L.A. Attractions
1. LANDMARKS
111 South Grand Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012-3034
1-213-972-7211
One of the most sophisticated concert halls in the world today. It is acoustically and aesthetically advanced, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and a monument to the Walt Disney family's vision. Walt Disney's family made the initial contribution of USD50 million. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is the fourth addition to the Music Center of Los Angeles County. It has an urban park, expansive public gardens, ornamental landscaping, and water elements designed by Melinda Taylor and Lawrence Reed Moline. With a seating capacity of 2265, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a prized entertainment avenue for the people of Los Angeles.
7018 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028-6000
1-323-469-8311
The Walk of Fame is very much a tribute to Johnny Grant, a former mayor of Hollywood and relentless promoter of Tinsel Town. There is no mistaking what town you are in when you gaze down at the sidewalk and see these world famous gold stars. Encompassing a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard near the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, more than 2500 bronze-inlaid stars commemorate some of the most famous individuals in movies, radio, TV, recording and theater. Celebrities are added frequently, so give the Chamber of Commerce a call to see if you can catch one of the actual ceremonies and witness a star becoming immortal.
737 Lamar Street
Los Angeles, CA 90031
1-323-223-1401
No visit to the City of Angels would be complete without a visit to San Antonio Winery, located just 5 minutes from the Civic Center. Designated by the city as a cultural landmark, this family-owned winery has been operating since 1917. The last of more than 100 wineries that once flourished near the Los Angeles River, San Antonio is legendary for its large variety of fine wines. There is also the wonderful Maddalena Restaurant which offers tempting Italian fare. You can dine inside or on the patio among the wine casks. The winery offers tastings and tours. There are also banquet facilities to seat as many as 300 people.
2. THEME PARKS
1313 South Harbor Boulevard,
Anaheim, CA 92802-2309
1-714-781-4565
No visit to Southern California would be complete without a visit to the Magic Kingdom; Disneyland has been making dreams come true for decades. Disneyland, located within Disneyland Resort, is divided into eight "lands" with different themes, such as Fantasyland, Critter Country, Mickey's Toon Town and Tomorrowland. The park is open 365 days of the year. Holidays are some of the busiest times for the park, so plan accordingly. Hours can change according to the season, so be sure to call or check the Web site before planning your trip.
100 Universal City Plaza
Los Angeles, CA, 91608
1-800-UNIVERSAL
Universal Studios Hollywood is a movie studio in the unincorporated Universal City community of Los Angeles County, California, United States, and is the original Universal Studios theme park. Woody Woodpecker is the mascot for Universal Studios Hollywood and the rest of the Universal Studios Theme Parks. It is one of the oldest and most famous Hollywood movie studios still in use. Its official marketing headline is "The Entertainment Capital of LA", though during the summer it is often advertised as "The Coolest Place in LA."
3. MUSEUMS
1200 Getty Center Dr
Los Angeles, CA90049-1687
1-310-440-6810
The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center is a museum you can't miss. With lofty skylights and original architecture, it is one of the best museums in Los Angeles. Getty stores a multitude of art, sculpture and photographs from Europe and America. You can also check out old manuscripts and decorative arts here. Highlights of the year consist of Italian Manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Rembrandt's Late Religious Portraits and Shrine and Shroud: Textiles in Illuminated Manuscripts, to name a few.
700 State Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90037
1-323-724-3623
From the moment you walk though the doors, it becomes very apparent that this isn't your typical museum. One of the city's largest and most popular museums, this is a place to learn about the wonders of science through numerous interactive exhibits and demonstrations. In addition the exhibits, the museum is home to LA's only IMAX theater, which presents short, uniquely shot films on a screen the size of a three story building. It is a fun place for children, parents, students or anyone with a thirst for discovery. Admission to the museum is free.
2800 Observatory Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90027-1255
1-323-664-1191
The Observatory is the highlight of Griffith J. Griffith's contribution to Los Angeles. The construction of this art deco observatory was completed in the early 1930s and has since undergone a major renovation which has enameled it as one of Southern California's most popular landmarks. The Observatory's state-of-the-art Samuel Oschin Planetarium blasts off amazing light shows providing a visual feast for the eyes. Notwithstanding the new technology, simply walk outside and the observatory which provides outstanding views of the area during both day and night.
5801 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036-4539
1-323-934-7243
Once upon a time, Rancho La Brea was only a Mexican land grant. Now a park, the tar pits have been the world's richest deposit of Ice Age fossils. More than 40,000 years ago mammoths, saber-toothed cats and dire wolves freely roamed the Los Angeles basin and became entrapped in the natural asphalt of the tar pits. During the summer months, visitors can observe the ongoing excavation from Pit 91. A visit to the on-site Page Museum is a must.
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA
1-626-405-2100
The Huntington, the former home of a railroad tycoon, is many things - an extensive library filled with rare books, a large art collection containing numerous European prints and paintings, botanical gardens of almost unmatched splendor, and a forum for regular lectures and other activities. You will also find a fine bookstore, cafe and tea room on the grounds. Come and wander through the 150 acres of colorful gardens, lily ponds and beautiful sculptures. The rare books and manuscripts in the library include some of the earliest editions of Shakespeare's works, a copy of the Gutenberg Bible on vellum and the Ellesmere manuscript of one or more of Chaucer's greatest works.
4. SHOPPING
8500 Beverly Blvd # 501
Los Angeles, CA 90048
1-310-854-0071
An eight-story behemoth that towers over La Cienega, the Beverly Center is truly L.A.'s one-stop-shopping destination. Macy's and Bloomingdale's anchor the nearly one million square feet of real estate, which includes trendy eateries, a Loews Cineplex, and the country's very first Hard Rock Cafe. The 160-plus retailers include exclusive Rodeo Drive-quality boutiques and standard mall staples such as Victoria's Secret. It's also walking distance from hip neighborhood shopping districts on Beverly Boulevard, Robertson Boulevard and Third Street.
Rodeo Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Beverly Hills popular Rodeo Drive could easily be considered a city. Known as one of the world's more admired destinations, the name conjures up images of money, movies, moguls and mega-shopping. Rodeo Drive has gained a reputation throughout the world for its boutiques and couture shops where an appointment and $1500 charge to your credit card may buy you a private dressing room complete with Martini Bar. From Gucci to Gianfranco Ferre, Luis Vuitton to Hermes, the international names on the storefronts are as upscale as it comes on L.A.'s Rodeo Dr.