Trendy bistros, art-filled cafés, shoe shopping, nightlife... all a block from the ocean. Only in LA. Well, maybe not... but while our grandparents were still caning and walkering their way through Miami Beach, Main Street had perfected this distinctively, exuberantly LA experience. With the weather turning crystal clear but too cool for beach crowds, now's the time to rediscover what a perfect day the Main Street stroll makes. (Toby Muller)

1) g2g. Rdng Prst k?: Novel Café (212 Pier Avenue)

You're working on that spec script, or (classier) screenplay, or (classier still) novel, and you can't stand your apartment any more, or your dog is barking, or your family is demanding attention, or you really want to avoid writing and cruise - WHERE DO YOU GO? Why, the Novel Cafe. With power strips aplenty, non-free wi-fi (provided by Cafe.com), subdued lighting, and a hipster quotient through the roof, a better spot for caffienated netsurfing would be hard to find. In fact, a casual glance shows about 15% of the clientele without computers. For them, there is a coin-operated internet kiosk and shelves of books lining every wall. Dip in at random, and come out with anything from Jacqueline Susann to Friedrich Nietzsche to W.V.O. Quine. And if you like heights, there is a balcony for either quieter studying or subtler voyeurism. One huge advantage over other coffee places with wi-fi is the menu. Not just pastries but an actual kitchen that makes delicious, satisfying omelettes, sandwiches, wraps, salads and more. Just don't spill on your keyboard! www.novelcafe.com (Peter Basch)

2) Remembrance of Things Past: Obsolete (222 Main Street, Venice)

Teetering on the periphery between the worlds of art and antiquity lies Obsolete, a museum-esque store reminding one of an Indiana Jones archeological journey to the soundtrack of Gregorian Chant. Prominently displayed are Big Wheeled Bicycles (those with the front wheel significantly larger than the back), direct from 19th century England. European hand-crafted wooden sculptures and figurines from the 18th through the 20th centuries are also a constant in the collection, and no two are alike. For the whimsical shopper with a penchant for the slightly morbid, animals preserved through taxidermy lurk throughout the store. However, the practical and tame might find a buy among the unique lighting fixtures and antique furniture. To find this rare and distinct conglomeration of artifacts one need only travel to Main Street rather than hazard a search for the Lost Ark. www.obsoleteinc.com (Megan Karasch)

3) Within a Budding Grove: The Panini Garden (2715 Main Street)

Is there anything better than a Panini? Except for those rare occasions when the bread cuts the roof of your mouth, the combination of hot grilled bread, melting cheese and heated interior accoutrements is simply sublime. So what happens when you combine glorious panini, crepes chock-full of Nutella and a charming patio complete with tinkling fountain and nesting sparrows? The magic of The Panini Garden, a quaint little railroad car sized offering of a restaurant that has grown steadily over the past decade to become a Venice staple. Repose in the garden, get your grub on and heed these words of advice: The #10-Spicy Chicken Panini (substitute herbed goat cheese for mozzarella). You can thank me later. (310) 399-9939; www.paninigarden.com ; M-Th, Su: 11am-6pm, F-Sa: 11am-7pm (Sasha Perl-Raver)

ALSO VISIT OTHER EDITIONS OF LA2DAY COORDINATES:
LOS FELIZ
SILVER LAKE
DOWNTOWN
OLD TOWN PASADENA
HOLLYWOOD
VENICE
WEST HOLLYWOOD