The longstanding Disneyland resort isn't just a set of theme parks: it's a spectacular piece of pop art that's as bright or as dark as you'd like it to be. Incorporating two parks—the 60-year-old, near-mythic Disneyland, plus the younger, recently revamped Disney California Adventure—the resort calls itself “The Happiest Place on Earth.” And if you bring the right mood with you, it'll likely live up to its nickname. Check details from https://disneyland.disney.go.com.

The Entertainment Capital of LA! As one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood film studios still in use, Universal Studios Hollywood offers you a wonderful studio tour and exciting rides including recently opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter! Check details from https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com.

If you are a fan of concerts, musical performances, and orchestra, consider the Hollywood Bowl. Located in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood, the Hollywood Bowl is the home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the host of hundreds of musical events each year. Check the schedule of events and shows from https://www.hollywoodbowl.com.

Considered the focal point of Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica Pier includes a Ferris wheel, aquarium, fairground games and cotton candy stands. The Santa Monica Pier is open every day of the year 24 hours a day, but business hours for the variety of activities at the beachfront destination vary. Check details from http://santamonicapier.org.

Known for its bohemian spirit, Venice is a buzzing beach town with upscale commercial and residential pockets. Free-spirited Venice Boardwalk is the site of funky shops, street performers and colorful murals. There’s also a skate park and Muscle Beach outdoor gym. Abbot Kinney Boulevard features foodie hot spots, stylish boutiques and coffee bars. A picturesque enclave of canals is surrounded by modernist homes. Check details from http://www.venicebeach.com.

As one of the South Bay beaches besides Manhattan beach and Redondo beach, Hermosa Beach is popular for sunbathing, beach volleyball, surfing, paddleboarding and bars. Thanks to westerly sea breezes, Hermosa’s average temperature is 70°F (22°C) in summer, which is perfect for enjoying beach activities. Check details from http://www.hermosabch.org.

Malibu is known for its celebrity homes and beaches, including wide and sandy Zuma Beach. To the east is Malibu Lagoon State Beach, known as Surfrider Beach for its waves. Consider enjoying front-row seats for surfing and unforgettable sunsets in Malibu. Check details from http://www.visitcalifornia.com/attraction/malibu or https://www.malibucity.org.

Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. Located at the Griffith Park and nearby Hollywood Hills, Griffith Observatory is also a good place to enjoy hiking! Check details from http://griffithobservatory.org.

LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States. It holds more than 150,000 works spanning the history of art from ancient times to the present. In addition to art exhibits, the museum features film and concert series. After sunset, you can also check the famous and beautiful Urban Light. Check details from http://www.lacma.org.

If you are looking for a family friendly place where you can take a walk, check out pre-20th-century European paintings and sculptures, and enjoy wind breeze lying on lawn, the Getty Center is the right place! The Getty Center is well known for its architecture, gardens, and views overlooking Los Angeles. The Center sits atop a hill connected to a visitors' parking garage at the bottom of the hill by a three-car, cable-pulled hovertrain funicular. Check details http://www.getty.edu.

In 20-minute walking distance from our conference hotel, you can reach a wonderful contemporary art museum, The Broad. This recently opened (in 2015) museum is home of nearly 2,000-piece collection of contemporary art, featuring 200 artists, including works of Andy Warhol. Its unique building design is something that you must see in Los Angeles with the neighboring Walt Disney Concert Hall. Check details from https://www.thebroad.org.

These two wonderful museums locate next to each other so you can explore them within a single visit. At the California Science Center, you can see the Space Shuttle Endeavour, other prominent aircraft and spacecraft, and various demonstrations. The Natural History Museum is the largest natural and historical museum in the western United States. Check their collections that cover 4.5 billion years of history. Check details from https://californiasciencecenter.org and https://nhm.org.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is a public aquarium on a 5-acre site on Rainbow Harbor in Long Beach. The Aquarium features a collection of over 11,000 animals representing over 500 different species in exhibits. The Aquarium of the Pacific is also home to many cultural events throughout the year, such as the Pacific Islander Festival in the summer. Check details from http://www.aquariumofpacific.org.

Check your loving stars’ signature and hand printings at the Hollywood Walk of Fame! Make a pilgrimage to the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Or find a respite from the commotion inside a movie palace or the historic Hollywood Roosevelt. On this 1.3 mile-long sidewalk, you can also find decent restaurants and shops. Check details from http://www.walkoffame.com.

The Farmers Market and The Grove are two must-see destinations that together form a community hub of sorts, offering an abundance of dining, shopping and entertainment options. On any given day, there is a constant stream of visitors strolling to and from the two attractions. An electric trolley is even on-site to shuttle the less mobile between the Grove and the Farmers Market. Check details from https://thegrovela.com and https://www.farmersmarketla.com.

If you want to feel atmosphere of vintage coastal lifestyle and enjoy sunbathing in a cozy small beach, consider Catalina Island. It is only a 45-minnute boat ride from Long Beach or Marina Del Rey! This beautiful small island also offers you variety of activities including Zip Line tour, hiking, biking, and fishing. Check details from https://www.catalinachamber.com.