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| Hollywood walk of fame |
For decades, Los Angeles has been the hub of America’s entertainment industry, known metaphorically as a land of milk and honey where celebrities roam the streets and film directors mingle at glamorous hotspots over glasses of wine.
Yet L.A. emits more than just stardust and smog into the atmosphere over southern California. As the most populated city in the western United States, its 3.8 million residents make up an eclectic composition of cultures and neighborhoods, backdropped by the iconic Hollywood sign glowing in a hazy distance. Among the constant buzz of music, movies and television, Los Angeles lays claim to international cuisine, high-end boutiques and a plethora of diverse art galleries. Year-round sunshine and long stretches of playful beaches make it a visitor’s paradise.
In short, L.A. is equal parts reality as it is fantasy. Coined the creative capital of the world, it is ever-changing, exceeding expectations and begging to be explored.
Attractions: Seeing stars
Writer Erica Jong once said, “Every country gets the circus it deserves…America gets Hollywood.” No visit to Los Angeles is complete without a glimpse of “Tinsel Town,” where tourists meander all day through the Walk of Fame, posing for pictures along sidewalks that sport over 2,000 shimmering stars to commemorate Hollywood’s most prominent figures. Find more star power at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, where movie buffs can match timeless celebrity hand and footprints to their own.
Keep an eye out for famous actors and actresses in living form as you take a stroll down Rodeo Drive, known for its high-end fashion shops, where Julia Roberts shopped in the film Pretty Woman.
Those still dreaming of seeing their name in lights spend their time across town along the Sunset Strip. Here, a hip counter-culture of struggling musicians and artists enjoy the nightlife at numerous music venues and nightclubs, like the Viper Room, once owned by Johnny Depp and still frequently visited by Hollywood’s A-list.
If you weren’t lucky enough to spot any celebrities while cruising through the city, star-gaze instead at the Griffith Observatory, a popular tourist attraction for its impressive display of science and space exhibits. Settled on a hillside within sprawling Griffith Park, L.A.’s own larger version of Central Park, the observatory’s unique planetarium and family-friendly atmosphere make it a worthwhile stop.
Outdoors: Like, hit the beach, dude
Visit any of L.A.’s many beaches and you’ll understand why Angelenos have inherited a “work hard, play harder” mentality. Whether you’re chilling in the sun or catching a wave, this section of the California coast is the ultimate destination for relaxation and some world class people-watching.
Rent a bicycle and cruise down the South Bay Bicycle Trail that runs for 22 miles (35 km) along the sparkling sand, beginning at one of the city’s hidden treasures, Paradise Cove in Malibu and ending south of Torrance. Along the way, check out Santa Monica, famous for its carnival-esque pier, complete with ferris wheel, street performers and caricaturists. Join a chess game at the tiny International Chess Park or play on the nearby over-sized swing set.
Head south to L.A.’s quirkiest: Venice Beach, where an eccentric cast of characters, including tanned body-builders, snake-handlers and grungy skateboarders coexist. Lively volleyball courts and lifeguard shacks give the area a timeless feel.
Dining: Luxe and local
Step inside the historic Beverly Hills Hotel on Sunset Boulevard—the original “Hotel California.” Although the hotel is famous for affluent guests and luxurious accommodations, The Beverly Hills Fountain Coffee Shop located underground, is far more affordable. Enjoy a tasty lunch at the curvy black counter designed for optimum dining conversation.
Winos rejoice at San Antonio Winery, a lovely oasis just east of downtown. Owned by the Riboli family for over 90 years, the winery stayed in business during the 1920s Prohibition by supplying wine to the Catholic Church for masses.
Aside from roof-top bars and classy cafés, L.A. hosts a slew of farmers markets each day of the week. One of the most popular is Santa Monica’s Wednesday market on 3rd Street Promenade, where local growers and shoppers mingle over the area’s finest heirloom tomatoes and wild mushrooms. Celebrity chefs frequent this market, gathering ideas and ingredients for their seasonal restaurant menus. If you’re trying to figure out where to eat on the weekend, start here.
Art: A multitude of museums
Los Angeles is home to more museums per capita than any other city in the world. One of its most impressive is the Getty Center, a must-see not only for its well-groomed gardens, modern architecture or rotating galleries on Middle Age and European art, but also for its breath-taking hilltop views of the surrounding city and ocean.
Take the kids to the Page Museum at the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits, a hands-on exhibit featuring saber-toothed tiger replicas and a wide collection of fossils that serves as a reminder of L.A.’s prehistoric past.
Entertainment: The best in the biz
For a peek into the world of show business and behind-the-scenes tours, Los Angeles is clearly the place to go. More specifically, Universal Studios Hollywood amusement park offers daily hour-long tram tours of its massive studio grounds which Steven Spielberg himself helped conceive. Learn how Jaws came to life through special effects and see the set of Wisteria Lane from ABC’s hit show Desperate Housewives.
Of course, there’s always Disneyland, just a hop, skip and a jump away in Anaheim. To call this fairytale theme park of overwhelming proportions a “fun-filled adventure” is always an understatement. Yet the Disneyland empire isn’t the only legacy living under Walt’s name. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural masterpiece with dramatic indoor acoustics to match. During the winter, the concert hall is home to the world-renowned LA Philharmonic, yet it offers tours and a wide array of musical talent with concerts throughout the year.
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