If you want to witness what architecture is about, visit SCI-Arc. This is where I went to school ,and I can tell you there is not one day that you will not be surprise what goes on inside this school. From open to the public lectures every wednesday to galleries and installation, and not to mention the student work.
I love living in a city where I can easily go hiking during the day and be home by dark. Griffith is just massive and untamed, it has a wild feel about it in places. Views of LA, the ocean, and the Hollywood sign.
Dylan's Candy Store is located in the heart of the Grove. You can find the any kind of candy you can imagine. I always feel like a little kid in that store and attack the teeth gummy.
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.