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I lived in California until I was 23. Grew up there, went to college and had my first job there. Los Angeles is an amazing city. There are so many areas to explore and new faces and places everywhere.
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Santa Monica and the beaches. It's always cooler near the beach, which is nice when the valleys are up at 100! Plus the view is great and it's fun to walk around these areas.
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In Los Angeles I especially love the calm, laid back atmosphere. People are not in a hurry, they'll stop and chat or help you out, and there's always time to stop for a coffee and people watch!
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Check out the missions in California. In/near Los Angeles is the San Fernando mission. For information on all of the missions go here http://missions.bgmm.com/ The missions are beautiful and usually well-preserved. Some have tours, some are self-guided and all have an amazing history.
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I've never really stayed in hostels around LA - since I always had a home there! But here is a website that lists some places http://www.hostels.com/us.ca.la.html. I did have my 21 birthday at the Mondrian Hotel. It's on Sunset and the rooms are gorgeous - very well done. Plus there's a great bar (Skybar) attached that has a pool and beds to lounge on!
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There are so many places. I'm just going to list them, and if you want to learn more about them try this website - http://losangeles.citysearch.com/section/bars_nightlife/?cslink=cs_generic_browse_8
The Dresden - piano bar that's a little dark but still fun. If you've seen the movie Swingers you've seen the inside of the Dresden.
The Whiskey, Roxy, Troubador - these are all smaller venues where you can see the newest bands (usually before they're huge). There's dancing, drinking and a ton of fun to be had here.
The Derby - is great for swing dancing. Also seen in Swingers, they give lessons (on Tuesdays I think) and then have great music all night.
The Ruby (or the World) - has different music on different nights, so check their schedule.
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Fred 62's is my main recommendation. Just down the street from the Dresden (and also near a movie theatre) this place is open all the time and serves amazing breakfasts. It's a diner style restaurant, and the servers sometimes have a little attitude - but only in good fun.
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Check out Olvera Street in El Pueblo de Los Angeles. It's an open-air market with some amazing Mexican food and great shops. Nearby is Union Station, a beautiful train station built in 1939.
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Published on Thursday January 23th, 2003
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16 votes
