Los Angeles is a big city, with nearly 12 million people calling it home. Most of those live in the general area known as LA County, which includes a number of cities and towns that extend out to the coast and up into the mountains. It is most definitely more than just Los Angeles proper – but let’s focus on what’s hot in the city.
To get an idea of what is going on around town, visit any one or all of these spots during your stay in Los Angeles:
- The Getty Center – This amazing museum near Brentwood houses a collection of world-class art and architecture that includes works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Manet and Cézanne, among others. It also has some stunning gardens to walk through at breaks between viewing time. The whole family will enjoy this one for sure!
- The Getty Villa – Across town in Pacific Palisades sits the gorgeous Getty Villa. The focus of this amazing museum is on antiquities that represent the cultures and arts of Greece, Rome, the ancient Mediterranean world and other areas. The collection includes urns, ruins sculptures and more from those time periods.
- Hollywood Walk of Fame – A trip to Hollywood wouldn’t be complete without a stroll down the famous sidewalk with stars’ names set into it. Begin or end your walk at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street to see where all of your favorite celebrities have their hands and feet imprinted into cement. It’s fun to take pictures next to different ones or even pretend you’re taking steps toward stardom yourself as you walk along the walk of fame.
- Grauman’s Chinese Theatre – See where Hollywood stars received their golden statues and get a glimpse of what it would be like to live your dream life as an A-lister. One day, you just might find yourself taking steps in front of the camera on stage at Graumann’s Chinese Theater while someone chants “Encore!” to keep the show going on forever.
- Hollywood Sign – You can’t miss this enormous sign towering above the city from almost anywhere in Los Angeles. There are three trails that take you up into the hills to different spots with views of the sign spanning across many districts. You can see the iconic sign from many angles around Hollywood, but one of the best is to actually hike right up to it. It’s about a 3 mile hike that will put you at 1400 feet above sea level and looking down on your favorite movie stars’ homes. The view of L.A. at night all lit up below you is breathtaking as well.
- Griffith Observatory – This historic landmark is worth a visit for its architecture as much as its views of the city. In addition, the observatory hosts public star-gazing events throughout each month with no need to be an astronomer to understand how things work. You should also stop over at Bob’s Big Boy diner which is right across the street from Griffith Park and next door to Planet Hollywood for a burger in honor of Bob’s 50th anniversary since opening its doors.
- Griffith Park Loop Trail – This 4-mile trail encircles the park offering spectacular views of Los Angeles and Santa Monica Mountains. It’s also great for running if that is more your style of exercise (NOT something I would recommend here). Grab yourself a good hiking map before heading out so you can plan out an itinerary that includes some of these popular sites:
- Universal City Walk features a number of live entertainment venues, including the Gibson Amphitheatre where Joan Jett and The Blackhearts play every Friday night. It’s hard to decide which is better – the band or the venue (seriously).
- Then there’s the historic Hollywood Bowl, a natural amphitheater that has been featured in films including “Rocky” and “Gone with the Wind.” And when you’re in the mood for dancing (a la Grease), then check out the Roxy Theatre where Olivia Newton-John used to perform.
- The Hollywood Walk of Fame features over 2,500 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded along 15 blocks on Broadway Street which pays tribute to legendary contributors to the entertainment industry. It also stretches one mile from La Brea Avenue east to Gower Street. This is a fun place to take family pictures by placing your feet alongside those of celebrities like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe .
Have a local show you around Los Angeles
If you want to travel to any of these location or to all of them give a call to your local taxi company Taxi Latino. Beside a local taxi near you will know the hidden gems know only to locals . Call you Local Taxi at (323) 780 5939
There is a chance you may be visiting these locations for the first time. You should check out some of the popular destinations:
Culver City Park – Culver City, CA (Formerly Paramount Studios) Richard Nixon Library & Museum – Yorba Linda, CA USC Fisher Museum of Art – Los Angeles, CA Exposition Park Rose Garden – Los Angeles, CA The Original Farmers Market- Los Angeles, CA Pacific Park and Bannerman’s Castle in Hermosa Beach – Hermosa Beach,CA La Brea Tar Pits & Museum- Los Angeles,CA Santa Monica Pier Aquarium Whaley House Dana Point Nature Center Balboa Fun Zone Angel’s Knoll Museums and cultural centers Craftsman House Heritage Square Old Town.
