Arts, Architecture, Science and the Unusual

• California Museum of Science: We think this is the state's best hands-on science museum, as much fun for adults as it is for the kids.

• Disney Concert Hall, Downtown: Disney accessible than the average symphony hall, with its doors open every day and audio tours for rent.

• Frank Lloyd Wright Sites: Wright did some of his most ground-breaking work in LA and several of his creations are open to the public.

• Gamble House, Pasadena: An outstanding example of Crafstman style.

• La Brea Tar Pits: Woolly mammoths, dire wolves and sabre-toothed cats just for starters...

• LA Conservancy Tours: They offer an assortment of tours that focus on Los Angeles historyl.

• Nixon Library, Yorba Linda: No matter what you think of the man, you'll leave this place knowing more about him than you did when you went.

• Reagan Library, Simi Valley: President Reagan's library features extensive exhibits about his presidency and they have a real, retired Air Force One on display.

• Warner Bros. Studio Tour, Burbank: This is a real, working studio. Tours on weekdays only.

Day Trips Out of Town

• Mount Wilson: Some really groundbreaking astronomy was done here.

• Mount Palomar: This complex features five working telescopes.

• Santa Barbara Mission: One of the most beautiful and best-preserved Spanish missions in the state.

• Santa Barbara Presidio: A rare look at the life of the Spanish soldier on the California frontier.

• USS Midway: Some of the best docents anywhere make visiting this retired aircraft carrier a real treat.