maveric2003
Offbeat Los Angeles
Malibu, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, Culver City, San Bernardino, Inglewood,
Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Pasadena, Studio City, Los Angeles, 8 Days
Table of contents:
Guide Description 2
Itinerary Overview 3
Daily Itineraries 6
Beverly Hills Snapshot 29
Los Angeles Snapshot 30
1
Guide Description
AUTHOR NOTE: California has always been a haven for misfits
and eccentrics. Accordingly, Los Angeles has many hidden
locales that just make you wonder. Because the Southland is so
huge, the more you look then the more odd stuff you will find.
Listed here are a variety of sites to get you started.
.
.
The Days below are organized geographically:
.
.
Day 1 --- Westside
.
Day 2 --- Hollywood
.
Day 3 --- Mid-Wilshire and Koreatown
.
Day 4 --- Near Downtown
.
Day 5 --- San Fernando Valley Sites
.
Day 6 --- Sites to the South
.
Day 7 --- Sites farther East
.
Day 8 --- Outside the City
.
.
Photo: Venice Beach performer. By Irene
2
things to do
restaurants
hotels
nightlife
Itinerary Overview
Day 1 - Los Angeles, Santa
Monica, Beverly Hills, Culver City,
Malibu
Day 2 - Los Angeles, Hollywood,
West Hollywood
DAY NOTE: Hollywood Sites
DAY NOTE: Westside Sites
Musso & Frank Grill
Lake Shrine
Home of Gandhi's ashes
Camera Obscura
Free low-key camera obscura
Venice Beach's Ocean Front Walk
Great people watching, funky stores, and the beach!
Bergamot Station
History, Art and Much More
Old Hollywood Still Shines
Frolic Room
Dive bar
Palms Thai Restaurant
Home of Thai Elvis
Whitley Heights
Homes of Hollywood legends
Mulholland Drive
Greystone Mansion
Largest home in Beverly Hills
Beverly Gardens Park
Gateway to the stars
Spadena House
Fairy tale house
Museum of Jurassic Technology
Necromance
Shop specializing in bones, bugs, and natural
curiosities
Amoeba Music
Colossal Independent Record Store
Dearly Departed Tours
Tour of scandals
One-of-a-kind museum
CLUI
Center for Land Use Interpretation
UCLA, Hannah Carter Japanese Garden
Kyoto-style garden
Point Dume State Beach
Cliffs, secluded coves & tidepools.
Hidden Treasures
Vintage treasure trove in Topanga
Day 3 - Los Angeles
DAY NOTE: Mid-Wilshire and Koreatown
La Brea Tar Pits & Page Museum
Ice Age Fossils on Display
St. Elmo Village
Urban folk art
Taylor's Steak House
Old school steak house
3
things to do
restaurants
hotels
nightlife
Itinerary Overview
The Wiltern
Cicada
HMS Bounty
Skeletons In The Closet
The Prince Café
Museum of Neon Art
Bullocks Wilshire Building
The Velaslavasay Panorama
Shatto 39 Lanes
Doheny Mansion and Chester Place
Movie palace turned concert venue
Old fashioned feel-good bar
Plush Hideout in Koreatown
Legendary department store
Great old school bowling alley (with a bar)
Day 4 - Los Angeles
DAY NOTE: Sites near Downtown
Echo Park
The echo of silence
Our Lady Queen of Angels/La Placita
Oldest religious structure in L.A.
Bob Baker Marionettes
World-class puppetry
Higashi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
Traditional Buddhist Temple
Upscale art deco experience
Gift store at the coroner's office.
Big city lights
The best of 19th century era entertainment
Gothic chateau in L.A.
California Science Center
Science Class was Never this Fun
The OranZ Pan African Black Facts and
Wax Museum
Black history in wax
Day 5 - Los Angeles, Studio City
DAY NOTE: San Fernando Valley Sites
Great Wall of Los Angeles
Longest mural in the world
Mission San Fernando
Glimpse at L.A.'s Past
Little Tokyo
Japanese Haunt
Cole's
Established 1908, creator of the French Dip
Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria
The decor is off-the-hook at this landmark cafeteria
Bona Vista Lounge
Revolving restaurant and bar at the Bonaventure
Day 6 - Los Angeles, Inglewood
DAY NOTE: Sites to the South
Watts Towers & Art Center
Scrap Metal Masterpiece
Marine Mammal Care Center
Seals and sea lions rehabilitating
4
Itinerary Overview
Grevillea Art Park
Stone mural and sometimes concerts in the summer
things to do
restaurants
hotels
nightlife
Dinosaurs in Cabazon, as seen in "Pee-wee's Big
Adventure"
Village Green Owners' Association
"Garden City" development from 1942
Day 7 - Los Angeles, Pasadena,
San Bernardino
DAY NOTE: Sites to the East
Galco's Soda Pop Stop
Soda Pop Jackpot
Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center
A little bit of culture
Mural Conservancy of Los Angeles
Tour L.A.'s multi-ethnic murals
Self Help Graphics & Art
Reaching out to the community
El Molino Viejo
Early 19th-century mill
Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
Mount Wilson Observatory
See another kind of Hollywood star
THE WIGWAM MOTEL
A motel of wigwams from 1949
Day 8 - Los Angeles
DAY NOTE: Outside the City
Cabazon Dinosaurs and Wheel Inn
Restaurant
5
Day 1 - Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Beverly
Hills, Culver City, Malibu
QUICK NOTE
DAY NOTE: Westside Sites
contact:
tel: +1 310 454 4114
http://www.lakeshrine.org/
location:
17190 Sunset Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90272-3099
contact:
tel: (310) 458 8644
http://brightbytes.com/cosite/s
antamont.html
location:
1450 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica CA 90407
contact:
http://www.venicebeach.com
location:
Los Angeles CA 90013
1 Lake Shrine
DESCRIPTION: This memorial is a beautiful place hidden
away in Pacific Palisades. It is the resting place for a portion
of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes and people from around the world
come to pay their respects. The grounds cover ten acres and
lie on a former movie set. There is a lake with swans, lush
greenery, waterfalls and beautiful statues. A perfect place
to spend the day when you need to get away from it all, the
memorial is open to visitors of any denomination. This pleasant
place was created by Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950.
Services for followers of this yogi are held in a Dutch windmill
left over from its days as a movie studio. © wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Noah Albert
2 Camera Obscura
OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:
Great offbeat site near the beach
DESCRIPTION: Camera Obscura, the term is a scientific
mechanism. On your trip to Los Angeles visit this 108 year-old
edifice in Senior Recreation Center which introduces you to this
fascinating device. Standing in the dark rooms of this building,
it is truly delightful to watch the outside scenery projected
on a four foot disc. Don't miss out on this one, as this is one
of the very few devices that are still running in the world! ©
wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Ben Brown
3 Venice Beach's Ocean Front Walk
DESCRIPTION: This has long been one of L.A.'s most colorful
areas and a must-visit for any first-time tourist. Founded at the
turn of the last century, Venice was a development inspired
by its Italian namesake. Authentic gondolas plied miles of
inland waterways lined with rococo palaces. In the 1950s,
Venice became the stamping grounds of Jack Kerouac, Allen
Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, and other Beats. In the 1960s,
this was the epicenter of L.A.'s hippie scene. Today, Venice
is still one of the world's most engaging bohemian locales.
It's not an exaggeration to say that no visit to L.A. would be
complete without a stroll along the famous paved beach path,
an almost surreal assemblage of every L.A. stereotype -- and
Photo courtesy of v
6
Day 1 - continued...
then some. Among stalls and stands selling cheap sunglasses,
Mexican blankets, and "herbal ecstasy" pills swirls a carnival
of humanity that includes bikini-clad in-line skaters, tattooed
bikers, tan hunks pumping iron at Muscle Beach, panhandling
vets, beautiful wannabes, and plenty of tourists and gawkers.
On any given day, you're bound to come across all kinds of
performers: mimes, break-dancers, stoned drummers, chainsaw jugglers, talking parrots, and the occasional apocalyptic
evangelist. Parking: Better Secure than Sorry -- If you're
driving to Venice Beach, pay the $5 to $7 fee for a secured
lot, hide your valuables, and walk to the beach -- car break-ins
aren't uncommon. © Frommer's
contact:
tel: 310/829-5854
fax: +1 310 586 6487
http://www.bergamotstation.c
om/
location:
2525 Michigan Ave
Santa Monica CA 90404
contact:
tel: +1 310 550 4796
fax: +1 310 858 9238
http://www.greystonemansion
.org/
location:
905 Loma Vista Drive
Beverly Hills CA 90210
hours:
Daily 10am-6pm
4 Bergamot Station
DESCRIPTION: Once a station for the Red Car trolley line, this
industrial space is now home to the Santa Monica Museum
of Art, plus two dozen art galleries, a cafe, a bookstore,
and offices. Most of the galleries are closed Monday. The
train yard is located at the terminus of Michigan Avenue,
west of Cloverfield Boulevard. The wide variety of exhibits
changes often: Julius Shulman's black-and-white photo
retrospective of L.A.'s Case Study Houses; a provocative
exhibit of Vietnam War propaganda posters from the United
States and Vietnam; whimsical furniture constructed entirely
of corrugated cardboard. A sampling of offerings includes
the Gallery of Functional Art (tel. 310/829-6990), which
features one-of-a-kind and limited-edition furniture, lighting,
bathroom fixtures, and other functional art pieces, as well as
smaller items like jewelry, flatware, ceramics, and glass. The
Rosamund Felsen Gallery (tel. 310/828-8488) is well known
for showcasing L.A.-based contemporary artists; this is a good
place to get a taste of current trends. Track 16 Gallery (tel.
310/264-4678) has exhibitions that range from pop art to avantgarde inventiveness. © Frommer's
Photo courtesy of Bergamot Station
5 Greystone Mansion
DESCRIPTION: The largest home ever built in Beverly Hills is
this 55-room English Tudor Mansion constructed by Edward
L. Doheny in 1928. A gift to his son, it was built for more
than $50 million dollars, and includes a 16-acre garden. The
grounds have been used as a public park, and the home
itself for varying purposes, most recently for the activities
of the American Film Institute. Dozens of films have been
shot here, including The Loved One, The Bodyguard, The
Witches of Eastwick and Death Becomes Her. The interior
of the mansion is closed to the public, but the exterior and
surrounding park is completely open for visitors. Admission is
free and complimentary parking is available within the gates. ©
wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Noah Albert
7
Day 1 - continued...
contact:
tel: +1 310 285 1000(Tourist
Information)
http://www.beverlyhills.org/se
rvices/parks/beverly_gardens
_park.asp
location:
Along Santa Monica
Boulevard
Beverly Hills CA 90210
contact:
tel: +1 213 624 7300 (Tourist
Information)
fax: +1 213 624 9746 (Tourist
Information)
http://johnrobertmarlow.com/s
torybook.html
location:
516 Walden Drive
Beverly Hills CA 90210
hours:
Call for details
contact:
tel: +1 310 836 6131
fax: +1 310 287 2267
http://www.mjt.org/
location:
9341 Venice Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90232
contact:
tel: (310) 839-5722
http://www.clui.org/
location:
9331 Venice Boulevard
Culver City CA 90034
6 Beverly Gardens Park
DESCRIPTION: Separating the residential and shopping/city
center districts of Beverly Hills is this two-mile long park that
runs along Santa Monica Boulevard. Built in 1911 when there
were still very few homes in the area, the park runs through the
entire city and features a rose garden, a lily pond, tall trees, a
path for joggers and one of the most impressive collections of
cacti anywhere. Two city festivals are held here each year: the
Bi-annual Affaire In The Garden held in May and October and
the Beverly Hills Food Festival each June. The park is also the
site of the Electric Fountain, which was quite a wonder when its
multi-colored lights were unveiled in 1931. Admission is free. ©
wcities.com
wcities
7 Spadena House
DESCRIPTION: One of the most fabulous homes in Beverly
Hills has curiously never been inhabited by any of its stars.
