Southern California Close-Ups

From Chinatown to Olvera Street to the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum, downtown has a lot to offer.

Yep, it’s home to Disneyland, but it’s also the land of arts (Santa Ana), Nixon (Yorba Linda), the Ducks and Angels (Anaheim), lively Fullerton and more. Here are 10 spots to explore in the O.C.

Here are 10 itineraries for the Griffith Park, Los Feliz, Silver Lake and Echo Park areas.

Yes, it’s suburbia. Yes, it’s inland from the beach. Still, the San Fernando Valley has attractions that date from the 18th century (Mission San Fernando) to the latest attraction at Universal Studios.

Do you have a desire for a sea adventure in southwest Los Angeles County? Come onboard.

For newbies and old hands alike, here are micro-itineraries that offer a taste of seaside O.C. What awaits? Beaches, of course, plus plenty of shopping, art and posh resorts.

The odd humanity of Venice’s Ocean Front Walk. The fun-filled Santa Monica Pier. Getty’s ancient art in Pacific Palisades. The sun-kissed beaches of Malibu. The area lets you mix with the masses or take a solitary trek.

In Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Manhattan Beach, you can pedal the Strand, see a Jay Leno live comedy show, explore the piers, visit a beach hangout. Also: LAX hotels, the Theme Building and Marina del Rey.

Even away from the beach, there is plenty to see.

Highlights include the Sunset Strip, Chateau Marmont, Farmers Market, Canter’s, Pink’s, Fairfax, Melrose, La Brea Tar Pits, LACMA, Koreatown and the Wiltern.

The area has its traditions, including Craftsman homes, Old Pasadena and the Rose Bowl, its greenery including Huntington Library, its Asian flare with Vietnamese and Chinese restaurants, and its fun and funky side at Eagle Rock hangouts.

There’s much more than stars to check out in Hollywood, where nuns, horse trails, the Magic Castle and Cirque du Soleil await.