One of my favorite special occasion dinner places. Always low dim lighting and a calm vibe. Piano in the background and lighting make you travel back in time. An LA classic. 

I had a studio in this neighborhood for 3 years. Just take your camera and spend a couple hours walking around admiring the colors and people and odd shops. 

Home to an incredibly programmed slate of classic, cult, and indie films, this little spot on Fairfax is a cinema-buff's paradise. Parking is a bit miserable, so park for free at Canter's Deli. Put a Hot Pastrami on Rye with Matzo Ball Soup down your neck, then just walk a couple blocks to the theater. Trust me, you'll need to walk a bit after that meal anyway. I've seen a number of special events here, including a screening of Fantastic Planet with sound and dialogue entirely performed by a live experimental orchestra, which made my list of top movie-going experiences ever! There's also a patio out back for intermissions, post-film receptions, barbecues and occasional outdoor-screenings where you can crack open an ice cold PBR or Tecate! Check their website for movie listings www.cinefamily.org

You have to cross this bridge when you're driving to downtown from East LA. It gives you an amazing view on the River, old industrial buildings and the high rises of downtown Los Angeles. Remember that famous scene from Grease? This is the place. I'm still trying to figure out how to get my car in here.

You've heard of Disneyland, but you must see the Abraham Lincoln animatronic at the end of Main Street near the entrance. He gives a super life-like impassioned speech about America that is very timely.