Heart and Soul: Hidden Gems of Los Angeles

Going to the beach is a staple of any LA itinerary. For a relaxing and elegant experience complete with creature comforts (clean changing rooms, showers, lockers, a cafe) head to the Annenberg Community Beach House just north of Santa Monica. On the oceanfront site of the mansion William Randolph Hearst built for his long-time companion Marion Davies sits a historic, picture-perfect pool with lounge chairs and umbrellas. You can hop back and forth from pool to ocean, enjoy a tasty lunch, and pretend you're an A-list celeb. A pool day pass is only $10.

Step back in time to the glitz of old Hollywood by visiting the Gallery Bar and Cognac Room at the Biltmore Hotel in Downtown LA. Sip a perfectly shaken martini, crane your neck to gaze at the stunning ceilings, and soak in the history of this birthplace of the Oscars and iconic hangout of the city's original movie stars.

While not nearly as iconic, the lounge at Noe Restaurant in the Omni Hotel is home to downtown's only live piano player. On Friday and Saturday nights, Rick will take you back in time with beautiful renditions of the standards and a vibe that makes you remember how cool this storied city can be.

Another unexpected LA standard is the Angel's Flight funicular railway from Grand Central Market to California Plaza. For $1 you can climb aboard and go up (or down) the hill just as people have been doing since 1901.

Zoom ahead to the modern era by strolling through the Broad Museum and MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art). Both are free - just reserve timed tickets online - and are right across the street from one another. You'll be delighted with works you recognize and surprised by the unfamiliar, boundary-pushing creations throughout the galleries.

Spend the night in the Spare Room at the Hollywood Roosevelt, a cocktail lounge with a speakeasy style and two classic bowling lanes. A spirit of high-class playfulness reigns.

Rosy's Cafe: The tucked-away poolside restaurant at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel serves up tasty California cuisine in a lush setting.

Otium: Next to the Broad Museum in downtown, open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Simple and modern setting with inventive dishes and a carefully curated wine list.

Panini Kabob Grill: On an unpretentious corner downtown, this place prepares huge portions of flavorful Mediterranean specialties.

Langer's Deli: A local favorite in Westlake. Classic deli sandwiches too tall to fit in your mouth. It's all about the pastrami. Order the #19.