A visit to Los Angeles on California's sunny coastal stretch is all about immersing oneself in a world of fame, money and opulence in the city famous as the home of Hollywood. Most first impressions of L.A. will be of a surprisingly unremarkable city of unremarkable suburban life. The magic of Hollywood and the extravagance of Beverly Hills are not apparent everywhere in the city; this list tries to narrow down the typical L.A. experience into ten items that will thrill thrill-seekers and entertain almost everyone.
Hollywood’s Walk of Fame
One of Los Angeles most famous sights, the Walk of Fame is in the tourist-centre of the city, on Hollywood Boulevard, near Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the Kodak Theatre and Sunset Boulevard. While this 'attraction' may just be a few hundred red, black and gold stars on the pavement, it is kind of exciting to stand where so many famous celebrities have, on a site known worldwide.
Take a Walk Down Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip, a section of Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, may have lost some of its charm these days, but there's so much of Hollywood's history along this section of road that it's not to be missed. It’s a great place for celebrity sightings, and nearby are such locations as the ‘House of Blues’ Club, The Viper Room, the Walk of Fame, the Kodak and Grauman's Theatres to name a few of the notable landmarks. The Strip is a little run-down looking now, but that doesn't prevent it from being a lively night spot full of restaurants, clubs and interesting shops.
The La Brea Tar Pits
While 'Tar Pits' may not have a romantic Hollywood ring about it, this sight is actually pretty unique and fascinating. When the Tar Pits were uncovered in Los Angeles, thousands of bones of long-extinct creatures such as mammoths and mastodons were discovered, opening up a long-forgotten part of the regions past. There are few locations like this in the world, where visitors get the chance to see the remains of long-extinct creatures in an amazing museum sitting alongside the famed Tar Pits.
Universal Studios Theme Park
There are many theme parks in and around Los Angeles, including the famous Disneyland in Anaheim. For visitors looking for a park easily accessible from central Los Angeles, Universal Studios is one of the best; an unforgettable day out for tourists who want a mix of exciting rides, characters, games and shops. Universal Studios has a slant towards the 'behind-the-scenes' of film-making, with performances focusing on visual effects and pyrotechnics, to name a few. Great adult fun, with much to entertain the kids as well. Now includes ‘The Simpson’s’ ride.
Kodak Theatre Tour
The theatre, on Hollywood Boulevard, where the Oscars are presented at a red carpet event each year in March, is a must for any fan of quality films. A tour of the theatre takes visitors past the inner workings of the theatre on Oscar night; from the bars where the stars hang out to the backstage waiting area to the stage and auditorium. A must for film fanatics.
Tour of the Stars Homes
Walk down Hollywood Boulevard and there's dozens of guys trying to sell bus tours (or limo tours) past celebrity houses in Los Angeles and the Hollywood hills. While this activity might seem a little tacky, there's an element of excitement in the possibility of star spotting around L.A. And hey, a tour of stars homes is a rather typical Hollywood thing to do, cliché maybe, but cheap fun nonetheless.
Visit Opulent and Perfect Beverly Hills
In Beverly Hills things are so perfect there are no ugly telephone poles or cables spoiling the view – they're all underground. That's the kind of luxury taxpayer money buys in the world’s most famous postal code, where to simple walk down the street is to experience intricately manicured yards, massive multi-storey houses and utter suburban perfection. The shopping district around Beverley Hills is something to be seen as well, if Prada, Gucci and Dolce Gabbana are one's thing. A worthwhile place to see (for those who aren't the envious type).
Watch a TV Show Being Taped
Perhaps the best way to get close to a celebrity in Los Angeles is by attending the live taping of a TV show. Best of all, this activity is usually free – audience wannabe's just need to book in advance, with Networks keen to fill seats. Visit websites like TVtix for more information on free audience tickets to programs like 'The Tonight Show', 'Deal or no Deal' and 'The Price is Right'.
Golden Santa Monica Beach
Another L.A. cliché is the sun, sand and surf of the coastal regions that run alongside the city. One of the city's more famous beaches, Santa Monica, is a great place to visit when the weather's right, with golden shore and sapphire sea just two of the sights worth viewing. A great chance to visit a great beach.
Chinatown and Downtown L.A.
Los Angeles is renowned as a melting pot of cultures, with strong residential representation by people from both Central America and Asia. Chinatown in downtown L.A. is a pertinent symbol of this crucial cultural integration, and, furthermore, the area is a spectacular site of colour, culture and life. A visit to the area still has a Hollywood element about it; the colourful Asian backdrop of the district was used in the Jackie Chan film 'Rush Hour'. At the end of the day though, a visit to Chinatown is a great chance to immerse oneself in the day-to-day life of Los Angeles, while experiencing some of the diversity that makes the city memorable. Plus, the food is great, if another excuse is needed.
