When your tourist ventures take you to Hollywood Boulevard, you’ll enjoy all the attractions, including the Walk of Fame, vintage movie theaters, souvenir shops, tours of star homes, costumed characters and all the rest. You may encounter other, less attractive sights.

The street is also a tragic location for many homeless wanderers. When your travel4seniors.com editor worked there in the late 1950s, my one-bedroom apartment rent was $80 a month. In same building it now costs $1,800. With housing grossly expensive and getting worse, the homeless situation throughout the Los Angeles area continues to grow.

The area is still enjoyable to visit, and if a costumed Hollywood character poses with you for a photo, offer a couple of dollars. However, if you don’t want to give money directly to homeless people there, who may be drug and alcohol addicts, you can still help them. Donate to authorized charities, such as Red Cross, Salvation Army and others specializing in offering shelter, rehab and other professional aid to them.

On the list is La Siesta Hotel & Spa at #4, and La Siesta Hotel Trendy at #10. Of all the great hotels throughout the world, who decided this list, Jane Fonda? Some Vietnam War vets may inquire: Did they ask Senator McCain and other ex-POWs if they believe the luxurious Hanoi Hilton should actually top the list?

Consider a Southern California experience that doesn’t involve busy, expensive hotels in Beverly Hills or Malibu. In nearby Topanga Canyon, there’s a quiet bungalow all gussied up in pirate theme. A great retreat for two priced from 95 pieces of eight.

Along with the swashbuckler theme, it has private waterfalls, pond, garden and hilly hiking trails. There are views of Hollywood from just above the Sunset Strip. It’ll make you feel like you’re with the Swiss Family Robinson with its tiki-themed decor both inside and outside.

You’ll lounge by the fire pit on swinging chairs or dip in an outdoor bathtub covered in seashells. The guest house has one bedroom with bath. The rules include no kids, pets, nor group parties. For more info and booking, visit airbnb.com

Your desert driving or late-arriving flight takes you to this rockin’ resort in the wee small hours, and you crave some eats. You’ll find a welcome sight at Mr. Lucky’s all-night eatery. Among the many delicious menu items, try the $7.77 special dinner of steak, shrimp and potatoes. Or steak and eggs for a modest $4.99. Then, with stomach satisfied, you can hit the casino tables or machines with renewed vigor as the sun rises on your lucky day.