California Dreamin': 48 Hours in Los Angeles

Yes, it's touristy and kitschy, but you can't visit LA without at least driving down Hollywood Boulevard to see the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Whether you're searching for your favorite stars, want to stop at Grauman's Chinese Theater, or you just want to get a good view of the iconic Hollywood sign, this should be your first stop in the City of Angels.

Come to Griffith Observatory around sunset time for epic views of the Hollywood sign and a sweeping panorama of LA from the hills. Then stay after dark to use their giant telescope, explore the free museum, and catch a show in the planetarium. And if you're more interested in the kind of stars you see in movies, the gorgeous old building was even used as a filming location for movies like "Rebel Without a Cause" and "The Terminator!"

Grab some breakfast at the famed French-inspired Chateau Marmont, hidden in the Hollywood Hills. Whether you're in the mood for decadent brioche French toast, or you want to revitalize with cold-pressed juice, you can enjoy it in this old-school Hollywood hotspot. Plus, it's a pretty good place for celeb-spotting, if you're into that.

Since you're in California, you should get some tacos. Located across from Chateau Marmont off Sunset Boulevard, Pinches is an inconspicuous joint that serves up cheap and delicious tacos in a massive variety of options: pork, shrimp, chicken, veggie, beef tongue, sopes, cactus, and more!

Make sure you snag tickets in advance to the legendary Whisky A Go Go, which is famous for hosting all kinds of legendary acts like the Doors, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin, among many others, and for spawning the "go-go dancer" fad of the late 1960's. They still put on shows for cool up-and-coming acts, so it's worth checking out.

Cozy up to the bar at The Church Key to enjoy one of their signature craft cocktails. With ingredients like "rosemary smoke" and mitaki mushrooms, you'll want to sip and savor your drink early in the night, before you drink so much that things get fuzzy.

If you'd rather see something a little lighter, then stop by The Comedy Store. Grab tickets to one of the shows in their three theaters, which offer all different kinds of performances, from big headlining acts to strange and offbeat smaller shows. There's a two drink minimum here, but it doesn't have to be booze... although that never fails to enhance the experience.