What are best places to go to in California?

I am planning a trip there(Los Angeles or Hollywood) and I would like to know good places to go.i am not interested in amusement parks.Any ideas.

Public Comments

1. Venice Sunset Blvd. Malibu Santa Monica L.A Zoo
2. You can also go to Hollywood, Beverly Hills(very pricey though) or the Getty
3. Do you like museums? There's MOCA and the Temporary Contemporary downtown. LACMA and the Peterson and the Page on Wilshire, the Getty in West LA. Norton Simon, the Huntington, the Modern, and Pacific Asia in Pasadena. A whole bunch near USC, and then many smaller and specialty museums all through the whole area. There's theater, music, sports, art and architecture (from Frank Gehry to Frank Lloyd Wright), history, the beach, nature, oh my the list is sooooooooo long! Ethnic areas and their cuisine (LA has become a foodie's heaven), great symposia at our universities, libraries, and I just wish I didn't have to work for a living, it is all so interesting. Then there are special interest areas like the Fashion District, that, even if you are not a shopper, are just something to behold. Little India, East LA, Venice, the Loft District, the ports, Da Valley, even South Central and Compton. And I didn't (and won't) even mention Hollywood... If you wait around a little while, Obviousman will do one of his magical cut and paste jobs and write you reams of material.
4. There are literally hundreds of things to do here in LA. Here is my top ten list (minus the top two attractions, Disneyland and Universal Studios): Universal City Walk is a fun place to hang out in the evening whether or not you go visit the Studio tour. Hollywood: Hollywood Boulevard is ready for its close-up, thanks to years of urban renewal and renovation. Enjoy the Walk of Fame, Entertainment Museum, Chinese Theatre and more. You can see a lot for free. The Hollywood & Highland complex has lots of shops and restaurants, and the Kodak Theater (home of the Academy Awards). I also like the El Capitan theater, because it has been restored to its former glory. Rodeo Drive, 90210: Packed with exclusive shops, full of gawkers. They all came to enjoy the excess. Free, unless you intend to buy something. Venice Beach: Los Angeles kitsch and over-the-top culture at its best. Here you'll find Muscle Beach, street performers and tacky shops galore. Fun, VERY interesting, but I avoid it after dark, when it gets a little TOO interesting for my taste. And it's a short bike ride from Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica Beach and Pier: Great beach scene and a classic seaside amusement park, complete with antique carousel that has been in a lot of TV and movies. (The Sting and "Three's Company" come immediately to mind). After visiting the pier, you can ride a bike south a couple miles to Venice Beach. Santa Monica Third Street Promenade - Downtown Santa Monica's shopping promenade is often the scene of movie star-sightings. Just a short walk from the Santa Monica Pier. Sunset Boulevard: Perhaps one of the world's most famous streets, it began as a route between the stars' posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the "Sunset Strip" on its way. It makes for a fun drive. Along the way, you see a lot of different neighborhoods: Hollywood, West Hollywood, Bel Air, and Pacific Palisades. When you get to the ocean, stop at Gladstone's for Fish. Queen Mary: Once the largest ship afloat, she's been docked in Long Beach for longer than she sailed, and her elegance never fails to impress. Free to visit. You can actually stay on board, for a price. Farmers Market and The Grove - A new shopping complex right next to a Los Angeles landmark, The Grove and Farmers Market coexist. Enjoy a movie or shopping, and then take the trolley to the Farmers Market for lunch or dinner. It is right next to CBS, so walk across the lot to see if they are taping "The Price is Right". You might even get in. Griffith Park - Home of the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park Observatory, Travel Town, the Greek Theatre, and Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage. Getty Museum - The Getty's architecture is so beautiful that it keeps me fascinated. No matter whether you like their art or architecture better (or maybe you'll just enjoy the view), the Getty is sure to please. Free. Attend a TV taping - You can get free tickets at audiencesunlimited.com, tvtix.com, or see the booth at Universal City walk. It's very interesting to see a show being taped. The most popular, by far, is the Tonight show with Jay Leno. Check the NBC web site for all the details there. Places to eat: In-N-Out Burger: Multiple locations, best burger in LA, ask anyone. Pink’s Hot Dogs: 709 N. La Brea, just north of Melrose. You might even see a celebrity. Maybe. Tommy’s Chili Burgers: Look for the shack, an LA tradition. The original location is at Beverly & Rampart, a couple miles west of downtown. Canter’s Deli: 419 N. Fairfax, between Beverly & Melrose. Near CBS, you might spot a celebrity. Phillippe’s: 1001 N. Alameda. Great roast beef sandwiches. Near Union Station and Olvera Street. Watch the mustard, it’s hot. The Pantry: Corner of Figueroa and 9th, downtown. Huge portions, they never close, (I NEVER eat there after dark), GREAT steak and eggs. Places to Stay: In Hollywood, I recommend the Renaissance Hotel at Hollywood and Highland, the Best Western Sunset Plaza, or the Holiday Inn Walk of Fame. In Anaheim, I recommend the HoJo Anaheim, and the Candy Cane Inn. If you want to splurge and make this a most memorable trip, stay at Disney’s Grand Californian. You get the full Disney experience. In Santa Monica, the Holiday Inn Santa Monica is close to the pier and reasonably priced. Places to Shop: Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica Beverly Center, Los Angeles Citadel Outlets, Commerce Brea Mall, Brea The Block at Orange, Orange South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa Fashion Island, Newport Beach
5. Voice_in hit it perfectly. Venice is great! Santa Monica is pretty. Hollywood is an obvious. Pasadena is a nice place to go. Santa Barbra's got some good stuff.