Los Angeles Places of Interest
Outer space exhibits, Broadway shows and Roman antiquities. These just touch the surface of the myriad attractions L.A. has to offer. Shopping on Rodeo Drive, the excitement of Universal Studios Hollywood, sitting in on a live TV show taping, reveling in the luxury of soothing spas or the beauty of famous gardens, wine-tasting—it’s all here in L.A.
Griffith Observatory
After a 93-million dollar, 4 year-long facelift, the Observatory reopened in 2006 to rave reviews. Original fixtures like the solar telescope, a model of the north polar region of the moon and the Foucault pendulum still grace the space. New additions are largely underground to preserve the original appearance of the outside structure. They include an upgraded Ziess Mark IX planetarium star projector, a large room called the Gunther Depths of Space with an expansive photomural of the universe and numerous other exhibits, and the new Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon theater. Retail space additions include a café, gift shop and terrace.
The original planetarium was used during World War II to train plane pilots and for the first lunar mission in the 1960s to train astronauts. The observatory has been featured in numerous movies, including Rebel Without a Cause, Bowfinger, The Terminator and Transformers. Timed-entry reservations are required, so please plan a trip to the observatory in advance. For more information: 213-473-0800
Grauman's Chinese Theatre
An L.A. landmark, the Grauman's Chinese Theatre opened in 1927 and still shows first-run movies today. The theater hosted the Academy Awards for three years in the mid-1940s. The handprints and footprints of almost 200 movie stars are embedded into the cement of the theater's "Forecourt of the Stars," and also include the cigars of George Burns and Groucho Marx, the ice skating blades of Sonja Henie, the gun of Roy Rogers, and the nose of Bob Hope.
For more information: 323-464-6266
The Getty Villa
Modeled after the Roman Villa of the Papyri at Herculaneum and other ancient sites, the museum was reopened to the public in 2006 after a $275 million dollar renovation. The villa now has Roman and Greek sculptures that were originally in the Getty Center, as well as Etruscan, Greek and Roman antiquities with themes including Stories of the Trojan War, Gods and Goddesses, and Dionysus and the Theater. The villa also has inner and outer gardens modeled after the Romans, including a 200-foot-long reflecting pool in the Outer Peristyle garden leading to a sweeping vista of the Pacific Ocean. Admission is free, but parking reservations are required. For more information: 310-440-7300
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Bring your camera to this fascinating building designed by Frank Gehry and completed in 2003. Currently housing the L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra and the Los Angeles Master Chorale on the Music Center campus, it was designed to have excellent acoustics and has a unique concert organ with curved, angled wooden pipes set in at various positions. Enjoy the gardens on level three outside the building and then head inside to see the garden motif carried throughout the building's design details. Audio and public tours are offered daily.
For more information: 323-850-2000
Olvera Street
Grab some authentic Mexican fare, listen to the bolero musicians, and stroll along the oldest street in Los Angeles. This is the site where 44 settlers built the first pueblo in 1781, and 27 other historic buildings now exist at the site. A major revitalization in 1930 opened the area to Mexican American food and handicraft vendors, providing a haven to preserve early California's customs and trades. Free tours are available in the mornings from Wednesday through Saturday.
For more information: 213-628-2525
Los Angeles Entertainment
Wicked at Pantages Theatre
This hit musical has won 15 awards including three Tony Awards and a Grammy Award, and has grossed more than any other show in the country. This show traces its roots back to L.A., where it was written and developed. Enjoy the untold story of the witches of Oz-one popular and ambitious, the other smart and misunderstood with emerald-green skin. Find out how these two unlikely companions become Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West. Playing in L.A. through March of 2008.
For more information: 323-468-1770
Shopping Havens
Rodeo Drive is a great place to look for celebs and window shop at tons of designer shops including Armani, Gucci, Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Ralph Lauren and more. To buy something cool which the average shopper can afford, check out the hip trilogy of neighborhoods to the east: Echo Park, Silver Lake, and Los Feliz, where many local designers provide great fashions. Cruise can't miss spots like The Circle, Steinburg & Sons and Show Pony.
