Adamson House 1930s home filled with famed Malibu Potteries tile. Grounds open daily; house Wed.–Sat. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $2–$5, under 6 free. No credit cards. 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.456.8432 Map west of K7

AMERICAN GIRL PLACE Multilevel venue with boutique, bookstore and cafe dedicated to the designer dolls. Open daily. The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 877.AG.PLACE Map J13 www.americangirl.com

Catalina Express Year-round boat service to Catalina Island; daily departures from Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro. 800.995.4386, catalinaexpress.com

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Stunning contemporary cathedral opposite Music Center. 555 W. Temple St., downtown, 213.680.5200 Map H17

Chinatown Ornate architecture, dim sum, shops with Eastern wares. Art and antiques on Chung King Road. Between Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Bernard Street, Yale and Spring streets, downtown Map G17

CITY PASS  Buy one pass to experience several attractions at a discounted price. 707.256.0490, www.citypass.com

DESCANSO GARDENS North America’s largest camellia collection (34,000 plants amid 20 acres of oaks) and much more, including lilacs, azaleas, irises. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. $3–$8, under 5 free. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200 Map Q19

Disneyland Mickey Mouse’s theme park. Recent additions include Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Updated Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain. Fireworks, fantastic Fantasmic! continues. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $56–$66, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Disney’s California Adventure Soarin’ Over California, A Bug’s Land, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. “4-D” video game ride Toy Story Mania!. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $56–$66, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Downtown Disney Twenty acres of admission- free shopping, dining and nightlife adjacent to theme parks. 1510–1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim Map I10disneyland.disney.go.com

Egyptian TheatRE Restored 1922 Hollywood landmark screens classics, cult favorites, indie films. Excellent Forever Hollywood screens daily. $5–$10. 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.3456 Map H13

El Capitan TheatrE 1926 Spanish-style movie palace screens Disney films new and old. Musical accompaniment to many shows. Call for schedule. $9–$13. VIP admission with reserved seat $22. 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7674 Map H13

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Birthplace of Los Angeles. Twenty-seven buildings include 1818 Avila
Adobe, L.A.’s oldest. 130 Paseo de la Plaza, downtown, 213.628.1274 Map H17

Farmers Market Local landmark with 120 produce stalls, restaurants and gift shops in open-air setting. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211 Map I13 www.farmersmarketla.com

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre Historic Hollywood venue with walkway of stars’ hand- and footprints in the forecourt. Call for movie schedule. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.8111 Map H13

Greystone MANSION AND PARK Gardens and park grounds open daily. Tours first Saturday of the month. 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.4796 Map I11

Griffith Observatory Iconic attraction overlooking Hollywood. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tues.–Fri. noon–10 pm; Sat.–Sun. 10 am–10 pm. Free; donations accepted. 2800 E. Observatory Road, L.A., 213.473.0800 Map U23

Guinness World Record Museum Shrine to amazing achievements. Daily 10 a.m.–midnight. $6.95–$15.95, under 5 free. 6764 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.463.6433 Map H13

Hollywood Walk of Fame Celebs get stars. Free. Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, Hollywood, 323.469.8311 Map H13

Hollywood Wax Museum Hollywood and pop culture greats in wax. Sun.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–midnight; Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–1 a.m. $8.95–$15.95. 6767 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.462.5991 Map H13

iFLY HOLLYWOOD Universal CityWalk launches L.A.'s first indoor sky-diving wind tunnel, elevating "sky-divers" up to 30 feet, suspending them at wind speeds of 125 miles per hour and affording them a panoramic view of the pedestrian promenade. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.4455. Map U20 www.iflyhollywood.com

Knott’s Berry Farm More than 165 rides and attractions. Roller coasters include Silver Bullet, GhostRider, Montezooma’s Revenge and Sidewinder. Call for hours. $22.99–$51.99, under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map D5

Kodak Theatre Tour the home of the Academy Awards. Daily 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. $10–$15, under 3 free. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300 Map H13

L.A. LIVE Burgeoning entertainment center is home to the Grammy Museum, Nokia Theatre and Club Nokia; restaurants, high-tech bowling lanes and nightspots such as The Conga Room. 800 W.
Olympic Blvd., downtown, 213.763.5483 Map I15 www.lalive.com

L.A. Zoo AND Botanical Gardens Wildlife in parklike setting. Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $7–$12, under 2 free. Golden State (5) and Ventura (134) freeways, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific Focus on Pacific Ocean sea life. Pet the sharks at Shark Lagoon; Lorikeet Forest, Monsters of the Abyss 3-D. Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. $11.95–$23.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map O16

