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Nothing symbolizes
the southern California lifestyle more alluringly than the beaches of Los Angeles. You’ve
seen it in countless movies, in numberous tv shows. What you’ve
seen is what you’ll get. Sun washed sandy beaches, a gentle caressing
sea breeze, slowly swaying palms and the broad pacific ocean to loll you into
leisure. One day in its embrace and you’re destined to return.
VeniceBeach: On weekends,
L.A.'s seaside promenade is like a mild acid trip. Jugglers, rappers, skateboarders,
musclemen, polemicists and various kindred souls put on a spontaneous circus
for all to see. Stroll the boardwalk, or grab a table at the Sidewalk Cafe and
just watch the show go by. GriffithPark:
The largest public park in the country, this urban refuge offers everything
from hiking to animal-gawking (Los Angeles Zoo) to star-gazing (Griffith Observatory).
Mulholland Driveat
Sunset: On a clear evening, this two-lane road that winds along the city's mountain
divide yields a stunning view that'll humble even the most cynical L.A. detractors.
Head out to the
coast along stunning Sunset Drive, a meandering stretch of road that cuts through
some of L.A.'s most affluent neighborhoods, including Brentwood (don't even
think about it) and Pacific Palisades. When you hit Pacific
Coast Highway (locals call it PCH), go north to Topanga
Canyon Road, which will take you deep into one of
L.A.'s most eccentric subcultures.Los Angeles County Museum of Art (5905
Wilshire Blvd.), a complex offering a bevy of excellent
permanent exhibitions (including a wonderful collection of ancient Asian ceramics)
and such amenities as the lovely Japanese Pavilion.While nightlife still thrives
in Hollywood, within ten minutes' drive can be found three entirely different
scenes. Head west on Sunset and you'll hit the Strip, a winding three-mile stretch
lined with screaming billboards, ritzy hotels and a slew of clubs, including
the cavernous yet seductive House of Blues (8430 Sunset Blvd.), the intimate
Roxy (9009 Sunset Blvd.) and the raucous Whisky-A-Go-Go (8901 Sunset Blvd.).
Running parallel to Sunset is Santa Monica Boulevard,
is the main artery of West Hollywood. Don’t forget to check out
the famous Hollywood Sign nestled in the Hollywood Hills!On the other side of
the 101 Freeway, one finds the culinary delights of Chinatown. Another kind
of lunch-time adventure can be had on Olvera Street,
the historic cobblestone lane that once upon a time was Los Angeles.
Here, half a dozen Mexican restaurants are scattered amidst shops loaded with
sombreros and Virgin de Guadalupe sculptures. Nearby is Union Station, L.A.'s
grand old train depot and one of the city's most popular film locations.
Those looking for a respite from
the urban jungle should take a drive through nearby Elysian Park, a lovely expanse
of trees and open space (and home to Dodger Stadium). Just to the west are the
hills of Echo Park, one of L.A.'s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. On
a clear day, it's possible to see the entire basin stretched out ahead, with
the Pacific in the distance. Descending onto Glendale
Boulevard and heading south, you'll hit Echo Park
Lake, where families picnic and lovers paddleboat by day (once dusk falls, though,
the gangs take over). For a stunning view of the downtown skyline, double back
a few blocks to Angelino Heights, a turn-of-the-century neighborhood boasting
some magnificently restored Victorian homes (look for Carroll
Avenue. ANOTHER LOS ANGELES COUNTY urban village
by the sea is Santa Monica. Santa Monica offers great shopping, including
Third Street Promenade, restaurants, special event locations, meeting venues,
museums, art galleries, world-class beaches, Santa Monica Pier and unique local
attractions.
You'll also find vacation and holiday information on outdoor beach activities
such as rollerblading, biking, fishing and hiking within our oceanside community
just a few clicks away! Visit the original Muscle Beach and learn its history.
In Santa Monica as you walk around our city by the sea you'll see celebrities
and film shoots Hollywood-style right before your eyes.
Bordered on the north by Malibu and the south by Venice Beach, public transportation
makes Santa Monica easily accessible - 8 miles/13 km from Los Angles International
Airport (LAX) , 13 miles/21 km to downtown Los Angeles (LA), making Santa Monica
the perfect place to stay while visiting Disneyland, Beverly Hills, Universal
Studios Hollywood, or Santa Monica's own unique attractions.
