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One of the best things about being a student at UCLA is getting to live in Los Angeles. With the world of entertainment literally right outside the dorm, there are plenty of things for students to do besides study. From the best spot to see a celebrity, to the best place to go hiking, to the best spot to watch a film with dead celebrities, we’ve compiled a list of diversions that are not to be missed.
Best place to spot a celeb: Robertson Boulevard (between Third Street and Beverly Boulevard)
Anyone who is hot and young in Hollywood is dropping big bucks on Robertson Boulevard. Paris Hilton, Jessica Simpson, Lindsey Lohan and Nicole Richie are just a few of the faces that have been photographed on numerous occasions shopping at the boutiques on this small but high-scale section of Robertson.
Kitson, a boutique that also appears as the backdrop for the opening credits of the latest season of “The Simple Life,” is the ultimate shopper’s paradise with piles of denim and sweats along with trendy handbags, shoes and accessories. While Kitson might burn a hole in your wallet, the area promises a high probability for a celebrity siting.
For a sure celebrity encounter, it’s all about the Ivy, a restaurant famous for its high-profile clientele. It may look like a modest, old-fashioned country cottage, but the paparazzi and Lamborghinis parked outside give this secret spot away. Actors, writers, producers, fashion industry workers and successful professionals make up the crowd at this hot spot. If you don’t feel like spending a small fortune for a meal, take advantage of the Ivy’s open patio and watch from outside for a glimpse of your favorite celebrity enjoying the fabulous life.
Best outdoor spot: Mount Hollywood
Wide dirt trails framed by lines of trees and other fauna may not sound like typical sights in industrial Los Angeles. Leave the concrete confines of the 405 and the 101, however, and you can find some surprising pockets of desert landscape. Griffith Park in Hollywood stands as one of the largest urban parks in the nation and features a short hike to the top of Mount Hollywood. Mount Hollywood features a panoramic view of the San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles, and, of course, the Hollywood sign.
Griffith Park, located just off the 101 at the Vermont exit, features large grassy swaths for picnicking and relaxing before beginning a casual hike up to the vistas over the city. Although parts of the park and observatory are presently under construction, signs indicate where the dusty desert trails begin.
Also try hiking at night; the view over the city when the sun is down and the bright lights of the city are up renders even the most metropolitan urbanite speechless. The hike up to Mount Hollywood may not be a complete escape into the wilderness, but its views of Los Angeles promise a pleasant and majestic diversion from the bustle of the city.
Creepiest spot to watch a film: Hollywood Forever Cemetery (6000 Santa Monica Blvd.)
After spending your day lying on the sandy beaches of Los Angeles, pack up the blanket and spend the evening in a similar fashion, though in a much less sunny setting. Throughout the summer, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery offers free movie screenings every Saturday night at sunset. Patrons can lie underneath the stars and among the stars while watching classic films projected against the side of a building. Hollywood heavyweights such as Mel Blanc, the voice behind the Looney Tunes, and famous screen siren Janet Gaynor are just a few of the marquee names buried at the cemetery. Summer screenings include everything from “Roman Holiday” to “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” Gates open every Saturday night at 7:30 p.m.
Best arts and culture spot: LACMA (5905 Wilshire Blvd.)
The glass-windowed high-rise of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) may be indistinguishable from the other industrial buildings on Wilshire Boulevard, but the 150,000 art pieces inside it set the museum apart from its surroundings. The $5 entrance fee gives students access to permanent and traveling exhibits that includes contemporary photography, Southeast Asian sculptures, and Victorian costumes and textiles.
If you decide to spend a day at the museum, you can choose from three different types of tours around the exhibits: the spotlight talks, in-focus tours and exhibition tours. Spotlight talks offer 15-minute discussions on one particular piece in the museum’s permanent collection, while in-focus tours examine a particular artist, style or movement within the permanent collection. Exhibition tours are hour-long tours of one of the traveling exhibits at the museum.
