Orientation Issue 2008: Six hot spots for some summer fun in LA

The way we see it, summer is a time to explore. And if there’s one area where Los Angeles thrives, it’s in the arts and entertainment department. With an outrageous number of theaters, concerts, museums and other artsy venues, there’s no excuse not to check out some of the entertainment outlets we have at our disposal.

A&E writers recommend six of their favorite hot spots, most of them a short bus ride away and not necessarily known by the average tourist. Whether you’re in the mood to laugh, relax, observe or simply enjoy, exploration of these insider attractions is just another way to experience Los Angeles this summer.

The Getty Villa in Malibu

A cobbled path winds up the mountainside toward an estate straight out of a history book. Upon entrance to the Getty Center’s lesser-known counterpart, the Getty Villa, you can feel the heavy traffic and stress of the city fall behind you. The recently renovated Getty Villa is stylized after a first-century Roman country house complete with courtyards, fountains and 300 types of plants.

The museum may be nestled in Pacific Palisades, but Roman columns, bronze statues and hedge-lined pathways make you feel like you’ve stepped into Caesar’s Palace. The beautiful Roman architecture of the Getty Villa doubles as a museum, housing a total of 44,000 Greek, Roman and Etruscan works. Vases, coins, sculptures, jewelry and even a specially preserved mummy are on display in more than 23 galleries throughout the estate. Entry is free, although parking is $8.

““ Michael Lowe

Graffiti walls and canals in Venice Beach

Just three miles south of Santa Monica is Venice Beach, known for its wacky street performers, half-naked body builders and beachside shops selling a miscellany of items, including cheap underwear and beautiful paintings. However, Venice Beach is more than just spectacle.

Beyond the boardwalk, art abounds. Seven-foot walls planted firmly on the beach act as blank canvases for the willing and able. Though permits are now needed, talented graffiti artists still use the walls to work on their latest pieces of art. Colorful lettering and cartoons are some of the creations brought to life on these public walls.

If you’re looking for a quieter, more secluded activity, just blocks away from the beach are the famed, yet elusive, Venice Canals. A couple blocks east of the boardwalk, Venice Boulevard hits the aptly named Canal Street, where the canals begin. Visitors can take a peaceful stroll along the canals as everything from paddle boats to row boats bob on the water’s edge. Away from the crowds, this beautiful community is a quiet escape from the bustling boardwalk. With plenty of sun and a nice ocean breeze, it’s not a bad alternative.

““ Michael Lowe

Nuart Theater in Santa Monica

For the movie buff who wants to venture out of Westwood Village, the Nuart Theater on Santa Monica Boulevard can satisfy any midnight adventure craving. Since its opening in 1974, the Nuart Theater has hosted many world premieres and screenings of the classics.

Each month, the Nuart hosts midnight showings of independent movies, foreign films and documentaries. In addition, the Nuart is a home to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which plays every Saturday at midnight.

This weekly event is a favorite for moviegoers because not only can viewers enjoy one of the classics, they are also encouraged to join in on the fun. Many attendees dress up in drag or taboo outfits, sing and dance along with the cast, and bring props, such as a bell to ring every time someone says the word “bell.” With its interactive musicals and indie flicks, the Nuart is one stop that will spice up the monotony of any viewing experience.

““ Vanessa Frigillana

The Groundlings Theater in West Hollywood

If laughter is the best medicine, then the Groundlings comedy club is sure to be an overdose. An improvisational comedy theater, famous comedians often pass through making off-the-cuff jokes and creating characters such as Pee-Wee Herman and Pat from “Saturday Night Live.” Training comedians such as Will Ferrell, Lisa Kudrow and “Mad TV’s” Michael McDonald, Groundlings debuts comedians ““ some famous, some not ““ and also puts on regular shows. The theater, located on Melrose Avenue, hosts nightly shows Wednesday through Sunday, with ticket prices ranging from $12.50 to $21.50. Due to the improvisational nature of the comedy, the show content varies from night to night. Head on down to Hollywood to see some live, unwritten comedy guaranteed to blow your mind.

““ Josh Wasbin

Amoeba Music in Hollywood

There’s something romantic about perusing the aisles of a record store. The overwhelming sight of thousands of titles, the musty smell of old record sleeves, and the novel prospect of purchasing music in tangible form all give the store a charm that the download button simply cannot rival. Hollywood’s Amoeba Music has all of this, with one crucial extra: live music. With recent performances by Aimee Mann, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Flight of the Conchords, The Dodos, and dozens more, Amoeba combines a huge selection of music with an equally impressive lineup of artists.

And all of the performances are free, so $15 can get you an album, an hour’s entertainment and maybe even an autograph. Even though the record store may be a dying breed in the age of iTunes and Internet leaks, Amoeba has the character, the catalog and the guest list to justify the drive.

““ Christie McCollum

The Vista Theater in Silverlake

Westwood may boast historic, red-carpet ready, single-screen movie theaters, but the Vista Theatre is worth the drive east to Los Feliz. Five-dollar matinees and $8 evening prices will cover the extra gas, and the renovated 80-year-old single screen also doubles as an elegant and intimate music venue. The Vista’s Egyptian art-deco veneer (pharaohs, serpents and lots of gold) memorializes the theater’s 1920s inception and also provides a unique backdrop for performances.

Generous legroom (every other row was removed) and an updated sound system make for a comfortable and thrilling concert experience. Praised for its excellent and eclectic choice in films, The Vista also delivers on the music front. Complementing its class and charm, the theater bills high-quality independent acts, such as Zooey Deschanel’s She & Him, and special performances, such as Jenny Lewis’ record release in 2006.

““ Mindy Poder

E-mail Lowe at [email protected], Frigillana at [email protected], Wasbin at [email protected], McCollum at [email protected] and Poder at [email protected].