Sprawling and vibrant, Los Angeles is a resort for all reasons: downtown renaissance shines spotlight on urban attractions.

Leaving the casual coastal enclaves of Santa Barbara, Ventura and Oxnard, southbound visitors heading to Los Angeles can choose between the semi-rural State Route 126 to the I-5 Freeway, the Ronald Reagan Freeway (118) Freeway or U.S. 101. But any way you choose will send you through San Fernando Valley cities like Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Calabasas, Woodland Hills, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Glendale and Burbank.

Nestled between the Santa Monica Mountains and Los Padres National Forest, the San Fernando Valley's geographic landmarks include the Ronald Reagan Library on the west, Six Flags Magic Mountain on the north, the Rose Bowl on the east and the Getty Center on the south.

Billing itself as the Valley of the Stars, the San Fernando Valley is truly an entertainment capital unlike any other, with the headquarters for the Walt Disney Co., Universal Pictures and Universal Studios, Warner Bros., Nickelodeon, DreamWorks, CBS Studio Center, NBC and the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences as well as more than 100 sound stages.

"We pull more conventions, meetings and business travelers than leisure," said Bruce Ackerman, president and chief executive of the Economic Alliance of the San Fernando Valley.

"We focus on suggesting to executives that they bring their families along and even create some packages to facilitate that," he said.

Ackerman said that the alliance long ago recognized the value of branding the Valley to get more visitors and said the tag line "Valley of the Stars" has begun to catch on.

Typical meetings venues include the Hilton Burbank, Hilton Glendale, Marriott at Warner Center and Sheraton Universal City, he said. Meeting planners might consider the 24-acre Orcutt Ranch in West Hills--a former adobe home from the 1920s--for special events.

The Southland has two presidential libraries and you'll find the first, the Ronald Reagan Library, in Simi Valley, where Air Force One Pavilion is slated to open this fall. The Library also can cater private events for up to 1,500.

More resorts are starting to appear in the valley. In Westlake Village, the Dole Food Co. Inc. is building a Four Seasons Hotel and Spa in conjunction with a 750.000-square-foot wellness center campus that will include a TV production center for food-related programs, restaurants and shops--the first such project in the region.

Meanwhile, tourists can stop at any number of upscale shopping Meccas like the Glendale Galleria or Northridge Fashion Center. Many centers have valet parking and concierge service to enhance the shopping experience.

Along either the 118 or 101, various canyon exits will point you to Pacific Coast Highway at the north end of Malibu. Most visitors will want to wiggle their toes in the sand and sea somewhere between here and Santa Monica.

Malibu, once the private enclave of Union Oil executives, today is best known as a celebrity enclave, while public beaches like Leo Carrillo State Beach are surfer havens.

Meeting planners might want to explore the Villa Graziadio Executive Center at Pepperdine University's Malibu campus.

Stargaze at popular eateries like Guido's or head to Saddlerock Ranch winery on Mulholland Highway for wine tasting in the hills above the ocean; then wend your way along the coast into Santa Monica.

Those who drive down the I-5 might take a side trip to L.A.'s version of Central Park: the 4,100-acre Griffith Park, where there are miles of hiking, jogging and bike trails, bike rentals, golf, tennis, swimming and an equestrian center. It's home to the Museum of the American West and the Griffith Observatory (currently closed for renovation) as well as the Greek Theater for performing arts.

Don't pass up world-class museums like Skirball Cultural Center for a glimpse into Jewish heritage in America, or The Getty Center for special exhibitions, including a current exhibition featuring American photographers.

Drive over Mulholland Drive above star-studded Bel Air Estates for stunning views of the L.A. Basin. Then perhaps stop at the newly renovated Hotel Bel Air for afternoon tea before heading to Sunset Blvd., where locals from every walk of life come to play at night.

At Jaxx on Sunset, you can catch Monday Night movies featuring the top films from the annual American Film Institute screenings. For more lively action, check out hot spots like Skybar, Standard Lounge, Rage, Here or the House of Blues.

Visitors caught up in the home makeover frenzy can get plenty of ideas from the Avenue of Art & Design in West Hollywood, the West Coast oasis for design, fashion and fine art where you might rub elbows with celebrities like Hale Berry, Paris Hilton or Leonardo DiCaprio.

"West Hollywood is a good place to experience the lifestyle of L.A.," said Daniel Guerrero, director of communications for the West Hollywood Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Guerrero said about 80% of the city's hotel clients are affiliated with the fashion or entertainment industries.

"They're used to providing the best services," he said, "and leisure guests get the benefit of that, too."

For meeting planners, he said the city's location--equidistant from downtown, the beach and airport--and the fact that it's pedestrian friendly--are key selling points.

In star-studded Beverly Hills. Century City and along West Hollywood's Sunset Strip, you'll find some of L.A.'s top-rated restaurants like Bastide at Melrose Place, the Belvedere at the Peninsula Beverly Hills Hotel or Diaghilev at the Wyndham Bel Age.

