Hi everyone, I will be staying in downtown LA accompanying DH on a business trip late next week, need help planning what to do! Touristy things: I'd like a selfie with HOLLYWOOD sign behind me: what is a good vantage point for that?), see the Walk of Stars, but other than that...pretty open. I will rent a car. I'd like to do some scenic walking (I usually walk 5-6 miles a day) and I love anything having to do with water, I'd like to do some shopping in non-chain stores, perhaps a small district that's good to walk and has boutiques...although not super high end, eat at local organic food places, perhaps on the beach(es) as well while there, and of course, guidance on how to do this without sitting in traffic all day. Thanks in advance!!

For scenic walking, hit the Griffith Observatory. Lots of trails and a really neat view of LA.

The Griffith Observatory is also a great location for a selfie with the Hollywood sign.

If you'd like a scenic walk to the Hollywood sign itself, here's a link to trail info. Note, a fence keeps you from getting in front of the sign. http://hollywoodsigntrip.com/

Another nice hike with "Hollywood" overtones is the hike to the "M*A*S*H*" set in Malibu Creek State Park. The park has been used as a location for many movies as you can see if you watch the short film in the Visitor's Center.
http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/mash...ek-state-park/

Awesome! Multitasking! So, the Griffith Observatory is definately on the list @hobbert and @longhorn55!! Malibu Creek sounds cool as well. Loved Corporal Klinger, he's from my hometown Toledo OH !!
Keep those suggestions coming!!

Lots of good hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Another day drive up to Malibu, visit the dunes and if weather is nice Zuma Beach usually has plenty of parking, maybe stop for lunch at Duke's, very Hawaiian feeling and on the water. If you have time you could work in the Getty Villa (you do need reservations for parking due to a small lot but admission is free).

I'll second Griffith Observatory as a good place to take your picture with the Hollywood sign.

I'm not much of a shopper, but when I was in Los Angeles I enjoyed doing some window shopping along Main Street in Santa Monica.

Lee Ann

The Observatory would be a good thing to see with your husband, because it's open til 10pm with great panoramic views of the L.A. basin. Leave downtown after dinner, maybe 7:30pm or so to avoid heavy traffic.

Also if you head out to Santa Monica or to Malibu Bluffs Park (across from Pepperdine University, free parking)...don't head back into downtown between 4:30 and 7pm or you'll be sorry.

www.discoverlosangeles.com

Thank you all! Here are my thoughts at the moment...on the day I have to myself I've decided no car. So I'll transit, über or walk from the Westin Bonaventure as follows:
Hollywood walk of Fame (early), being sure to stop at Hollywood an highland for a picture, see the Chinese Theatre then to WeHo to shop and eat...
Then back to the hotel for a breather and walk to Olvera Street. I remember going there in 7th grade when on vacation with my Mom and dad a loooong time ago....must return! also perhaps a late afternoon snack at Grand Central Market. Or vice versa depending on timeframe and how hungry I am. Also perhaps Union Station.
DH appreciative of the suggestions for our together time!! And the beaches be on...so many beaches, so little time

A friend of mine has told me that despite its silly name the restaurant Maccheroni Republic, which is near the Bonaventure and the Grand Central Market, is terrific.

For high end boutique shopping, Robertston Blvd. (not high end like Rodeo Drive, but definitely upscale).

This is my favorite hike to the Griffith Observatory. We do it about once a month with the Corgis (a little tougher for them with those short legs). We actually start at Ferndell Gardens, so go to the bottom of the link, and after you do that walk, take the hike at the beginning of the link.

http://www.simpsoncity.com/hiking/gr.../ferndell.html

For lots of other stuff in L.A., check out my California Dreaming section of my website.

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/california-dreaming-1/

You are all AWESOME!!!!!! Thank you !!!!!

"A friend of mine has told me that despite its silly name the restaurant Maccheroni Republic, which is near the Bonaventure and the Grand Central Market, is terrific."

Excellent pasta. I'm doing a review of it later this week. No reservations, so if you go on Friday or Saturday, get there by 5:30 when it opens…It fills up fast. Not sure about weekdays.

Since you are staying downtown, here are a few more terrific restaurants…Reservations highly recommended!!

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/fact...os-angeles-ca/

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/chur...os-angeles-ca/

http://travelswithmaitaitom.com/baco...os-angeles-ca/