Keep in mind that this is a press-time snapshot of leading websites -- some may have crashed, evolved, changed, or moved by the time you read this. My favorite? The Los Angeles Yelp website (www.yelp.com/la) -- it's an extremely popular site for "Yelpers" (faithful site users) to share their candid opinions of just about every hotel, restaurant, and club in the city.
Yelp.com: The beauty of Yelp is that anyone can write a review, which is certainly democratic, but it also means credibility runs the gamut. If you pay close attention to the language employed, the examples given and look for patterns, it's easy to read between the lines. Yelp offers not only reviews of individual venues, but also themed lists, discussion forums, and a section dedicated to the most bookmarked pages each month -- a good indication of what's currently hot and trendy.
LA.COM: The content has been scaled way back here, but there's still a decent selection of blog-like content and event info.
www.latimes.com/theguide/: Hosted by the L.A. Times, the Find Local section is loaded with entertainment and nightlife reviews and listings in greater Los Angeles. Use the pull-down menu for categories ranging from "Theater and Dance" to "Family and Festivals." Other topics include restaurants, art and museums, and Southern California side trips. Use the search box to zoom in on whatever you're seeking. Online ticket purchasing via Ticketmaster is available as well.
www.at-la.com: This is the home page of @LA, whose exceptional search engine provides links to close to 60,000 sites in thousands of categories relating to all of Southern California.
www.lamag.com: This online edition of Los Angeles magazine offers "The Guide," an oft-updated listing of L.A.'s theater, music scene, museums, and more, as well as an excellent "Dining Out" guide listing hundreds of restaurants organized geographically.
www.discoverlosangeles.com: The L.A. Convention and Visitors Bureau (also known as LA INC.) lets you browse its site by region or category; view sample itineraries keyed to selected neighborhoods, activities, ethnic themes, or type of visitor; and use the "Plan Your Vacation" section to assemble a hotel/rental car/activity itinerary based on your interests.
www.santamonica.com: Everything you could possibly want to know about travel and tourist information in Santa Monica is covered in this vibrant website hosted by the Convention and Visitors Bureau. Also available is an online reservation system with comprehensive information on hotels and motels.
www.beverlyhillscvb.com: This official site of the Beverly Hills Visitors Bureau is as perfectly manicured as Beverly Hills itself, offering tons of practical information (including an indispensable map of parking lots, complete with rates), plus extras like a short historical walking tour and a list of spas and salons as long as Cher's wigs.
www.lastagealliance.com: LA Stage Alliance is an association of live theaters and producers in Los Angeles (and the organization that puts on the yearly Ovation Awards, L.A.'s answer to Broadway's Tonys). The website is a great place to look for small and midsize productions, plus information on which shows are currently on sale at the half-price.
www.visitwesthollywood.com: The West Hollywood Convention and Visitors Bureau hosts this frequently updated guide to everything to see/do/eat/buy in WeHo, as it's come to be known. Learn about the Avenues of Art and Design (a district of L.A.'s best galleries and showrooms), plus browse extensive activity and service guides for WeHo's prominent gay and lesbian community.
www.tvtickets.com: This is your online source for free tickets to dozens of sitcoms and talk shows. The site, hosted by Audiences Unlimited, Inc., includes a taping schedule, studio information, news about shows, updates on specials, and just about everything else you need to help you figure out what show you'd like to catch.
www.disneyland.com: Check out the resorts, dining facilities, travel-package options, and activities and rides in the Magic Kingdom at Disneyland's official website. Get specific hours and ride closures in advance by selecting the day of your visit; this site is guaranteed to rev up your enthusiasm level. Also visit Disneyland: Inside and Out (www.intercotwest.com), an independent guide to Disneyland with updates on activities, rides, entertainment, and the ever-expanding Disneyland resort; consult tips on what to bring, best times of year to visit, and more.
www.universalstudioshollywood.com: Take a virtual tour of the Universal Studios Hollywood attractions, view current show schedules, check out special ticket offers (and purchase tickets online), or play games based on Universal's most popular rides.
www.laweekly.com: Straight from the pages of the alternative L.A. Weekly paper, this site combines listings with social commentary. It has an events calendar, arts listings and critiques, and restaurant reviews.
www.losangeles.com: This is the L.A. feature of Boulevards New Media, whose national alternative websites emphasize travel, arts, entertainment, contemporary culture, and politics.
www.festivalfinder.com or www.festivalusa.com: These sites can locate music and other festivals in and around Los Angeles.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