Constructed in 1921 by art director Harry C. Oliver and aptly
nicknamed the "Witch's House," Spadena House really does
look like it belongs in a fantasy world, with its jagged, peaked
roof and mullioned windows. A testament to its true wackiness,
the house was originally located in Culver City, but was
moved because admirers frequently caused traffic problems.
Unfortunately, today the house is a private residence and is not
open to the public. © wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Spadena House.
8 Museum of Jurassic Technology
DESCRIPTION: One of the most intriguing museums in Los
Angeles, the exhibits here are both professionally sound and
completely dubious at the same time. Although the exhibits
feature artifacts and relics from the Lower Jurassic period, they
seem to stay faithful to the theme of the museum. The main
quest for the visitor is to determine whether or not this entire
museum is a sham. Regardless of your ultimate conclusion, the
museum is certainly worth both the price of admission as well
as your time exploring it. © wcities.com
Photo courtesy of saschapohflepp
9 CLUI
OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Noon - 5pm
DESCRIPTION: The Center for Land Use Interpretation is
dedicated to the exploration and understanding of land use and
landscape issues. Recent projects bear titles such as: Urban
Photo courtesy of CLUI
8
Day 1 - continued...
Crude: The Oil Fields of the Los Angeles, Post Consumed: The
Landscape of Waste in Los Angeles, and Pavement Paradise:
American Parking Space. These presentations take the form
on guided bus tours (they sell out immediately), online articles,
and videos and exhibits at the brick and mortar locations,
such as the one here in Culver City. The dedicated research
and intelligent interpretation of the CLUI team allow us a
tremendous chance to peer into the workings and history of the
urban built environment that surrounds us.
© NileGuide
contact:
tel: +1 310 794 0320
fax: +1 310 267 2247
http://www.japanesegarden.u
cla.edu/
location:
10619 Bellagio Road
Los Angeles CA 90077
contact:
tel: 310-457-8143
fax: 310-589-1522
http://www.parks.ca.gov/
location:
39996 Pacific Coast Hwy
Malibu CA 90265
contact:
tel: (310) 455-2998
http://www.myspace.com/Hid
denTreasuresTopanga
location:
154 S Topanga Canyon Blvd
Topanga CA 90290
A UCLA, Hannah Carter Japanese
Garden
DESCRIPTION: This Kyoto-style rock garden features a
teahouse, bridges, a shrine and a central pond, and is located
about a mile away from the UCLA campus in Bel Air. It contains
antique Japanese carvings and structures, some dating back
more than 1,000 years. Many of the modern structures here
were constructed in Japan and then transported to this site.
Although admission is free, you must make a reservation
to visit the garden. Visits are self-guided, but docents are
also available to answer any questions you may have. ©
wcities.com
Photo courtesy of UCLA, Hannah
Carter Japanese Garden
B Point Dume State Beach
DESCRIPTION: Point Dume State Beach preserves a wide
strip of white-sand beaches backed by tall bluffs and the Santa
Monica Mountains National Recreation Area west of Los
Angeles. The park encompasses headlands, cliffs, secluded
coves and tidepools. The beach offers views of the coast,
including the sight of migrating California gray whales between
November and May. Amenities include hiking trails, restrooms
and lifeguard stations. Recreation opportunities abound at this
State Beach. Visitors can enjoy hiking, sun bathing, viewing
scenery, wildlife watching and surfing. Swimming is permitted
at Point Dume, but bathers should be aware of strong currents
that sometimes exist. This beach is located in Los Angeles
County,18 miles west of Santa Monica. The entrance is on
Westward Road.
Photo courtesy of Clinton Steeds
C Hidden Treasures
DESCRIPTION: Its a like gingerbread house stuffed full of
vintage clothes and trinkets! If you are in the Topanga area and
have a taste for vintage fare, then it's worth checking this place
out. Many items sell in the $10 to $30 price range and there is a
lot of stuff to sort through here.
© NileGuide
Photo courtesy of JamesCohen
9
Day 2 - Los Angeles, Hollywood, West
Hollywood
QUICK NOTE
DAY NOTE: Hollywood Sites
contact:
tel: 1 323 467 7788
http://mussoandfrank.com/
location:
6667 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90028
hours:
Tu-Sa 11a-11p
contact:
tel: +1 323 462 5890
fax: 818 955 9013
http://www.bobsfrolicroom.co
m/
location:
6245 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90028
hours:
11a-2a M-Su
contact:
http://losangeles.citysearch.c
om/profile/external/52294/los
_angeles_ca/palm_thai_resta
urant.html
location:
5900 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90028
1 Musso & Frank Grill
DESCRIPTION: Open since 1919, this classic restaurant was
long the bastion of Hollywood industry power dining. With
the look and feel of a private Men's club, Musso & Frank Grill
rose to fame in the Golden Years of Hollywood, when Irving
Thalberg, Clark Gable and the Marx Brothers were among its
most celebrated clients. Nowadays, it is still considered the
home of the finest dry martini in town. The Filet Mignon is hard
to beat and the service is perfect, with just a touch of attitude. If
you are not in the mood for beef, try the succulent lobster and
the rich, heavy desserts. © wcities.com
wcities
2 Frolic Room
DESCRIPTION: The "divest" of the dive bars, this tiny hole next
to the famed Pantages Theater has been a Hollywood legend
for decades. Used frequently in films for its authentic broken
down feel, the bar remains good-natured about its appearance.
Don't be dismayed by the shabby interior, however. The
bartenders are always friendly and the crowd is made up of
Hollywood musicians of many varying levels of success. And
despite its "flannel shirt" appeal, don't be surprised to see a
really famous face or two drop in once in a while. © wcities.com
wcities
3 Palms Thai Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: The Scene
You are now entering the Thai-light Zone. In the heart of
Thai Town, Palms is the home of the Thai Elvis (aka Kevin),
complete with platform shoes and flashy Vegas suits. At first, he
seems over-the-top kitsch, but a few songs later, you'll realize
he's actually quite good. Thanks to him, what used to be a lowkey Thai dinner club scene now attracts a number of Hollywood
hipsters.
The Food
While the standards are superior, it's hard to resist the exotic
specialties. Wild boar in spicy coconut sauce is chewy, but
incredibly flavorful; deer in crispy mint leaves is rich and
luscious; frogs legs fried in chili with green peppercorns are
heavenly. Carpaccio fans will reach nirvana with the lime-
citysearch
10
Day 2 - continued...
drenched, basil-tinged, chili-infused raw beef salad. Milder
thrills are found in the coconut-chicken soup or delicate fish
broth, full of snapper floating in aromatic lime leaves.
contact:
4 Whitley Heights
tel: +1 213 624 7300 (Tourist
Information)
fax: +1 213 624 9746 (Tourist OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:
Information)
This neighborhood is in the Hollywood Hills north of
http://www.whitleyheights.com
Franklin Ave roughly between Cahuenga Boulevard
/
location:
Franklin Avenue near Whitley
AVe
Hollywood CA 90068
location:
Los Angeles CA
(eastern border) and Highland Ave (western
border).
Whitley Heights
DESCRIPTION: Anyone longing for a piece of Tinseltown
history should certainly spend some time here. Some of the
most impressive homes in Hollywood are found here. All of
the homes were developed in the 20s and 30s by Hobart J.
Whitley, and remain in very good condition today. This was
a mini-Beverly Hills of yesteryear, where stars like Marion
Davies, Rudolph Valentino, Ethel Barrymore and many others
lived and partied. Whitley, who had great admiration for Italian
architecture, built these homes into the hillside, and dubbed the
community an "Italian Hill Town." © wcities.com
Mulholland Drive
DESCRIPTION: Los Angeles is the only major city in the world
divided by a mountain range, and the road on top of this range
is the famous Mulholland Drive. It travels 21 miles along the
peaks and canyons of Hollywood Hills and the Santa Monica
Mountains, separating the Los Angeles basin from the San
Fernando Valley. The winding road provides amazing views
of the city (particularly at night) and offers many opportunities
to pull over and enjoy the view 1,400 feet above sea level.
Completed in 1924, it's named after William Mulholland, the
engineer of the aqueduct connecting L.A. and the Valley.
Yes, there are celebrities up in them thar hills -- Leonardo
DiCaprio, Kevin Costner -- but you'll never find them, as most
of the mansions are well hidden. You don't need to drive the
whole road to get the full effect. From Cahuenga Boulevard
(near the Hollywood Bowl), take the Mulholland Drive turnoff
heading west. After about a mile, you'll see the scenic view
area on your left (look for the black iron fence). Park at the
small paved parking lot (which closes at sunset), ooh and aah
over the view of the L.A. basin, and then drive a few miles
farther west until you spot the other scenic view area on your
right (dirt this time) overlooking the San Fernando Valley. The
whole trip should take you less than an hour. Tip: Don't drive
here after 3pm on the weekdays -- the rush hour traffic in this
area is horrible. Also, no matter what your map says, there is
no Mulholland Drive exit off U.S. 101; you have to get on at
Cahuenga Boulevard. © Frommer's
Photo courtesy of laura padgett
11
Day 2 - continued...
contact:
tel: (323) 931-2997,(323)
934-8684
http://www.necromance.com/
location:
7220 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90046
contact:
tel: 323/245-6400
http://www.amoebamusic.com
location:
6400 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood CA 90028
hours:
M-Sa 10:30a-9p, Su 11a-9p
contact:
tel: +1 212 209 3370
http://www.dearlydepartedtou
rs.com/
location:
5419 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90027
5 Necromance
DESCRIPTION: Presented in a Victorian style, this place
specializes in the macabre and artfully morbid. They actually
have two storefronts (at 7220 Melrose and 7218 Melrose) with
one showroom stocking items related to natural history and
the other more oriented towards death and obsolete medical
science. If you are looking for anything in this genre of death,
taxidermy and osteology, then this is the place to go. Evidently
they do have a license to sell human bones. Its a fun place to
browse and a good gift shop for visitors.
© NileGuide
Photo courtesy of zemistor
6 Amoeba Music
DESCRIPTION: Just as movie fans must walk the Hollywood
Walk of Fame, fans of music must walk the aisles of Amoeba.
With nearly 1 million new and used CDs, LPs, 45s, and 78s,
as well as DVDs and other video formats, Amoeba prides itself
on its breadth and depth with music of every genre from hiphop, pop, rock, jazz, and country, to R&B, folk, classical, blues,
reggae, dance, and so on. With the largest collection of vinyl
albums in one location anywhere on the planet, they also stock
a huge assortment of new and vintage music and film-oriented
posters. © Frommer's
Photo courtesy of Amoeba Music
7 Dearly Departed Tours
DESCRIPTION: Dearly Departed Tours gives you the raw
details of Hollywood's ugly secrets, tragic deaths, and
embarrassing moments. Tour operator Scott Michaels takes
tourists on his 13-seater van and covers around 100 sites,
including the Tate-Polanski murder location, the Happy Days
house, and Sinatra's last gasp site. Tours last for a little over
three hours. © wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Dearly Departed
Tours
12
Day 3 - Los Angeles
QUICK NOTE
DAY NOTE: Mid-Wilshire and Koreatown
contact:
tel: 323/934-7243
fax: +1 323 933 7546
http://www.tarpits.org
location:
5801 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90036
hours:
Museum hours Mon-Fri
9:30am-5pm; Sat-Sun
10am-5pm
contact:
tel: +1 323 931 3409
fax: +1 323 931 2065
http://www.stelmovillage.org/
location:
4830 St. Elmo Drive
Los Angeles CA 90019
contact:
tel: (213)382-8449
http://www.taylorssteakhouse
.com/
location:
3361 W. 8th St.
Los Angeles CA 90005
1 La Brea Tar Pits & Page Museum
DESCRIPTION: An odorous swamp of gooey asphalt oozes
to the earth's surface in the middle of Los Angeles. No, it's
not a low-budget horror-movie set -- it's La Brea Tar Pits, a
truly bizarre primal pool on Museum Row where hot tar has
been bubbling from the earth for more than 40,000 years. The
bubbling pools may look like a fake Disney set, but they're
the real thing and have enticed thirsty animals throughout
history. Nearly 400 species of mammals, birds, amphibians,
and fish -- many of which are now extinct -- walked, crawled,
landed, swam, or slithered into the sticky sludge, got stuck in
the worst way, and stayed forever. In 1906, scientists began a
systematic removal and classification of entombed specimens,
including ground sloths, giant vultures, mastodons, camels,
bears, lizards, and even prehistoric relatives of today's superrats. Today it's one of the world's richest excavation sites for Ice
Age fossils. The best finds are on display in the adjacent Page
Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, which houses the largest
and most diverse collection of Ice Age plants and tar-stained
skeletons in the world. Archaeological work is ongoing; you
can watch as scientists clean, identify, and catalog new finds
in the Paleontology Laboratory. An entertaining 15-minute film
documenting the recoveries is also shown. © Frommer's
.
