Offbeat in LA

Would you believe lions, camels, and elephants once roamed the Los Angeles basin? The bones of these and many other long-dead creatures are on display at the George C. Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits. These naturally occurring tar pits in the middle of a thriving city are a fascinating diversion for a spare afternoon. The museum combines good audio and visual displays with hands-on specimens to bring the history of the last several thousand years to life.

Quick Tips:

The Page Museum is relatively small and only requires a couple of hours to investigate. Combine this with an exploration of the adjacent Los Angeles County Museum of Art for a complete tour from the ancient to the ultra-modern.

Best Way To Get Around:

Unfortunately, the best way to get around in Auto Land still seems to be by car. However, the bus system appears to be a suitable alternative if time permits.

Top off the afternoon with a sunset over the Pacific and a bite of local shellfish steamed while you sip on a cool one. Quality Seafood is a seafood market that doubles as a great place for an appetizer and a beer or a full meal. They carry many varieties of fresh crabs, shellfish, and fish from both coasts and will steam your choices while you cool your heels with a beer. In addition, they conjure up several types of poke and ceviche. I highly recommend a bowl of shrimp ceviche followed by steamed crab dipped in garlic butter and chased with a Sam Adams. The ceviche is some of the best I've had on this side of the border. The dining area consists of a half dozen outdoor tables supplied with sun shades. That's part of the ambience. Go early. Quality Seafood closes before dark.