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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.

The Los Angeles waterfront offers plenty of pedal boats, paddleboats, kayaks and canoes for rent. For a different type of aquatic sport, Captain Kirk's offers the equipment and lessons for paddleboards, windsurfing and kite surfing at Belmont Shore, Long Beach and La Ventana. If you're looking for water recreation in LA, this is the place to go.

Get some good laughs at the Groundlings Theatre & School. This improvisation and sketch comedy theater has been serving up humor and entertainment for LA audiences for almost four decades. This comedy club also doubles as the Groundlings School, which hosts six-week long sessions. The competitive program claims many famous alumni, including Will Ferrell, Kristen Wiig and Maya Rudolph.

Located near the California Science Center, the California African American Museum opened its doors to the public in 1981 in order to share the history, art and culture of African Americans with all Angelenos. Permanent and traveling exhibitions use a wide range of art and artifacts to educate the museum's guests.