(FAST FACT: The tallest skyscraper west of the Mississippi - The Library Tower - is in Downtown Los Angeles.)

Welcome to Los Angeles, home of cutting-edge everything—from fashion to savory cuisine and world-class resorts. This sophisticated and sexy hot spot overflows with celebrities and glamour. Fortunately for us jet-setting desert dwellers, this lovable locale is just a quick plane ride away.

New to downtown, in-the-works entertainment “campus,” L.A. Live is envisioned as a major draw for the area. The first phase, launched last October, includes Nokia Theatre, soon to become a household name after hosting the American Idol finale. This fall, visitors can look forward to more than 10 restaurants including a Wolfgang Puck concept and a Fleming’s. Other venues will also soon call L.A. Live home including The Grammy Museum; ESPN’s West Coast broadcast headquarters; Jimmy Smith’s much-anticipated club, The Conga Room; and a trendy Lucky Strike Bowling venue. By 2010, the district will boast Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Residences as well as a JW Marriott. www.lalive.com.

Play

It’s only natural that the premier greens in Los Angeles belong to Trump. Located in Rancho Palos Verdes, the Trump National Golf Club underwent a $250 million revamp to a course originally designed by Pete Dye. With Trump’s extensive involvement in the project, including his role as lead architect, the new track is now regarded as a Trump Signature Design golf course. www.trumpnationallosangeles.com.

Santa Monica is more than meets the Boulevard. Don’t miss Bergamot Station. Once a former industrial site, the landmark was converted in 1994 and now ranks as Southern California’s largest art gallery and cultural complex, housing numerous contemporary art galleries as well as The Santa Monica Museum of Art. www.bergamotstation.com.

The Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCMA) opened in February at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). BCMA is the first museum built in L.A. since 1997. www.lacma.org.

Even our native Angeleno staffers didn’t know the city had a Museum of Neon Art (MONA). Visit the recently reopened institution to learn about “the cultural, historic, aesthetic and technical elements of electric art.” www.neonmoma.org.

So, you’ve experienced Rodeo Drive, Sunset Boulevard and Melrose Avenue. On your next visit, spend the day sauntering along the up-and-coming shops of West Third Street. This district boasts several fashion-forward boutiques retailing tomorrow’s trends in addition to local farmers’ market The Grove as well as Beverly Center.

Coming in ’09 are the $600 million mixed-use Hollywood and Vine development, complete with a W Hotel and residences; and the 57,000-sq.-ft. Children’s Museum of Los Angeles, which will house interactive-learning exhibits. www.childrensmuseumla.org.

Dine

With the upscalization of downtown, fantastic restaurants and bars have found a following in the neighborhood. Takami Sushi, Elevate Lounge, Blue Velvet and Edison Bar are popular tasting and tippling spots du jour. In Hollywood, acclaimed Sushi Katsu-Ya under popular Chef Katsuya Uechi is attracting discriminating diners and elite celebrities with innovative sushi offerings. In search of fine fare and celebrity eye candy? Dine at The Huntington, a popular spot frequented by A-listers (and the paparazzi, of course).

The first Gordon Ramsay restaurant in Los Angeles opened its doors in May. Be among the first to taste The London West Hollywood’s fare. www.gordonramsay.com.

Foodies, consider planning your trip around the end of January to catch the two-week annual DineLA restaurant event. Sample three-course prix-fixe meals from some of L.A.’s best dining establishments. Advance reservations strongly encouraged. www.dinela.com.