Disneyland :
"The happiest place on earth" and its little sibling, Disney's California Adventure are a big hit.
Universal Studios Hollywood :
A theme park that grew out of a studio tour. View photos
Hollywood :
Hollywood Boulevard is ready for its closeup, thanks to years of urban renewal and renovation. Enjoy the Walk of Fame, Entertainment Museum, Mann's Theatre and more.
Rodeo Drive :
Packed with exclusive shops, full of gawkers. They all came to enjoy the excess.
Venice Beach :
Los Angeles kitsch and over-the-top culture at its best. Here you'll find Muscle Beach, street performers and tacky shops galore.
Sunset Boulevard :
Perhaps one of the world's most famous streets, it began as a route between the stars' posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the "Sunset Strip" on its way.
Santa Monica Beach and Pier :
Great beach scene and a classic seaside amusement park, complete with antique carousel.
Knott's Berry Farm :
Knotts' Southern California Resort includes Soak City U.S.A. and a theme park-full of family shows and rides.
Queen Mary :
Once the largest ship afloat, she's been docked in Long Beach for longer than she sailed, and her elegance never fails to impress.
Six Flags Magic Mountain : Roller coaster heaven.
There are plenty of other things to do in Los Angeles besides the ones on this list. If you're looking for something else, or something different, start with the Best of the Rest. If you are very interested in a specific sight or activity, and you have plenty of information about it, don't skip it because of my recommendations. However, if you don't know much about it, there may be a reason why it's not listed. Research it carefully before you go to be sure you spend your vacation time and money wisely.
Old Town Pasadena :
Historic downtown Pasadena is filled with shops and restaurants, and is a very popular nightspot.
Farmers Market and The Grove :
A new shopping complex right next to a Los Angeles landmark, The Grove and Farmers Market coexist. Enjoy a movie or shopping, then take the trolley to the Farmers Market for lunch or dinner.
Santa Monica Third Street Promenade :
Downtown Santa Monica's shopping promenade is often the scene of movie star-sightings. riffith Park - Home of the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park Observatory, Travel Town and the Greek Theatre.
Getty Museum :
The Getty's architecture is so beautiful that it keeps me fascinated. After several visits, I still can't get inside to see their superb art collection. No matter whether you like their art or architecture better (or maybe you'll just enjoy the view), the Getty is sure to please.
Catalina Island :
It's in Los Angeles County, but it seems more like it should be on the Mediterranean. Things are different on Catalina. Fish fly. People drive golf carts instead of cars. It's a magical place, and my favorite Southern California getaway.
Watch a Television Show Taping :
All you need is an advance reservation and some time to be in the studio audience for selected sitcoms and game shows.
Hollywood Boulevard :
If you use our guide, you won't need to pay someone else to show you around..
Watch the Rose Parade :
To get a front row seat, you'll have to camp out overnight, but spaces on the sidewalk are free.
Rodeo Drive :
The shops are expensive, but window-shopping is free and so is the parking.
HollywoodBowl :
You'll pay to get into an evening performance, but some morning rehearsals are open to the public. Call 323-850-2000 for info.
Walk on the Beach :
Los Angeles beaches are a great place for walking, people-watching and relaxing .
Downtown :
There's more to do and see downtown than most people realize. Use our self-guided tour and you'll find plenty to see for free. If you get tired, you might have to pay 25 cents to ride the bus back to your starting point.
Friday Night Jazz at the Art Museum :
Friday evenings from April to November, you can catch a free concerts in the Los Angeles Times Central Court at the Los Angeles County Art Museum.
Museums for Free :
The California Science Center is free all the time, and the Getty Museum and Getty Villa have no admission fee (although they will charge you to park). Others offer free admission on selected days only.
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
8949 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90211 ·
BEVERLY HILLS. Founded in 1927, this organization is responsible for that yearly shindig known as the Oscars. Inside, two exhibition areas are open to the public, and each contains an array of big-screen-related memorabilia and oddities – from stereoscopic viewers to movie posters to "behind the scenes" photographs. The big draw, though, is a huge theater that features a regular schedule of film screenings, which are often paired with fascinating lectures. A must for any film buff.
