EAST HOLLYWOOD. Barnsdall Art Park is a bit unusual as a park, given that its most prominent feature isn't nature. Rather, it promotes cultural programs and delivers arts-related offerings to the public. Among the attractions are galleries, studios, a theater, and sculpture gardens. In addition, the park is home to Frank Lloyd Wright's 1921 Hollyhock House. This structure, Wright's first in LA, sought to find an architecural vocabulary for residences in Southern California. Rooftop terraces and outdoor living spaces merge with the interior, taking advantage of the climate and the views. Tours of the house are available.

DOWNTOWN. Built by silver mining millionaire Lewis Bradbury in 1893, this five-story building was designed as "futuristic," and it was featured in the 1946 "D.O.A." and 1982's "Blade Runner." Today it serves as an office building, but the beautiful, ornate wrought-iron railings, oak paneling, glazed and unglazed brick walls, marble and tile floors, two open-cage elevators, and a crowning atrium with a skylight remain as a testament to architect George Wyman's work. The lobby level is open to visitors. Tours of the upper levels are available by appointment.

DOWNTOWN. A library as a place to go sightseeing? Well, not evey library has a rooftop pyramid or an 8-story atrium with interesting chandeliers. Or what about the library legends that include a branding iron to mark ownership by the library or the "Lizard People" who lived 5000 years ago in a subterranean settlement under the library? This place is so interesting and popular that docent-led tours are given every day. Oh yes, they also have a great collection of books and music and even a Library Store.

DOWNTOWN. The hub of LA's cultural scene, the Music Center boasts breathtaking architecture and a prime location. Since 1964, it has established itself as one of the nation's three largest art centers. Attend a touring Broadway show, spend an evening at the opera, or catch the LA Philharmonic perform. You'll also want to walk along Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and see its centerpiece fountain shoot beams of water and light into the night sky. Take time to marvel, too, at the dazzling architecture of Ahmanson Theatre or to tour the stunning, Frank Gehry-designed Disney Concert Hall.

DOWNTOWN. Renamed the US Bank Tower in March, 2003, the former "Library Tower" is an architectural masterpiece by I.M. Pei and is the tallest building between Chicago and Hong Kong. At 1017 feet and built like a Roman column, it contains many high-priced, if misnamed, corner offices. With 73 stories, and built at a cost of $350,000,000 in 1990, it's hard to miss.