Adamson House 1930s home filled with famed Malibu Potteries tile. Grounds open daily; house Wed.–Sat. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $2–$5, under 6 free. No credit cards. 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, 310.456.8432 Map west of K7

AMERICAN GIRL PLACE Multilevel venue with boutique, bookstore, cafe and musical American Girls Revue. Open daily. The Grove, 189 The Grove Drive, L.A., 877.AG.PLACE Map J13

Catalina Express Year-round boat service to Catalina Island; daily departures from Long Beach, Dana Point, San Pedro. 800.995.4386; www.catalinaexpress.com

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels Stunning contemporary cathedral opposite Music Center. 555 W. Temple St., downtown, 213.680.5200 Map H17

Chinatown Ornate architecture, dim sum, shops with Eastern wares. Art and antiques on Chung King Road. Between Cesar E. Chavez Avenue and Bernard Street, Yale and Spring streets, downtown Map G17

CITY PASS  Buy one pass to experience several attractions at a discounted price. 707.256.0490, www.citypass.com

CRYSTAL CATHEDRAL 40-acre garden grounds featuring world-renowned architechture and a 16,000 pipe organ. Free tours. 12141 Lewis St., Garden Grove. 714.971.4000 www.crystalcathedral.org

DESCANSO GARDENS North America’s largest camellia collection (34,000 plants amid 20 acres of oaks) and much more including lilacs, azaleas and irises. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. daily. $2–$7, under 5 free. 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge, 818.949.4200 Map Q19

DISNEYLAND Disneyland Mickey Mouse's theme park. Recent additions include Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage. Updated Pirates of the Caribbean and Space Mountain. Fireworks, fantastic Fantasmic! continues. Call for hours. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $56–$66, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

DISNEY'S CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE Soarin' Over California, A Bug's Land, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Call for hours. New "4-D" video game ride Toy Story Mania. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $56–$66, under 2 free. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565 Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Egyptian TheatRE Restored 1922 Hollywood landmark screens classics, cult favorites, indie films. Excellent Forever Hollywood screens daily. $5–$10. 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.3456 Map H13

El Capitan TheatrE 1926 movie palace screens Disney films new and old. Call for schedule. $9–$13. VIP admission with reserved seat $22. 6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.467.7674 Map H13

El Pueblo de Los Angeles Birthplace of Los Angeles. Twenty-seven buildings include 1818 Avila Adobe, L.A.'s oldest. 130 Paseo de la Plaza, downtown, 213.628.1274 Map H17

EXPOSITION PARK ROSE GARDEN Grassy pathways bisect 20,000 rose bushes of nearly 200 varieties. Daily 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Free. 701 State Drive, downtown, 213.763.0114 Map K15

Farmers Market Local landmark with 120 produce stalls, restaurants and gift shops in open-air setting. 6333 W. 3rd St., L.A., 323.933.9211 Map I13 www.farmersmarketla.com

GAMBLE HOUSE Landmark Arts & Crafts–style home. First come, first served; reservations can be made at least one week in advance for daily 2 p.m. tour. Flat shoes required. Thurs.–Sun. noon–3 p.m. $7–$12.50, under 12 free. 4 Westmoreland Place, Pasadena, 626.793.3334 Map Q19

Grauman's Chinese Theatre Historic Hollywood venue with walkway of stars' hand- and footprints in the forecourt. Call for movie schedule. 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.464.8111 Map H13

Greystone MANSION AND PARK Gardens and park grounds open daily. Tours first Saturday of the month. 905 Loma Vista Drive, Beverly Hills, 310.550.4796 Map I11

Griffith Observatory Iconic attraction overlooking Hollywood. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tues.–Fri. noon–10 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Free; donations accepted. 2800 E. Observatory Road, L.A., 213.473.0800 Map U23

Hollywood Guinness World Records Museum Shrine to amazing achievements. Daily 10 a.m.–midnight. $6.95–$15.95, under 5 free. 6764 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.463.6433 Map H13

Hollywood Walk of Fame Celebs get stars. Free. Hollywood Boulevard from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, Hollywood, 323.469.8311 Map H13

Hollywood Wax Museum Hollywood greats in wax. 10 a.m.–midnight daily. $6.95–$15.95. 6767 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.462.5991 Map H13

iFLY HOLLYWOOD Universal CityWalk launches L.A.'s first indoor sky-diving wind tunnel, elevating "sky-divers" up to 30 feet, suspending them at wind speeds of 125 miles per hour and affording them a panoramic view of the pedestrian promenade. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.4455. Map U20 www.iflyhollywood.com

JILLIAN'S You'll be bowled over by all the activities including bowling in a retro lounge, game room with prizes, big screen sports viewing, club nights and more. 1000 Universal Studios Blvd #g101, Universal City, 818.985.8234.