Ventura Boulevard
In the San Fernando Valley, Ventura Boulevard is ground zero for boutique shopping. Stretching in an east-west direction, Ventura connects Universal City to North Hollywood to Studio City to Sherman Oaks. Along the way, several pockets of concentrated shopping await eager shoppers in search of some off-the-beaten-path L.A. fashion finds. Be sure to check out Belle Grey, Tryst and Stacey Todd among the dozens of boutique shops lining both sides of Ventura Boulevard.
West Third
Occasionally confused with Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, this Third Street is one of the hottest shopping districts in L.A. Concentrated between La Cienega and Fairfax, West Third Street is actually quite walkable in some sections; just park the car and stroll along by foot, stepping in and out of the boutiques that catch your eye. If you prefer to have a solid game plan before you set out, be sure to plan a visit to Milk for women's clothing; Inago for unusual shoes; Zipper for unique gifts; and OK for home furnishings. Book buffs will enjoy visiting Traveler's Bookcase and the Cook's Library.
Abbot Kinney
This legendary street runs through the heart of Venice. The shopping is located between Main St. and North Venice Blvd. Home décor shops, handmade furniture stores, vintage clothing sellers, surf shops, perfume shops and bookstores make this area as eclectic as any in Los Angeles. A former hangout for artist types and other hipsters, the area maintains a bit of an underground vibe while catering to a clientele that's in the know yet still a few tax brackets removed from the starving artist stage.
TV Show Tapings
See what entertainment is all about! Go to see a TV show being taped live. Tickets can be obtained by going to the "tvtickets" website. You can see shows like The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Veronica's Closet, Two Guys and a Girl and Everybody Loves Raymond. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance and arrive early as seating is limited.
For more information: 818-753-3470
Los Angeles Restaurants
With thousands of restaurants, L.A. offers varied dining experiences, from quaint and kitschy to red-carpet treatment; from celebrity chefs and top-rated cuisine to short order legends and bar-stool gourmet, the possibilities are endless in L.A.
Ocean Seafood
With seafood that's practically swimming when customers arrive it's so fresh, out-of-town guests and locals alike keep coming back to this dim-sum hotspot. A troupe of waiters will also serve all the usual standards like sweet sesame balls, BBQ pork buns, spare ribs in black bean sauce and shaomai dumplings. The three cavernous dining halls are perfectly suited to large events with an optional stage, Bose sound system and satellite video broadcasting system. A variety of prix fix banquet menus are available to choose from including options like a Dim Sum Platter, Pan Fried Lobster with Supreme Sauce, Fried Rice Wrap in Lotus Leaf, and Shark's Fin Soup with Crab Meat.
For more information: 213-687-3088
Madre’s
What happens when you take the star power of Jennifer Lopez, mix it with the design aesthetic of Rachel Ashwell and serve it all up with a healthy dose of down-home Latin recipes? You get Madre’s in Pasadena, with its Cuban-flavored menu and white linen interior that’s more chic than shabby. You’ll also get great food inspired by the recipes Jennifer Lopez’s grandmother used to make.
For more information: 626-744-0900
M Café de Chaya
Amazingly flavorful macrobiotic cuisine is the hallmark of this modern Melrose hangout. Sit with hipsters, musicians and actors as you enjoy delicious dishes that have no red meat, refined sugar, dairy or eggs. Their veggie burger is good enough to convert red meat lovers, as is the barbeque seitan sandwich with pulled pork texture. A signature salad option is The Bistro, with slow roasted beets, organic mixed greens, portobello confit, candied walnuts, house-made tofu chevre, red wine and a shallot vinaigrette.
For more information: 323-525-0588
Blowfish Sushi
Blowfish is known as the place to get sushi with attitude and a side of rock ‘n’ roll. It helps that one of the owners is Julian Lennon, whose family tree is deep rooted in legendary rock status, but it’s the fresh take on sushi that makes this restaurant an L.A. hipster hotspot.
For more information: 310-887-3848
Ciudad
Colorful décor makes Ciudad a lively place to experience two hot tamales. In this case, it’s not a food reference, but the title for chefs Susan Feniger and Mary Sue Milliken, famous for their “Too Hot Tamales” TV show.
