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Within City Walls (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Grammy Museum
A $30million, 30,000 sq.ft., 4 storey museum with interactive exhibits takes you from the creative process to the production of 150 different kinds of music. Displays include artifacts like Jennifer Lopez's infamous green Grammy dress, Billie Holiday's costume jewelry, and Leadbelly's prison pardon. There are pods with performance footage and interviews, eight interactive studios, a rooftop terrace, & 200 seat theater showing short films Click for more. |
History Museum
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles has the world’s most extensive and valuable collections of natural and cultural history with more than 35 million objects, some as old as 4.5 billion years. It's mission is to inspire wonder, discovery and responsibility for our natural and cultural worlds. A definitive destination for dinosaurs, it's spread over 3.5 acres of green space to creating an innovative outdoor learning laboratory in the heart of the city. Click for more. |
LACMA
Los Angeles County Museum of Art is the largest encyclopedic art museum, attracting millions of visitors to 7 building complex in LA’s Miracle Mile District. Its collections include more than 100,000 works that span the history of art from ancient times to the present. The projects include: the Broad Contemporary Art Museum (BCAM), the Lynda Exhibition Pavilion, the largest naturally lit, open-plan museum space in the world. Click for more. |
Getty Villa
J. Paul Getty’s collection of Etruscan, Greek and Roman antiquities is housed in a replica of a Roman villa built on a hilltop between Pacific Palisades and Malibu. Over the years there have been controversies concerning fakes and claims of illegal purchases, and many people are put off by the kitschiness of a Roman villa on a California hilltop. But the gardens, the collection and the frequent family-oriented activities make this a great visit. Click for more. |
Venice Beach
There is street entertainment at every intersection along Ocean Front Walk. Known for its canals, beaches and circus like Ocean Front Walk, a 2.5 mile pedestrian only promenade that features performers, fortune-tellers, artists, and vendors. The Boardwalk is a virtual sidewalk circus, a walk 'n' rolling skin show. Muscle Beach is a special area where fanatic bodybuilders pump iron in a public show of strength. Click for more. |
Cirque du Soleil
Recognized over the world, an exclusive extravaganza at the famed Kodak Theatre. IRIS, a Journey through the World of Cinema is the story of two young heroes who experience the art of cinema, as only Cirque du Soleil could tell it. IRIS features a cast of 72 performers bringing together dance, acrobatics, live video, filmed sequences and animation and taking audiences into the heart of the moviemaking. Click for more. |
Knott's Berry Farm
One of the best amusement parks in California. On offer: the 301-foot-tall WindSeeker. Ghost Town. The one minute, 30 seconds of head-over-heels fun of Boomerang. For the kids, there’s always Camp Snoopy. Take a ride on the Calico Railroad. For water fun, there’s Bigfoot Rapids. Boysenberry Pie and famous chicken dinner. During the day Camp Spooky takes the stage, and ghouls and zombies rule. Click for more. |
Farmers Market
The Grove contains a modern multiplex cinema, Barnes & Noble, an Apple Store, and a Nordstrom, with plenty of patches of green, musically-inclined fountains, bridges, flanked by an avenue of brand boutiques and flagships while the Farmer's Market is a quiet corner to buy really good doughnuts, freshly roasted nuts, steaming jambalaya, DuPar's pies or just a simple no-name cup of coffee. Full of entertainment. Click for more. |
Paramount Tour
Experience 100 years of Hollywood history and witness more in the making. Get an up-close look at the only major classic studio still located in Hollywood. From the back-lot sets to the sound stages, you'll be privy to all the major working elements of one of the nation's largest operating film and television studios. (Star sightings are common!) Of course, if you're a movie buff, just being on the famous Paramount lot is something of a thrill in itself. Click for more. |
Universal Studios
Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience! Find a full day of action-packed entertainment all in one place: thrilling theme park rides and shows, a real working movie studio, and Los Angeles’ best shops, restaurants and cinemas at CityWalk. Explore where Hollywood movies are made on the Studio Tour. Come face to face with King Kong 360 3D, Experience special Effects Stage and learn the secrets behind the making of blockbuster movies Click for more. |
Science Center
