Top 5 things about LA.

So...

The easier list by far is to pick out 5 things about LA that suck. I mean, there's so many options to choose from that narrowing it down would best involve sticking up a city map and throwing darts at it and then just talking about whatever spot the dart lands on. That said, certain aspects of Los Angeles do have their charm and so I thought I would list off 5 things about LA that really stand out. These 5 things alone are reason enough to justify living in this over-hyped, over-crazed, over-blown smogtown. So without further ado...

1. Griffith Observatory. If you go at night it offers an unobstructed view of the entire LA skyline. If you go on a clear night you almost forget about the abundance of smog infecting your lungs. And if you go early enough you can take a peek at the cosmos through their impressively large telescope. When I went, the lens was pointed directly at Saturn and I could make out several of that planet's over 65 moons and, of course, it's famous rings. The word spectacular doesn't even begin the describe the feeling of climbing up the stairs in the observation dome and seeing another world as an astrologist tells you all kinds of interesting facts about our galaxy. In addition to the center's telescopes, there are tons of cool exhibits and displays to check out and you can even touch various rocks from the moon and Mars. I also thought it was cool to weigh myself at different stops to find out what I would weigh on various neighboring planets, including Pluto, which despite recent controversy, the Observatory insists is a planet. As if all that isn't enough, the have a planetarium that shows no less that three different movies on any given day. My advise is to go on a warm summer night, but plan to get their by sunset so you have enough time to see all the exhibits and get tickets to the planetarium show, as they usually sell out.

2. Malibu. Despite the illusion that LA has perfect beaches, most of them are covered with crap or are located next to either an airport or a smoke tower spewing God knows what into the atmosphere. If you head Northwest you can even get a view of some lovely oil rigs off the shore. Beautiful! But in Malibu they actually do have a white sand beach, nestled in a quiet little cove that, after, like most everything else in LA, you pay your 15 bucks for parking, you can walk down to and spend the next 4 hours relaxing at (or 8 if you have another 15 bucks). Duke's Restaurant in Malibu is pretty sweet, too. It offers great dining with a perfect view of the ocean because, well, you are literally sitting on the beach. When I went no less than three whales breached the surface of the water just beyond our table as they made their way North. The only downside is the water is frigid 99% of the time so forget about going in without a wetsuit.

3. Venice Boardwalk. I wouldn't recommend going in the water here, either, not because it's usually cold, but because it's always dirty (a staple of most LA beaches). However, if you do go in the water I recommend bringing a surfboard and going to Washington Street, where the waves are pretty consistent. At the boardwalk itself, it's fun to people watch and simply walk the sidewalks investigating all the junk people are trying to peddle. Once in a while you might even find something worth buying, like some great sidewalk-sold art. I like taking a bike and bypassing all the slower skateboarders and rollerbladers. The posh ultra-modern beachside houses are fun to look at, as well.

4. Hollywood Bowl. An oasis in Hollywood from the congestion of people, cars, noise and general headache. One of the best concert venues around, with great views from any seat and great sound everywhere. The variety of acts range from Tom Petty to African tribal music to John Williams. Don't feel like sitting in an actual seat? Bring a picnic basket and stretch out on the back lawn.

5. And finally my favorite thing about LA is it's proximity to other, better cities like San Diego and Orange County (where Disneyland is at).