Knott's Berry Farm More than 165 rides and attractions. Coasters include Silver Bullet, GhostRider, Montezooma's Revenge and new Sidewinder. Call for hours. $19.99–$49.95, under 3 free. 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200 Map D5

Kodak Theatre Tour the home of the Academy Awards. Daily 10:30 a.m.–4 p.m. $10–$15, under 3 free. 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.308.6300 Map H13 www.kodaktheatre.com

L.A. Zoo AND Botanical Gardens Wildlife in parklike setting. Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $5–$10, under 2 free. Golden State (5) and Ventura (134) freeways, 5333 Zoo Drive, L.A., 323.644.4200 Map T23

Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific Focus on Pacific Ocean sea life. Pet the sharks at Shark Lagoon; Lorikeet Forest, Monsters of the Abyss 3-D. Daily 9 a.m.–6 p.m. $11.95–$20.95, under 3 free. 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, 562.590.3100 Map O16 www.aquariumofpacific.org

LOS ANGELES COUNTY ARBORETUM & BOTANIC GARDEN Peacocks roam the grounds and roost overhead at 127-acre garden. Make your own idyllic route or take the tram tour. Sun.–Fri. 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last admission 4:30 p.m.); Sat., call for hours. Free third Tuesday of the month. $2.50–$7, under 5 free. 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia, 626.821.3222 Map Q22

Museum of Tolerance Exhibits examine prejudice and discrimination, legacy of the Holocaust and human-rights issues. Ongoing: Finding Our Families, Finding Ourselves. Mon.–Thurs. 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Fri. until 3 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–5 p.m. $7–$10. 9786 W. Pico Blvd., West L.A., 310.553.8403. Map J11 www.museumoftolerance.com

The Music Center The 90-minute Symphonian Music Center Tour includes history, architecture. Also see listing for Walt Disney Concert Hall at the Music Center. First-come, first-served most days. 10 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.–noon. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399. Map H16 www.musiccenter.org

Ocean Front Walk Boardwalk with street performers, souvenir vendors. Muscle Beach–adjacent. Along beach between Marine Street and Grand Boulevard, Venice Map N9

Olvera Street Festive open-air Mexican marketplace with restaurants, shops at historic El Pueblo de Los Angeles. Alameda Street between Main and Los Angeles streets, downtown, 213.485.8437 Map H17

Ports O' Call Village Fifty stores and restaurants. Harbor cruises, helicopter tours, boat tours of Port of Los Angeles. 77 Nagoya Way (off Harbor Boulevard), San Pedro Map O15

Queen Mary Ship and Seaport Historic ocean liner—bigger than the Titanic!—permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor. Shops, dining, art deco lounge. The Russian Foxtrot Submarine is adjacent (listing next page). Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. for self-guided and guided tours. $12.95–$24.95, under 5 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.435.3511 Map O16 www.queenmary.com

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium Three hundred displays feature curiosities gathered by traveler Robert Ripley in the 1930s. Daily 10 a.m.–10 p.m. $8.99–$12.99, under 5 free. 6780 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, 323.466.6335 Map H13

Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum New Air Force One Pavilion houses the actual Flying White House. Daily 10 a.m.–5 p.m. $3–$12, under 10 free. 40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, 800.410.8354 Map northwest of Map A1

Russian Foxtrot Submarine Tour the Scorpion, moored next to historic Queen Mary ocean liner. Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m. $9.95– $10.95, under 3 free. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.432.0424 Map O16 www.russiansublongbeach.com

San Fernando Mission 1797 mission with museum, archives and gardens. Daily 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $3–$4, under 7 free. 15151 San Fernando Mission Blvd., Mission Hills, 818.361.0186 Map north of A1

San Gabriel Mission Mission includes the oldest building (1771) in Southern California. Daily 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. $3–$5, under 6 free. 427 S. Junipero Serra Drive, San Gabriel, 626.457.3048 Map B4

