If you really want to feel in a hollywood movie, go visit the river. Forget hollywood. To get the full experience go to this spot. You have to access through a dark, damp tunnel, and when you emerge …there it is, from Grease to Going 60 seconds, to Transformer and Drive. You are immediately transported to a high speed chase or and action movie scene. Nothing beats an Isolated piece of infrastructure.

This is the place you want to go to have a awesome brunch. Be prepared for a waiting line outside on the weekends. The place is packed then. My personal favorites is the Polenta with Maple syrup, bacon, spinach and chicken apple sausage. If you had a rough night before I would suggest the "Hangover Helper", with the bottomless fresh mint-lemonade. Always does the trick.

Grocery-store carts and trash litter [Ballona Creek], joined by flotillas of foam-plastic cups after rainstorms. — Jane Engle, Los Angeles Times

Only about 45 minutes from Los Angeles, this is a great quick campground for a one night escape from the city.

A nice way to combine a beach walk and a mountain hike. The hike's elevation will offer a great view of the PCH highway.