What to do in L.A....

...when it rains. If you're coming during the winter or early spring you've got to be ready for the possibility that there will be some showers or a storm passing through. If there's a rainy day on one of your vacation days, here are some great, cheap indoor ways to spend the afternoon:

Peterson Automotive Museum--California's the heart of the car culture and this edifice, with 300,000 square-feet of rare and classic cars, trucks and motorcycles is a tribute to our love for motors. There's an interactive center for young children and dioramas explaining how cars work. Admission is $10 for anyone over 12, $3 for children 5-12.

Discover Science Center--If you're in the OC while the water's coming down and you've got antsy kids, consider taking them to this place, which is close to Anaheim in Santa Ana. They've got a 4-D theater, air and space exhibits and an area where you can dig for fossils. Admission is $13 for adults and $10 for kids 3-17. Get 10% off with your AAA card.

Reagan Presidential Library--No matter what your political views, a visit to a presidential library is special since there are so few of them around the U.S. This one is in Simi Valley, which is about a 45-minute drive from the Westside depending on traffic. They've got a Gallery of Presidents, which has memorabilia and clothing from several eras of the White House; a replica of the Oval Office and one of the retired Air Force One jets that you can walk through. Admission is $12 for adults 17-61, $9 for seniors 62 and over and $3 for kids 3-11.