The Staples Center in Los Angeles is world-class arena that is home to five professional sports franchises. It also serves as a concert and entertainment venue and hosts high-profile events of national and international distinction. Eight GRAMMY Awards have been hosted at the center, which received the prestigious Pollstar-CIC Arena of the Year award in its first 2 years.

For the creative set, the California Institute of the Arts is well worth checking out. Founded by Walt Disney and located in the quaint Los Angeles suburb of Valencia, the school is the nation's first to offer BFAs and MFAs in both performing and visual arts. Its location offers affordable housing options and a respite from big city living.