Bradbury Building
304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013 ·
DOWNTOWN. Built by silver mining millionaire Lewis Bradbury in 1893, this five-story building was designed as "futuristic," and it was featured in the 1946 "D.O.A." and 1982's "Blade Runner." Today it serves as an office building, but the beautiful, ornate wrought-iron railings, oak paneling, glazed and unglazed brick walls, marble and tile floors, two open-cage elevators, and a crowning atrium with a skylight remain as a testament to architect George Wyman's work. The lobby level is open to visitors. Tours of the upper levels are available by appointment.
Capitol Records Tower
1750 N Vine St, Los Angeles, CA 90028
HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. Recording artists Nat King Cole and Johnny Mercer suggested that Capitol Records build new offices in the shape of a stack of records, and they did in 1956. Gold and platinum albums from many of Capitol's artists line the walls of the lobby. This is a private office on private property, but a drive down Vine gives a good view of the exterior.
Grauman's Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028 ·
HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. This exotic movie palace was commissioned by theater chain owner Sid Grauman in 1927. On opening nights in the 1930s, crowds often turned out to glimpse arriving stars. Crowds still appear today but mainly to see the 200-plus celebrity footprints immortalized in concrete on the sidewalk outside the lobby. The theater still holds red-carpet premieres frequently, and stars attend in style. If you purchase a movie ticket for the still-operating facility, make sure to request the main theater – two adjoining halls were added in 1980.
Hollywood Sign
Beachwood Canyon Dr & Glen Holly Dr, Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills, Hollywood Hills, CA
GRIFFITH PARK. Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills (LA's tallest peak) hosts this world-famous signpost. Built in 1923 as a real estate advertisement, the sign originally read "Hollywoodland," but the last four letters were dropped in 1945. In 1978, the sign received much-needed repairs, and today, it stands as one of the movie capital's best-known calling cards. Head up Beachwood Drive for the best views.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
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HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT. This tourist attraction, a celebrity-seeker's favorite, consists of personalized brass stars embedded in the pavement. Paying tribute to famous industry figures, the medallions were first installed at the corner of Highland Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard in 1960. Since that time, more than 2000 other famous and not-so famous names have been added to the walk. However, recognition doesn't come without a price – each personality must pay $15,000 for the honor. Celebrity stars indicate the individual's area of specialty with one of five symbols: a motion picture camera, a radio microphone, a television set, a record, or a theatrical mask. Located on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard (from Gower to La Brea) and on both sides of Vine Street (from Yucca to Sunset).
NBC Studios
3000 W Alameda Ave, Burbank, CA ·
BURBANK. For an up-close look at how NBC makes all those shows you know and love, this tour can't be beat. You'll see the Tonight Show set, soap opera sets, and maybe even a celebrity or two. The walking tour lasts about 70 minutes.
The Music Center
139 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012 ·
DOWNTOWN. The hub of LA's cultural scene, the Music Center boasts breathtaking architecture and a prime location. Since 1964, it has established itself as one of the nation's three largest art centers. Attend a touring Broadway show, spend an evening at the opera, or catch the LA Philharmonic perform. You'll also want to walk along Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and see its centerpiece fountain shoot beams of water and light into the night sky. Take time to marvel, too, at the dazzling architecture of Ahmanson Theatre or to tour the stunning, Frank Gehry-designed Disney Concert Hall.
Universal CityWalk Hollywood
1000 Universal Center Dr, Universal City, CA 91608 ·
UNIVERSAL CITY. This complex's eateries, nightclubs, theaters, live entertainment options, and shopping venues can reel you in and keep you occupied for an entire afternoon and night. Casual and fine dining establishments offer a wide variety of choices, and celebrity appearances, cooking demonstrations, and street performances are sure to keep you entertained for hours on end. When nighttime approaches, dance the night away in a happening nightclub, or reflect on the day's experiences in a laid-back bar.
University of California – Los Angeles
405 Hilgard Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095 ·
WESTWOOD. UCLA relocated in 1929 to 419 acres in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains. The school has an enrollment of over 36,000 students each year. From October to mid-June, the university showcases events including concerts, recitals, festivals, lectures, exhibitions, dance recitals and forums. Schoenberg Hall and other campus venues host these events, and many are free to the public. Visitors can pick up a map at information booths around campus. Guided walking tours are available, but reservations are required.
