The City of Angels can be a tempting place.
From Rodeo Drive to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles is wrought with desire. With so much to do and see in LA, it's hard to know where to begin. The best part about Los Angeles, though, is the city's hidden gems. Sure, there's plenty to do and see at Universal Studios and I'm confident at least one of the companies selling tours of the stars' homes is legitimate, but when you take Hollywood out of the equation, Los Angeles becomes a mecca for art, culture and scenery. If you find yourself alone in LA, don't fall for the same old tourist traps - take these tips to navigating Los Angeles on your own and you'll experience an entirely new side of LA unbeknownst to most travelers.
What to see: One of the best things about Los Angeles is its random museums and hidden hideaways just waiting to be explored. Head downtown to check out the Annette Greene Perfume Museum at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. It's the only perfume museum in the country and a great way to get the history and science of perfume making while sampling some of the best scents in world.
Where to drive: If you have a rental car, hit the road and head toward the Pacific Coast Highway. The drive through Malibu is one of the most scenic drives in America. You'll want to pull over for pictures but keep your eyes on the road - these curves are sharp at the corners. Don't worry, though - the landscapers knew what they were working with and built in specific areas along the highway for you to pull over, take photos and enjoy the view.
Where to stroll: The famous Los Angeles Farmers Market is an LA institution. While the market serves up the freshest produce and catches of the day, the LA Farmers Market is more than a place to eat. Take some time to check out some of these shops in the market:
The Barbershop Club: Owner Woody Lovell, Jr. and his dad have single-handedly preserved and protected the neighborhood barber shop over the past few decades. Take a stroll by for an old-time photo, or find the perfect gift to take home to him.
By Candlelight: This candle store sells non-leaded candles in a variety of scents for any room.
Designer Details: If you want a bit of Hollywood but don't want to wait in line for the tours, stop by Designer Details and take a look at some of the outlet's jewelry accessories that have been featured in many major TV shows ("Friends," "The Insider," "Entertainment Tonight"). You'll probably find something for yourself while you're here!
Kip's Toyland: Store owner Irvin Kipper has been in the toy business for more than 60 years and creates toys and games for children ranging in age from infants through early high school.
"T" (Tea Shoppe): When you need a pick-me-up, the T shop is just the right brew. You'll find hundreds of varieties of teas here, including blends, herbals and such unique concoctions as "Calming Kids."
Taschen: You've seem them, read about them, ooh'd and ahh'd over them, and now you can have your very own Taschen coffee-table books on art, architecture, photography, design, film, lifestyle, fashion, and more.
Where to eat: Head into Westwood and stop off at the Napa Valley Grille for dinner creations by one of Los Angeles' top chefs. The kitchen is stocked with organic and fresh-daily produce, so you know everything on the menu is as fresh as it gets. Homemade pastas and fresh fish grace the specials menus each night, and the wine list is expansive and as divine as the dishes. Don't leave without a taste of the goat cheese tart for dessert!
Where to shop: It is Los Angeles, after all... if you're going to splurge, head down to Rodeo Drive and go shopping, Pretty Woman-style. Window shopping doesn't get better than on Rodeo Drive! Don't worry if you can't afford the Gucci shoes or Armani dresses - you'll find something to grab for your memento box from your stroll down one of the most famous streets in America.
That's a lot to do in 24 hours, but if you're headed to Los Angeles alone, take these tips and see the city the way the locals do. And don't forget your camera!
