Adamson House 1930s home filled with famed Malibu Potteries tile. Grounds open daily; house Wed.–Sun. 11 a.m.–3 p.m. $2–$5, under 5 free. 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, 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

DISNEYLAND Disneyland Mickey Mouse's theme park. Recent additions include Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage and Pirate's Lair at Tom Sawyer Island. 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. Admission (includes all rides and attractions): $56–$66. 1600 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.781.4565. Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

DOWNTOWN DISNEY Downtown Disney Twenty acres of shopping, dining and nightlife adjacent to theme parks. 1510–1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim. Map I10 disneyland.disney.go.com

Egyptian Theater 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. 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

Farmers Market Farmers Market Local landmark features 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

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 Park and Mansion 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 has reopened after $93 million makeover. Hourly shows at planetarium. Tues.–Fri. noon–10 p.m.; Sat.–Sun. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. $4–$8, under 5 free. 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 past and present. Sun.–Thurs. 10 a.m.–midnight; Fri.–Sat. 10 a.m.–1 a.m. $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 and new Sidewinder. Call for hours. $49.95–$35.95, $18.95 children 3–11 and seniors, 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

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

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, permanently berthed ocean liner (bigger than the Titanic!). Open 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily for self-guided and guided tours. Ghosts & Legends of the Queen Mary. Adjacent is Russian Foxtrot Submarine. Shops, restaurants, deco lounge. $19.95–$29.95, 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 exhibits feature curiosities gathered by traveler Robert Ripley in the 1930s. Daily 10 a.m.–11 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., south end of Long Beach (710) Fwy., Long Beach, 562.432.0424. Map O16

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 One hundred fifty-thousand acres; hiking, horseback riding, bird-watching. 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, longest flying coaster, Tatsu. Call for hours. $29.99– $59.99, under 2 free. 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia, 661.255.4111. Map A2

Universal Studios Hollywood World's biggest motion picture/TV studio. Tram studio tour includes narration by Whoopi Goldberg, The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift and King Kong sequences. Two rides just got cooler: Jurassic Park is now a water ride, and Revenge of the Mummy: the Ride blankets passengers with 45-degree liquid nitrogen. New walk-through, scream-as-you-go House of Horrors maze features characters from Frankenstein to Chucky. VIP Experience is private guided tour through prop warehouse, working movie sets, soundstages. Call for hours. $49–$59, under 3 free. VIP Experience $139. 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, 818.622.3801. Map U20 www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Universal CityWalk Eye-popping dining, shopping, entertainment promenade. Movie theater adds widest stadium seating ever made, floor-to-ceiling screens and a popcorn-inspired façade. New iFLY Hollywood is Southern California's only indoor sky-diving experience. 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–$15. Wed.–Mon., 10 a.m.–2 p.m. 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 over 33 years, 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 Bayshore Drive at Second Street, Long Beach. Several marinas with berthing capacity 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. Map O17

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

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

CABRILLO BEACH 40th Street and Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro. 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. Map O15

COLORADO LAGOON Appian Way and 4th Street, Long Beach. 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. Map N17

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LA PIEDRA STATE BEACH 32700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. Stairs lead to 9 acres of narrow, sandy beach. Map northwest of K9

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

LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH 36000 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. 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. Map northwest of K9

MALIBU BEACH 23050 and 23200 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu. 167-acre beach includes Malibu Pier and Malibu Lagoon with museum. Map northwest of K9

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

MANHATTAN BEACH 400-4500 The Strand, 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. Map L13

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

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

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

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

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

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

POINT VICENTE Palos Verdes Drive, Palos Verdes. 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. Map O13

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

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

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

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

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

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

WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH 17700 Pacific Coast Hwy., Pacific Palisades. Sandy 3-mile beach is starting point for the Marvin Braude Bicycle Trail. Beach wheelchairs available. Map K7

ZUMA BEACH 30050 block of Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. The ultimate SoCal beach: wide, extends for miles. Equipped with food stands at each end of its 4-mile expanse along PCH. Beach wheelchairs available. Map northwest of K7