Hollywood and Los Angeles
The sprawling city of Los Angeles in Southern California has long been known internationally in the film and entertainment industry, particularly for Hollywood, a place that has drawn aspiring actors and actresses from across the country for almost a century. Today, LA is a culturally diverse city, with a growing culinary scene, incredible shopping, outstanding museums, and a reputation for being the creative centre of America.
Sun seekers coming to enjoy the warm climate and beaches will find all kinds of things to do and interesting neighbourhoods to explore. Recent upgrades to the public transportation network and the addition of a bike share program in downtown LA have made getting around and sightseeing easier than ever. For families, nearby Disneyland and Universal Studios are key destinations that often warrant repeat visits. Regardless of your interests, Los Angeles makes a perfect getaway.
1. Universal Studios Hollywood
Movie magic, mega attractions – if Hollywood is the land of make believe, then Universal Studios Hollywood is your chance to step into that fantasy world. On a sprawling complex on the east side of the Hollywood Hills, this movie-studio-meets-theme-park blends a studio tour with rides that swoosh, swoop, and dive through movie-and-TV-themed worlds.
Step inside the park’s front gates, for instance, and you can choose from the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride, the zombie-filled Walking Dead Attraction, or the popular WaterWorld show, which highlights real-life stunt actors. Head to the right from the box office at the centre and you’ll soon arrive at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, complete with a recreation of the village of Hogsmeade. Toward the back of the park, you’ll find the Springfield of Simpsons fame, including an irreverent simulator ride and branches of Moe’s Tavern and Krusty Burger.
Take the escalator to the park’s lower lot and you’ll encounter rides based on Revenge of the Mummy and Transformers. And stay tuned for more: a new Jurassic World attraction is coming this summer.
Upgrade to a Universal Express ticket that lets you bypass the queues, or at least buy your ticket online, which gives you access to the park an hour earlier. To plan out your whole day, download the Universal Studios Hollywood Mobile App.
Be sure to save time though for Universal City Walk. The park’s adjacent, neon-lit complex offers an array of stores and dining options, such as outposts Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, and the first California branch of VooDoo Donuts.
- Griffith Park and Griffith Observatory
Griffith Park, in the eastern part of the Santa Monica Mountains, and covering an area of 4,210 acres, is the largest state park in California. The park is home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith Observatory, a planetarium, a Greek theatre, a riding centre created for the 1984 Olympic Games, golf courses, tennis courts, hiking trails, and other attractions. Walking trails and scenic drives through the mountains offer views over the city and beyond.
The Griffith Observatory is one of the city’s most interesting experience-based attractions, and it’s all free to the public. On the grounds are exhibits and telescopes. The main highlight is a look through the Zeiss telescope, used for viewing the moon and planets. You can use the telescopes free each evening the facility is open. Also on site are solar telescopes used for viewing the sun.
The park and observatory are named for Griffith J. Griffith, who donated the greater part of the parkland to the city in 1896 and willed funds to the city for the creation of the observatory.
Also famous for being used as a film backdrop for Rebel Without a Cause and La La Land. - Disneyland Resort
The undisputed granddaddy of theme parks, Disneyland Resort has been leading the way since 1955, inviting visitors to spend the day in the ultimate land of make-believe. This beloved Anaheim institution serves up vintage rides like the Matterhorn Bobsleds and the Alice in Wonderland Mad Tea Party teacup ride, as well as experiences featuring new innovations, like the incredible special effects, free-fall thrills, and multiple storylines of the Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: BREAKOUT! adventure, or mystical mouse antics in Mickey. The sprawling resort, which consists of the original Disneyland Park and the adjacent Disney, is divided up into themed “lands” with related rides, shows, and attractions.
Keep your map, whether in your pocket or on your phone, handy, to make sure you’re heading where you want to go (with all the different “lands” and activities it’s easy to get a bit disoriented). Once you get in, reduce wait time in lines at attractions by using the resort’s Fast Pass system, which allows you to use your ticket at a dedicated time later in the day. Download the free Disneyland Mobile app to know where to head next for the shortest lines, buy your tickets, browse maps, and even locate Disney characters.
To make the most of your time there, stay at one of the resort’s three on-site hotels, which extend the Disney ambience through themed decor and character breakfasts – and which also offer guests Extra Magic Hours, a one-hour head-start admission to the theme park rides on select mornings.
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Hollywood
The famous Hollywood Walk of Fame runs along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. Here, bronze-rimmed stars dedicated and laid in the sidewalk represent Hollywood’s most recognized faces and names. Honourees include prominent actors, musicians, directors, personalities, and other important people from the areas of motion picture, TV, radio, recording, and live theatre/performance. Stars are still being added, and new nominees are announced each June. Today, there are about 2,500 stars on the sidewalks, with a small number added each year.
The Walk of Fame is just one of the attractions that is featured in the two-hour Hollywood Open-air Bus Tour, along with other top landmarks and sights like the Hollywood Sign, a cruise down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, and a tour through the neighbourhoods of celebrity homes.5. The Hollywood Sign
The famous hillside Hollywood sign is perhaps the most iconic site in Hollywood. The original sign was built in the 1920s to advertise a new residential development named Hollywoodland. It was never intended to be a permanent sign and eventually fell into disrepair. Rebuilt in 1978, it was changed to say simply “Hollywood” and soon became a recognized symbol of the city.