2 St. Elmo Village
DESCRIPTION: This highly imaginative center of urban folk art
was created by Roderick Sykes and fellow artists in the 70s.
Formerly a run-down residential complex of bungalows, they
used a number of discarded objects, in the spirit of the Watts
Towers, to create an explosion of color and optimism that is
now an official city landmark. The center functions as a kind of
communal outreach center, hosting painting, theater and conga
classes for youth during the weekends. Admission is free. ©
wcities.com
Photo courtesy of St. Elmo Village
3 Taylor's Steak House
DESCRIPTION: Taylor's Steak House has been voted the
Best Steak in Los Angeles, which is the main reason to go.
The super plush interior pairs well with the London Broil, pan
fried steak, prime sirloin pepper steak and the steak sandwich.
Entrees are moderately priced, the family owned business will
make you feel at home. © wcities.com
Photo by Noah Albert
13
Day 3 - continued...
hours:
Lunch: Monday - Friday:
11:30am - 4:00pm; Dinner:
Sunday - Thursday:
4:30pm - 9:30pm, Friday Saturday:4:00pm - 10:30pm
contact:
tel: 213/388-1400
http://www.wiltern.com
location:
3790 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles CA 90010
hours:
Call for details
4 The Wiltern
DESCRIPTION: According to a security guard, John Wayne
and Redd Foxx once got into a fight here after Wayne refused
to ride in the same limo as Foxx, who called the movie star
a "redneck." Well, your NBC tour will probably be a bit more
docile than that. The guided indoor walking tour includes a
behind-the-scenes unstaged look at The Tonight Show with Jay
Leno set; wardrobe, makeup, and set-building departments;
and several sound studios. In fact, NBC is the only TV studio
that offers the public a behind-the-scenes look at the inner
workings of its television operation, and it's a lot less expensive
than the competition's studio tours. Granted, it doesn't have the
cachet of a major motion picture studio tour, but it's entertaining
nonetheless. Tours depart at the top of the hour Monday
through Friday from 9am to 3pm, and tickets are sold at the
Guest Relations Department (bring cash -- they don't take
credit cards). Also, this is one of the few studio tours that
doesn't have a minimum age requirement. Note: Before you
make the drive to Burbank be sure to call the studio and make
sure tours are being offered that day and aren't already sold
out. © Frommer's
Photo courtesy of The Wiltern
contact:
5 HMS Bounty
tel: 213 385 7275
http://www.thehmsbounty.com
/
DESCRIPTION: Walking into this long-time haunt is like
location:
3357 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90010
hours:
11a-2a M-Su
contact:
tel: +1 213 389 2007
location:
3198 1/2 W 7th St
Los Angeles CA 9005
hours:
Su to Sa from 04:00 PM to
12:00 AM
stepping back in time. Although the place has been open since
the 1930s and hasn't changed all that much since, no one's
complaining. The nautical theme is evident in the decor. The
small menu (fish & chips, sandwiches, etc.) and the crusty
regulars, are as friendly as they are devoted to this watering
hole. A slightly younger crowd fills the place on weekends. This
is a really fun place that's definitely not like every other place
out there. © wcities.com
citysearch
6 The Prince Café
DESCRIPTION: Step into this plush bohemian lounge and
breathe in the zeitgeist of the bygone era... with a hint of
wafting smoke. The Prince has changed little since its inception
in the 1920's as part of The Windsor Inn. A well-appointed
speakeasy, it served as a location in Polanski's and has
held its own over decades of keen patronage by locals and
travelers alike. Enjoy a wide range of Korean fare and a robust
Photo by Noah Albert
14
Day 3 - continued...
selection of sojus. But the main draw is the unhurried, decadent
pace of the place, where indoor smoking is permitted and
congenial lingering is expected. The place is well ventilated
to accommodate non-smokers. Experience this hidden jewel
of Koreatown, one of the precious few untouched art deco
monuments of LA. -Kate Sobol © wcities.com
contact:
tel: +1 213 738 6700
fax: +1 213 383 1688
http://www.swlaw.edu/campu
s/building
location:
3050 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90010
7 Bullocks Wilshire Building
OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:
Although Nileguide does not official condone this
type of behavior, the daring can act like a law
student and walk in. Evidently the famous fifth floor
Tea Room is now a dining area.
Photo courtesy of bossco
DESCRIPTION: During its heyday, this sprawling department
store was dubbed the "Cathedral of Commerce." Opened
in 1929, the Bullocks Wilshire Building was one of the most
impressive consumer centers that the city had ever seen, an art
deco masterpiece adorned with chrome, marble, leather and
crystal. The building has since garnered a place on the National
Register of Historic Places. It has now been restored and reopened as the Law Library of the Southwestern Law School.
The building is open to the public only periodically throughout
the year; call the number listed below for recorded information
on upcoming tours. © wcities.com
contact:
8 Shatto 39 Lanes
tel: (213) 385-9475
http://www.shatto39lanes.com
/
DESCRIPTION: The great thing about the Shatto 39 Lanes
location:
3255 West 4th Street
Los Angeles CA 90020
hours:
Mon-Thurs: 10am-2am;
Fri-Sat: 10am-3am; Sun:
11am-2am
bowling alley is that it has not been renovated in a long long
time. Yes, the parking garage is a little spooky but all the other
pluses about the place more than make up for it. There is a
chill bar, a great arcade, and reasonably priced bowling. The
scene here is a mixed bag and reveals Los Angeles as an
interesting  and diverse place.
© NileGuide
Photo by Noah Albert
15
Day 4 - Los Angeles
QUICK NOTE
DAY NOTE: Sites near Downtown
contact:
tel: +1 213 847 8524
http://www.historicechopark.o
rg/
location:
1632 Bellevue Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90026
contact:
tel: +1 213 629 3101
fax: +1 213 629 1951
http://www.laplacita.org/
location:
535 North Main Street
Los Angeles CA 90012
contact:
tel: +1 213 250 9995 / +1 213
250 4093
http://www.bobbakermarionet
tes.com/
location:
1345 West First Street
Los Angeles CA 90026
1 Echo Park
OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:
If you a lucky the boat house will be open and you
can bicycle boat around the lake like a happy fool.
DESCRIPTION: What started out as a natural arroyo filled
with water from a stream is now a notable expansive park and
famous neighborhood. Formely known as Elendale, Echo park
consists of 26 acres of greenery and a beautiful lake too. Based
on a design by Joseph Henry Tomlinson, the park is beautifully
conceptualized. Tours of the the park are available, which
includes the other neighborhood landmarks like the historic
Baxter Steps and the Echo park boathouse. Festivals and other
cultural activities too are held in this neighborhood and park
with great furor and enthusiasm. © wcities.com
http://www.historicechopark.org/
sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/
ep0602b.jpg
2 Our Lady Queen of Angels/La
Placita
DESCRIPTION: The oldest religious structure in Los Angeles,
this 1822 building is also known as the Church of Our Lady
the Queen of the Angels. Originally built as a simple adobe
by Franciscan Padres with the labor of local Native American
Indians, it took an additional 40 years to construct the whole
church. This Catholic church now features some fine modern
additions, including a tile mosaic of The Annunciation, created
by artist Isabel Piczek in 1981. Services are held all day on
Sunday, but be advised that each session is in Spanish, except
for the 8am session. Visitors are invited to walk the grounds
throughout the week as well. © wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Edgar Zuniga Jr.
3 Bob Baker Marionettes
DESCRIPTION: You would be hard pressed to find a native
Angeleno child who hasn't been mesmerized by the enchanting
puppet shows this icon has been putting on for generations.
The moment you enter this magical oasis, you are transported
to a world created by master puppeteers, beloved by children
and adults alike. If you are looking for a memorable place to
have your child's birthday party, you can't go wrong when you
select this venue. The shows change about three times a year.
Reservations are a must. © wcities.com
Bob Baker Marionettes
16
Day 4 - continued...
contact:
tel: +1 213 626 4200
fax: +1 212 626 6850
http://www.hhbt-la.org/
location:
505 East Third Street
Los Angeles CA 90013
contact:
tel: +1 213 620 0570
fax: +1 213 625 0943
http://www.visitlittletokyo.com
location:
E 1st Street & S San Pedro
Street
Los Angeles CA 90012
contact:
tel: 213 622 4090
http://www.thrillist.com/los-an
geles/coles
location:
118 E 6th St
Los Angeles CA 90014
4 Higashi Hongwanji Buddhist
Temple
DESCRIPTION: This traditional structure was built in 1976
for the Jodo Shinshu Sect under the Buddhist Churches of
America. Higashi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple is associated
with the Honpa Hongwangi-ha Hongwanji (Nishi Hongwanji) in
Kyoto, Japan. A wide flight of stairs leads to the entrance, and
the roof is made of pretty blue tiles and holds two dragons to
protect it. The temple is open to anyone: regardless of color,
creed or nationality who is interested in learning about the
teachings of Amida Buddha. Call the temple before attending
for more information. © wcities.com
photo courtest of hhbt-la
5 Little Tokyo
DESCRIPTION: Like nearby Chinatown, this redeveloped
ethnic neighborhood isn't home to the majority of Angelenos
of Japanese ancestry; suburban Gardena has that distinction.
But Little Tokyo functions as the community's cultural focal
point and is home to several malls filled with bakeries,
bookshops, restaurants, and boutiques, as well as the
occasional Buddhist temple. The Japanese American
National Museum is here, as is the Japanese American
Cultural and Community Center, 244 S. San Pedro St. (tel.
213/628-2725; www.jaccc.org), which regularly offers traditional
Kabuki dramas and modern music concerts. Unfortunately
Little Tokyo is shabbier than almost any district in the Japanese
capital, and it has difficulty holding a visitor's attention for much
longer than the time it takes to eat lunch. Exceptions to this
rule come twice yearly, during the Cherry Blossom Festival in
spring and Nisei Week in late summer. Both heritage festivals
celebrate Japanese culture with parades, traditional Ondo
street dancing, a carnival, and an arts fair. The Japanese
American Network provides a community calendar, a map
of Little Tokyo points of interest, and useful Web links online
at www.janet.org/janet_little_tokyo/ja_little_tokyo.html. ©
Frommer's
.
6 Cole's
DESCRIPTION: Resurrecting a bygone institution's tough: get it right, and
you've breathed new life into the Star Trek franchise, but get it wrong,
and you'll find you've just remade Star Trek III. For a resurrection that's
right, check out Cole's. Originally established in 1908, the restaurant that
claimed invention of the French Dip had fallen into shameful disrepair
before closing last year; now, with $1.6 million from the Seven Grand/
Broadway Bar guy, it'll once again meet patrons' need to publicly dip
their meat in juice. What's new: The Decor: They've traded in the nuevoskid-row look of recent years for the original old-school saloon look, with
restored original glass light fixtures, stools, penny-tile floors, transom
windows, and a mahogany bar abetted by a brand new meat carving
station, so the flavor of 1908 isn't actually the flavor of 1908. The Food:
Photo courtesy of Cole's
17
Day 4 - continued...
