Pet Express

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.

Watch a live jousting performance while you tear into your delicious dinner with your bare hands. At the Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, you join a section and cheer for your knight as he competes against five others for the title of King's Champion. Raise your voice and experience the thrill of watching armored knights fight on horseback and with swords.

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.

Owned by the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles D-Fenders are a NBA Development League, otherwise known as a D-League, team. The first of its kind to be owned by an NBA franchise, the D-Fenders play their home games in doubleheaders with the Lakers. It's a great opportunity to see some sports action, and see the faces of could-be NBA superstars.