Los Angeles getaways bring you the best of the west coast’s golden beaches, media arts and some of the top museums in Southern California. The grand tour of fabulous L.A. begins in the heart of the county and extends to the trendy shores of the world famous beaches. Given below are some of the top places to visit in Los Angeles.
1. Hollywood
Located just a few miles north of city centre, Hollywood is a great place to spend the day. Hollywood Boulevard is home to iconic Los Angeles landmarks to include the Hollywood Walk of Fame running east/west between the cross streets of Gower Street and La Brea Avenue. Nearby, visit the Kodak Theatre for a backstage tour of the American Idol venue, a journey through motion picture history at the Hollywood Wax Museum, and visit the famous foot prints at Mann’s Chinese Theatre.
2. North Hollywood
Universal Studios is the highlight in North Hollywood with easy access from the Los Angeles Metro subway Red Line route. Pick of the Red Line at the downtown Metro and 7th Station for a 16 minute ride to curb service at the theme park. Universal City Walk is adjacent to the park with dozens of trendy restaurants, unique boutique shopping and seasonal outdoor attractions.
3. Santa Monica
Head westward from downtown to the action at the Santa Monica Pier. Activities include pier fishing, a small carnival with bumper rides and a Ferris wheel, and nearby economical dining. The Santa Monica Pier and environs come to life after dark with street performers and seasonal fireworks displays in the summer. Take a high-flying trapeze lesson at the Santa Monica Trapeze School situated on the edge of the sand just steps from the Pacific Ocean.
4. Venice Beach
Located approximately ten miles south of the Santa Monica Pier, Venice Beach is user-friendly to park the car and get out and walk. Unique shops line the Boardwalk with hard to find wares to include handicrafts, rock and roll clothing, artwork and more. Services abound along the strand to include body piercing, skilled tattoo artists and the outdoor gym located at Muscle Beach. Talented street performers take the limelight from early mornings to late at night, and a small tip is expected to keep the singing, dancing and poetry reading thriving.
5. East L.A.
The main event in East L.A. is the Los Angeles Museum complex on Figuaroa Street and Exposition Boulevard. The Natural History Museum has one of the best fossil collections on the west coast and is host to a number of interactive exhibits geared for all ages.
6. Malibu Area
The J. Paul Getty Museum is free to the public and hosts a priceless collection of works from Cezanne, Monet, Van Gogh and more. Take the tram for easy access from the parking garage for a self-guided walk through or fully escorted tour with a guide.
7. Long Beach
Located on the southern shores of Los Angeles, the city of Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, pier launches for Catalina Island, The Long Beach Aquarium and boutique shopping at Shoreline Village.
8. City of Commerce
The Commerce Casino is opened around the clock with game table action to include the California 22 version of blackjack. Nearby, shop till you drop at the city’s premier outlet mall at the Citadel, located on Atlantic Boulevard.
9. The Fairfax District
Fairfax Avenue is home to the CBS studios where visitors may get in line for free admission to The Price Is Right game show. Walk to the Farmer’s Market for a sampling of the city’s eclectic dining options with indoor and outdoor restaurant seating. The Grove is just steps away and shopping destination number one for international brands and designer labels. In addition, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno tapes a weekly segment of JayWalking through the center courtyard of The Grove.
10. Burbank
The city of Burbank is host to the Los Angeles Equestrian Centre offering horse riding lessons and horse rentals through scenic trails. Minutes away, the Warner Brother’s studio tour is opened to the public for a tram ride through the back lots of working studios for the television industry. Get in line for a free ticket to the taping of The Tonight Show with Jay Leno at the Burbank Studios and enjoy trendy dining at the Burbank Media Centre.
Los Angeles is a fantastic place to take a holiday and with cheap flights to Los Angeles arriving daily from all corners of the globe it is a really easy place to get too.