Sandwiches come from the Iron Chef-winning Foundry guy, with sub-$10
meat options including pork, turkey, lamb, and beef, all fix-uppable with the
restaurant's "custom mustard" -- so it's got flames on the sides, and plays
"La Cucaracha" when you honk? The Drinks: The front "historic bar" will
serve up rotating craft beers (Spaten, Franz Monk), while an opening-soon
separate backspace called Varnish will serve specialty cocktails from the
guys behind New York's Milk & Honey, a bar renowned for its exclusivity
(reservations are made via unpublished number) and non-exclusivity
(unpublished number published on Internet). © Thrillist
contact:
tel: 1 213 627 1673
http://www.cliftonscafeteria.co
m/
7 Clifton's Brookdale Cafeteria
OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:
Prepare for a trip back into time to a grove of
location:
648 South Broadway Seventh redwoods.
Street
Los Angeles CA 90014
hours:
6:30a-7:30p M-Su
contact:
tel: +1 213 624 1000
fax: +1 213 612 4800
http://www.thebonaventure.co
m/dining/bona_vista_lounge.c
fm,http://www.starwoodhotels
.com/westin/property/dining/in
dex.html
location:
404 South Figueroa Street
Los Angeles CA 90071
DESCRIPTION: This is one of the last remaining old L.A.
eateries in downtown. In years gone by, Angeleno families
would make a trip here for dinner as a special Sunday outing.
If you are looking for a square meal while making the rounds of
downtown points of interest, it will not disappoint you. Located
right in the heart of Broadway, the clientele is mostly Latino.
During the week it is primarily shoppers and workers from the
nearby stores, but there are more families on weekends. The
decor is cornball tropical island complete with faux streams
and brooks. If you were taken here as a child, there were
memorable choices, such as the Jell-O with whipped cream
topping or the pineapple upside down cake. Heavier fare
includes the standard mashed potatoes and gravy, roast beef,
fish, or chicken. Of course this is just a sampling of the many
dishes offered, past and present, at this venerable dining spot.
© wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Noah Albert
8 Bona Vista Lounge
DESCRIPTION: For a quiet romantic evening, Bonavista is just
the right place to be. Sip cocktails from the interestingly shaped
mugs, and enjoy the light fare that is served here while you
hold those quiet conversations. The interiors may not be rather
hip or happening, but the drinks and the view make up for it.
It's location in the Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites gives
stunning views of the downtown while it rotates 360 degrees in
an hour! © NileGuide
Photo by Noah Albert
hours:
Mo to Su from 05:00 PM to
01:00 AM
18
Day 4 - continued...
contact:
tel: 1 213 488 9488
fax: 1 213 488 9546
www.cicadarestaurant.com
location:
617 S. Olive St.
Los Angeles CA 90014
contact:
tel: (323) 343-0760
http://lacstores.co.la.ca.us/sig
npost.htm#
location:
1104 North Mission Road
Los Angeles CA 90033
contact:
tel: +1 213 489 9918
fax: +1 213 489 9932
http://www.neonmona.org/
location:
501 West Olympic Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90015
contact:
tel: (213) 746-2166
http://panoramaonview.org/
location:
1122 West 24th Street
Los Angeles CA 90007
9 Cicada
DESCRIPTION: Cicada is regarded as not only one of the best
Italian eateries in the city, but also one of the most beautiful
spaces. This opulent architectural landmark is truly beyond
description. Diners are offered modern Italian fare and, more
than one regular patron has proclaimed the Fettuccini Alfredo
to be one of the best on the West Coast. The Penthouse is an
ideal event space that can be hired for hosting private events
and weddings. If you can get a reservation, which is essential,
pay a visit here. You won't regret it. You may bring your own
bottle of wine, subject to a corkage fee. Check website for
hours. © wcities.com
Photoo courtesy of sha in LA
A Skeletons In The Closet
OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:
Open Monday thru Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
DESCRIPTION: This gift shop was established in 1993 to raise
money for the city government, in particular the Youthful Drunk
Driving Visitation Program (YDDVP). Since then the place
has been well received and successful. The gift store is not
large but the items they stock are pretty cool. A big seller is the
towel with the body outline. Another logo they use a lot on their
products is a Sherlock Holmes-type skeleton. While the stuff
they carry does not push into bloody or gross territory it does
appeal to a darker sense of life.
© NileGuide
Photo courtesy of Chuck
B Museum of Neon Art
DESCRIPTION: If you thought that the only place you'll find neon lights would be in a nightclub or
bar, think again. The Museum of Neon Art is filled with exhibits and documents of contemporary
fine art in electric media as well as some very creative neon signs. Make sure you take the night
tour provided by the museum, which provides a historic insight into the culture of neon lights by
bus. If you're into visiting places that are not conventional tourist spots, then this museum may just
do it for you. © wcities.com
C The Velaslavasay Panorama
OUR LOCAL EXPERT SAYS:
Open Friday-Saturday-Sunday Noon-6pm (or by
appointment). Admission is a suggested donation of
$6 for adults, $4 for students.
DESCRIPTION: This lovely site, created by Sara Velas, brings
back the glory of the panoramic paintings (called cycloramas in
the United States) that were a major public entertainment in the
Photo courtesy of *an_drea
19
Day 4 - continued...
18th and 19th centuries. This phenomena is basically a painted
circular environment that fills all your sight-lines and in this way
gives you the impression of being in some far-away place. You
enter the space from a circular wooden stairway; inside there
is a circular bench where you can relax and take in the painted
and sculpted environment and the 35 minute sound and light
show. The building that houses this attraction is a historic movie
theater from 1921. In addition to the panorama there is also a
garden, gift shop, and small theater space on site.
© NileGuide
contact:
tel: +1 213 477 2962
http://www.dohenymansion.o
rg/
location:
10 Chester Place
Los Angeles CA 90007
contact:
tel: 323/724-3623
http://www.californiasciencec
enter.org/
location:
700 State Dr
Los Angeles CA 90007
hours:
Daily 10am-5pm; call or check
website for IMAX screenings
D Doheny Mansion and Chester
Place
DESCRIPTION: Of 13 large estates built at the turn of the
century, this is one of the grandest. Built on a block-size park,
this large European-style chateau was owned by oil baron
Edward Doheny. Now owned by Mount St. Mary's College and
used for faculty residences, the mansion has survived well over
the years with few alterations. The interior is not open to the
public but the exterior of the house and the surrounding estates
provide a fine walk along Adams Boulevard. © wcities.com
photo courtesy of Doheny Mansion
and Chester Place
E California Science Center
DESCRIPTION: A $130-million renovation -- reinvention,
actually -- has turned the former Museum of Science and
Industry into Exposition Park's most popular attraction. Using
high-tech sleight of hand, the center stimulates kids of all
ages with questions, answers, and lessons about the world.
The museum is organized into themed worlds, and one
of the museum's highlights is Tess, a 50-foot animatronic
woman whose muscles, bones, organs, and blood vessels are
revealed, demonstrating how the body reacts to a variety of
external conditions and activities. (Appropriate for children of
all ages, Tess doesn't possess reproductive organs.) Another
highlight is the Air and Space Gallery, a seven-story space
where real air- and spacecraft are suspended overhead.
There are nominal fees, ranging from $2 to $5, to enjoy the
science center's more thrilling attractions. You can pedal a
bicycle across a high-wire suspended 43 feet above the ground
(demonstrating the principle of gravity and counterweights) or
get strapped into the Space Docking Simulator for a virtualreality taste of zero gravity. There's plenty more, and plans
for expansion are always in the works. The IMAX theater
screen is seven stories high and 90 feet wide, with stateof-the-art surround-sound and 3-D technology. Films are
screened throughout the day until 9pm and are nearly always
breathtaking, even the two-dimensional ones. © Frommer's
.
20
Day 4 - continued...
contact:
tel: +1 323 299 8829
http://www.oransblackmuseu
m.com/
location:
3742 West Martin Luther King
Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 90008
F The OranZ Pan African Black
Facts and Wax Museum
DESCRIPTION: This museum presents wax figures of African
American personalities. It also showcases the eras through
authentic clothing, uniforms and artifacts. The museum
has figures of Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali, Harriet Tubman,
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Louis Armstrong and George
Washington. It also presents cultural artifacts from the African
world as well as black memorabilia from recent times. ©
wcities.com
http://www.oransblackmuseum.com/
images/khemet1.jpg
21
Day 5 - Los Angeles, Studio City
QUICK NOTE
DAY NOTE: San Fernando Valley Sites
contact:
tel: +1 213 624 7300 (Tourist
Information)
fax: +1 213 624 9746 (Tourist
Information)
location:
Coldwater Canyon Road and
Burbank Boulevard
Los Angeles CA 91401
contact:
tel: 818/361-0186
http://www.missionscalifornia
.com
location:
15151 San Fernando Mission
Blvd
Mission Hills CA 91345
hours:
Daily 9am-4:30pm
1 Great Wall of Los Angeles
DESCRIPTION: It's not exactly the Great Wall of China, but it's
still a sight to see. Painted on a flood control reservoir, which
runs along Coldwater Canyon Boulevard, this 2,435-foot-long
painting is easily the longest mural in the world. It was created
by a number of different artists, primarily from 1976 through
1983, and depicts the key events in the history of Los Angeles,
from the founding of the city up to the present day. The mural
can be seen from several different vantage points near the Los
Angeles Valley College campus. © wcities.com
wcities
2 Mission San Fernando
DESCRIPTION: In the late 18th century, Franciscan
missionaries established 21 missions up the California coast,
from San Diego to Sonoma. Each uniquely beautiful mission
was built 1 day's trek from the next, along a path known as
El Camino Real ("the Royal Road"), remnants of which still
exist. The missions' construction marked the beginning of
European settlement of California and the displacement of the
Native American population. The two L.A.-area missions are
located in the valleys that took their names: the San Fernando
Valley and the San Gabriel Valley. A third mission, San Juan
Capistrano, is located in Orange County. Established in 1797,
Mission San Fernando once controlled more than 1 1/2 million
acres, employed 1,500 Native Americans, and boasted more
than 22,000 head of cattle and extensive orchards. The fragile
adobe mission complex was destroyed several times but was
always faithfully rebuilt with low buildings surrounding grassy
courtyards. The aging church was replaced in the 1940s and
again in the 1970s after an earthquake. The Convento, a
250-foot-long colonnaded structure dating from 1810, is the
compound's oldest remaining building. Some of the mission's
rooms, including the old library and the private salon of the
first bishop of California, have been restored to their late-18thcentury appearance. A half-dozen padres and many hundreds
of Shoshone Indians are buried in the adjacent cemetery. ©
Frommer's
.
22
Day 6 - Los Angeles, Inglewood
QUICK NOTE
DAY NOTE: Sites to the South
contact:
tel: 213/847-4646
http://www.trywatts.com
location:
1727 E. 107th St
Los Angeles CA 90002
hours:
Art Center: Tues-Sat
10am-4pm; Sun noon-4pm.
Towers: Fri-Sat 11am-3pm;
Sun 12:30-3pm
contact:
tel: +1 310 548 5677
fax: +1 310 548 6394
http://www.sanpedro.com/sp_
point/mamalctr.htm
location:
Angels Gate Park
Los Angeles CA 90731
1 Watts Towers & Art Center
DESCRIPTION: Watts became notorious as the site of riots in
the summer of 1965, during which 34 people were killed and
more than 1,000 were injured. Today, a visit to Watts is a lesson
in inner-city life. It's a high-density land of gray strip malls, wellguarded check-cashing shops, and fast-food restaurants; but
it's also a neighborhood of hardworking families struggling to
survive in the midst of gangland. Although there's not much
for the casual tourist here, the Watts Towers are truly a unique
attraction, and the adjoining art gallery illustrates the fierce
determination of area residents to maintain cultural integrity.
The Towers -- the largest piece of folk art created by a single
person -- are colorful, 99-foot-tall cement and steel sculptures
ornamented with mosaics of bottles, seashells, cups, plates,
pottery, and ceramic tiles. They were completed in 1955 by folk
artist Simon Rodia, an immigrant Italian tile-setter who worked
on them for 33 years in his spare time. True fans of decorative
ceramics will enjoy the fact that Rodia's day job was at the
legendary Malibu Potteries (are those fragments of valuable
Malibu tile encrusting the Towers?). Closed in 1994 due to
earthquake damage, the towers were triumphantly reopened
in 2001 and now attract more than 20,000 visitors annually.
