You MUST get a copy of the Monk guide to L.A./Southern Calif. I don't know the exact name of the book, but go to the website monk.com. These guys publish the absolute best travel guides to many locations in the U.S., including L.A. They go to exactly the kind of places you seek. (By the way, a personal recommendation in L.A. is Watts Tower. Maybe not weird, but beautiful and awe inspiring in a unique way.) Also, not in the "weird" category, but when you plan your trip be sure to seek out the sights of east L.A. Most tourist/tourist guides totally ignore this richly diverse area.

The best tour I have ever been on was the Graveline Tour in LA. A hearse takes you all over LA, Beverly Hills, Belair,etc. You do not go to any cemetaries, but you do see where all famous and infamous people lived and died. Worth every cent. If I remmembered correctly, advance reservations were requested.

I think that Grave Line Tours went out of business. Just couldn't find enough people who wanted to ride in a hearse while on vacation I guess.

Pinky--you don't say when you're going to be in L.A., but pick up a copy of today's Los Angeles Times (Thursday, May 23) and look at the "calendar" section. It's a special section today outlining what will be going on in town all summer, as well as talking about some "weird" places to visit. I know that if I buy the NY Times here, it doesn't always have all the local info, so you might want to check it out on the web. I believe it is latimes.com

You may be surpised to find, as was I, that the website of the L.A. Convention and Visitors Bureau has a wide range of suggested "tours". That is, itineraries to for many tastes. One of the best official gov't tourist bureau websites I have seen.

I think the very first response provides the best recommendation. Sit at an outdoor cafe and gape at the amazing facial expressions and body contours of the lifted, tucked, and enlarged. LA is, without a doubt, one of the biggest freak shows on earth!

Does anybody know the name of the resale shop I'm thinking of? It sells outfits worn on TV shows (when I read about it, the example given was the show Melrose Place).<BR><BR>I actually had the address and tried to find it when I was there a few years ago, but gave up after driving forever down the street it's on and not coming across it.

Susan, You might be thinking of a place called "It's a Wrap." At least, it's mentioned with Melrose Place at the following Web site, which lists lots of stores that sell this kind of stuff:<BR><BR>http://www.travellady.com/ARTICLES/article-starwears.html<BR><BR>Hope this helps, Susan!

That's exactly it, Don. Thanks! I doubt I'll be getting back there any time soon, but Pinky and her friends may be interested.

not an la woman :)<BR>I didn't think anyone read that!<BR> It is sooo true,isn't it? And to think that the rest of the world might think that everyone in the US looks like those freaks they see on tv!

Rent bicyles or rollarblades for a late morning ride down Santa Monica beach past the pier through Venice beach (and beyond if you'd like). Great people watching, great cafes and food stands. Perfect LA.

Just found this website from another post: www.seeing-stars.com. It lists celebrity-owned restaurants and lots of other celeb info.

The wealth of information provided here is just great. I will be traveling to Los Angeles the end of October through the beginning of November. Here in New York, we have a Halloween parade. I am under the impression that L.A. has the same??? Where do we go to check that out?<BR><BR>Once again....I must reiterate how wonderful these suggestions are....and how very excited I am to visit your great city! Thank you!

It's not really a parade. It's more whoever feels like promenading in West Hollywood--approximately at<BR>Santa Monica Blvd between Robertson and<BR>La Cienega. It's pretty fun; the street is closed to car traffic, outrageous costumes.

Where are you planning on staying? This makes a big difference in terms of what sights to recommend.

The West Hollywood Halloween parade is a pretty big event. Big turn out and wild costumes.

we are staying at the hollywood roosevelt....good choice??

Hi Pinky, found a website that might be fun for you to take a look at: http://www.losangelesalmanac/com/top...ious/index.htm. It lists various myths like "the curse of Griffith Park," etc.<BR>Also on the same website www.losangelesalmanac/com/topics/arts/art2.htm has a big section on murals in LA--in lots of different parts of the city. If they sound interesting to you and your friends it's a terriffic way to see different parts of the city that you might not otherwise see.

Typo above: Mural URL is www.losangelesalmanac/com/topics/Arts/ar12.htm.