Rodeo Drive: Unless you have much money to spend, you will invite the suspicious glances of otherwise well-meaning salespeople. Besides, Rodeo might be a nice place to visit, but you probably wouldn't want to shop there.
Melrose Avenue: The address of Fox's hottest twentysomethings, its famous inspiration is sadly without an equally wacky apartment complex. While you probably won't catch Heather Locklear or Grant Show during your visit, you can stop by CONDOMANIA, a large store devoted exclusively to all varieties of protection, including the different and the new in safe sex.
Nifty Souvenir: If you're an aficionado of the Hard Rock T-shirt collectible, there are two prime locations you should note. The Wilshire Hard Rock next to the Beverly Center proudly boasts Beverly Hills Hard Rock T-shirts, while the one on Universal City-Walk hawks Hollywood Hard Rock shirts. Both stores are deluged by camera-happy fans.
BEACHES
Abutting the Pacific Ocean, California has long been known for its "laid-back" beach image and culture. Cruise along the Pacific Coast Highway for breathtakingly beautiful views. And all this is free, except for the occasional tank of gas and minimal parking fee. Parking at most state beaches is a mere $3, but you can park for free if you're willing to walk a block or two. Have a bonfire, roast marshmallows, make S'mores, but according to new rules (at least in Orange County), fires must be out by 10 or 11 p.m. Beaches abound with college and high school students, except for the Fourth of July when everyone goes. Malibu Beach is the set for TV's "Baywatch" and filming takes place during the off-peak season. However, the Malibu/Santa Monica area is renowned for its many star sightings, as many own homes there.
Nifty Souvenir: Anything with seashells that's crafted with class (e.g., sea animal figurines made out of seashells). Anything with pink (or otherwise colored) sand in it, however, is bordering on the cheesy.
BONUS ATTRACTIONS
Some less popular, but just as interesting, Southern California attractions.
Medieval Times: This medieval restaurant in Buena Park, California is the site of the "Cable Guy" scene in which Jim Carey takes his jousting (and obsessive friendship) with Matthew Broderick a little too far and almost kills him in the process. Participation by the diners in the arena is typically not allowed, but, true to the movie, eating with your hands is derigeur.
Nifty Souvenir: You can look up your family crest and shield (if there ever was one) in the gift shop and purchase crests, shields or family trees.
Richard M. Nixon Library and Birthplace: To remain nonpartisan, I racked my brain for a presidential library honoring a Democratic president and found that there are none in the Los Angeles area. Focusing little on the Watergate scandal while emphasizing his prowess in foreign affairs, the library states simply that Nixon "chose to resign" from the presidency.
Nifty Souvenir: Anything that's possible to affix the Richard Nixon name or presidential logo to; you name it, they've got it. Often, a museum's gift shop is as interesting as the museum itself, and this one is no exception.