SANTA MONICA. Don't expect to darken the doors of this upscale club unless you are dressed to kill. The choosy doorman sees to it that only the trendy and beautiful find their way inside. Once inside, you'll exclaim over the lovely garden area and the New American cuisine. Crab cakes and fried okra are top picks. The décor features leather furniture and Chinese lanterns that add a soft glow to this fashionable venue. Outdoor dining available.

HOLLYWOOD. For club-goers looking for an escape from city life, Cabana Club is just the ticket. The extravagant back patio features a reflecting pool, scaled-down waterfalls, requisite palm trees, and private cabanas with bottle service and spa treatments available. No appeal is lost in the club's interior, where VIP areas, a gilded bar, and a two-tier dance floor kept busy by DJs await. Live music gets the crowd moving on some nights when rock and hip-hop acts take the stage.

MID CITY. In Cajun country, a fais do-do is a community dance party, and that's what you'll find at this eclectic club. The music runs the gamut from jazz and blues to alternative, hip-hop, and funk. Regular events like "Fat Tuesdays" highlight a particular music genre and draw big crowds. A California-Cajun menu is served until 11pm ­ when the munchies hit, order up a catfish po' boy or some vegetarian red beans and rice. And if you like history, you'll appreciate that the Art Deco building has an interesting background. It was once a jazz club where Sam Cooke and John Coltrane played.

HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. Seven spacious areas comprise this club, which can accommodate up to 1800 people. A patio, VIP lounge, disco room, and "bungalow" ensure that everyone finds a place to dance and relax. Some of the best DJs in LA spin techno, salsa, and disco in the main room, and a secondary dance floor above the bar features hip-hop. The highlight of the week is Saturday night's Spundae, when celebrity DJs spin tunes into the wee hours.

WILSHIRE. This Latin dance club is a feast for the senses. Well-dressed salsa dancers and upbeat music fit the brightly colored décor, and even if you don't know the moves, feel free to grab a seat and watch the show. Plus, if you'd like a few pointers, the Conga Room offers free lessons Wednesday through Saturday starting at 8pm. A separate dance lounge features hip-hop and house music, and cigar and VIP lounges are available as well. Hungry? Check out La Boca for Latin inspired cuisine to get you in the mood for some more dancing!