Insider: Someone with great taste, nice enough to provide the “inside scoop” so you can make like a local when visiting.

President of Production at Di Novi Pictures, Alison (34) has lived in Santa Monica for five years. Outside work, she practises yoga, and enjoys hiking, film and comedy. Before moving to LA, she lived in Philadelphia, Northern California and spent a summer in London.

My Los Angeles

For a first-time visitor, what is a must-do?
Must walk along the “strand” a path that hugs the beach and runs from Malibu in the North to Manhattan Beach in the south. Sunday Brunch at the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel is glamorous and delicious. Another must do is the Getty Center perched atop a hill in Malibu, the Richard Meier designed structure is breath-taking and the views are equally pretty.

And what would you warn them to avoid?
Tourist traps like Hollywood Blvd / Chinese theatre / Santa Monica Pier.

What’s your favourite part of LA and why?
I love walking down the beautiful and green San Vicente Blvd. From Brentwood to the ocean you will pass others who feel the same. Really, anywhere I can see the water or the hills is my favourite part of town.

What are your favourite places to eat?
Il Sole simple Italian fare done very well, casual and hip (Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood) Katsuya sushi and fusion-Japanese - to die for! (Ventura Blvd. in the Valley; new Brentwood branch on San Vicente & Montana) A.O.C. amazing small plates and tapas; great ambience (West 3rd Street at Crescent Heights Blvd, West Hollywood)

What about some great places to meet for drinks?
Early Evening
Chateau Marmont the patio
Whist at The Viceroy hotel in Santa Monica
The OTHER ROOM - Abbot Kinney in Venice - the big floor to ceiling windows in the front allow for the ocean air to sweep through this wine and beer bar - casual and fun.

After dinner/Late
Tower Bar at the Sunset Tower Hotel (8358 Sunset Blvd. W. Hollywood) clubby, laid-back elegance.
Blue on Blue at The Avalon hotel (west Olympic Blvd) mid-century modern aesthetic, great crowd.

What’s your favourite place to shop?
Stroll along Robertson between Third and Beverly hit Curve, Madison, Diavolina, and American Apparel for yummy t-shirts and the softest of track suits; on Montana Avenue: Planet Blue, Jill Roberts Moondance, The Wagging Tail (for the ultimate in canine accessories and apparel); there are a lot of hip & cool clothing and furnishings places on Abbot Kinney in Venice, too many to name.

The best deli or food market?
Bristol Farms (several locations); Beverly Hills Cheese Shop; Whole foods; Stroh’s in Venice

Where do you go to keep yourself fit and beautiful?
Sports Club ask for Troy Todd to give you an hour of his time and you will get a great workout … but risk being sore for a week. (310 473 1447)

Yoga Works on Montana in Santa Monica. Roberta Lombardi’s class is an invigorating and inspiring experience.
(310 393 5150)

Face Place at 8701 Santa Monica Blvd. (310 289 1900) for galvanic facials.

Skin Remedies for photo-facials (ask for Carrie Edler) and a great cleansing facial (ask for Kelly T.) (310-453 6474)

Ona spa for pampering and relaxation. Ask for Natan who gives a terrific deep tissue massage and is also the spa’s acupuncturist. (323 931 4442)

What’s your favourite way to relax or escape?
Hiking Temescal Canyon or Runyon Canyon is a great two-hour respite from the hustle-bustle of the city. 20 minutes from Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach offers sand and sea that is quiet and calm, not as crowded as the beach in front of Santa Monica Pier.

What do you love to do with children?
DisneyLand is the classic destination of choice for kids. Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom never fail to make me smile. Also fun is the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood which has live performances for kids. The La Brea Tar Pits gives kids a glimpse of what life was like for dinousaurs and creatures of the past.

What places represent “quintessential Los Angeles” to you?
Runyon Canyon is soooooo LA. It’s a great scenic hike uphill in Hollywood and you will undoubtedly hear snippets of conversation like “I just fired my agent” or “That executive gives the worst notes”. And you may want to rent a dog, as you will want to fit in with the rest of the hikers heading up the hill who lug their pooches with them. Then head to brunch at Ammo on Highland - great vegetable frittata and the muffins are heavenly.

What experience is authentically LA?
This is a tie. Authentic LA - A Lakers game at the Staples Center. Nothing like seeing Kobe own the home court. But, also as authentic, perhaps more relaxing - driving the Pacific Coast Highway to Malibu and beyond. Stop for a beer and fresh fish (prepared any way you like it) at the Reel Inn.

Finally, can you share a best-kept secret that is known to locals but not outsiders?
One is the Malibu Country Mart on PCH. Grab a fresh sandwich from the stall, a Coffee Bean Ice Blended and hang out with the cute dogs and kids! Great boutiques there too.

Another: everyone assumes LA is sunny and gorgeous year-round. And we are blessed, but oddly enough, we get a bit of “June gloom” where the mornings are often misty and foggy, and temperatures sometimes only in the high 50s/low 60s.

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Alison’s hotel recommendations
Channel Road Inn - quaint, cozy, quiet B&B; steps from the beach. (west Channel Road, Santa Monica; 310 459 1920)
The Crescent - reasonable boutique hotel in the heart of beverly Hills - snazzy lobby to grab a drink or snack (try the mini-burgers) rooms are hip and understated…
Four Seasons Los Angeles - simple elegance near Rodeo Drive with a hopping bar at night.
(www.fourseasons.com/losangeles; 310 273 2222)
Montage Resort - about 90 minutes’ drive from LA in beautiful Laguna Beach. The spa at this property is a slice of heaven, and the award-winning restaurant on site is a gastronomical treat. Every little touch here is delectable. (www.montagelagunabeach.com; 866 271 6953)