— LOS ANGELES —
Marina del Rey sunset at the jetty & breakwater
Travel Articles
Known for its year-round warm weather, beaches and Hollywood history, sprawling Los Angeles County with its diverse population has just tipped ten million people.
In the popular tourist destinations on the westside, stroll along the Venice Beach Boardwalk for sun, people watching, dining and tourist shopping. Have some fun at the amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier and take in a sunset on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Looking for art? Head inland to LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) and wander through its corridors resting your eyes on works from the likes of Picasso, Rembrandt and Diego Rivera.
For cinematic history, there’s no place like Hollywood. Find your favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard.
HOLLYWOOD
PHOTO: SHELLY PREVOST (FLICKR)
Captivating Hollywood History
For most people, a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Los Angeles isn’t complete without a visit to Hollywood. Searching for their favorite star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame along Hollywood Boulevard and putting their hands into those of Hollywood legends in front of (Grauman’s) Chinese Theatre is a time-honored tradition.
Next door to the Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood and Highland Center, with its four stories of shopping, restaurants and entertainment, now dominates the intersection of the same name.
From the top levels of H&H, look to the south towards Hollywood Blvd, you can view the glittering marquee of the El Capitan Theatre (circa 1926). In the opposite direction, through the dominating multi-story archway, you can see the iconic Hollywood sign visible on the hillside to the north.
Continuing in the northernly direction, head up Highland Avenue to the much loved Hollywood Bowl. Built in 1922, this amphitheater has welcomed top musical performers on its stage for almost 100 years. If you like, pack a picnic dinner and bring bottles of wine or beer. It’s a rare treat to be allowed to “B.Y.O.” (bring your own) into a venue like this. Just part of the Hollywood Bowl tradition. (More info: picnicking and house rules.)
While you’re in the neighborhood, check out music at Avalon Hollywood (formerly The Palace back in my day). For more music, head down to Sunset Boulevard to The Hollywood Palladium (art deco circa 1940).
The round Capitol Records building is also known as “The House that Nat Built”, e.g. Nat King Cole, it is just across the street from The Palace… I mean Avalon Hollywood. Catch live Broadway shows and movies at the Pantages Theatre (art deco theater circa 1930) on Hollywood Boulevard.
Over 100 years of Hollywood history all within blocks of each other, just waiting for you to discover.