In the heart of Los Angeles, an outdoor shopping, eating, people-watching extravaganza. With its own train, movie theaters, American Girl store, and valet parking, it's a must-do destination for any family.

Set high in the hills of Los Angeles, I love the observatory for its stunning panoramic views and its world class science exhibits. Don't miss the giant Foucault Pendulum on the main floor.

Just across the street from University of Southern California, the CSC is the only west coast stop for Cleopatra: the Exhibition. I love the IMAX theatre and cannot wait for the arrival of the space shuttle Endeavor to make its permanent home here in just a few weeks time.

Pick a Sunday and hit the Oceanfront Walk for bicycling, skating, and breathing the ocean air. Artists, street performers and vendors abound. Also home to the famed Muscle Beach to get your pump on.

Travel north from Venice to the famed Santa Monica Pier. A family-friendly amusement park is not to be missed. Who doesn't want to ride a ferris wheel perched on the edge of the continent?

No trip to LA could possibly be complete without a stop at the LA landmark, Pink's Famous Hot Dogs. At the corner of Melrose and La Brea, there's always a line, but worth the wait for a Pink's chili dog.

Simon Rodia's masterpiece. Simply mind blowing to see what one man accomplished with scraps of metal, pottery, glass and unfettered artistic vision.

Thoroughly unique, the tar pits are evidence of Los Angeles's prehistoric past. A great stop for checking out fossils of all kinds, you might even want to leave your last family member behind to become tomorrows tar-preserved relic.

As the host of Reading Rainbow, you know I have to save the best for last. My favorite library in Los Angeles is the central downtown branch. On a hot day, it's a sure fire bet to be one of the coolest spots in town to curl up with a good book.