Tours are by request. Note: Next to these designated Cultural
Landmarks is the Art Center, which has an interesting collection
of ethnic musical instruments as well as several visiting art
exhibits throughout the year. © Frommer's
.
2 Marine Mammal Care Center
DESCRIPTION: This complex is a fine alternative to oceanthemed parks like San Diego's Sea World. Here, you can view
sick or injured seals and sea lions rehabilitating in preparation
for their return to the ocean. The center, run by two full-time
staff members and a number of volunteers, caters primarily to
California Sea Lions, Northern Elephant Seals, Northern Fur
Seals and Harbor Seals. The center also has a gift shop and
exhibits with materials intended to educate the public about
marine mammals. Admission is free. © wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Marine Mammal
Care Center
23
Day 6 - continued...
contact:
3 Grevillea Art Park
tel: (310) 412-8750
http://livingnewdeal.berkeley.e
du/map/view.php
DESCRIPTION: Across Manchester Boulevard from the
location:
230 S. Grevillea Avenue
Inglewood California 90301
contact:
tel: (323) 294-5211
http://villagegreenla.net/histor
y.html
location:
5300 Rodeo Road
Los Angeles CA 90016
Inglewood City Hall and next to Inglewood High School,
Grevillea Art Park is best known now as the location of Helen
Lundeberg's 240 foot long "History of Transportation" mural.
This artwork was a WPA piece that was completed in 1940
and is made of petra-chrome, a material similar to terrazzo.
Previously located in Centinela Park, the mural was restored
in 2007 and moved here to downtown Inglewood. For more
pictures and info about this piece, check out this photo gallery.
During the summer, the city of Inglewood sometimes sponsors
free concerts here by the mural. Check on the City of Inglewood
website - />
Inglewood is also a great place to see the airplanes landing at
LAX.
© NileGuide
6500K
4 Village Green Owners'
Association
DESCRIPTION: This large housing development was built
between 1935 and 1942 and designed by the architect
Reginald Johnson, landscape architects Fred Barlow and
Katherine Bashford and urban planner Clarence Stein (the
architecture firm of Wilson, Merill and Alexander was also
involved). The form of the 64 acre, 627 unit residential area is
based on the ideas of the "Garden City" and follows the model
of previous projects like Sunnyside Gardens and Radburn. The
obvious thing you will notice is that there is complete separation
of automobile and pedestrian space. As a result the interior
green space of the development is weirdly quiet, like you have
somehow wandered off of La Brea Ave and into a meadow.
(Please note that this lovely place is private property.)
© NileGuide
Photo courtesy of Noah Albert
24
Day 7 - Los Angeles, Pasadena, San
Bernardino
QUICK NOTE
DAY NOTE: Sites to the East
contact:
tel: (323) 255-7115
http://www.sodapopstop.com/
home.cfm
location:
5702 York Blvd
Los Angeles California 90042
contact:
tel: +1 323 223 2475
fax: +1 323 223 1804
http://www.plazadelaraza.org/
location:
3540 North Mission Road
Los Angeles CA 90031
contact:
tel: +1 323 512 5697
http://www.lamurals.org
location:
323 East 1st St
Los Angeles CA 90012
1 Galco's Soda Pop Stop
DESCRIPTION: This historic grocery store was founded at a
downtown location 100 years and moved to its current site in
Highland Park 50 years ago. It came into its present form when
the current owner John Nese was pressured by Pepsi to stock
a preponderance of Pepsi products. John Nese did exactly
the opposite and created this soda emporium that carries all
sorts of esoteric brands and varieties of soda. The store also
stocks old-time candy (my favorite part of visiting is seeing what
were once vegetable bins filled with candy). If you prefer soda's
made with real sugar over the now ubiquitous corn syrup, then
this place is a gold mine. Or if you just love soda pop in all it's
variety and glory (they have hundreds of types of soda here!),
then this place is heaven. They also have an excellent beer
selection. © NileGuide
Photo courtesy of Noah ALbert
2 Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center
DESCRIPTION: Opened in 1970, Plaza de la Raza Cultural
Center holds classes for local youth in the visual and
performing arts. The emphasis is on the Latino heritage of
most of the local residents and students, bringing a greater
understanding to the children about their heritage and
ancestors. There is an in-house theater group that puts on
frequent performances as well as a summer concert series
featuring Latino acts. Visitors can view and purchase artwork
in the gallery and other items in the gift shop. Whether you
have a Latino background or not, you will enjoy this center. ©
wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Plaza de la Raza
3 Mural Conservancy of Los
Angeles
DESCRIPTION: Largely inspired by the Mexican mural
movement of the early 20th century, Los Angeles contains
some of the most fabulous murals in the world, created by
a diverse multi-ethnic population. Crowned by the Great
Wall of Los Angeles, there are more than 1,000 murals in
the city today, and this organization seeks to conserve and
acknowledge all of them. The conservancy conducts several
bus tours each year, with different themesast-luding areas,
eras and artists. Many of these tours are led by the muralists
El Congreso de Artistas Cosmicos de
las Americas de San Diego
25
Day 7 - continued...
themselves, providing a great opportunity to meet the creative
minds who help shape the city. The tours usually last all day
and make a one-hour stop for lunch. Tours are given several
times per year. © wcities.com
contact:
tel: +1 323 881 6444
fax: +1 323 881 6447
http://www.selfhelpgraphics.c
om/
location:
3802 Cesar East Chavez
Avenue
Los Angeles CA 90063
contact:
tel: +1 626 449 5458
fax: +1 626 449 1057
http://www.old-mill.org/
location:
1120 Old Mill Road
San Marino CA 91108
contact:
tel: 626/457-3048
http://www.sangabrielmission
.org
location:
428 S. Mission Dr
San Gabriel CA 91776
hours:
Daily 9am-4:30pm
4 Self Help Graphics & Art
DESCRIPTION: This place is a community visual arts center
that was started by a small group of artists working out of a
garage in East Los Angeles in the 70s. Its goal was to create
art that showcased the cultural heart of the Los Angeles
Chicano community. The community embraced this idea and
many more artists got involved over the years. It has achieved
national recognition for its contribution to Chicano art and
cultural awareness. Artists can use the printmaking facilities
and there are community outreach programs to draw more
people into the world of arts. The onsite Galeria Otra Vez
presents local artists to the community. There's also a shop
selling prints, artwork and crafts. © wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Self Help Graphics
and Art
5 El Molino Viejo
DESCRIPTION: A brief visit here can give you a great sense of
California's early history. 45 years after the Mission San Gabriel
was constructed, Native Americans from the mission built this
water-powered mill, the first of its kind in Southern California.
Although the mill itself has largely been lost, the tile-roofed
building that enclosed it is still in good condition. The location
is very appealing, as the mill is set in a beautiful courtyard with
fruit trees and other surrounding vegetation. Admission is free.
© wcities.com
Photo courtesy of Los Angeles
(wikimedia)
6 Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1771, Mission San Gabriel Arcangel
retains its original facade, notable for its high oblong windows and large
capped buttresses said to have been influenced by the cathedral in
Cordova, Spain. The mission's self-contained compound encompasses
an aqueduct, a cemetery, a tannery, and a working winery. Within the
church stands a copper font with the distinction of being the first one
used to baptize a Native Californian. The most notable contents of the
mission's museum are Native American paintings depicting the Stations of
the Cross, done on sailcloth, with colors made from crushed desert flower
petals. © Frommer's
Photo courtesy of
Mission San Gabriel
Arcangel
26
Day 7 - continued...
contact:
tel: +1 626 440 9016
fax: +1 626 405 9814
http://www.mtwilson.edu
location:
Red Box-Mount Wilson Road
Mt. Wilson CA 91107
location:
2728 West Foothill Blvd
Rialto CA 92376
7 Mount Wilson Observatory
DESCRIPTION: The Mt. Wilson Observatory was established
in 1904 by astronomer George Hale (1868-1938) in the suburb
of Pasadena. It was the first observatory in the western United
States and the largest in the world. The grounds are open to
the public on Saturdays and Sundays during daylight savings
only (April to November). Guided walking tours are offered at
1p each weekend day. The tours are free of charge and do
not require advance reservations. Outdoor picnic facilities are
available, but visitors are urged to bring their own drinking
water, as it is not always available on the premises. To visit
Mount Wilson Observatory, exit the 210 freeway to follow
CA Route 2 (Angeles Crest Highway) into the San Gabriel
Mountains for 14 miles to Red Box Road. Turn right, then go
another 5 miles until you reach the Observatory gate. To drive
up the Angeles Crest Highway, you will need a National Forest
Adventure Pass, available at various locations throughout Los
Angeles County. © wcities.com
Mount Wilson Observatory
8 THE WIGWAM MOTEL
DESCRIPTION: The Wigwam Motel features 19, 30-foot-tall tepees
situated in a village like arrangement centered around grounds that
include an outdoor barbecue grill and kidney-shaped swimming pool. Each
tepee is a cute and cozy full featured motel room like your own private
cabin with all the modern conveniences you would expect, including a full
bath with hot showers, air conditioning and free wifi access. Remember
the good-ole-days, before air travel was easily affordable and the roadtrip was king. Those days are still here-at the Wigwam Motel. Originally
constructed in 1949, this is the 7th and final wigwam location in the series
of similar properties first launched in by developer frank redford in his
home state of Kentucky. Situated on famed Route 66, the most famous
highway of all, the Wigwam Motel is in the true American tradition of the
roadside attraction, just like the giant dinosaurs, villages of mystery and
other classic roadside attractions that lined America's highways of the
past. The Wigwam Motel is a real slice of Americana, bringing back the
heyday of our glorious American past. On your next road-trip, swing-by
and check us out. We guarantee the Wigwam Motel will charm its way
into your heart. The Wigwam is a real American classic that promises fun
for the whole family. . ** DLXQ - slightly larger wigwam  room with
1 queen bed, love seat, coffee table, refrigerator, satellite TV, AC/heat,
hot shower, free wifi. . ** Double - big enough to sleep a family, includes 2
queen beds, refrigerator, table with 2 chairs, ac/heat, hot shower, satellite
TV, free wifi. . ** STDQ - cozy wigwam  room with 1 Serta queen
bed, satellite TV, HBO, CNN, Discovery, TNT, AC, heat, hot shower, free
wifi. . .
Hotels.com
27
Day 8 - Los Angeles
QUICK NOTE
DAY NOTE: Outside the City
contact:
tel: (951)922-0076,
(951)849-7012
http://www.cabazondinosaurs
.com/
location:
50770 Seminole Drive
Cabazon CA 92230
1 Cabazon Dinosaurs and Wheel Inn
Restaurant
DESCRIPTION: You gotta love huge dinosaurs in the desert!
Construction on the Cabazon Dinosaurs began in 1964 when
the original proprietor Claude Bell felt compelled to build a 4story brontosaurus ("Dinny"). A very large Tyrannosaurus soon
followed. Over the years the very large dinosaurs have been
supplemented by some additional attractions. Most recently the
property was aquired in 2005 by Gary Kanter; he has added a
creationist spin to the whole site. Admission to the interior of
the T-Rex and other attractions is $6.95 for adults and $5.95 for
children (children under 2 free).
     There is also a diner here, the
"Wheel Inn," from which you can take-in the exterior of the large
dinosaurs for free and skip the religious texts.
© NileGuide
Photo courtesy of gojeffrey
28
Beverly Hills Snapshot
History
Rodeo Drive, opulent mansions, and movie
stars galore: this is the real thing, and
visiting Beverly Hills will hit you with more
“I can’t believe it!” moments than almost
anywhere else. Whether it’s the flashy cars
zooming down Wilshire Boulevard, the
glitzy people walking down the street, or the
outrageous price tags at Saks or Barneys,
in Beverly Hills, everything pops – including
your own eyes.
