Start at The Broad or MOCA-- two contemporary art museums across the street from one another-- both with free entry (but reservation required for The Broad via their website!). These museums are next door to the Disney Concert Hall, and it's worthwhile to walk around the grounds to view the architecture.

After dipping your toes into some art, walk over to Angels Flight Railway (noted as the world's shortest railway!) and pay a dollar to zip down the hill to Grand Central Market (our premier food court that has been continuously operational since 1917). We recommend Ghost Sando, Sticky Rice, and Wexler's Deli while you're there.

Head down to the Santa Monica pier (which is more than 100 years old!) and take a spin on the Ferris wheel. Don't miss the Heal the Bay Aquarium (located under the pier), showcasing dozens of our local fish and wildlife. After taking a shot at some carnival games at the arcade, walk up to 3rd Street Promenade for some shopping and grub. For a quick bite of authentic Mexican food, we recommend Tacos 1986.

If you're up for it, rent a bike or go for a (long) walk to Main Street for an array of vintage and local shops and more options for bites and brews. We recommend Heavy Handed for a classic LA-style smashburger and Vamos Vamos for a margarita.

Take a stroll down the Venice Boardwalk to witness art, dancing, music, and some riff-raff, stop by the Venice Skate Park on the beach to watch skateboarding mavericks take to the sky, and meander through the Venice Canals (built in 1905 by Abbot Kinney as part of his "Venice of America" initiative).

Once you've worked up an appetite, pop by Abbot Kinney Blvd, a mile long stretch that is "quintessential LA." Art galleries, coffee shops, and restaurants line the streets while street vendors sell handmade jewely, clothes, and chachkies on the sidewalk.

We recommend popping by SoCal Vibes for locally brewed mead, The Brig for live music and cocktails, Gjelina for some overpriced LA-style farm-to-table, or All'Antico Vinaio for an authentic Italian sandwich.

Culver City--the movie making capital of the world. Start your day with a movie studio tour (Sony Pictures has a great one; reservations required) where you'll get to see where some of your fave TV shows and movies are filmed.

From here, either hop in the car and cruise over to Star Eco Station (an environmental science museum and exotic wildlife rescue center), or cruise over to Ballona Creek & Wetlands, an ecological preserve with a great walking path where you can see unique birds and native plants.

Hit up Piccalilli for a robust dinner, or stop by Chicas Tacos or Monty's Good Burger (vegan!! extremely good!!) for a quick bite.

If you're up for some hustle and bustle, the Walk of Fame is fun and takes you past the Chinese Theatre and Historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel as you walk over the handprints of the world's most famous movie stars. You'll stroll by Madame Tussauds and the Guinness World Records Museum before reaching the oldest restaurant in Hollywood: Musso & Franks. This is a good spot for a late-night dinner.

If you're not feeling the hubbub of Hollywood Blvd., the Griffith Observatory provides the best and most comprehensive view in the city, plenty of hiking trails, picnic areas, and a phenomenal museum of the cosmos. It has free admission and is worth a visit. The observatory is nestled in Griffith Park, which is an enormous park that includes the LA Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, and the Hollywood Sign (which you can hike to!)