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 Los Angeles bustles by day and sparkles by night. Get a great view of the show from the top of one of downtown's high-rise hotels. Head to Olvera Street, where the city's roots as a Mexican outpost come alive in colorful shops and restaurants. El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument encompasses 27 buildings of historical or architectural significance. Tour the 1818 Avila Adobe, the city's oldest home.
A must-see for both its art and architecture is the Museum of Contemporary Art, a building as stunning as the art exhibited inside. Other architectural showpieces are the Italianate Renaissance-style Biltmore Hotel, facing renewed Pershing Square, and the Beaux Arts-style Central Library. Mission-style Union Station captures the heyday of train travel. Music and theater fans adore the Music Center's Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, often site of the Academy Awards.
Los Angeles' multi-ethnic society provides many opportunities for travelers to experience various cultures, foods and colorful traditions. LA's African American community is celebrated for its exceptional jazz clubs and ethnic restaurants.
Asia's influence on L.A. is considerable. Visit Japanese restaurants, gardens, and upscale shops in Little Tokyo. Take in the Japanese-American National Museum for an intriguing look at the Japanese experience in this country. Explore more Asian culture in Chinatown, a favorite dining destination.
Attention baseball fans! During the season, catch a ball at nearby Dodger Stadium.
Pasadena: On your way to Pasadena northeast of Los Angeles, stop off at the Southwest Museum, which contains more than half a million Native American artworks and artifacts.
At Pasadena's Norton Simon Museum, see Rodin sculptures and impressionist paintings. View rare books and renowned artworks at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens. Step inside the Pacific Asia Museum to see a replica of the Chinese Imperial Palace and Asian art. Stroll the gardens at Tournament House, former residence of chewing-gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr. Today, home of the Tournament of Roses Association, it contains Rose Bowl and Parade memorabilia.
Santa Clarita Valley: For thrills and spills, head north along I-5 to the Santa Clarita Valley for Six Flags Park with its daredevil rides. Or splash down at adjoining Six Flags Hurricane Harbor.
After you've soaked in enough culture, soak up some sun at one of the county's many sunny and sandy beaches. While in scenic, star-studded Malibu, take one of the 10 public-access paths to see the beach and its "cottages."
If you're into serious (or like to watch), head to Surf Riders State Beach, where the surfing craze began. For more low-key activities, move on to sheltered Paradise Cove, near Point Dume, or try Zuma Beach. The most secluded spot yet might be Leo Carrillo State Beach.
But if people watching is what you're really after, go to the Santa Monica Pier for its boardwalk ambience. Also visit Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade, where musicians and mimes perform and artists sketch among sidewalk cafés and shops.
The mother lode for people watching is Venice Beach Boardwalk. This frenetic and colorful mélange of skaters, cyclists, joggers, entertainers, and eccentrics is about as L.A. as you can get. For some quiet time, watch the boats at Marina Del Rey. Laze about in the sand at Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, or Redondo Beach.
Head to Long Beach for a harbor cruise from Shoreline Village, a waterfront shopping area. Step into the glamour of yesteryear with a stroll on the decks of the Queen Mary. Once a most luxurious way to cross the ocean, the regal oceanliner now houses shops, restaurants, and a hotel. Stroll down Pine Avenue in downtown Long Beach for smart shops, stylish dining, and lively entertainment. |