Rodeo Drive is the undisputed hub of this
most fashionable of Los Angeles enclaves,
so going for a walk and(window) shopping
here is a must. Appearances and reputation
aside, shopkeepers and employees here
are not the snooty aristocrats they’ve been
made out to be. Feel free to browse to your
heart’s content. Be aware, however, that
some shops are open by appointment only.
Second to shopping here is star-spotting.
While recent years have seen some stars
move out to more remote locales, this is still
the place to see a celebrity. Although just
being here will help your chances, you can
also buy a star map and go for a drive past
some of your favorite celebrities’ digs. For
the best example of luxury living, head to
the 55-room English Tudor-style Greystone
Mansion, the city’s largest.
Set right between Rodeo Drive and the
Beverly Hills mansions is Beverly Gardens
Park, a perfect respite from the city’s
glossy, almost blinding veneer. Take some
time for a stroll here if you need a rest.
Speaking of rest, it’s a no-brainer that
Beverly Hills offers some of the finest
accommodation in Los Angeles if, of
course, you can afford it. Make reservations
at the landmark, expansive Beverly Wilshire
or head to boutique Maison 140, if only for
drinks among the glitterati at its ultra-hip
bar.
© NileGuide
29
Los Angeles Snapshot
Local Info
People either love it, or they hate it--but
no matter what, Los Angeles makes no
excuses and changes itself for no one.
And you've got to admire that. Made up
of dozens of communities, there is no one
single experience that can sum up the life
and the heartbeat of this city. But what
can be noticed about Los Angeles by both
tourists and locals alike is the hustle-andbustle lifestyle, the vibrant and unique
neighborhoods, and the extreme diversity
that sets it apart from any other city. From
the eternal sunshine and Hollywood glitz
to all the small communities with their own
distinct cultural personalities, this City of
Angels will forever be many things to many
people.
Downtown
While not exactly in the center of town
geographically due to the sprawling nature
of the city, Downtown Los Angeles is still
teeming with activity. There are cultural
hotbeds like Olvera Street and Chinatown
that are just minutes away from Los
Angeles landmarks such as the Bank of
America Building and the Walt Disney
Concert Hall. And if you have a hankering
for more art and culture while Downtown,
the Museum of Contemporary Art(MOCA) is
a definite must-see.
Hollywood
The big sign just about says it all-Hollywood is glitz, glamour, and
unavoidable. While many people are critical
of Hollywood, they still can't help but satiate
their curiosity by visiting this busy area.
The center of things is, without a doubt,
Hollywood Boulevard, location of worldfamous tourist spots including Mann's
Chinese Theater, the Hollywood Walk of
Fame, and the Kodak Theatre where the
Oscars are now held annually.
The Miracle Mile/Hancock Park area is
another of L.A.'s historical neighborhoods.
Here you will find Wilshire Boulevard's
Museum Row. The museums are contained
within Hancock Park, a small but peaceful
oasis in the center of hectic urban activity.
To venture into the far distant past, stop
by the Brea Tar Pits, La, and to immerse
yourself in a famous museum, the LACMA:
Los Angeles County Museum of Art is a
popular attraction on Miracle Mile.
Ritzy West Hollywood is home to one of the
city's most famous(or infamous) attractions:
the Sunset Strip. Here you'll find most
of the city's hippest clubs frequented by
up-and-coming actors and socialites, as
well as some of the city's finest hotels and
shopping, including the upscale Melrose
Avenue Shopping District. West Hollywood
is also the center of the city's gay and
lesbian community, and it puts on one of
the flashiest and most exhilarating annual
Halloween parades in the state.
On the other side of the Hollywood Hills
sits"The Valley," as known by locals.
It features a seemingly endless sea of
suburban cul-de-sacs, strip malls, funky
shops and restaurants. Hollywood makes
its presence known in the cities of Burbank
and Universal City, which are home to
Warner Bros. Studio and Universal Studios.
There are two things you can always count
on in the Valley: the earthquakes always
feel stronger, and the temperature is always
10 degrees hotter.
Beverly Hills and the Westside
South Central and Compton
This world-famous city with its worldfamous zip code is synonymous with
wealth, status, and celebrity. The
understated elegance and grace of the
residential neighborhoods are balanced out
by Rodeo Drive, which offers some of the
finest(and most expensive) shopping in the
world.
Although the South Central neighborhood
of Crenshaw gained worldwide publicity
as the center of the infamous 1992 riots,
this area is rich in history and culture.
South Central also is home to famous Los
Angeles landmarks such as the Watts
Towers, the historic Shrine Auditorium,
and Exposition Park. Within the famed
Exposition Park is the Los Angeles
Memorial Coliseum, the Natural History
Museum of Los Angeles County, the
California Science Center, and the IMAX
California Science Center. It has also long
been a place of culture and diversity, as
evidenced by the African American Cultural
Center.
Santa Monica and Beach Cities
Back in the heyday of Route 66, Santa
Monica was the end of the line. Today, this
beachfront community offers the best in
entertainment for all ages on its famous
Santa Monica Pier. You can enjoy some
carnival-style food and games or take a
ride on the ferris wheel for a breathtaking
view of the city and shoreline. When you're
ready for some shopping, the active Third
Street Promenade has a diverse directory
of stores and eateries.
The motto of the coastal community of
Malibu is"27 miles of scenic beauty," and
that about describes it best. The main
attraction here is the drive along the Pacific
Coast Highway, which takes you past beach
after beach on one side of the road and
million-dollar hilltop estates on the other.
Make sure you have plenty of film and
sunscreen. Even at night, the stars just
seem brighter.
Venice, just south of Santa Monica, is
the city's home to all things eclectic and
many things downright bizarre. This
small, artsy beach town offers one of the
greatest collections of cafes, bars, galleries,
antiques and one-of-a-kind shops around.
Weekend afternoons on the boardwalk are
definitely a memorable experience for any
visitor to the city.
San Fernando Valley
Long Beach and the South Bay
Long Beach is a fairly large city in its own
right and is a neighbor to the well known
district of Orange County. Aside from a
plethora of shopping and dining options,
this beach community is perhaps best
known for the Queen Mary, a Titanicesque ocean liner now permanently docked
here and open for tours. They also have
many outdoor activities for tourists to take
advantage of, as well as museums and
beaches that all can enjoy.
The South Bay is made up of smaller
beach towns and quiet neighborhoods
such asHermosa Beach,Redondo
Beach,Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes
Estates.
Pasadena and Points East
Pasadena is one of the most prominent
communities in the entire state of California.
Old Town Pasadena provides one of the
greatest clusters of bars, shops, cafes and
restaurants in the entire L.A. area. The
city is also known for the Norton Simon
Museum, which is the largest collection
30
Los Angeles Snapshot continued
of art owned by one man, and the Rose
Bowl. And every New Years' Day, this notso-sleepy town becomes the focus of the
entire world for the annual Tournament of
Roses Parade.
East L.A., as evidenced by its name, forms
the eastern edge of the city and is a great
example of a neighborhood rich in cultural
expression.
LAX and Inglewood
LAX is one of the largest airports in
the United States, when it comes to
the sheer number of people passing
through its hallways. The airport is the
main feature of the otherwise-sleepy,
suburban neighborhood of Westchester.
This pocket of quiet, tree-lined streets and
neighborhood schools and churches is a
refreshing oasis in an often-frenetic city.
Inglewood features a wide variety of
restaurants, music and sports venues. Here
you will find Hollywood Park Racetrack and
the The Forum arena, an entertainment
hotspot. Inglewood also hosts the annual
Hollywood Black Film Festival, which pays
homage to African-American filmmakers of
past, present and future.
©
History
California's earliest residents were Native
Americans. Prior to the mid-18th century,
several native peoples dominated the area,
most notably those from the Tongva nation.
The earliest key date in the development
of Los Angeles is August 2, 1769. It was
on that afternoon that a group of Spanish
explorers from the east, led by Juan Crespi
and Captain Gaspar de Portola, entered
what came to be known as Los Angeles, in
the area around Elysian Park. It was then
that Crespi realized the potential the area
had to become a sizable settlement. Then
in 1771, Junipero Serra created the Mission
San Gabriel Archangel in the present day
San Gabriel Valley. It wasn't until 1781
that the town was founded and named"El
Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de
los Ángeles del Río de Porciúncula"-quite a mouthful to say and subsequently
shortened to Los Angeles.
Throughout the late 18th and early
19th centuries, was only a small farm
town that remained part of Mexico, until
the Mexican-American War. On March
9th, 1842, Francisco Lopez discovered
gold in the Santa Clarita Valley and by
1845, U.S. troops began battling for
control of California. On January 9, 1847,
Commodore Stockton recaptured Los
Angeles for the third and final time, and
just days later Mexican general Andres
Pico surrendered California to U.S. General
John Fremont. A subsequent boundary
dispute ensued as to where the borders
of the city and county should be, but on
April 4, 1850, the city of Los Angeles
was incorporated, with California officially
entering the union five months later.
The late 1800s and early 1900s saw Los
Angeles grow exponentially. One reason
for this was the railroads, which finally
reached Los Angeles from the East. The
railroads resulted in a major expansion of
economy and population, as evidenced by
the fact that L.A.'s population doubled in
the last decade of the 1800s and tripled
in the first decade of the 1900s. In 1913,
William Mulholland built an aqueduct, which
allowed water to be brought to Los Angeles
from 200 miles north. This important event,
coupled with the earlier railroad boom, is
considered to be largely responsible for
L.A.'s growth into a major population center.
By the 1920s, many industries were
beginning to stake their claim in the city.
The most popular of these industries was
the budding film industry. Filmmakers from
the East came to Southern California for
its eternal sunshine and varied landscape.
Where else in America could they find
perfect weather and largely empty
surrounding land, as well as mountains,
lakes, forests and beaches all within an
hour's drive? As movies and movie-making
became more ingrained in American culture
during the 1940s and 50s, millions began
flocking to L.A. in hopes of becoming a star
and striking it rich. By the mid-to-late 1950s,
the population of L.A. had reached two
million and appeared to be going nowhere
but up.
As the city grew, more people meant more
problems. In 1943, a clash between sailors,
marines and local Hispanic gangs broke
out, known as the Zoot Suit Riots. For
several days and nights, downtown Los
Angeles was transformed into a battlezone. Although the riots were finally quelled
by police, this would not be the last time
the city witnessed large-scale urban
unrest. Devastating race riots erupted in
1965 and again in 1992, after the Rodney
King verdict, giving the city its reputation
for being a hotbed of racial tensions.
Riots, however, weren't the only problems
that affected the history of Los Angeles.
Runaway air pollution and the damage
caused by several earthquakes —the
largest and most memorable of which was
the Northridge earthquake in 1994, with a
total magnitude of 6.7- have also given the
city its fair share of crises to deal with over
the years. But with the 21st century has
come an increase in the improvement and
gentrification in many parts of the city.
Certain things can always be counted on
to thrive in L.A.: cultural diversity, beautiful
weather, the well-known traffic on the 405
Freeway, and eager souls arriving each day
to the City of Angels in search of their own
piece of heaven.
©
Hotel Insights
According to the tired but true axiom, the
three most important things in real estate
are location, location and location. In the
universe of Los Angeles, that cannot be
stressed enough, and where you stay will
have a tremendous impact on your L.A.
experience. The following are some of the
most-recommended areas to lodge.
Downtown
Downtown Los Angeles contains the heart
of the financial and business districts
of the city, and is perfect for corporate
travelers. All of the best amenities can
be found at the swanky The Standard
Hotel which truly gives a new meaning
to the word"standard," or at the luxurious
Millenium Biltmore. Formerly the Regal
and famous since 1923, it was home to
the Academy Awards during the Golden
Age of Hollywood. Those wanting to stay
within a budget but who still want singular
and eclectic accommodations, might try the
charming Best Western Dragon Gate Inn
located right in the heart of Chinatown, the
Hotel Figueroa with its funky Southwestern
motif, or the elegant Miyako Inn and Spa
where you can either gratify yourself with a
relaxing massage or have a little late night
fun at their karaoke bar.