SANTA MONICA BAYSIDE DISTRICT Drawing locals and world travelers alike, Downtown Santa Monica is a popular Southern California coastal destination, anchored by the world-famous Third Street Promenade. Known for a twice-weekly farmers’ market, fabulous dining and terrific shopping, Downtown also has lots of entertainment choices from movies to live theater to street performers. All this comes packaged in a moderate Mediterranean climate, just minutes from beaches and the Pacific Ocean. 310.393.8355, www.downtownsm.com

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreational Area iking, horseback riding, bird-watching on 150,000 acres. 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks, 805.370.2301 Map west of B1

Six Flags Magic Mountain Theme park has 17 coasters; dozens of attractions; rides including world's tallest, fastest and longest flying coaster, Tatsu. Call for hours. $29.99– $59.99, under 2 free. 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, 661.255.4111 Map A2

TOURNAMENT HOUSE Tours of Rose Parade headquarters in Wrigley Mansion, Italian Renaissance-style home featuring Centennial Rose Garden and Wrigley Gardens. Thurs. 2 and 3 p.m. Free. 391 S. Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena, 626.449.4100 Map R19

Universal Studios Hollywood World's biggest motion picture/TV studio. The Simpsons Ride is new. Other rides include Jurassic Park and Revenge of the Mummy—the Ride. Tram studio tour includes The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, War of the Worlds and Desperate Housewives' Wisteria Lane. Walk-through, scream-as-you-go House of Horrors maze. VIP Experience is private guided tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $54–$64, under 3 free. VIP Experience $199. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801 Map U20 www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Universal CityWalk Eye-popping dining, shopping and entertainment promenade includes boutiques such as Fossil and Abercrombie & Fitch, novelty stores, state-of-the-art cinema and IMAX theater, simulated sky-diving experience iFLY Hollywood and nightly entertainment-filled summer "block parties." 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.4455 Map U20

Walt Disney Concert Hall Frank Gehry–designed architectural landmark at the Music Center. Tour options include 45-minute self-guided audio tour narrated by John Lithgow; guided tours at noon and 1 p.m.; pre-matinee guided tours. Guided tours for 15 or more by reservation. 10 a.m.–2 p.m. most days. Free. 151 S. Grand Ave., downtown, 213.972.4399 Map H16

Watts Towers Monumental folk-art sculpture in South Central Los Angeles was built by Simon Rodia alone from 1921 to 1954. The tallest tower is about 100 feet. 1727 E. 107th St., L.A., 213.485.1795 Map C3

Weisman Art Foundation Tour Frederick R. Weisman's Bel-Air estate, gardens, stunning collection of 20th-century works by Picasso, Rothko, Warhol, others. By appointment, Mon.–Fri., 10:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. 310.277.5321 Map I10

Beaches

ALAMITOS BAY  Several marinas with berthing cMapacity for 2,000 boats; water-skiing permitted in Marine Stadium. Alamitos Bay Beach is a narrow, sandy swimming beach south of 2nd Street on the bay side. Kayak rentals available. Bayshore Drive at Second Street, Long Beach Map O17

ALAMITOS BEACH Wide, sandy beach seaward of Ocean Boulevard. Launch ramps for small boats at Claremont and Granada avenues. Bike rentals available. Along Ocean Boulevard, from Belmont Pier to Alamitos Avenue, Long Beach Map O17

BELMONT SHORE Wide and sandy; on-site dog beach. Along Ocean Boulevard, from 54th Place to Belmont Pier, Long Beach Map O17

CABRILLO BEACH Inside the San Pedro Breakwater it's a stillwater beach and on the ocean it's a surf beach. Public boat-launching ramp on harbor side. Beach wheelchairs available. 40th Street and Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro Map O15

COLORADO LAGOON Forty acres of water and land; the tidal lagoon receives seawater from Marine Stadium. Features a sandy beach, floating causeways and a marine science center. Mappian Way and 4th Street, Long Beach Map N17

DAN BLOCKER BEACH Sandy, narrow beach draws surfers and divers. Great spot for scuba enthusiasts. Limited free roadside parking. 26000 block of Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

DOCKWEILER RV PARK Beachfront RV campsite located near LAX. Sunrise–10 p.m. 800.950.7275 for RV parking fees. No tent camping. RV limit: 37 feet. 12001 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey Map C1

