Los Angeles CA is a city of bold dreams,limitless possibilities and multi-faceted neighborhoods. Angelenos hail from 140 different countries and speak over 224 languages.
Its industries include international trade,entertainment (television and motion pictures),aerospace,technology,petroleum,fashion and apparel. Many ethnic groups,such as Koreans and Vietnamese,have settled here.
Hollywood
The namesake neighborhood of Hollywood conjures up images of glamour,superstardom,and movie magic. It’s also a vibrant city with plenty of attractions to offer,from behind-the-scenes tours at Universal Studios to high-end shopping and people watching on the Sunset Strip and Hollywood Boulevard.
A visit to the Hollywood Museum offers a look back at the history of this famed community. The collection of the museum includes a Lasky DeMille Barn where the first silent movie was produced. The Hollywood Heritage Museum hosts silent films in collaboration with Silent Society.
The neighborhood is home to many famous landmarks,including the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and Dolby Theatre,where the Oscar Awards are held. Capitol Records,with its circular design that resembles a stack 45-rpm records,is a great place for music lovers. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is another must-visit,with its many unique exhibits and sculptures.
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is known for its style,charm,and wealth. Located in the heart of Los Angeles County,it has an international reputation and is home to many cultural landmarks.
Beverly Hills,founded in 1907 is a residential area that has remained exclusive. Its first residents were drawn to the area by the promise of a lush lifestyle,which has held true to this day. Visitors to Beverly Hills will notice the city’s beautiful parks and tree-lined streets,such as Rodeo,Crescent,Linden,Bedford,Camden and Roxbury Drives. These streets are lined with boutiques,banks,medical offices and restaurants.
The storied past of the region’s celebrity residents is also on display at the Greystone Mansion & Gardens,a sprawling Tudor Revival on an estate that has been transformed into a museum and hosts events throughout the year. Other historic estates are found throughout the neighborhoods. Some have been used for filming,including Pretty Woman,The Bodyguard and Beverly Hills Cop.
Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon is one of the most popular hiking destinations in LA. The 160-acre park hugs the Hollywood Hills,offering panoramic city views. Its trails are easy to moderate,making it a family-friendly hike. You can either walk on a paved road to Inspiration Point or you can stay higher up the East Ridge Trail. This trail offers great views of Los Angeles,as well as mansions and the Hollywood sign. It’s also a good place to see celebrities.
Runyon Canyon’s 3.3-mile loop offers the best views of downtown and chances to see celebrities. The hike is not as difficult as the one to the Hollywood Sign,but still offers a glamorous experience. You can also visit the Griddle Cafe for a grade-A brunch after your hike. Parking can be a challenge,so arrive early to avoid the crowds. Fuller Avenue is the easiest entrance,but Mulholland also provides access to the trails. Wear sunblock and water no matter where you park.
Downtown
Only a few decades ago,Downtown LA was a place most out-of-towners avoided. Today,it’s a vibrant,walkable mecca of arts and culture. A thrumming energy animates clusters of sky-high buildings,with new bars,restaurants and boutiques opening on a regular basis.
Discover art museums and historic sites,as well as innovative restaurants. Explore Bunker Hill and the Historic Core,or stroll through the revitalized Grand Park area dotted with a sweeping public library,a pair of major contemporary art galleries and the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
The city’s historic center is a shopping mecca,with hundreds of boutique and wholesale clothing stores. Olvera Street is a market filled with traditional Mexican crafts and restaurants,as well as souvenir stalls.