Beverly Hills
For those with means, there is simply
no other place to stay in town. Worldclass luxury and service can be found
31
Los Angeles Snapshot continued
at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the Beverly
Hilton or the Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills.
The world-famous Peninsula is also a
high-class, luxurious choice for anyone
wanting the best amenities and service.
Wherever you choose to stay in this highend neighborhood, you will be close to
some of the very best shopping and dining
in the world.
Hollywood
Considering Hollywood's status as a tourist
mecca, it should come as no surprise that it
offers many places to lodge, especially for
those on a budget. The Hollywood Celebrity
Hotel and the Best Western Hollywood
Hills Hotel offer decent rooms for those
who want to keep their costs down. All are
close to every famous Hollywood attraction,
as well as Universal Studios. You'll be in
the thick of the action here, although you
may not want to walk alone at night in the
darkest parts of Hollywood.
Pasadena
Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel
Mountains, Pasadena offers some of the
greatest lodging options for those who want
to get away from the urban energy of the
rest of L.A. If you want only the best, stay in
elegant style at the Ritz-Carlton Huntington
Hotel. The Pasadena Hilton also offers
top-notch amenities and great service. For
those looking for something other than a
large hotel, try the beautiful and charming
Artist's Inn and the Bissell House, both
offering personalized luxury and service in
a bed-and-breakfast setting.
Santa Monica
Maybe it's the sound of ocean waves that
help you sleep easier, or maybe it's being
near both shopping and recreation, but
either way Santa Monica has proven to
be the way to go for many visitors to the
area. For those with pockets deeper than
the sea, consider the Loews Santa Monica
Beach Hotel, the Fairmont Miramar or the
ultra-luxurious Shutters on the Beach. All
three are located within walking distance
of all of Santa Monica's wonders, both
natural and man-made, and offer the full
royal treatment. For those on more of a
budget, the Ocean View Hotel and the
classic Art Deco Cadillac Hotel(located
in nearby Venice) offer more affordable
accommodation while sacrificing very little
in the way of amenities or location.
West Hollywood
There's always something to be said for
being close to the action. For those who
long to be in the center of L.A.'s starstudded nightlife, you can't get much closer
than a hotel room in West Hollywood. The
Chateau Marmont, the Mondrian and the
Sunset Tower Hotel offer accommodations
fit for a king(with a bill to match). Meanwhile
the Hyatt and the rock'n' roll atmosphere of
the Standard Hotel offer great rooms at a
fraction of the cost of their neighbors. Just
about every hotel in the area is located on
Sunset and lies within walking distance of
the hottest clubs.
Westwood
This high-end neighborhood not only
boasts UCLA, but also offers many
bars, restaurants and entertainment
options. It also features some of the best
accommodations at reasonable prices.
The Hilgard House offers wonderful
accommodations that isn't exactly cheap,
but certainly won't cause you to break the
bank. The upscale W Los Angeles is a
popular choice featuring world-class service
and comfort.
©
themselves in hot pots. And for a more
casual but earth-shaking good time, check
out Epicentre, which is designed to look like
a cafe, post-earthquake.
La Cienega and Beverly Hills
When dining in this celebrity"hot zone," be
sure to bring your high-limit credit cards
and your best evening attire. Some great
options include Chaya Brasserie for a
legendary mix of Californian, French and
Italian, and of course, the world-famous
Spago Beverly Hills headed by Wolfgang
Puck. La Cienega Boulevard offers L.A.'s
famed"Restaurant Row," which features
The Stinking Rose for all your garlic
desires, Tokyo Table for delicious but more
affordable Japanese cuisine, and the highly
favored Fogo de Chao Churrascaria for
some Brazilian fare, and many other local
favorites.
Hollywood/Melrose
When it comes to dining and drinking,
anything that one can possibly dream up
can be found in Los Angeles. Celebrityonly seating on the West Side is countered
by family-style seating in Silverlake, and
cuisines from Ethiopian to Polish are all
here somewhere. With so many choices
and a limited time frame, here are some
highlights that should not be missed.
A small step away from the big money
of Beverly Hills, these hot spots offer a
warmer and hipper version of the same
scene. Musso and Frank's Grill offers
American cuisine with an old Hollywood
style. Joachim Splichal serves the highest
of haute cuisine at Patina, and West
Hollywood's Asia de Cuba features AsianCuban fusion in a dining room decorated
all in white. Also in West Hollywood is
perhaps the one of the finest Moroccan
restaurants in all of Los Angeles, Dar
Maghreb, which is more than just diningit's an unforgettable experience. Finally, for
lowbrow gastronomic pleasure that should
not be missed, wait in line for the oldest
Hollywood tradition, a Chili Cheese Dog
from Pink's.
Downtown
Santa Monica/Venice/Malibu
After a prolonged period of economic
hardship, downtown L.A. went in for a
facelift, replacing the old shabby buildings
with new businesses and recreation
centers. One of the establishments that
helped the downtown comeback is R-23,
which quickly gained a reputation for
serving unbelievable sushi. Another
downtown hot spot is the Water Grill, which
offers upscale seafood for the international
dining set. If you're looking for a unique and
entertaining experience without the skyhigh prices, enjoy a meal at Shabu Shabu
House Restaurant--a form of Japanese
cooking where servers bring you plates
of fresh meat, and the customers cook it
These beachfront neighborhoods of Santa
Monica, Venice and Malibu offer the full
range of dining options from earthy-hippie
cuisine in Venice to star-studded glamour
in Malibu. When not gazing into the deep
blue Pacific, be sure to focus your attention
on Babalu for down-to-earth Caribbean
cuisine, Chez Mimi for one of the most
romantic French experiences you will have
this side of Paris and Geoffrey's for fresh
cuisine with a heart-stopping view of the
California coast. Wolfgang Puck's Chinois
On Main is a wonderful choice, as well as
Restaurants Insights
32
Los Angeles Snapshot continued
The Lobster for some delightfully simple but
sophisticated seafood dishes.
©
For those who have eclectic or more
specialized tastes, be sure to check out the
Museum of Neon Art, the Vintage Animation
Gallery and the Museum In Black.
Nightlife Insights
Cinema
As the entertainment capital of the world,
Los Angeles is overflowing with theater, art,
dance, film and television. The city has a
variety of options for every entertainment
taste.
Mann's Chinese Theater on Hollywood
Boulevard stands out as one of the most
famous cinema houses ever built. Crowds
descend upon the faux-Asian theater every
day to measure the famous feet and hands
imprinted on the sidewalk outside. Across
the street from the Mann's Chinese, the
Egyptian Theater stands in its Vegas-style
glory.
Theaters
The creative activity in the theaters of Los
Angeles proves the naysayers wrong: just
because the city's more frivolous side is the
most publicized, Los Angeles does indeed
have a rich history of culture and soul. The
Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles
County complex in downtown Los Angeles
houses many of the city's major theatre
venues, including the Dorothy Chandler
Pavilion, the Mark Taper Forum, Pantages
Theatre, and the Ahmanson Theatre.
Museums
Los Angeles is indeed multi-faceted: with
beautiful beaches on one end, trendy clubs
on another, and amazing museums spread
throughout, it is no wonder people flock
here to get a taste of everything it has to
offer. The Getty Center is a breathtaking
architectural work before you even see
the collections inside. The Los Angeles
County Museum of Art has impressive
permanent collections as well as topbilled shows. If contemporary art is more
your cup of tea, then pay a visit to the
Museum of Contemporary Art(MOCA)
which has featured extremely innovative
art exhibitions. L.A. is also home to many
smaller, private galleries, concentrated
especially in Venice and the Melrose
area of Hollywood. If nature and science
excite you more than a rare Van Gogh,
the California Science Center is a handson educational facility that takes science
to the extreme while the Natural History
Museum has 35 galleries of environmental
science displays to explore. For a more
serious-minded museum visit, the Los
Angeles Museum of Tolerance is a stop
for the humanitarian-minded tourist. The
museum offers classes in racial diversity
and acceptance, and offers tours for school
children and interested adults. It is a
powerful, moving and informative institution.
Comedy
With countless small theaters and clubs in
Los Angeles,open mic nights for struggling
comedians are everywhere. For a more
polished performance check out the famous
Groundlings. This well-known"training
camp" for television shows likeSaturday
Night Live has an ever-changing lineup
of up-and-comers with an occasional star
headliner. The Improv and the Comedy
Store consistently feature well-known,
professional headliners as well as budding
new talent.
Music
When they are not out partying on the
Sunset Strip, rock and roll musicians
can be found performing at several Los
Angeles venues. The El Rey Theatre and
the Palladium are great for watching shows
while in the city. The Forum, the Gibson
Amphitheatre and the Staples Center are
the location of choice for larger rock shows.
Classical and jazz concerts are usually
found at the Hollywood Bowl and The
Greek Theatre.
Sporting Events
L.A. sports fans have plenty to keep
them busy with the Los Angeles Lakers,
the Clippers, the WNBA's Sparks, the
Dodgers and the Kings. If those sports
aren't your bag, check out the Hollywood
Park Racetrack for some fast-paced betting
fun.
Amusement and Theme Parks
Los Angeles and its surrounding areas
are home to many world-famous and
exciting amusement parks. The most
well-known the world over is Disneyland,
America's Magic Kingdom and Disney's
California Adventure. Experience the
magic of moviemaking at Universal Studios
and check out the good-time rides and
attractions of Knott's Berry Farm. For
roller-coaster thrills go to Six Flags Magic
Mountain, and for watersliding chills, don't
miss Raging Waters. Nightclubs
What's hot in this city changes almost
overnight, and word of mouth is everything.
However, for a good sampling of what L.A.
has to offer, be sure to check out: Area, The
Knitting Factory, LAX, and Beauty Bar.
Shopping and Hanging Out
People-watching in Los Angeles can
definitely be considered a spectator sport.
Although it bears no resemblance to the
former hit television show, Melrose is the
best sidewalk spectacle. Crammed full of
sidewalk cafes, bars, coffeehouses and
boutiques, the street is always full of activity
and unusual characters.
If true Hollywood stars and Ubër-Glam
shopping are what you are looking for,
Rodeo Drive is the ultimate destination. The
world-renowned street is always bustling
with film stars in baseball caps trying to
blend in and Hollywood wives in diamonds
trying to stand out. Gucci, Prada and
Tiffany& Co. are all represented here, so if
you have buying in mind be sure to bring all
of your credit cards.
If the ultra-chic shops and thousand-dollar
price tags aren't exactly what you seek,
Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade
offers shoppers a wide variety of upscale
boutiques and well-known chains, all
under the shining sun of this beach town.
Universal City Walk is the Valley's answer
to great shopping and entertainment along
a stretch of pedestrian walkways. And if
you're looking for something downright
bizarre or unique, don't leave town without
checking out Necromance for all of your
Gothic, bone jewelry and dead animal
specimen needs or the Wound& Wound Toy
Company specializing in amazing wind-up
toys from past and present.
©
Things to Do Insights
Walking around Los Angeles is not an easy
task. As the world's largest metropolis, Los
Angeles has become as famous for cars
and traffic as it is for its film industry. So
33
Los Angeles Snapshot continued
grab a rental, and make your way out to
these tourist hot spots.
Downtown
Located in the heart of downtown, the
modest Pueblo de Los Angeles remains
the city's oldest structure. Built in 1818,
it serves as a historical monument to
the mission era of California, and also
provides tourists with the perfect reason
to visit downtown and not miss one of
the city's best-kept sightseeing secrets.
Located in the middle of the historic pueblo
is Olvera Street, an L.A. landmark since
the early 1930s. Any day of the year the
cobblestone street is alive with inexpensive
Mexican delicacies, kitschy shopping
and several wandering mariachi bands.
If too many hours on Beverly Hills/Rodeo
Drive Shopping District have strained the
magnetic strip(or the limit) of your credit
card, the Garment District offers a great
low-cost shopping alternative. The Cooper
Building and Santee Alley house designer
outlet stores and clothing in all styles, labels
and sizes.
