Koreatown
Koreatown, just west of Downtown, is a neighborhood nearly every Angeleno travels through, but few take the time to explore. What a shame. For starters, sample the outstanding Korean barbecue at Woo Lae Oak or Soot Bull Jeep. Those with insatiable appetites might consider Shilla, an all-you-can-eat buffet where the lobster is plentiful. In the rear of Shilla are some of the most plush and high-tech private karaoke booths around; the system even scores your performance. (Talk sbout pressure!) Korean and Korean-American artists exhibit their work at the Korean Cultural Center Art Gallery. Two other area favorites are the indoor driving ranges along Olympic Boulevard, and Beverly Hot Springs, a popular spa.

Little Tokyo
In addition to the Japanese American National Museum and the Museum of Contemporary Art at the Geffen, Little Tokyo offers dozens of restaurants, from inexpensive Suehiro, a favorite late-night hang of artists who live in nearby lofts, to chic R23, a hard-to-find sushi bar where the decor is minimal and the sushi pristine. A Thousand Cranes in the New Otani Hotel, another good choice, offers a view of a serene Japanese garden; the garden alone is worth a visit. For shoppers, the area is especially rich in ceramics; don’t miss Little Tokyo Clayworks. At night, check out the scene at Downtown’s premiere rock haunt, Al’s Bar. Or test your karaoke skills with the 20-something crowd at Restaurant Oiwake.

Olvera Street
Vendors at Olvera Street, a permanent open-air marketplace just north of Little Tokyo, sell all varieties of knickknacks. But there are real finds here, too. Casa de Souza, for instance, imports folk art from Mexico and Central America. Bazaar de Mexico specializes in sterling silver jewelry and traditional Mexican clothing. And the area represents the city’s beginnings. In fact, Los Angeles’ first home, Avila Adobe, built in the early 1800s, still stands here. Don’t leave without sampling fresh tortillas from La Luz del Dia, or margaritas and mariachi music on the patio at La Golondrina. Also worthwhile is a quick trip across the street to poke your head into Union Station. To the east, on a corner in Boyle Heights, Mariachi Plaza is a striking new 40-foot-tall, blue-tiled dome pavilion and sculpture at a spot where mariachis have gathered for decades.

Chinatown
The biggest draw at nearby Chinatown might be dim sum on the weekend. Thousands of people pour into banquet-style restaurants such as Empress Pavilion, Ocean Seafood, and ABC Seafood for savory dumplings that won’t break the bank. Chinatown is also home to beloved Phillippe the Original, one of two L.A. eateries that claims to have invented the French dip. After lunch, stroll along Broadway, the main drag. Here you’ll find dozens of herb shops selling a mind boggling array of ginseng as well as colorful gift shops stocked with silk pajamas, embroidered slippers, decorative fans and jade bangles. One of the best is Imperial Dragon Gifts, a favorite of fashion stylists.

Leimert Park
Leimert Park, location of the recently cancelled ‘Moesha’ show on UPN, is enjoying a remaissance spurred by the recent renovation of the 70-year-old Leimert Plaza Park (host to more festivals, including an annual Kwaanza celebration, than any other park in Los Angeles). At Babe & Rickey’s Inn, you can sit back and listen to some of the best Blues around, while Fifth Street Dick’s Coffee House and The World Stage remain the destinations for jazz. Several boutiques around Kongo Square sell authentic African clothing. And you won’t find more talented braiders in one area. The Museum in Black is especially popular with young people.