An historic and oft-filmed spot for musclebound iron pumpers on the Pacific coast.

These two monoliths have stood at the entrance to the neighborhood since the days it was called "Hollywoodland."

An iconic location along the Los Angeles River where countless movie scenes are filmed.

Outposts of this restaurant chain were shaped like jaunty chapeaus.

Hollywood's oldest hotel is the site of the first Academy Awards, the birthplace of Marilyn Monroe's career, and the home of Montgomery Clift's ghost.

A cake-themed art installation tucked away in historic Chinatown.

Come crisp December nights, this fairly plain neighborhood becomes a holiday dream world.

A carousel trades in its classic horses and calliope for endangered species, native flora and fauna, and a modern soundtrack.

This symbol of peace is appropriately positioned overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

Though tiki culture has gone in and out of fashion, the Tonga Hut has always been flying the flag in Los Angeles.

The quiet canyon has a tumultuous history involving a doomsday cult.

An expansive book store, art gallery, and curio shop with wares ranging from tarot cards to novelty socks.

This hilltop park offers magnificent views and a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece.

The L.A. Zoo has a secret garden of rare bootleg cycads, a palm specimen dating back 280 million years.

This traditional garden in the San Fernando Valley doubled for Star Fleet Academy, and is irrigated entirely by wastewater.

Magical-looking cottages that inspired one of the most famous animated films ever.

The final resting place of a space program monolith.

This glamorous old building is said to have inspired the Tower of Terror.

A multimedia experience that chronicles the atrocities of racism.

Historic marionette theater features thousands of handmade puppets and free cups of ice cream.

This brightly made over hotel hides decades of suicide, serial killers, and mysterious deaths.

A faux European lane smack dab in downtown L.A.

A common entry point to the Griffith Observatory trail holds its own wonders.

After starting as a whimsical tourist attraction that eventually found its way to ruin, these renovated canals offer a lush and exotic locale on the Pacific Coast.