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN Peafowl roam the grounds and roost overhead at 127-acre garden. Make your own idyllic route or take the tram tour. Sun.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.); Sat., call for hours. Free third Tuesday of the month. $2.50–$7, under 5 free. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.821.3222 Map Q22

madame tussauds Hollywood Hollywood Wax museum with some 115 likenesses of celebrities in music, film, sports and more. Costumes provided for photo ops with figures. Daily 10 a.m.–8 p.m. $18–$25, under 4 free. 6933 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.798.1670 Map H13 www.madametussauds.com/hollywood

The Music Center The 90-minute Symphonian Music Center Tour includes history, architecture. Also see listing for Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center. First come, first served. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. most days. Free. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399 Map H16 musiccenter.org

Ocean Front Walk Boardwalk with street performers, souvenir vendors. Muscle Beach–adjacent. Along beach between Marine Street and Grand Boulevard, Venice Map N9

Olvera Street Festive open-air Mexican marketplace with restaurants, shops at historic El Pueblo de Los Angeles. Alameda Street between Main and Los Angeles streets, downtown, 213.628.1274 Map H17

Ports O’ Call Village Fifty stores and restaurants. Harbor cruises, helicopter tours, boat tours of Port of Los Angeles. 77 Nagoya Way (off Harbor Boulevard), San Pedro Map O15

Queen Mary Ship and Seaport Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Shops, dining, art deco lounge. The Russian Foxtrot Submarine is adjacent (see listing). Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. for self-guided and guided tours. $12.95–$24.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.435.3511 Map O16 www.queenmary.com

Ripley’s Believe It or Not! MUSEUM Three hundred displays feature curiosities gathered by traveler Robert Ripley in the 1930s. Daily 10 a.m.–midnight. $8.99–$14.99, under 5 free. 6780 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.6335 Map H13

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum Air Force One Pavilion houses the Flying White House. Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3–$12, under 10 free. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354 Map northwest of A1

Russian Foxtrot Submarine Tour the Scorpion, moored next to historic Queen Mary ocean liner. Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $9.95–$10.95, under 3 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.432.0424 Map O16

San Antonio Winery A historical landmark since 1965, it is Los Angeles' only working winery. Founded in 1917 by Santo Cambianica, the winery continues to be a family-owned and operated business, with Santo's nephew Stefano Riboli his wife Maddalena, their three children Santo, Cathy and Steve and Santo's son, Anthony now at the helm. 737 Lamar St., downtown, 323.330.8771. www.sanantoniowinery.com

San Fernando Mission 1797 mission with museum, archives and gardens. Daily 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $3–$4, under 7 free. 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills, 818.361.0186 Map north of A1

San Gabriel Mission Mission includes the oldest building (1771) in Southern California. Daily 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $3–$5, under 6 free. 427 S. Junipero Serra Drive, San Gabriel, 626.457.3048 Map B4

SANTA MONICA BAYSIDE DISTRICT Drawing locals and world travelers alike, Downtown Santa Monica is a popular Southern California coastal destination, anchored by the world-famous Third Street Promenade. Known for a twice-weekly farmers’ market, fabulous dining and terrific shopping, Downtown also has lots of entertainment choices from movies to live theater to street performers. All this comes packaged in a moderate Mediterranean climate, just minutes from beaches and the Pacific Ocean. 310.393.8355. www.downtownsm.com

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area Hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching on 150,000 acres. 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, 805.370.2301 Map west of B1

Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme park has 17 coasters; dozens of attractions; rides including world’s tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster, Tatsu. Call for hours. $29.99– $59.99, under 2 free. 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, 661.255.4111 Map A2

Universal CityWalk Eye-popping dining, shopping and entertainment promenade includes boutiques such as Fossil, Guess? and Abercrombie & Fitch, novelty stores and state-of-the-art cinema and IMAX theater. iFLY Hollywood is a simulated sky-diving wind tunnel. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.4455 Map U20 www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Universal Studios Hollywood World’s biggest motion picture/TV studio. Rides include King Kong, Jurassic Park, The Simpsons Ride and Revenge of the Mummy—the Ride. Tram studio tour includes The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, War of the Worlds and Desperate Housewives’ Wisteria Lane. VIP Experience is private guided tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $57–$67, under 3 free. VIP Experience $199. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map U20

