No one likes to look like a tourist. So during a recent five-day stint in L.A., we wanted to do as the natives do.

That said, the landmarks of Tinseltown have been so engrained in popular myth and culture, it’s hard to feign complete disinterest upon first seeing things like the legendary Kodak Theater or Grauman’s Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. And remember, it is your patriotic duty as a Canadian to stop and acknowledge William Shatner’s star on the Walk of Fame.

There's still plenty we wanted to experience, including a stop at Tacos Villa Corona (thanks for the tip, Mr. Bourdain), but we did have limited time.

Without further ado, our taste of L.A. ...

Brick Cross-Fit – We took advantage of an invitation to check out a Speed X class at the hottest gym in town, Brick Cross-Fit in on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Hollywood.  How hot? Membership is by wait list only, but you can score a seven-day pass while you’re in town for $70. As promised, the 60-minute class was intense, blending fast-paced cardio with high interval weight training. We had a celeb sighting here (Ethan Suplee's looking buff these days), but trust us, you’ll have zero time to gawk … unless you pass out and the celeb steps over you to get to the next challenge on the circuit.

The Farmer’s Market – After that workout, you deserve a visit to foodie heaven: the Farmer’s Market, an L.A. landmark and favourite stop for locals and tourists alike at 3rd Street and Fairfax Avenue. The market boasts more than 100 restaurants with food stalls, sit-down eateries, prepared food vendors and produce markets. You can sample a variety of local ethnic foods, including plenty of Latin American and Asian offerings, seven days a week. After you’ve had your fill or if you want a break between courses, stroll across the road to The Grove, an outdoor shopping mall.

The Beverly Center – Speaking of shopping … Considering the stories we hear about the state of California’s economy with foreclosures on nearly every street, we were a wee bit surprised to discover that shopping still remains such an active pastime in the Greater Los Angeles area.  From American classics like Bloomingdales and Tiffany & Co., you’ll find what you need at The Beverly Center. We actually had a star sighting (Peter Mensah, Spartacus), though, at West Hollywood Gateway (home to Target) and picked up a thing or two in Santa Monica – home to the historic pier – before taking stopping in a café for an afternoon dose of caffeine.

In-N-Out Burger – A Southern California classic, In-N-Out Burger (on Sunset in Hollywood and various other locations) puts all other fast food burger chains to shame. And gourmet burger places, forget it. Beef, pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, cheese, mustard, ketchup … why mess with perfection? Skipping carbs? Order it Protein Style with lettuce instead of a bun or Animal Style with neither. Add fries and wash it down with a fountain drink or one of three shakes. Does a fast food menu really need anything more? And, they pay their employees more than minimum wage. Ethical never tasted so good.

Little Tokyo – Have some sake or bubble tea if that's your bent and take in a little outdoor karaoke in the Japanese Village Plaza in the heart of Little Tokyo, one of only three official Japan towns in the U.S. and birthplace of the California roll. For sushi fans, you’ll likely have to wait for a table but you’ll find it’s more than worth it at Sushi Komasi. Of course, we recommend the TORO roll. Saunter through the shops to find Japanese electronics, movies and no end of joy for fans of manga and anime. Once you have your appetite back, stop into Mikawaya for some Japanese pastries and Mochi ice cream. No guilt: this is why you bought the seven-day pass at Brick Cross-Fit.

Miracle Mile – LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art), the Getty Center, the La Brea Tar Pits … it’s all there on the Miracle Mile, a former destination for folks interested in Art Deco on Wilshire Boulevard between La Brea and Fairfax Avenues. The museums are all worth a long look, of course, but we found the experience to be heightened by the presence of an army of food trucks that set up shop around midday. There’s something for everyone. The difficulty is always in choosing what. After sampling an overstuffed Korean BBQ pork burrito from Bool there was sadly no room for anything else.

The Beach – Venice Beach or Malibu? Either choice results in sun, sand, surf and a bevy of young beautiful bodies. Venice boasts canals and its carnival-esque Ocean Front Walk featuring buskers, fortune-tellers and other vendors. We opted for Venice Beach. Former home to early beat poets and artists, the town's hippie dippy personality is a draw for free spirits and muscleheads – a contrast to the affluent community of Malibu, a favourite residential destination for Hollywood’s elite.

Pro Sports Mecca — You could probably get walk-up tickets to check out some NHL playoff action at Staples Center with the L.A. Kings (sorry 'Nucks fans). The Lakers, meanwhile, are gearing up to embark on a postseason run of their own but those ducats'll be scarce. Dodgers Stadium has plenty of seats to fill and they could sure use your money. Next time, we'll time things so we can catch the Toronto Blue Jays and head out to Anaheim to see them take on the hometown Angels. And, in keeping with our theme, remember to forego a stop at Disneyland.