For the last few years Angelenos have seen the transformation of the LA Live area downtown. Looming overhead, a mosaic of glass windows were installed onto The Ritz-Carlton tower in a series of blue tones. Earlier this year, The Ritz-Carlton hotel and condos opened their doors to guests and residents. LAist was invited to take a peek inside to find out what it's is really like to live large in Downtown LA. more ›

“The more I explore my home ground, the more it comes alive, and I have to put to rest the illusion that I am limiting myself by doing so. Everything we need to be happy really is near at hand," Kurt Hoelting wrote in his book "The Circumference of Home." Taking cue from that, L.A.'s daily eco e-mail service Your Daily Thread recently published a nice guide to keeping it local and car free (they include zip lining on relatively car-free Catalina Island). Here at LAist, we couldn't agree more with Hoelting and YDT. The region is rife with opportunities of exploration. From urban hiking on hundreds of local and hidden staircases to traveling to Santa Barbara car-free, the list could go on. What's your favorite car-free vacation? more ›

Finally! Being a local in Hollywood has some advantages. Or, rather, will have some come October, if you want to play tourist in your own backyard. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce has announced several area businesses and services will be offering savings of 50 per cent to SoCal residents during the month of October, according to abc7. more ›

We've spent a bit of time on Catalina Island lately, enjoying the food and drink, checking out the "nightlife," or taking in its newest nature trail, but we thought we'd give you one more glimpse of the beautiful place, this time with a little romance in mind. Enjoy these serene black and white shots of Avalon. more ›

The California Coast is arguable one of the most beautiful places in the world. Sitting on a cliff overlooking a gorgeous sandy beach with tide pools and surfing spots is The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, who this summer season is slicing a few hundred dollars off weekday room rates for a nice recession deal. Prices start at $199 from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but you must reserve by tomorrow to take advantage of the offer. more ›

Last year "staycation" was a buzzword for many, as people's budgets tightened and plans to travel were curtailed by gas prices and soaring airfares. As summer looms, many travel industry professionals believe this year it will be another year of folks opting to spend their vacations at home. Today's Daily News takes a look at the phenomenon, and finds that for the time being, "staycations" are here to stay. more ›

Donna Wares is a travel writer, a former editor at the LA Times and most recently, a neighborhood blogger in Seal Beach. Her enthusiasm for California is evident in her projects and it was thanks to her book that we participated in Santa Barbara Car Free. With a long weekend ahead and many people sticking around instead of traveling, we decided to ask Wares her suggestions on what to do. Holiday weekend or not, these tips will work for those looking to explore the Los Angeles region any day. more ›

Thanks to soaring gas prices and relentless airline woes, the hip thing to do this summer is to go on a "staycation." more ›