Admission is free after 5 p.m., and although the museum closes at the early hour of 8 p.m. on weekends and 9 p.m. Friday nights, there is still a thriving nightlife at LACMA. The museum offers regular film and music programs for the public, including Friday night jazz performances from local musicians and screenings of foreign films from the 1950s.
Best coffee shop: Psychobabble Coffee House (1866 Vermont Ave.)
While its name might conjure images of a problematic mental ward, Psychobabble Coffee House definitely proves that the independent coffeehouse establishment is not dead in a commercial chain-infested world.
Psychobabble not only offers an excellent selection of coffee and espresso drinks, breakfast specialties, salads, and sandwiches, but also provides an intimate and relaxed nightlife environment. Every Friday night features stand-up comedy, and Sunday night is open mic night ““ think Phoebe Buffet from “Friends,” only the guitar is in tune and “Smelly Cat” probably isn’t in the set. An art gallery showing local artists’ work only adds to the creative atmosphere.
In addition to its “indie” side, Psychobabble is also an excellent place to study. The place provides free wireless internet and ridiculously comfortable couches and chairs. There’s also an upstairs area that provides even more study space.
Psychobabble is both an intellectual and artistic hot spot, so whether you’re studying or hanging out with friends, enjoy this coffeehouse in the heart of Hollywood.
Best spot to see a movie premiere: Mann Village Theater (961 Broxton Ave.)
Going to school in the movie capital of the world has its advantages. Week after week, men, women and movie geeks from all over Los Angeles can see their favorite stars live and in person at movie premieres all across the city. While you probably will not get to see the movie itself, you may be able to score an autograph or a picture ““ just be prepared to get to the theater early for a prime spot. Premieres are never officially announced to the public, but a quick search online can get you all the information needed in no time. The Mann Village Theater on the corner of Broxton and Weyburn avenues, just a short walk from campus, is the closest theater to catch the big-name events.
Best spot to shop: Montana Avenue (between Seventh Street and 17th Street in Santa Monica)
For a change of pace from the more mainstream shops on Third Street Promenade, head over to Montana Avenue for an eclectic mix of art galleries, home furnishings, jewelry and clothing stores. Make sure to visit ABS by Allen Schwartz, one of only five locations in the country. Schwartz is known for his high-end designer dress knock-offs.
For the ultimate denim experience, head over to Blues Jean Bar where jeans are laid out on a bar, and customers can “order” the perfect pair of jeans with help from the sales people behind the counter.
Planet Blue is a great one-stop shop for designers such as Lacoste, Splendid, Rock & Republic, James Perse and Ella Moss. The store Lucy is filled with fashionable workout wear that can easily transition from the gym to the streets.
Best eatery: Coral Tree Café (11645 San Vicente Blvd.)
When hanging out in Westwood becomes a bit banal, Brentwood is just around the corner and offers a new set of shops and restaurants like Coral Tree Café. With its spacious dining area, reminiscent of a chic country farmhouse, and heated outdoor patio, Coral Tree Café mixes L.A. flair with the more down-home feel. A full-service restaurant with a small coffeehouse atmosphere, Coral Tree Café is the ideal location for a date, a relaxing meal with friends, or just a coffee break.
And don’t be put off by the all-organic menu; its flourless chocolate cake tastes surprisingly similar to, or even better than, the original. Also, the variety and versatility of the menu items assure that there is something for everyone.
Best place for a concert: Clubs on Sunset Boulevard
They might not be big and flashy like your concert halls, but don’t let the size of venues like the Roxy, the El Rey or the Echo discourage you. The small concert venues littered around Los Angeles can provide the perfect intimate setting to catch your favorite band or to see someone everyone has been talking about. But buy tickets fast, because chances are if you show up at the ticket window the day of the concert, the only music you’ll be hearing is from outside the venue.
Compiled by Amy Crocker, Laura Picklesimer, Kate Stanhope, Alex LaRue, Lauren Schick, Suzy Evans, Jenae Cohn and Michelle Castillo.