DOCKWEILER STATE BEACH Near LAX; newly renovated facilities. Wide expanse of beach: 3.7 miles of ocean frontage and 255 acres of beach. Beach wheelchairs available. 12501 Vista del Mar, Playa del Rey Map C1

EL MATADOR STATE BEACH One of the prettiest beaches in L.A. County. Steep stairs lead to 18 acres of narrow, sandy beach with scenic rock formations. 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

EL PESCADOR STATE BEACHS Stairs lead to 10 acres of narrow, sandy beach. 32900 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

HERMOSA BEACH Two-mile stretch of beach that runs along Santa Monica Bay before running into the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Metered street parking. Hermosa Avenue and 33rd Street, Hermosa Beach Map L13

JUNIPERO BEACH Narrow, sandy beach. Along Ocean Boulevard from Cherry Avenue to Belmont Pier, Long Beach Map O16

LA PIEDRA STATE BEACH Stairs lead to nine acres of narrow, sandy beach. 32700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

LAS TUNAS BEACH  Nnarrow beach beneath bluffs that attracts surf casters. Free parking lot. 19444 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH One and a half miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing. The beach also has tide pools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring. Two sections of beach along a loop road of a campground. 36000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

MALIBU BEACH Tne hundred sixty-seven-acre beach includes Malibu Pier and Malibu Lagoon with museum. 23050 and 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

MALIBU SURFRIDER BEACH World-renowned surfing area. Swimming areas exist but are limited. 23050 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

MANHATTAN BEACH Beach is bisected by a 900-foot pier. Classic sand volleyball beach nets extend to Hermosa Beach. Metered street and lot parking. Beach wheelchairs available. 400-4500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach Map L13

MARINA/MOTHER'S BEACH on ocean–facing beach best suited for children and windsurfers. Beach wheelchairs available. 4135 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey Map N9

MARINE PARK/MOTHER'S BEACH Narrow, sandy beach and calm bay waters known as Mother's Beach. Marked swimming area and grassy areas. Kayak rentals available. 5839 Mappian Way, Long Beach Map O17

MARINE STADIUM Long, narrow, rectangular body of seawater connected to Alamitos Bay; still used for rowing competitions and commercial watersport events. Boat launching ramp on northwest side. Mappian Way and 2nd Street, Long Beach Map O17

NICHOLAS CANYON BEACH Less crowded than many Malibu beaches and has 23 acres of property. 33850 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

PENINSULA BEACH Moderate width, sandy. Along Ocean Boulevard, 54th Place to 72nd Place, Long Beach Map O17

POINT DUME BEACH Beach is bordered by cliffs and is one of the most beautiful along the L.A. coastline. 7103 Westward Beach Road, Malibu Map northwest of K9

POINT VICENTE Located on the southwestern corner of the peninsula, the small Point Vicente Park offers a whale-watching deck and displays of local history and ecology. Palos Verdes Drive, Palos Verdes Map O13

REDONDO BEACH  1.5-mile beach that runs south of the pier to Torrance Beach. 400-1700 Esplanade, Redondo Beach Map M13

SANTA MONICA STATE BEACH Wide, sandy beach divided by Santa Monica Pier. 100-2900 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica Map M8

TOPANGA BEACH The first real beach in Malibu is rocky and narrow. A popular surfing spot but too rocky for safe swimming. Beach wheelchairs available. 18700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K9

TORRANCE BEACH  Flat swath of sand that widens between pier and peninsula. Beach wheelchairs available. 387 Paseo de la Playa, Torrance Map N13

VENICE CITY BEACH Boardwalk with street performers and shops is one of SoCal's biggest attractions. The north end is home to Muscle Beach. Beach wheelchairs available. 2700–3100 Ocean Front Walk, Venice Map N9

WHITE POINT BEACH/ROYAL PALMS Rugged, rocky shoreline is popular with divers, shell collectors and surf casters. Tide pools. 1799 Paseo del Mar, San Pedro Map O14

WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH Sandy three-mile beach is starting point for the Marvin Braude Bicycle Trail. Beach wheelchairs available. 17700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades Map K7

ZUMA BEACH The ultimate SoCal beach: wide, extends for miles. Equipped with food stands at each end of its four-mile expanse along PCH. Beach wheelchairs available. 30050 block of Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu Map northwest of K7