La Mel Contour

If you are willing to travel a bit out of the main LA area, be sure to add the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden to your destinations list. This gorgeous, 127-acre garden and outdoor oasis is nestled into the low-key San Gabriel town, near the mountains. The Arboretum houses luscious plant collections from all over the world, including many rare and endangered species.

Learn about the Ice Age at the La Brea Tar Pits near the Page Museum. One of the world's most famous attractions for fossil localities, the La Brea Tar Pits provide a window into the past through plant and animal fossils. The Page Museum displays the collection of found specimens (including giant mammoths and saber-toothed cats), and offers the opportunity to watch bones being cleaned and repaired in the Laboratory.

Choose from a variety of festivals available at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Watch action, animated, asian, comedy, horror, indie, and more.

If you like whiskey or bourbon, head over to Seven Grand Downtown LA for 300-plus of the best premium whiskeys, rare ryes and small batch bourbons in the city. Self-described as a swank, Irish-infused urban oasis, Seven Grand offers a relaxing nightlife atmosphere with traditional Celtic drinking music and a 150-year old pool table.