Photo by BlogWorld
For those looking to indulge their geeky side on a more regular basis, we've put together a list of local haunts where high SAT scores, Mensa memberships and adoration for Bill Gates are de rigueur.
The creative, hands-on exhibits and IMAX theater at the California Science Center will make you re-live the excitement of an elementary school field trip all over again. Except, of course, this time no one will tell your mom if you wander off to explore on your own.
Behind the unassuming façade of this fascinating museum on Venice Blvd., you’ll find curiously intellectual exhibits such as decaying dice, dogs of the Soviet Union space program and the unique world of micro-miniatures. The atmosphere is antique shop meets fun house, and admission is just a suggested donation.
What geek or gearhead doesn't want to see the Batmobile in person? That's what we thought. Well, you're going to want to head straight to the Petersen Automotive Museum on Wilshire Blvd.'s Museum Row. Way more than your standard glossy white showroom, you'll see race cars, motorcycles, concept cars and movie cars from various eras — including Batman's famous ride. From March 5 to Oct. 16, 2011, check out the revved-up exhibition, "Supercars: When Too Much Is Almost Enough."
From classic characters to displays of contemporary Pacific Rim pop culture, niche comic book stores in LA are popular without being too trendy. Try The Secret Headquarters or Meltdown, Inc., both on Sunset Blvd., and Golden Apple Comics on Melrose for your comic fix. Check out our guide to LA's comic book stores: CLICK HERE.
This place tops Google Sky and then some. Admission is free to gaze through the public telescopes and browse exhibits, plus tickets are cheap to see planetarium shows. If you're looking for a way to romance your nerd-at-heart date, Griffith Observatory is it.
Join the live studio audience of "Jeopardy!" and watch others who paid attention in school say "What are radioactive nuclei, Alex" — just don't shout out the answers (even though we know you know them all). Or, get on a game show and compete yourself. If smart sitcoms are more your style, get tickets for a taping of geek cult favorite "The Big Bang Theory" at Warner Bros. Studios.
This store at the popular shopping center, The Grove, opens up like the sleek aluminum unibody of a new MacBook Pro with a glowing Apple logo above the door. Inside, ogle the latest i-technology or get some personal help at the genius bar.
Take Call of Duty from the Xbox to real life with a few rounds of high-tech tag at Ultrazone Laser Tag. The geek-friendly, multi-level facility features special effects and themed areas.
This is the third-largest public library in the U.S. — and it is not kidding around. How many libraries do you know that come with stellar art collections, docent-led tours, a mini food court and a gift shop? Unimaginable numbers of reading nooks and massive windows that let in LA's beautiful sunshine make this a top spot for quiet contemplation among the city's studious populace.There's no better display of cognitive prowess than beating out other area geeks in a pub quiz. Tons of LA watering holes, including O’Brien’s Irish Pub, Melgard Public House, Fox and Hounds and The Irish Times Pub & Restaurant, host weekly trivia nights that bring in those who love to debate the right answer with their pals over a hearty stout.
With a setting ranging from urban to rural and desert to beach, Los Angeles provides an endless playground for geocachers — those who use GPS devices as part of a high-tech treasure hunt. With more than 4,000 hidden items recorded, it's a search-and-finder's heaven.This museum on Wilshire's Museum Row attracts folks who love to geek out over environmentally conscious building materials, a 1939 Charles Eames chair design and the perfect combination of art and technology. The museum's Urban Hikes programs lead a parade of design lovers to hidden corners of LA where they can glimpse under-appreciated details. You'll also want to check out Los Angeles Conservancy tours.
The normally chic First & Hope Supper Club gets positively geeky every Tuesday night when it hosts Fox's high-school-drama sensation "GLEE." Gleeks, as the show's devotees are known, gather to savor the restaurant's comfort food as they sing along and follow the travails of Rachel, Finn, Quinn and the rest of the harmonically blessed crew. Take your gleek affection to the next stage and visit the lot where they film. Paramount Studios offers VIP Tours for $40 per person.
