A First-Timer's Guide to Los Angeles
by Jim Rufus



Thousands of tourists flock to the "City of Angels" each year. Often referred to as Los Angeles, this entertainment mecca boasts something for everyone - young or old.

Let's start with food. The streets of LA are lined with every kind of restaurant imaginable. For a quick bite and a small budget, you will find three great offerings. The best of which is In-N-Out. (No, this is not an adult novelty store, but the best burgers, fries and shakes in the business - hands down.) If In-N-Out doesn't strike your fancy, try Tommy's. Rolaids should be sold as an impulse buy at the counter of this chili-lover's haven. Still not tempted? Check out Jack in the Box, a West Coast phenomenon that offers a variety of treats - guaranteed to suit even the pickiest of eaters. These three restaurants can usually be found on any fast-food thoroughfare throughout the city.

For a laid back and enjoyable lunch or dinner, try California Pizza Kitchen. CPK isn't just about pizza, it is the epitomy of Cali-cuisine. Larger malls usually carry this franchise as an anchor restaurant. The Cheesecake Factory not only has a diverse menu with generous portions, but dozens of different kinds of cheesecake (save some room). The original restaurant is located directly off Rodeo drive and is a great place for star gazing. Two other locations include Marina Del Ray and Canoga Park. Looking for "locals only" hangouts? Pancho's in Manhattan Beach offers incredible Mexican food and great live entertainment on the weekends. King George's (yes, there are pubs in California) has the best fish and chips around and serves up a variety of imported brews. It is located near 3rd and Promenade in Santa Monica.

In the market for Italian fare that is nothing less of bellisimo? Try Micelli's, situated just below the entrance to Universal Studios. Don't be surprised if you see your waiter belting out the tunes during his shift. The waitstaff doubles as entertainment. Often times audience members can be found singing a tune in front of the microphone. No, this is not karaoke, many of the staff members are in-between actors using their natural talents to make a dime in the meantime. For a romantic twist, make reservations in one of the two cupolas overlooking the restaurant. Each seats only two and offers both ambiance and a view of the festivities.

For the sports fan, LA truly has it all - except a team in the NFL, which is on the way. However, what LA is missing in professional football it easily makes up for in other professional sports. Two of the NBA's biggest names play in LA - the Clippers and the Lakers. The NHL has the Anaheim Ducks and the LA Kings. And baseball fans have their choice between the Anaheim Angels and LA Dodgers. Fans can easily pick up tickets at the game or call ahead to reserve seats. Or better yet, why not take advantage of technology and buy the tickets online?

Since the weather in LA is generally never in question, outdoor activities should top a traveler's list. From people-watching to being watched, take your pick, but there is no place better on Earth to do it than the beach and Rodeo Drive. If being involved is your cup of tea, you can bike, skate, swim, jog, shoot hoops or try to earn a quick buck by showing off your talents - whether real or perceived - at Venice Beach. Favorites include palm reading, fire walking and eating glass. Lots of tree huggers and Volkswagon Bus residents can be found among the many tourists and locals that enjoy this weekend hangout.

Santa Monica Beach is situated a few miles north. Rent a few bikes and ride up the coastline or take in the historic Santa Monica Pier, filled with shops, rides and games. For the window shoppers and star watchers, take a walk down Rodeo Drive. Take a peak in some of the extravagant shops where the prices will knock off your proverbial socks. A must-see for the first-time tourist!

And lastly, let's wrap up our tour with some of my all-time favorites. The Universal Studios tour is like no other. You'll get a close-up view of your favorite movie sets and learn just how those cool special effects were created. Check for show listings and pick up tickets to live tapings of your favorite network sitcoms.

Take a relaxing day cruise to Catalina Island, where you'll find a number of beaches, shopping areas and amusements. One cannot go wrong with Disneyland, nestled in nearby Anaheim, or Magic Mountain, in Saugus. Both amusement parks offer a delightful array of rides for the young and old.

Enjoy a drive down historic Hollywood Boulevard and a walk around Mann's Chinese Theater to see footprints of the stars. At Starline Tours, next to Mann's, you can purchase a ticket for a bus tour of the stars' homes. The humorous, guided tour passes you by the homes of past- and present-day stars, including Marilyn Monroe and Cher.

And finally, a right-of-passage for any LA tourist, pick up tickets for 'The Price is Right' or a taping of the 'Tonight Show.' Bob Barker and the showcase showdown can be yours by writing to: Price is Right, CBS Television City, 7800 Beverly Boulevard, LA, CA, 90036. Jay Leno and his bevy of guest stars tape the show at NBC Studios in Burbank. Find out the taping schedule and line up the morning of the show where tickets are handed out on a first-come, first-serve basis.

In planning your LA visit, don't try to do everything in one week. Target specific activities, plan day trips and allow yourself some rest in between. Bring lots of sunscreen, spending money, film for the camera and your best tourist gear! Have a few extra days left over on the West Coast after all this excitement? Las Vegas is just a short four-hour drive away.