Shop with the stars on a renovated Rodeo Drive at retailers like Armani, Gucci or by appointment only at the world's most expensive store, Bijan.

Of course, there are plenty of opportunities to be pampered at urban resorts like the Beverly Hills Hotel (home to the renowned Polo Lounge), the Beverly Hilton, which offers free local limo service, or the Westin Century Plaza Hotel and its Spa Mystique and Yamaguchi Salon.

Raffles L'Ermitage will even cater to your pet. A new 214-room Montage resort is on the horizon in Beverly Hills, too.

To the west in Santa Monica, you'll find more than 400 restaurants, one of the oldest piers and one of the oldest carousels in the country. The pier is a favorite spot for group receptions and there's no end to the possibilities for dine-arounds.

The Ferris wheel adds a twinkle to the nighttime sky visible from many of the coastal resorts that boast rooftop, beach or terrace cocktails and dining.

Repeat visitors need not fall into the been-there-done-that trap, for Santa Monica--like many cities--is constantly reinventing itself.

During the annual American Film Market, the city turns into a giant movie set (along with some companion events in Malibu). Celebrities might be spotted throughout the year at one of the upscale eateries like Rockenwagner, Jiraffe or Falcon's (check the new Monday gathering called SIN). And it's got a broad mix of full-service, resort and boutique hotels that include the likes of the renovated Fairmont Miramar, Le Merigot: A JW Marriott Beach Hotel & Spa; Loews Santa Monica Beach Resort and Shutters on the Beach. Boutique hotels have sprouted in recent years, with the most recent addition The Huntley.

Meeting planners like the fact that Santa Monica is pedestrian-friendly. The Third Street Promenade alone can keep people entertained day or night with an ever-evolving stable of retailers, street performers and entertainment venues. Elsewhere in town, stop at Ye Olde Kings Head for a pint of British stout or listen to blues bands at Harvelle's--the oldest blues club on the West side.

First-time visitors often head to Hollywood, but even repeat visitors will want to see the newly polished look of the capital of entertainment. Just north of Hollywood, Universal's CityWalk, adjacent to Universal Studios' theme park, has become a destination itself, with eateries like B.B. King's Blues Club, Saddle Ranch Chop House, or Wolfgang Puck Cafe. Clubs include the Latin-themed Rumba Room, Bonkerz Comedy Club or Jillian's Hi-Life Lanes--a combo bowling alley, video arcade, dance house, and eatery. CityWalk hosts group events like street parties, movie premieres, dine-arounds or teambuilding programs.

In Hollywood proper, the Hollywood & Highland complex boasts the Kodak Theater (home of the Oscars) and an outdoor courtyard for special event concerts.

Across the street, groups can have the Hollywood Museum to themselves after hours, nibbling cheese and sipping wine while contemplating sets, props and costumes from America's favorite movies, including original sets from "Star Trek," "X-Files," and "Cheers."

"We realize one of our biggest assets is the celebrity factor," said Carol Martinez, associate vice president for media relations of LA Inc.: The Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Nearby is the Fairfax District with its historic Farmers' Market and new Grove shopping and dining complex.

From Hollywood, it's a short trip on the MetroLink to downtown, but those who choose to drive will be pleased to know that Los Angeles is in the process of installing almost 1,300 directional signs to help visitors thread their way to tourist attractions amid one-way streets and high-rises.

"We're making L.A. more user friendly," Martinez said.

A decade ago, downtown Los Angeles was almost an after-thought after 5 p.m. except for performances at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and Music Center.

Today L.A. is enjoying a downtown renaissance, spurred on by the likes of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Our Lady of Angels Cathedral (also available for events), a plethora of new loft housing and plans for LALive--a $1 billion entertainment district that will include new performance venues, movie theaters, TV and radio studios, clubs and a much-needed 1,200-room convention headquarters hotel.

Bruce Baltin, senior vice president of PKF Consulting, which tracks the hospitality industry, said LA Live would be a boost for Los Angeles.

"It will increase its ability to compete," he said.

Top-tier downtown hotels include the Hilton Checkers with its rooftop pool and large deck for parties, the Omni at California Plaza, where Noe restaurant has become a favorite, and Park Hyatt Los Angeles. The Chamberlain is a new entry in the boutique category.

Baltin said downtown had 21% growth in demand in 2004 at the top hotels.

Downtown's fashion and jewelry districts offer unique shopping at reasonable prices. Visitors also aren't far from the University of Southern California and the Natural History Museum, which offers First Fridays jazz concerts.

Hop back on the MetroLink's Gold Line for a quick trip nine miles east to Pasadena--the quintessential city with a small-town feel.