When the sky is clear, the sign is visible from several vantage points during the day, but that can be a rarity. The best way to see the sign is on a hike or horseback ride through the Hollywood Hills, and the guides know right where to go. The folks at Sunset Ranch are a treasure trove of information about other great places to view the Hollywood sign, and tourists can explore the trails around the ranch via guided horseback tour.6. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is a unique destination that is both chic and laid-back, with a population that ranges from surfers, skateboarders, and yoga devotees to techies and business people. The beautiful stretch of golden sand along the coast and the famous Santa Monica Pier, with its iconic Ferris wheel, are what most tourists come to enjoy, but you can find all kinds of experiences in this beachfront city next to LA. Shoppers will find a full range of options, from quirky and vintage stores to high-end boutiques. For a little activity, check out the 26-mile bike path along the waterfront or wander along the Third Street Promenade to see street performers and do some shopping and people watching.
Getting to Santa Monica is now much easier since the opening of the new Expo Metro line, connecting downtown LA to Santa Monica.7. The Original Farmers Market and The Grove
Sitting south of West Hollywood is one of LA’s most beloved landmarks: The Original Farmers Market. Founded in 1934, this cream-coloured facility reels in both residents and tourists with the promise of fresh produce and the aroma of ready-to-eat snacks. You can visit throughout the week, although hours vary depending on the day. Entry is free, but you’ll want to have some cash on hand should any of the treats whet your appetite.
For a more contemporary shopping experience, head to The Grove. This massive commercial and entertainment complex sits adjacent to The Original Farmers Market. Here, you’ll find a long list of your favourite shopping haunts, as well as a variety of dining venues, a movie theatre and plenty of special events.
Visitors can soak up The Grove’s trendy atmosphere and find plenty to buy and eat.8. Venice Beach
Venice Beach deserves its reputation as a place to see and be seen, making it perfect for people walking, although the vibe here is a little unusual. This stretch of golden sand and the Venice Beach Boardwalk are always thronged with people walking, cycling, rollerblading and jogging. Eclectic shops and street performers of all kinds line the walkway. The Skate Park, also just off the beach, is frequented by some of the area’s best skateboarders, and nearby are a number of creative art installations. At the appropriately named Muscle Beach, people pump iron in the hot California sun. Food stalls selling everything from shaved ice to kettle corn and funnel cakes make you feel like you’re walking through fair grounds. This is not a typical family beach, but it’s well worth a visit.9. Beverly Hills
Opulent estates. Palm-lined Rodeo Drive. Lavish hotels and stretch limousines. Look around Beverly Hills, and it’s no wonder this city gets its reputation as an international symbol of the ultimate in luxury.
From the galleries and cafes of downtown’s Golden Triangle to some of the world’s priciest real estate in the hills above Sunset Boulevard, Beverly Hills lives up to its glistening reputation. Get a great look at its art, architecture, and history on the narrated Beverly Hills Trolley Tour. Or just stroll – there’s great window shopping and people watching not only on poshest-of-the-posh Rodeo Drive but also along Beverly Drive, home to the legendary hangout of the stars, Nate ‘n Al Delicatessen. And like a grand Old World promenade, historic Beverly Gardens Park trims Santa Monica Boulevard with fragrant roses, a cactus garden, and vintage fountains.
There’s culture too. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences is based in Beverly Hills and offers exhibits and screenings. Designed by noted architect Richard Meier, The Paley Center for Media celebrates the world of television by showing rare broadcasts and conducting panels featuring stars and creators in talks about their work. And the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts incorporates the city’s 1933 Beverly Hills post office and its rare, restored frescoes into a stunning contemporary complex with a 500-seat theatre that hosts live performances.
The Hollywood Museum
With four floors of exhibits, the Hollywood Museum houses an extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia, most of which focuses on its early years and the film industry’s golden age. Located in the historic building that once held legendary Max Factor’s studios, the museum’s architecture is a celebration of “Hollywood Regency” Art Deco. Several of the original makeup studios, innovative and ground breaking in their time, have been restored to their former states for tourists to enjoy.
Classic cinema enthusiasts will enjoy the authentic setting and appreciate the numerous exhibits dedicated to Tinseltown’s greatest, from Cary Grant’s Rolls Royce to a tribute to Marylyn Monroe. In addition to thousands of photographs, costumes, props, memorabilia, and personal items, the museum features a basement exhibit dedicated to “all things creepy and scary,” where you can step into some of Hollywood’s scariest sets, like Hannibal Lecter’s jail cell.www.discoverlosangeles.com
When visiting Beverly Hills, drop in on Mike Keilly at The Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau (BHCVB). Mike is a Hellenophile who is the Visitor Center Concierge.
BHCVB is the city’s destination marketing organization with resources for visitors, members of the media, and travel trade. Media and travel trade professionals who desire additional information or wish to experience Beverly Hills through familiarization tours, meet and greets with the mayor or hotel site visit. They can also connect meeting and event planners with the appropriate local entity based on the specifications required for the event. The Beverly Hills Visitor Center provides a host of customized amenities including exclusive citywide offers, complimentary concierge services, Beverly Hills branded merchandise and a historical image gallery. It’s the perfect place to begin exploring the many sites and experiences Beverly Hills has to offer.
Beverly Hills Conference & Visitors Bureau
9400 South Santa Monica Boulevard, #102
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Tel: (310) 248-1015
