The Arboretum of Los Angeles County
Tucked into the hillsides of the San Gabriel Mountains, this sprawling horticultural and botanical center was formerly the estate of silver magnate "Lucky" Baldwin -- the man responsible for bringing horse racing to Southern California -- who lived until 1909 on these lushly planted 127 acres overlooking the Santa Anita racetrack. You might recognize Baldwin's red-and-white Queen Anne cottage from the opening sequence of Fantasy Island ("de plane, de plane"); the gardens are also a favorite location for movie filming and local weddings. In addition to spectacular flora (every continent is represented here), the Arboretum boasts a bevy of resident peafowl who seem unafraid of humans -- one of the best treats here is being up close when the peacocks, attempting to impress passing hens, unfold their brilliant rainbow plumage. Avid gardeners will want to visit the nursery-like gift shop on the way out.

Skirball Cultural Center
This strikingly modern museum/cultural center is quick to remind us that Jewish history is about more than the Holocaust. Nestled in the Sepulveda Pass uphill from the Getty Center, the Skirball explores American Jewish life, American democratic values, and the pursuit of the American Dream -- a theme shared by many immigrant groups. The Skirball's core exhibits chronicle the journey of the Jewish people through the ages, with emphasis on American Jewry. Related events are held here throughout the year; one recent highlight was a rollicking festival of klezmer music (a traditional Jewish folk style). Call for free docent-led tour times.

Warner Brothers Studios
Warner Brothers offers the most comprehensive -- and the least theme park-like -- of the studio tours. The tour takes visitors on a 2 1/4-hour informational drive-and-walk jaunt around the studio's faux streets. After a brief introductory film, you'll pile into glorified golf carts and cruise past parking spaces marked "Clint Eastwood," "Michael Douglas," and "Sharon Stone," and then walk through active film and television sets such as ER, The Drew Cary Show, and West Wing. Whether it's an orchestra scoring a film or a TV show being taped or edited, you'll get a glimpse of how it's done (nothing is staged for the tour). Stops include the wardrobe department or the mills where sets are made. Whenever possible, you can also visit working sets to watch actors filming actual productions. Reservations are required; children under 8 are not admitted. Bring valid photo ID.

Courtyard by Marriott Los Angeles Century City Beverly Hills
Please note the swimming pool and whirlpool at the Courtyard Los Angeles Century City Beverly Hills are closed through April 16th 2007. * The hotel designed by business travelers, Courtyard surrounds you with all the conveniences that make business and pleasure travel easy. The Courtyard Los Angeles Century City Beverly Hills is located in the heart of Century City adjacent to Beverly Hills. The hotel is three miles from the Westwood campus of UCLA, seven miles from Venice Beach and ...

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 ...

Kawada Hotel
The Kawada Hotel offers business and leisure travelers comfort, convenience and value with European charm. Located within the heart of Downtown, the Kawada Hotel is central to many of L.A.'s finest venues, and is within close proximity to beach cities and attractions. The Metro provides easy access to all points of interest, while downtown destinations including The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Disney Concert Hall, Music Center, garment district, museums, shopping malls, government ...