For more information: 213-486-5171
Patina
When Chef Joaquim Splichal moved his most famous restaurant from Hollywood to Downtown L.A., some wondered why. Three years later, it turns out Splichal was simply a trendsetter. Located in Walt Disney Concert Hall, Patina’s menu features contemporary California cuisine with a mix of Italian and French influences. The wine list is touted as one of the best in L.A.
For more information: 213-972-3331
Spago
At this original Wolfgang Puck institution, diners can mingle with A-list celebrities while enjoying top-notch service in an atmosphere of lush sophistication. The surroundings provide a perfect backdrop to Lee Hefter's imaginative seasonal Californian cuisine and Sherry Yard's heavenly desserts. A few delectable options are the Sweet White Corn and Mascarpone Agnolotti, the House Smoked Salmon & Sturgeon with Lemon Herb Blinis, and the Spinach-Ricotta Gnocchi with Ragout of Braised Sonoma Lamb. Spago can accommodate events from 12 to 2500 attendees. Past celebrated events include the Emmys, dinners for the President of the United States, and for the Democratic National Convention. Winner of the James Beard Foundation's 2005 Outstanding Service Award, Spago will keep your event streamlined from initial planning to the final day.
For more information: 310-385-0880
Los Angeles Nightlife
4100 Bar
Single and not, gay and straight, this Oriental bar caters to it all with a friendly yet luxurious atmosphere and bartender aficionados that will make your drink how you like it. A larger-than-life Buddha keeps watch over the crowd, while a red oblong bar provides a great focal point for chatty socialites to mingle. Cute corner couches or black ebony booths provide a cozy place to unwind with friends.
For more information: 323-666-4460
Spaceland
In the heart of Silver Lake's thriving indie-rock scene, Spaceland plays host to cutting-edge music groups on their way to the top. Past players include Elliot Smith, Beck, Imperial Teen, Mary Lou Lord, Pavement and The Eels. Current headliners are The Ladybug Transistor, Mr. Tube & the Flying Objects, Film School, and more. Step in on a Monday night for a no-cover headliner night.
For more information: 323-661-4380
Recreation and Outdoors in Los Angeles
In what other city can you go for a hike in the mountains in the morning and go for a swim in the ocean in the afternoon? With an exhilarating 60 miles of beach on the west surrounded by mountains on the other three sides, L.A. has every kind of outdoor activity available for the taking.
Griffith Park
With over 4,200 acres of land displaying manzanita, wild sage and California oak trees, Griffith Park is the largest open wilderness area and municipal park in the United States. Started as a land donation by Colonel Griffith to the city of Los Angeles, the park has 53 miles of bridle paths, fire roads, and trails.
The most popular hike is the Mt. Hollywood Trail, which offers a spectacular view at Mount Hollywood's peak of the San Gabriel Mountains, the Los Angeles Basin, and the San Fernando Valley. A nice place to stop for a picnic on the trail is Dante's View, a terraced two-acre garden planted in the 1960s by Dante Orgolini. For more information: 323-913-4688
Runyon Canyon
This urban escape is a 130-acre wilderness located just minutes from Hollywood Boulevard. Hikers can either head up steep hills on well-marked trails or take a gradual approach on the park’s fire roads.
For more information: 323-666-5046
Will Rogers State Historic Park
Located in the Pacific Palisades, Will Rogers State Historic Park is a 200-acre getaway that used to be Will Rogers’ private ranch. Today, there are several trails that climb up the hills where panoramic views of the city await. You’ll also find a polo field where matches are held regularly.
For more information: 310-454-8212
Beaches
Some of the beast beaches in the country can be found along L.A.'s 60 miles of coastline. Southern California beach culture is all about taking your time. One of the best ways to go is a steady bike cruise on The Strand. This 22-mile paved path runs from Will Rogers State Beach to Torrance County Beach. Check out guys pumping iron at Muscle Beach, or head to the Venice Beach Boardwalk to people-watch and relax. Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach are both close to downtown L.A. and perfect for a quick afternoon swim. For celebrity sightings, go to Malibu. If shopping is at the top of the list, Santa Monica has great shops and great sand. End the evening at Palos Verdes, where the best sunset views of the city can be found.
