Los Angeles Exploring
Best Monthly Artwalk: Although it started with just a couple of optimistic little galleries in the scary parts of downtown, the monthly
Downtown Artwalk, which is sponsored by Bert Green Fine Art (102 W. 5th St.; tel
213/624-6212;
www.downtownartwalk.org), has grown into a huge happening. The second Thursday of every month, artists, musicians and thousands of art lovers converge downtown for an art party. Free shuttles run from 6-9pm.
Best $1 Addition to Your Wardrobe: Getting out of bed Sunday morning can be a real drag, unless the rewards are great finds from the parking lot sale at
Jet Rag (825 N. La Brea Ave; tel
323/939-0528). Starting from 9am, insane shoppers shuffle through piles and piles of clothes for a delicious find or one-of-a-king addition to their wardrobe. Arrive early and be ready to dig.
Best Walking Tour: For architecture and history buffs the
Los Angeles Conservancy (523 W. Sixth St; tel
214/623-2489) offers free self-guided walking tours of historic downtown landmarks. Download a printable map or a podcast from their site and lace up your walking shoes for a view of some of the city's architectural gems. Docent-led tours are an affordable $10.
Best Look at the Stars: Although celebrities sightings are more likely in the boutiques of Beverly Hills, the streets of Hollywood glitter with the stars of yesteryear and today. The
Hollywood Walk of Fame (tel
323/469-8311) features stars from music to radio to television. Walk along Hollywood from Gower to La Brea and on Vine from Yucca to Sunset. Of course, don't miss the tourist haven of hand and footprints in front of
Grauman's Chinese Theatre (6925 Hollywood Blvd; tel
323/461-3331).
Best Look at the Stars, of the Celestial Variety: Since 1935, astronomy fans and field-tripping school children have made their way up to the now newly renovated
Griffith Observatory (2800 East Observatory Rd; tel
213/473-0800). Entrance to the grounds and the cheesy science displays are free. Visit on a clear day or at night to enjoy the expansive views of the L.A. basin.
