Steve: Go towards the sunset time and you'll get awesome night city-scape view! Although parking can be a bit stressful. So, you can either parking on the curbed side and walked up the hill OR park at the lot, but expect circling around a bit to find the spot. Also at Griffith you're able to view the Hollywood sign closely.
Steve: Thai Town in Hollywood. My go-to restaurant is Ruen Pair: http://4sq.com/o5WH80 Or Thai Patio: http://4sq.com/uLF8p4 and a very reasonable price.
Steve: One of the best gourmet sandwich in town. Located between Santa Monica Blvd and LaBrea. I recommend, the Pork Belly Sandwich!
Steve: The BEST Ice Cream in town. Try Sea Salt Caramel Ribbons! Also the whole area is charming with lots cafes, restaurants, and boutiques.
Steve: This is hidden neighborhood with the original Hollywood gate. It's very cool historic area, a good place to take a pic of Hollywood sign as well, one street over from the coffee shop & grocery store. Try the coffee shop there
Steve: Located in the Little Tokyo district in downtown L.A. Our fav spot is Shabu-Shabu House. Really crowded on the weekend. Best time to go during the week for lunch. They open at noon for lunch. Try to be there at least by 11:00 AM to sign-in your name. A great coffee shop next to it with my wife's favorite cappuccino in all of L.A.
Steve: This L.A's first street. When you visit there you'll be transported to a Mexican heritage culture of L.A. The first house in L.A is here also. Usually fun to visit here from Little Tokyo, as they are close to each other. Easy to park in the post office parking lot, across the street.
Steve: Never actually been to Midori. For some reason Foursquare doesn't have enough directory for Pasadena. Anyhow, Midori is located in Downtown Pasadena. The whole area is full of shops, restaurants, & cafes. Parking is relatively easy from the lots. In Downtown Pasadena, I'd recommend Intelligentsia Coffee for a really good gourmet style coffee. Noodle world for those craved asian cuisine, or Umami burger.
Steve: If you feel adventurous try taking train ride from Hollywood & highland: http://media.metro.net/riding_metro/maps/images/rail_map.pdf. My favorite destination to go to Pasadena from Hollywood Blvd. You'll have to with at the Union Station Downtown.
Steve: If you're in Santa Monica, you've got to drop by the Pier. Located next to the Santa Monica Beach, tons of games, medium size roller coaster ride, & a great spot to watch the Sunset!
Steve: Proximity from the Pier, checkout this gourmet restaurant / grocery. Cool atmosphere, great for breakfast, pastry selection & selective products. My brother loves this place for those reasons. Located in the famous Ocean Ave area. Also across the street, stroll around Tongva Park. One of our favorite park in Santa Monica.
Steve: Architecture marvels, spectacular gardens, great views of L.A., FREE entry w/only $10 parking per car.