Water Sports
Along the shores near Malibu Pier, a paddler’s paradise for ocean kayakers awaits. Calm conditions make this the ideal area for first-time kayakers, and there’s always a good chance of catching sight of a pod of dolphins or migrating whales. If you’re looking to hoist up the sails and catch a good wind, head down to Marina Del Rey. Several charter services offer sailboat rentals, including bareboat and crewed packages. San Pedro’s Ports O’ Call Village is populated with countless slips where deep-sea fishing boats await. Book a trip and head out in search of yellowtail, barracuda and whitefish.
Golf
Consistently great weather and challenging courses are set among beautiful landscapes. Trump National Golf Club is regarded as one of the top public courses in the country. Situated on ocean cliffs along the Palos Verdes Peninsula, it offers unparalleled views and challenges. At Industry Hills Golf Club, you’ll find two championship courses set among 650 acres with long fairways, plenty of bunkers and perfect greens. Manhattan Beach Marriott Golf Club is a stylish hotel that feels more like a resort with its own executive 9-hole, par 3 golf course located minutes from the beach. L.A. City Parks operates seven 18-hole championship courses, one 9-hole regulation course, two executive 9-hole courses, two 9-hole pitch and putt courses, and one 18-hole pony course. L.A. County Parks features 12 courses in convenient locations throughout the county with affordable green fees.
Los Angeles Tours
For visitors wanting something a little different, Los Angeles’ tour line-up offers a distinctive spin on the city’s traditional sightseeing programs.
Esotouric Tours
Find the extraordinary in L.A. Veer off into unusual neighborhoods, with elaborate overviews of unique aspects of Los Angeles history, from crime to social history, rock and roll to architecture, film to urban studies. Snack stops are just as eclectic, including a sit-down at the first UFO sighting with cookies and homemade mint lemonade, chatting among concrete sea monsters while munching on Chinese dumplings, and an unusual gelato from Scoops in East Hollywood called Black Dahlia and Nicotine. Tickets are about $55.
For more information: 323-223-2767
Redline Tours
Red Line Tours is L.A.'s only daily operating walking tour company. Redline offers "edutainment" sightseeing tours of Hollywood and Downtown Los Angeles that take you inside the famous landmarks and let you discover the hidden treasures of America's second-largest city. The most popular tour-Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes-offers rare access inside famous Hollywood landmarks while actor-guides narrate "Tinseltown" history. Wasting no time, the guide personally escorts guests to famous and hidden hot spots and reveal places to spot a star.
For more information: 323-402-1074
Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame
See the stars set in the sidewalk for over 2,000 movie stars. Originally started in 1958 with Joanne Woodward, the Walk of Fame was declared a cultural and historical landmark in 1978. It also has stars for fictional characters like Lassie and Mickey Mouse. The Hollywood Citypass includes the Walk of Fame as part of their tour, and also explores the Hollywood Wax Museum, the Kodak Theatre, Star Homes, and Behind the Scenes. Tickets usually run about $50.
For more information: 323-469-8311
Starline Tours
For a unique way to see Los Angeles at your own pace, try the new hop-on, hop-off (HH) Hollywood Double Decker bus tour. Beginning at the Hollywood & Highland Center, visitors can sightsee at their own pace, with unlimited hop-on, hop-off opportunities at 17 stops throughout Los Angeles including Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Rodeo Drive, Wilshire Boulevard and the Farmer’s Market. Additional stops include the La Brea Tar Pits (near the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Petersen Automotive Museum), Paramount Studios, Sunset Boulevard, Universal CityWalk Hollywood and adjacent Universal Studios Hollywood and the Hollywood Bowl.
For more information: 323-463-3333
Family Activities in Los Angeles
Universal Studios
Get into blockbuster thrills. Go behind-the-scenes and on the sets where movies are made. Journey onto the backlot and catch an inside glimpse of films and television shows currently in production. (Keep your eyes peeled for stars!) Witness real moviemaking secrets revealed in the Special Effects Stages. Then cast yourself in the thrilling rides, shows and attractions that bring movie action to life. Finish your day with L.A.'s coolest restaurants, clubs and fun at Universal CityWalk®.