Pasadena is best known for the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade on New Year's Day. The rest of the year, it's known for its historic Arts and Crafts-style buildings like the recently renovated Gamble House or century-old historic Castle Green; Caltech, which monitors earthquake activity and space exploration like the Mars Rover; and the Huntington Library and Gardens that are in the midst of a major renovation.

Its highest-rated hotel is the Ritz-Carlton Huntington Hotel & Spa, which also caught renovation fever and is putting the finishing touches on a $19 million makeover. The gracious classic buildings, Japanese gardens, villas and extensive gardens make the Ritz-Carlton seem more like home than a hotel. The new decor features a contemporary Mediterranean look.

Adjacent to the Rose Bowl, a new Kidspace Children's Museum opened in December. The Brookside Country Club and Golf Course, also adjacent to the Rose Bowl, can host up to 300 for receptions and golf parties.

Farther east in the San Gabriel Valley, a new Hilton Los Angeles San Gabriel will serve the east valley, while a $113 million expansion at Westfield Shoppingtown Santa Anita sates the needs of shoppers.

"San Gabriel could have a big impact on the Southern California market, depending on (what happens with) the Japanese market," Baltin said.

Some visitors who fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are surprised to find that it's about 15 miles from downtown, yet close to the 1-405 Freeway and ocean. Its adjacent stretch of Century Blvd. is dotted with full-service hotels for groups and business travelers with about 7,500 hotel rooms and 300,000 square feet meeting space between them. Marina del Rey is only three miles to the west, and popular with groups for its proximity to the airport and water-based amenities. A busy yacht harbor, related marine activities and restaurants make Marina del Rey a favorite evening destination, too.

"In Southern California, beach-based and outdoor activities are always popular," said Margie Johnston, president of the Southern California chapter of Meeting Professionals International.

Hornblower Cruises and Events docks in the marina, waiting to take groups out to sea for a seminar, cocktail hour, lunch or dinner cruise.

Drivers who can't find a spot in the new cell-phone parking lot while waiting to pick up arriving passengers at LAX might wait instead at the nearby Sheraton Gateway, where former NFL football coach Don Shula has opened his first West Coast steakhouse, Shula's 347.

South of LAX lie the beach cities of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach, and blufftop areas along Palos Verdes Peninsula where visitors can see Frank Lloyd Wright's Wayfarer's Shrine.

All three beach towns have options for small group meetings.

Donald Trump has recently made another grand entrance--this time in L.A. with the new Trump National Golf Course that will officially open by summer's end. Formerly known as the Ocean Trails course, the club now includes a 45,000 square-foot clubhouse with a ballroom, nine miles of walking paths and three restaurants. The clubhouse will be open for group business.

In San Pedro, you can catch a weekend cruise to Mexico at the Port of Los Angeles. This summer, the Disney Cruise Line is berthed at San Pedro for a 12-week run during Disneyland's 50th birthday celebration.

The city of Long Beach shouldn't be overlooked by either visitors or meeting planners. At the southern tip of Los Angeles County, Long Beach is more closely aligned with Orange County than with other parts of L.A.

In the past decade, its waterfront has become a showplace, with 5,000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the Convention Center, a new whimsical pedestrian bridge reminiscent of a roller coaster from a long-gone amusement park and the new Pike retail, dining and entertainment center across the street.

A block away is the Aquarium of the Pacific--a favorite location for special events--and across the bay, sits the venerable Queen Mary--part hotel, part museum and part convention hall. Catamaran service scoots visitors quickly across the bay and in the nearby Shoreline Village.

Just two blocks inland. Pine Avenue is another place to be for nightlife and other fine dining.

Long Beach also has become a sports hub. hosting more than just the annual Grand Prix of racing. Last year, it hosted the Olympic swimming final qualifiers

Johnston, who also is vice president of sales for the Long Beach Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the city pursues sports business.

"Sports groups are looking for a good fan base as well as venues." she said.

"Southern California lends itself to that."

Long Beach has an efficient shuttle bus-system and unique attractions like the Latin American Museum of Art.

If you didn't jump aboard a cruise in San Pedro, you have another chance in Long Beach home to Carnival Cruise Lines. Or take the Catalina Express just 26 miles across the sea to one of a string of islands off California's coast. Whether a day trip or an overnighter, it's worth the effort to see the island that the Wrigley family--the one of chewing gum and Wrigley Field fame--helped preserve.

Catalina thrives on tourism and small group meetings at Avalon's eclectic and historic Victorian-style B&Bs and hotels and other lodging with a total of about 800 rooms.

The harbor is often busy with private yachts and catamarans from the mainland. There are a wealth of tours that take visitors to the Pacific side of the island, the Airport in the Sky l0 miles from Avalon or the more remote village of Two Harbors. This year, a new tour aboard a Unimog--a Mercedes-made troop carrier for about 12 people--takes people on the more remote portions of the middle island--an area previously accessible only to hikers.

Back on the mainland, turn south down Pacific Coast Highway toward Orange County.