Griffith Observatory
Made world-famous in the film Rebel Without a Cause, Griffith Observatory's bronze domes have been Hollywood Hills landmarks since 1935. Most visitors don't actually go inside; they come to this spot on the south slope of Mount Hollywood for unparalleled city views. On warm nights, with the lights twinkling below, this is one of the most romantic places in L.A.The main dome houses a planetarium, where narrated projection shows reveal the stars and planets that are hidden from the naked eye by the city's lights and smog. Other shows take you on excursions into space to search for extraterrestrial life, or examine the causes of earthquakes and moonquakes.The adjacent Hall of Science holds exhibits on galaxies, meteorites, and other cosmic objects, including a telescope trained on the sun, a Foucault pendulum, and earth and moon globes 6 feet in diameter. On clear nights, you can gaze at the heavens through the powerful 12-inch telescope.Please note: The entire Griffith Observatory area is closed for a major renovation and expansion and will not reopen until late 2005 (possibly even later, according to rumor). However, a temporary Griffith Observatory Satellite, located just south of the Los Angeles Zoo at 4800 Western Heritage Way, hosts planetarium shows, a modest display of astronomy exhibits, and a telescope to view the moon and planets at night; public access is free. It's open Tuesday through Friday 1 to 10pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to 10pm. Call tel. 323/664-1181 for more information.

Tail o' the Pup
At first glance, you might not think twice about this hot dog-shape bit of kitsch just across from the Beverly Center. But locals adored this closet-size wiener dispensary so much that when it was threatened by the developer's bulldozer, they spoke out en masse to save it. One of the last remaining examples of 1950s representational architecture, the "little dog that could" serves up an "only in L.A." experience to go with its great Baseball Special.

UCLA Hammer Museum
Created by the former chairman and CEO of Occidental Petroleum, the Hammer Museum has had a hard time winning the respect of critics and the public. Barbs are aimed at both the museum's relatively flat collection and its patron's tremendous ego. The Hammer is ensconced in a two-story Carrara marble building attached to the oil company's offices. It's better known for its high-profile and often provocative visiting exhibits, such as the opulent prerevolution treasures of Russian ruler Catherine the Great. In conjunction with UCLA's Wight Gallery, a feisty gallery with a reputation for championing contemporary political and experimental art, the Hammer continues to present often daring and usually popular special exhibits, and it's definitely worth calling ahead to find out what will be there during your visit to L.A. The permanent collection (Armand Hammer's personal collection) consists mostly of traditional western European and Anglo-American art, and contains noteworthy paintings by Toulouse-Lautrec, Rembrandt, Degas, and van Gogh. A $25 million renovation and expansion -- including four new galleries, a restaurant, and a 288-seat theater -- should be completed by the time you're reading this.

Vagabond Inn Los Angeles-USC
Vagabond Inn Los Angeles-USC is a stone's throw from the USC campus and the Shrine Auditorium, home of the Emmy Awards, in the heart of Los Angeles. Plan a visit to the nearby Universal Studios and save with our convenient packages! Also within a few miles are Downtown Los Angeles, Staples Center, LA Convention Center, Garment District and the Museum of Natural History, among other points of interest. Disneyland and Knott's Berry Farm are just 25 miles away. Our inn has Business Friendly rooms ...

Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel
Beverly Hills Plaza Hotel is located on elegant Wilshire Boulevard in the heart of Rodeo Drive, Century City and Westwood Village. The Beverly Hills Plaza offers a garden oasis of tranquility. Whether your stay is short or long, the intimate size of the hotel and its hospitable staff enables the plaza to deliver personalized service. The property is a unique all-suite hotel and the luxurious suites with a modern European d?cor offers a relaxing, elegant atmosphere sure to please both business ...

Quality Inn & Suites Downtown
One of the best values in Los Angeles. Downtown hotel. FREE continental breakfast and parking. Free high-speed Internet access, free afternoon coffee and tea. There is a busienss center on the premises. Guest must present a credit card upon check in, or 100.00 room deposit will be required (refundable at check out). Hotel will be under renovation until ...