Sometimes there are just so many things to see and places to go in one city that you need to get your bearings. That is the case in Los Angeles. This city just has so much to offer per locale that one should have an idea of each area before taking it on. Let us start with down town. In most cities their down town area does not usually hold a lot of history as the buildings there are the first to be torn down because lots are so precious. In L.A. though its down town displays the Cathedral of our lady of Angels and the Walt Disney concert center which are both a tribute to modern architecture, while Chinatown and little Tokyo emphasize the cultural multiplicity of this city.
Of course Hollywood has to be our next location. The fairytale that is tinsel town was conceptualized and born here. Although it had seen a decline during the late 90s it is now reinventing itself with new clubs and restaurants that are enticing celebrities and tourists alike. The Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex and Grauman’s Chinese theatre are just some of the day time scenes that continually draw people to the area.
Hollywood would definitely be less significant if Beverly Hills, Century city and the Westside was not there. Rodeo Drive’s plush shops, Santa Monica Boulevard, Sunset and Wilshire streets filled with expensive cars are what the tabloids live for. All tell of the lavish lifestyle that is Hollywood. A cultural saving grace would be the Getty Center located on a hillside above Brentwood.
Another iconic site is the sunset strip found in West Hollywood. West Hollywood is all about the nightlife, Melrose Avenue and urban pleasures. Once again part and parcel of the Hollywood lifestyle we expect from our famous stars.
And of course the beaches: Santa Monica, Venice and Malibu. All three cater to different sets of Angelinos. Venice is more for the artists, yuppies and beach punks. Malibu’s exclusive residential neighborhood is of course a hideaway for the rich, famous or both. Lastly Santa Monica is more the lively beach scene you see regularly.
The San Fernando Valley is home to Universal Studios Hollywood, Warner Brothers and NBC television shows. So you know that tours are the main activities in this area aside from TV and film production. The Long Beach, San Pedro and Palos Verdes area on the other hand are far removed from Hollywood and a visit to this area is only suggested if you’d like to see the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Queen Mary ship.
Let us not forget Disneyland and Knott’s Berry farm in Anaheim. This family vacation haven is one of L.A.s top attractions. And the happiest place on earth just got bigger with the addition of Disney’s California adventure, truly a family destination. If thrill rides are what you seek then Knott’s Berry farm would be a better choice for your family. Located nearby in Buena Park, it boosts of roller coasters and thrill rides galore for your preteens and teens. Their famous friend chicken and boysenberry pie will also tide you through the entire day you’d need for the experience.
The Pasadena area is known for its world renowned Roses Parade. On regular days however it is a calm place housing the Norton Simon and Huntington estate interspersed with outstanding Arts and Crafts homes.
Lastly is Orange County and Catalina Island. Orange county’s local art festivals in its coastal areas like Huntington Beach, Newport Harbor and Laguna Beach make it a good place to relax. Catalina Island which is accessed via a short boat ride has a quaint town and a nature preserve.