Gan West

Opened in 1993 and partially owned by Johnny Depp until 2004, the Viper Room on the Sunset Strip was known as a popular nightlife hangout for young celebrities and is noted for being the site where actor River Phoenix died. This smaller venue continues to be well known for its excellent acoustics and Hollywood atmosphere.

LA is known for filmmaking; so you shouldn't be surprised to learn dozens of film festivals occur in the LA area every year. The Los Angeles Film Festival is one of the largest, screening over 100 films during its 10-day festivities. The festival showcases independent, international, feature, documentary and short films and draws in a crowd of more than 90,000 to its special events and premieres.

Head to The Wiltern for performances by up-and-coming artists. This medium-sized art deco venue hosts popular local, regional and, occasionally, national performers and bands in a series of concerts throughout the year. Adjacent to the 12-story Pellissier Building, this theater offers some of the best acoustics - and entertainment - in the city.

Los Angeles contains a multitude of art galleries and museums, but the Getty Center is the most popular. This art center showcases a variety of classic and modern art and photography in its permanent collection, as well as regional, national and international traveling exhibitions. The architecture of the building and the lovely view combine to create an art lover's dream.