I had a studio in this neighborhood for 3 years. Just take your camera and spend a couple hours walking around admiring the colors and people and odd shops. 

Soak up some Dwell homes and Abbot Kinney lifestyle 

It's site says it's "A Friendly Store For Friendly People," and this is completely true. They throw fun parties in the back, and have a sick collection of clothes, housewares, and other goodies.

General Store is my home away from home, where we share the things we love with the world!

The Magic Castle is a nightclub for magicians and magic enthusiasts, as well as the clubhouse for the Academy of Magical Arts. It bills itself as "the most unusual private club in the world." A typical evening features several close up magic and stage illusions. Formal dress is strictly enforced and you must either be a member or be invited by a magician. The lobby of the Castle has no visible doors to the interior, and visitors must say a secret phrase to a sculpture of an owl to gain access, exposing the entrance to the club. What I enjoy most is walking through the corridors and staring at the posters and photographs of the history of magic.