Hollywood
The Griffith Observatory is one of the
largest in the country. At night you can
stargaze from balconies on the outside
of the building, as well as from on the
roof. Face north in the parking lot and
you will get a spectacular view of the
Hollywood Sign. Take Hollywood Boulevard
approximately three blocks to Vine. At this
famous intersection begins the Hollywood
Walk of Fame, so named for the bronzed
stars placed into the pavement that bear
the name of a legendary entertainer in
music, movies and television. L'Orangerie
is a classy French restaurant near here.
Continuing up Hollywood Boulevard you
will come to Mann's Chinese Theater, more
famous for the front courtyard than for any
film ever shown there. The footprints and
handprints outside include so many stars,
and create such a stir, it's sometimes hard
to squeeze your way in.
Malibu and Santa Monica
The beach community of Santa Monica
offers great shopping and dining. The Third
Street Promenade and The Pier are major
centers of activity. Here you can ride roller
coasters, shop, eat, fish or just take in
the ocean air. Beaurivage is a fantastic
restaurant with ocean views. When you're
ready to hit the coast, head north on the
beautiful Pacific Coast Highway. A few
miles north of Malibu is Leo Carillo State
Beach. This unique inlet features rock
formations and tide pools overflowing with
some of the most unusual aquatic life in
the world. If you are lucky, you will also be
able to see dolphins frolicking just offshore.
When you are done here, head south to
Venice City Beach.
Mount Wilson
The 110 freeway north ends at Colorado
Boulevard, where you will turn right and
head into Old Town. In addition to being a
quaint historical city, Old Town Pasadena
Shopping District is known for world-class
restaurants, thriving theater and many
antique shops. One of the best features of
Old Town is the architecture. An elegant
dining option nearby is Bistro 45, which has
contemporary French options on its menu.
For those who feel confined by gravity
and want to get a different perspective
of Pasadena, simply follow signs to the
Angeles Crest Highway and head up-straight up! This winding(and at times
treacherous) mountain road takes you
through the Angeles National Forest en
route to the Mount Wilson Observatory,
some 5000 feet above sea level.
Museum Row
This stretch of Wilshire Boulevard is also
known as Museum Row, and with good
reason. Most of the city's main museums
are located here, as well as several small
but influential, art galleries, such as the
Vintage Animation Gallery and the Los
Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions. After
checking them out, take a quick drive up
Fairfax to another Los Angeles historical
monument, Canter's Deli. This JewishAmerican diner has been a long Hollywood
tradition. After your first bite of a Canter's
Deli sandwich you will know why stars,
locals and tourists have made this eatery
a Los Angeles must-see location. After
indulging in all the best that Canter's has to
offer, finish the day off with the astounding
glamour of the mansions in Hancock Park,
a neighborhood dotted with homes built in
the golden years of Hollywood. If you'd like
to do something more adventurous, the La
Brea Tar Pits are just a short drive away.
get to, planning a day with a tour company
is recommended.
Walking Tours Los Angeles
Conservancy(+1 213 623 2489/
http://www.laconservancy.org/) Off'N
Running Tours(+1 310 246 1418/
http://offnrunningtours.com) Red Line
Tours(+1 323 402 1074 x31/ http://
www.redlinetours.com/)
Trolley Tours Beverly Hills Trolley Tour(+1
310 285 2438/ http://www.beverlyhills.org/
presence/connect/CoBH/Homepage/
For+Visitors/What+to+Do/Cultural
+Events,+Activities+and+Tours/LG-CMTrolley_Tours)
Studio Tours Universal
Studios(+1 800 8 6483 7725/ http://
www.universalstudioshollywood.com)
Warner Bros. Studio Tour(+1 818 972 8687/
http://www2.warnerbros.com/vipstudiotour/)
Paramount Studio Tour(+1 323 956 1777/
http://www.paramount.com/studio/) Sony
Pictures Studio Tour(+1 323 520 8687/
http://www.sonypicturesstudios.com/)
Bus Tours Starline Tours(+1 800 959
3131/ http://www.starlinetours.com/)
Columbia Tour Shuttle(+1 213 739 5757)
Guideline Tours(+1 800 604 8433/ http://
www.guidelinetours.com/)
Adventure Tours Catalina Adventure
Tours(+1 310 510 2888/ +1 562 432 8828/
http://www.catalinaadventuretours.com/)
Descanso Beach Ocean Sports(+1
310 510 1226/ +1 310 510 1588/ http://
www.kayakcatalinaisland.com/)
Fishing Tours Discovery Tours--Flying
Fish Boat Trip(+1 310 510 2000)
Boat Tours Los Angeles Harbor Cruise(+1
310 831 0996) Star Party Cruises(+1 562
799 7000/ http://www.reggae-boat.com/)
Crystal Cruises(+1 866 446 6625/ http://
www.crystalcruises.com/)
Air Tours Helitac Aviation(+1 213
483 6898/ http://www.helitac.com)
Hollywood Aviators(+1 818 994 2004/ http://
www.hollywoodaviators.com/)
Sports Tours Big League Tours(+1
866 619 1748/ +1 317 534 2475/ http://
bigleaguetours.com/)
If you are planning on checking out a few
centrally-located things, going on foot is
fine. However, if you want to explore the
parts of this sprawling city that are hard to
34
Los Angeles Snapshot continued
Segway Tours Segway Los Angeles(+1
310 395 1395/ http://www.segway.la/
rental.php)
©
Travel Tips
Getting There
Air
Los Angeles International Airport(LAX)+1
310 646 5252http://www.lawa.org/lax/
LAX is located 16 miles from downtown.
Bob Hope Airport(BUR)+1 818 840
8840http://www.burbankairport.com/
BUR is located three miles from downtown.
LAX provides service to the following
airlines:
Aeromexico( +1 800 237 6639/http://
www.aeromexico.com/) Air New
Zealand( +1 800 262 1234/http://
www.airnewzealand.com/usa/) Airtran
Airways( +1 800 247 8726/http://
www.airtran.com/) American( +1
800 433 7300/http://www.aa.com/)
Alaska Airlines( +1 800 252 7522/
http://www.alaskaair.com/) British
Airways( +1 800 247 9297/http://
www.britishairways.com/) China
Airlines( +1 800 227 5118/http://www.chinaairlines.com/) Continental( +1 800 525
0280/http://www.continental.com/) Delta( +1
800 221 1212/http://www.delta.com/)
Frontier( +1 800 265 5505/http://
www.frontierairlines.com/) Hawaiian
Airlines( +1 800 367 5320/http://
www.hawaiianair.com/) Japan Airways( +1
800 525 3663/http://www.jal.co.jp/)
Korean Airlines( +1 800 438 5000/http://
www.koreanair.com/) Lufthansa( +1
800 241 6522/http://www.lufthansausa.com/) Northwest( +1 800 225 2525/
http://www.nwa.com/) QANTAS( +1 800
227 4500/http://www.qantas.com.au/)
Singapore Airlines( +1 800 742 3333/http://
www.singaporeair.com/) Southwest( +1
800 435 9792/http://www.southwest.com/)
Sun Country( +1 800 359 6786/http://
www.suncountry.com/) United( +1 800 241
6522/http://www.ual.com/) US Airways( +1
800 428 4322/http://www.usairways.com/)
BUR provides service to the following
airlines:
Alaska Airlines( +1 800 252 7522/
http://www.alaskaair.com/) Aloha
Airlines( +1 800 367 5250/http://
www.alohaairlines.com/) American( +1
800 433 7300/http://www.aa.com/)
Southwest( +1 800 435 9792/http://
www.southwest.com/) United( +1 800 241
6522/http://www.ual.com/) US Airways:( +1
800 428 4322/http://www.usairways.com/)
Airport Parking Service: Park'N Fly
at Park One( +1 800 763 6895/http://
www.pnfnetwork.com/)
Shuttle: A free shuttle bus service
provides transportation from the airport
to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan
Transportation Authority Bus Center( +1
800 266 6883/http://www.mta.net/). From
there, city buses are available to serve
the Los Angeles area. Other Public
bus companies include Culver City Bus
Lines(+1 310 253 6500), Santa Monica Big
Blue Bus( +1 800 266 6883) and Torrance
Transit( +1 800 266 6883). The shuttle can
be picked up under the LAX Shuttle& Airline
Connections sign on the Lower/Arrival
Level in front of each terminal.
Metropolitan Express( +1 800 338 3898) is
a bus service that provides transportation
from LAX to downtown Los Angeles. Union
Station/LAX FlyAway(+1 866 435 9529)
is a 24 hour service that provides airport
shuttle service from Union Station to LAX
for a small fare.
Taxi: The following companies provide taxis
that can easily be located at the Lower/
Arrival Level in front of each terminal:
Authorized Taxicab Supervision(ATS)
( +1 323 776 5324) Beverly Hills Cab
Company( +1 310 273 6611) Independent
Taxi Owners Association( +1 213 666 0045)
L.A. Taxi/United Checker Cab( +1 213 627
7000;+1 310 715 1968)
Car Rental: Alamo( +1 800 327 9633/
http://www.goalamo.com/) Avis( +1
800 331 1212/http://www.avis.com/)
Budget( +1 800 527 0700/http://
www.budget.com/) Dollar( +1 800
800 4000/http://www.dollar.com/)
Enterprise( +1 800 736 8222/http://
www.enterprise.com/) Hertz( +1 800 654
3131/http://www.hertz.com/) National( +1
800 227 7368/http://www.nationalcar.com/)
Car-Share
Another attractive ground transportation
option is Zipcar, which operates in certain
U.S. cities. This new breed of rental car
allows you to rent on an hourly basis rather
than a daily basis. Be sure to register online
before your trip. Zipcar(+1 877 353 9227/
http://www.zipcar.com/)
Train
Amtrak(+1 800 872 7245/http://
www.amtrak.com), located at 800 N
Alameda Street, provides service to
Los Angeles via several national routes
including Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner,
Southwest Chief and Sunset Limited.
Bus
Greyhound( +1 800 231 2222/http://
www.greyhound.com/) accesses Los
Angeles from major cities around the
country. The downtown bus station( +1 213
629 8401), located at 1716 E 7th Street, is
open 24 hours daily.
Car
Approach Los Angeles from the east
by Interstate 10, from the northeast and
southwest by Interstate 5 and south via
Interstate 5 and take Interstate 110 from the
south.
Getting Around
Public Transit
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority(+
1 800 266 6883/http://www.metro.net)
provides local and express bus service
throughout Los Angeles and to major
surrounding attractions including
Disneyland and Universal Studios
Hollywood. Other services include the
Green Line light rail and the Metro Red Line
subway.
If rollin' like a celebrity is your wish, call on
New Century Limo(+1 800 250 9434/ http://
www.newcenturylimo.com).
Traffic Information
To find out city traffic information go tohttp://
www.traffic.com/
If traveling overseas, take the safety
precaution of registering your trip athttps://
travelregistration.state.gov and for
helpful, practical advice about traveling
technicalities and safety standards check
outhttp://travel.state.gov/.
©
Fun Facts
Los Angeles State: California Country:
United States
35
Los Angeles Snapshot continued
Los Angeles By The Numbers:
Population: 3,849,368(city);
13,000,000(Metropolitan) Elevation: 256 ft/
78 m Average Annual Rainfall: 14 in/ 36 cm
Average January Temperature: 57°F/ 14°C
Average July Temperature: 72°F/ 22°C
Quick Facts:
Major Industries: tourism,entertainment,
communications, shipping, manufacturing,
finance,oil Electricity: 110 volts, 60Hz,
standard two pin plugs Time Zone:
GMT-8(GMT-7 daylight saving time); Pacific
Standard Time(PST) Country Dialing Code:
1 Area Codes: 213, 310, 323, 626, 818( 1
and the area code must be dialed even for
local calls)
Did You Know?
Los Angeles allows visitors to glimpse
millions of years of geologic history. At
theLa Brea Tar Pits you can see residue of
the days when dinosaurs walked the Earth,
and the tar is still oozing in some places.
©
36