Street art at it's best. This area shows some of the best graffiti art I've seen. Entire buildings cover with intricate imagery. that gain new depth through the layering of different artists.

place to chill

If you love karaoke like I do, there's a ton of spots to check out in LA, but none quite as charming (or David Lynch-y) as Melody Lounge. Be forewarned, this spot is intermittently open. You'll know they're ready for business if they plant a sandwich board outside offering cold sandwiches and cheap beer. Hopefully, you'll get a chance to meet the owner Willie, whose (possibly embellished) life stories rival Hemingway. As for the song selection, the campy MIDI versions and painfully less than accurate lyric translations can suddenly turn your favorite tunes into high-wire acts (i.e. "Leaving On A Jet Plane" magically transforms into "Libyan on A Jet Plane"). Hell, they even have a song called "Schindler's List" on the menu! Even if you don't sing, Willie or his wife will gleefully take the stage. Special tip: for a true Chinatown boner, request Willie sing Enrique Iglesias' "Bailamos."

Max is the place for serious karaoke lovers and enthusiasts. I go almost every week during happy hour, which is $5 an hour anytime before 8P. Pro tip: ask for Joy Sound.

Endless hours of plants to discover. I've never seen so many types of plants in one place. A great place to spend the day getting inspiration.