For more information: 818-622-3801
Noah’s Ark
Climb aboard as the Skirball Cultural Center welcomes children (ages 4-8) and families to embark on an extraordinary, wondrous journey. Inspired by the ancient flood story of Noah’s Ark, which has parallels in many different cultures around the world, this hands-on gallery and outdoor experience beckons visitors to take shelter and set sail together on a gigantic wooden ark. Upon entering the galleries, visitors mingle with pairs of life-size animal puppets from the five continents, all crafted from recycled materials. From life-sized giraffes and elephants to snow leopards, flamingos and iguanas, the fanciful puppets and figures represent 186 species.
For more information: 310-440-4500
Exposition Park
Exposition Park, just south of Downtown L.A. (off Figueroa Street) has a day's worth of museums, so you will only need to park once for the day. Start at either end of the park. Explore the California African American Museum which focuses on the African American experience from the west coast of Africa to the west coast of the U.S. Closed Mondays. Check out the California Science Center, known for intriguing hands-on exhibits about everything from seeing how a periscope works to searching for camouflaged tree frogs. In the air and aircraft galleries, kids will find a Wright glider, an A-12 Blackbird (made mostly of titanium), a Bell helicopter and a Tigershark fighter jet. Open daily. Admission is free. There's a small fast-food court inside for a quick lunch. An IMAX theater is also part of the complex; the theater often sells out, so it's best to buy tickets ahead online. Lastly, don't miss the Natural History Museum, open daily.
For more information: 213-765-5369
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
This museum runs the gamut, with everything from dinosaur fossils to live animals and western history to Native American anthropology. Unexpected additions include early Hollywood memorabilia, 500 works by American artists, and 2,000 mineral and gem specimens. One of the most popular dinosaur fossils is the "Dueling Dinosaurs," with a Triceratops and a Tyrannosaurus rex poised ready for battle. Animals can be found in three habitat halls showing North American and African mammals in their natural habitats. Almost 33 million artifacts and specimens spanning 4.5 billion years reside in the museum. Of the 25,000 known fish species, the National History Museum has half. They also have 104,000 birds and the second largest marine mammal collection in the world.
The kids can enjoy the Ralph M. Parsons Discovery Center, made especially for education and hands-on learning. Children can look at drops of water under a microscope, explore "discovery boxes" with many surprises inside, or take a closer look at a stuffed bear, lion or tiger. Other kid attractions include the Insect Zoo, with giant water bugs, spiny stick insects, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, and a variety of interactive exhibits. This museum comes alive at night! Overnight Adventure tours are available for all ages, with flashlight tours of the Tar Pits and the chance to wake up with butterflies.
Take advantage of the museum's many unique spaces for your next event. The Rotunda with its stained-glass ceiling and Three Muses sculpture is perfect for formal events and seats 150. The dramatic Grand Foyer complete with "Dueling Dinosaurs" is great for a cocktail party of 300 or fewer guests. The Upper Terrace has panoramic views of the new Pleistocene Garden and the surrounding Hollywood Hills and seats 400 cocktails and 200 seated guests. For more information: 213-763-3466
Disneyland
This cultural icon located in Anaheim is the original Disney park, and still provides a large dose of magic to guests on a daily basis. Highlights include Tomorrowland with a retro-futuristic theme and popular rides like Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, the outer-space themed Star Tours, and Space Mountain. Other well-known areas feature jungle adventures, the western frontier and a Bavarian village. Pirates of the Caribbean is the only movie that started as a themed ride at Disneyland. Fireworks displays can be enjoyed every night, often with Peter Pan's character Tinker Bell flying over the crowd. Backstage tours are also available.
There are a number of unique event venues at the park. One option is the Festival Arena, which can accommodate large food displays and up to 1,000 guests. The Tomorrowland Dance Party can provide a vibrant music experience in the Jules-Verne themed retro-futuristic park, and can accommodate up to 4,000 attendees. For more information: 714-781-4565