Walt Disney Concert Hall Frank Gehry-designed architectural landmark at the Music Center. Tour options include 45-minute self-guided audio tour narrated by John Lithgow; guided tours at noon and 1 p.m.; pre-matinee guided tours. Guided tours for 15 or more by reservation. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. most days. Free. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399 Map H16

Watts Towers Monumental folk-art sculpture in South Central Los Angeles was built by Simon Rodia alone from 1921 to 1954. The tallest tower is about 100 feet. 1727 E. 107th St., L.A., 213.485.1795 Map C3

Beaches
BELMONT SHORE Along Ocean Boulevard, from 54th Place to Belmont Pier, Long Beach. Wide and sandy; on-site dog beach. Map O17

CABRILLO BEACH 40th Street and Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro. Inside the breakwater it’s a stillwater beach and on the ocean it’s a surf beach. Public boat launching ramp on harbor side. Beach wheelchairs available. Map O15

DAN BLOCKER BEACH 26000 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Sandy, narrow beach draws surfers and divers. Great spot for scuba enthusiasts. Limited free roadside parking. Map northwest of K9

DOCKWEILER STATE BEACH 12501 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey. Near LAX. Wide expanse of beach: 3.7 miles of ocean frontage and 255 acres of beach. Beach wheelchairs available. Map C1

EL MATADOR STATE BEACH 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. One of the prettiest beaches in
L.A. County. Steep stairs lead to 18 acres of narrow, sandy beach with scenic rock formations. Map northwest of K9

EL PESCADOR STATE BEACH 32900 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. Stairs lead to 10 acres of narrow, sandy beach. Map northwest of K9

HERMOSA BEACH Hermosa Avenue and 33rd Street, Hermosa. Two-mile stretch of beach that runs along Santa Monica Bay before running into the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Metered street parking. Map L13

LA PIEDRA STATE BEACH 32700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. Stairs lead to nine acres of narrow, sandy beach. Map northwest of K9

LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH 36000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. One-and-a-half miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing. The beach also has tide pools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring. There are two sections of beach along a loop road of a campground. Map northwest of K9

MALIBU BEACH 23050 and 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. 167-acre beach includes Malibu Pier and Malibu Lagoon with museum. Map northwest of K9

MALIBU SURFRIDER BEACH 23050 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. World-renowned surfing area. Swimming areas exist but are limited. Map northwest of K9

MANHATTAN BEACH 400–4500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach. Beach is bisected by a 900-foot pier. Classic sand volleyball beach nets extend to Hermosa Beach. Metered street and lot parking. Beach wheelchairs available. Map L13

MARINA/MOTHER’S BEACH 4135 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey. Non-ocean–facing beach best suited for children and windsurfers. Beach wheelchairs available. Map N9

NICHOLAS CANYON BEACH 33850 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. Less crowded than many Malibu beaches and has 23 acres of property. Map northwest of K9

PENINSULA BEACH Along Ocean Boulevard, 54th Place to 72nd Place, Long Beach. Moderate width, sandy. Map O17

POINT DUME BEACH 7103 Westward Beach Road, Malibu. Beach is bordered by cliffs and is one of the most beautiful along the L.A. coastline. Map northwest of K9

POINT VICENTE Palos Verdes Drive, Palos Verdes. Located on the southwestern corner of the peninsula, the small Point Vicente Park offers a whale-watching deck and displays of local history and ecology. Map O13

REDONDO BEACH 400-1700 Esplanade, Redondo Beach. A 1.5-mile beach that runs south of the pier to Torrance Beach. Map M13

SANTA MONICA STATE BEACH 100–2900 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica. Wide, sandy expanses divided by Santa Monica Pier. Map M8

TOPANGA BEACH 18700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Topanga. The first real beach in Malibu is rocky and narrow. A popular surfing spot but too rocky for safe swimming. Beach wheelchairs available. Map northwest of K9

VENICE CITY BEACH 2700–3100 Ocean Front Walk, Venice. Boardwalk with street performers and shops is one of SoCal’s biggest attractions. The north end is home to “Muscle Beach.” Beach wheelchairs available. Map N9

WHITE POINT BEACH/ROYAL PALMS 1799 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro. Rugged, rocky shoreline is popular with divers, shell collectors and surf casters. Tide pools. Map O14

WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH 17700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades. Sandy three-mile beach is starting point for the Marvin Braude Bicycle Trail. Beach wheelchairs available. Map K7

ZUMA BEACH 30050 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. The ultimate SoCal beach. Food stands at each end of its four-mile expanse along PCH. Beach wheelchairs available. Map northwest of K7