How to Entertain Guests in Los Angeles
- 1). Go to one of L.A.'s many beaches. Venice Beach underwent a multimillion facelift in the late 90s and the Santa Monica Pier that divides Venice and Santa Monica beaches is a safe and entertaining place to bring family and young children. Walk along the boardwalk that is lined with food vendors, the touristy shops where you can buy tee-shirts, sunglasses, bathing suits and other items that you may want to give to co-workers or family. Muscle Beach is here, too: an outdoor gym where in the 1950s, serious body builders trained and performed for large crowds. The Santa Monica Pier has a large ferris wheel, video game arcades, fast food and a merry-go-round: essential for photo opps for children of all ages. Swim in the Pacific Ocean. There are lifeguards year-round and during peak spring and summer seasons, it is packed with beach-goers and tourists, so arrive early.
- 2). Hike or bike through Topanga State Park. This beautiful park has hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails. You can arrive early and bring a sack lunch and bottled water and hike the Backbone Trail. From there you have vistas of the Pacific Ocean, looking north to Malibu and south to Venice. Eastward is the affluent community of Pacific Palisades.
- 3). Buy organic produce at the Farmers’ Markets. There are several farmers’ markets throughout LA (see Resources). You will not be disappointed: there is fresh baked rosemary bread that you smell before you see and seasonal fruits and vegetables. There is a farmer's market in Santa Monica at the corner of Second St. and Arizona Ave., Wednesdays and Saturdays.
- 4). Check out the Los Angeles Museum of Art (LACMA). Situated at Wilshire Blvd and Fairfax, LACMA hosts exhibitions from around the world. The La Brea tarpits are also nearby and fun for children to walk through. See Resources for information.
- 5). Eat at Mani’s Bakery. This is worth mentioning as an "Insider’s Tip." Founded in 1989, this bakery is a gem. It features a full café menu of organic breakfast and lunch items and is most well-known for their toothsome bakery. All bakery items are made with organic whole grains and no refined sugars. Instead, they use a fruit-juice reduction, maple syrup or barely malt-sweetened chocolate chips (for example) in place of sugar. There are many vegetarian and vegan options. This bakery bakes wedding cakes and is swamped with orders during the holidays for gift baskets filled with healthy and delicious sweets requested by Hollywood stars and ordinary folks alike.
- 6). Go shopping. You have many choices: there is the outdoor Westfield mall in Century City, a city that was originally a large movie set, now the home to many commercial office building (many are law offices) and this mall. During sunny days, you can stop in at the mall and shop at any of the flagship stores such as Macy’s or Gap or catch a movie at one of the 15 theaters here. It is a popular date place as there are many restaurants, too.
- 7). Rock out. Many storied venues to hear live rock music include the Troubador, Whiskey A Go-Go and others (see Resources). You can also view current live music acts online at LA Weekly, a free weekly newspaper and online publication.
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