Your free time in Los Angeles - Scott Dunn suggests

Even the most cynical of LA visitors can't help but get a thrill standing outside the Chinese Theatre at the heart of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Generations of screen legends have left their mark, from hands, feet and magic wands - well just Harry Potter! The Hollywood Walk of Fame runs from La Brea Av and Vine St with over 2000 stars, it takes a little time to spot your favourite Hollywood legends whether it be Lennon or Lopez. Want the inside scoop, just join a walking tour and have some fun with want-to-be actors dressed as stars who will pose for keep sake photos. Nearest Metro is Hollywood/Vine.

Want to spot an actual star? Do a little window shopping on Rodeo Drive. Sunglasses from Dior...check. Couture from Chanel…check. Handbag from Louis Vuitton…check. Shoes from TOD’s…check. All you need now is Richard Gere and a limo to whisk you away to Beverly Hills' hottest restaurant for lunch. We can arrange everything except Richard Gere. World-renowned chefs and a star studded clientele are the hallmarks of Beverly Hills' restaurants. Delight your palate with a savoury dinner at Wolfgang Puck's legendary Spago. Or treat yourself to a petite indulgence at Vosges Haut-Chocolate or Sprinkles Cupcakes by way of the worlds first Cupcake ATM at 9635 Santa Monica Blvd. Let us make you a dinner reservation at The Polo Lounge, Beverly Hills Hotel, where many a Scott Dunn guest have reported a-list liaisons.

No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without seeing the iconic Hollywood sign; it has its own website devoted to visitors including some hot tips on hiking trails and photographing the sign at hollywoodsign.org.

For a great view, we’d recommend trying the famous Griffith Park Observatory perched on the slopes of Mt Hollywood. While you’re there, its planetarium boats the world’s most advanced star projector - grab a seat to explore life beyond earth. The public can use the Zeist Telescope to take in sweeping views, especially fantastic after dark when extra telescopes are laid out for star gazing.

Aspiring astronauts and those that were fascinated watching Space Ship Endeavour paraded through Los Angeles’ streets in 2012 should pay a visit to the acclaimed California Science Centre. Timed tickets are required on weekends and in high season for the exhibit. With over 100 hands-on science exhibits and a cool IMAX movie theatre, turn your visit to Endeavour into an all-day adventure with a Journey to Space that will send you out of La-La Land and into the cosmos!

Back on earth, culture-vultures can delight in free admission to the Getty Center’s impressive art collection, Meier’s ground-breaking architecture and beautiful evolving gardens. With a family tour, interactive family rooms and kids bookstore, as well as series lectures and concerts more suited to adult guests, leave safe in the knowledge LA is not just about the movies.