking the 405 freeway, this sprawling stone-and-glass museum is a stunning work of art that houses--what else?--stunning works of art. Best of all, it's absolutely free ... except for the $8 parking, but who's counting?

113 N Robertson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 (map)

Set along the trendiest stretch in town, this famed cottage is one of those places you have to visit at least once. Then you can brag about how you squeezed past the paps and ate a $30 salad just five tables down from Lindz, Paris, Brit or Lorenzo Lamas.

11222 Washington Pl, Culver City, CA 90230 (map)

On the other end of the dining spectrum is this tiny taco joint that, at almost any given hour, is surrounded by yuppies, families and foodies eager to get their hard-shell taco fix. Forget Tinseltown ... L.A. is taco town!

709 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (map)

Probably the most famous hot dog stand in L.A., if not the entire planet, this is where everyone from A-list stars to down-and-out junk foodies line up and wait (sometimes for more than an hour) to get a taste of pop-in-your-mouth, made-to-order piping hot doggies.

176 N Canon Dr, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (map)

What the Puck? Perhaps the most famous restaurant in all of La La Land, this posh and pricey Beverly Hills haunt is a must-see (and eat) for those seeking some serious dining and red-carpet treatment.

108 West 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (map)

Who says L.A. is only for pretty young things? Probably the best-looking (and certainly one of the oldest) bars in town, this former boiler room is now a gorgeous underground drinking den where the scene is laidback and the drinks ... cheap. (Every Thursday, all who enter get a token for a 35-cent martini.)

1999 N Sycamore Ave, Hollywood, CA 90068 (map)

Anyone who's lived in this town long enough knows that you don't come to this hilltop Cal-Asian sushi joint for the California rolls. It's all about the view, baby. Get ready to feast your eyes on the bounteous hills, bright lights and big city.

1200 N Alta Loma Rd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

Now that this famed West Hollywood hideaway has completed the addition of 40 new villa suites and full-service restaurant and spa, it's the perfect time to party (and relax) like a rock star.

1111 Second St, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Forget the cliche of Casa del Mar and Shutters on the Beach. This luxe boutique hideaway offers the most incredible views of Santa Monica (and beyond) at its penthouse restaurant ... minus all the boardwalk sand.

1020 N. San Vicente Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

Here's your chance to experience London without the gray skies and rainy weather. Located at the site of the former Bel Age hotel, this towering spot is perfect for Stripping (as in Sunset Stripping), rooftop lounging and big-time dining at Gordon Ramsay's west coast outpost.

8221 W Sunset Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90046 (map)

Oh, the tales to be told if these walls could talk: If there's one place that could offer coolness by osmosis, this would be it. Incognito A-listers, debaucherous behavior, musty little rooms and the most blissful courtyard in town. Just be warned: Privilege has its price.