I have a real issue to contend with. My company is sending me to our Los Angeles office (I live on the east coast) for 3 weeks. If this was SF, I'd be elated but am completely depressed at the prospect of 3 weeks in a city of freeways and smog--at least that's been my perception of prior visits other than some great beach stays which really are only an option on weekends here. I hope somone has some sound advice on how I can salvage whatever free time I have. Thanks.

Where will you be in the LA Area? I live in Southern CA and there are lots of things to see and do depending on what part of town you are staying in. It does get smoggy here at times but it has been lots better in the past 10 years than it was 20-30 years ago. Basically, it has been very nice. Lots of traffic tho.

What are you looking for, nightlife? I mean, you're going to be working all day right? And you're heading for the beaches on the weekends? So you can't hack a drive to and from work every day, is that what you're saying?

Work is work, why would San Fran be so much better? You're in an air conditioned office either way I presume?

Mare -

Listen to what you're saying. Most people have a life and experience things outside of work ours. Others watch a lot of TV (you sound like you fit into this category). When I'm out of town for work, I try to experience as much of that city I can during my off hours. Why is this such a foreign concept to you?

oops - work hours, not ours

Are you kidding? LA is a great place for a business trip - I've done it 7 times. Great places to eat, go for a walk on the beach, drive around at night, Santa Monica promenade. Drive to San Diego for one weekend, Santa Barbara for another. LA has some great bars. Some of the most fun I have ever had was on business trips in LA mostly because I was able to hook up with single co-workers who didn't mind showing me around but even without them I still explored a bit on my own. I think its a great chance to get to know the city.

We personally love LA and like it better than San Fran. Everybody thinks it's hip to slam LA when the city has alot to offer and better weather. Great things to do include:

1) beaches
2) canyons for hiking
3) hip shopping on Melrose, Beverly and Robertson
4) standard high-end shopping on Rodeo and at the new Hollywood and Highland complex (where the Academy Awards are held)
5) dining alfresco
6) the Getty Museum
7) San Diego
8) the Huntington Library and Garden in Pasadena

That's all off the top of my head. Alot depends on where you stay (Santa Monica for the beaches or Beverly Hills/Sunset Strip for nightlife and dining).

Given your attitude and lack of creativity, doubt you'll have fun since you didn't do much research and seem determined to slam LA.

What I'm saying is, there's no reason to be "completely depressed", over this so-called "real issue to contend with".
You're there to work, so work! Nobody is forcing you to go out and explore a city that you don't enjoy.

The obvious answer: get thee to the Happiest Place on Earth!
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Well looks as though you have no choice in this matter as your company is sending you. I suggest that whether or not you have a good time, or end up depressed, as a great deal to do with your attitude coming into the city.
As an LA Native I can say that our city can be very challenging to people who don't know their way around.. seemingly endless strip malls, in between gems of interest. It doesn't have the accessability of say, Boston, NY or London. However, if you know where to look Los Angeles can really be fantastic, the people who seem to like it the most are people who either A) have a pretty good idea of where they are going and what they like to do, or (b) people who have local friends to show them the cool places.
Just my opinion, but I have this theory that anyone who REALLY hated their visit to L.A, ended up staying in a hotel close to Disneyland...
Santa Monica is wonderful, Hollywood is on the upswing, theres lots of open spaces.. really it all depends on how much time you are willing to invest in exploring. Just an FYI. Los Angeles is not the only city with major traffic problems.

Spent 5 days in LA on business in 1999....LOVED it.

Can I trade places with you?
Chicago Joe

With an attitude like yours, it's amazing that you still have a job. There are so many umemployed people who would cherish the opportunity to have a job, not to mention one that allows for 3 weeks in LA.

LA has the best hookers--mainly gorgeous broads marking time and paying bills until they can get their break in the movies!