The most popular museum known as the California Science Center (rated by Forbes.com), has received more than 18 million visitors to date. Billed as the largest hands-on science center. Several galleries span more than 400,000 sq. feet. The new Cleopatra exhibit has over 150 priceless egyptian treasures from he lost palace. Discover how two expeditions on land and underwater illuminate the life of Cleopatra VII. Watch an IMAX film on the giant 7 storey screen. Click for more. |
Watts Tower
A collection of 17 interconnected structures, two of which reach heights of over 99 feet. The Towers were built by Italian immigrant construction worker Sabato Rodia ( He, himself, called it 'Nuestro Pueblo'.) in his spare time over a period of 33 years. They were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. The iconic view of the Watts Towers shows massive spirals silhouetted against the sky, emphasizing the magnitude of the artist's engineering marvel. Click for more. |
Medieval Times
Step back in time with epic battles, jousting tournaments, royal feasts, knights and romance at any of the nine North American castles. Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is a family dinner theater featuring staged medieval style games, sword fighting, and jousting performed by a cast of 75 actors and 20 horses. Most locations are housed in a replica 11th-century castle. The chain was featured in the 1996 film The Cable Guy, and the 2004 feature film Garden State. Click for more. |
L A Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, home to more than 1,100 animals representing more than 250 different species. Botanical collection comprises 7,400 plants of 800 different species. The LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles) exhibit has an outstanding reptile collection, including Komodo dragons, Chinese alligators, false gavials, Burmese and star tortoises, and the ploughshare tortoise of Madagascar. Click for more. |
Rodeo Drive
The legend is much bigger than the street itself and visitors often marvel at how small the shopping area is. The street stretches from Sunset to Wilshire, but the Holy Grail of Shopping is only 3 blocks long. Via Rodeo, a European-styled shopping complex, is the best place for an "I was there" photo, just below Via Rodeo sign. Allow an hour for people-watching and window-shopping, more if you plan to buy something. Click for more. |
Ronald RPLM
Visit The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum for a vivid look into presidential history, check out the exact replica of Reagan’s Oval Office, complete with a jar of Jelly Belly candies on the desk. . In the Air Force One Pavilion, climb aboard the actual plane that flew Reagan and six other presidents around the globe. With interactive displays you can act in a movie with the President, give your inaugural speech and plan a White House State dinner. Click for more. |
Showtime Cabaret
Showtime Cabaret Dinner Theatre is popularly known for providing gourmet cuisine and spectacular luncheon and dinner shows in the afternoon or evenings at Castaways and Pomona. Every luncheon is a gourmet complete dinner. Every show is a celebration of entertainment. With singing, dancing, and performing to recreate songs, scenes, and styles of the greatest musicals ever produced from the 1930′s to 2000′s. Click for more. |
Pirates Adventure
An Interactive Dinner Show - Swashbuckling adventure awaits you. The Orlando attraction that has it all. Would-be pirates of all ages will become a part of this epic and interactive pirate show at Pirate's Dinner Adventure! Set aboard an authentically replicated 18th-century Spanish galleon measuring 46 feet long, 18 feet wide with 40-foot masts, the ship is anchored in a 300,000-gallon indoor lagoon with night sky lighting. Click for more. |
Detective Dinner
The Dinner Detective® Murder Mystery Dinner Show was voted 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010 “Best Dinner Show”. It's America’s LARGEST murder mystery comedy dinner show! You’ll solve a hilarious murder case while you enjoy a fantastic four-course plated dinner. A tantalizing Prize Package awaits our Top Sleuth of the evening. But be careful! In this show, EVERYONE is a suspect, even YOU, and the killer might be at your table! Click for more. |
Staples Centre
Check out a Laker game (NBA professional basketball team) at Staples Center (a multi-purpose world-class arena for sports and entertainment events in Downtown District), where you can watch celebrities, have a great meal and critique Kobe's latest game. Across the street is the new Nokia Theater where acts such as Neil Young, Fergie and Stevie Wonder have already rocked the house. After the show, be sure to make your way up to The Original Pantry. Click for more. |
Below are popular side trips within the county and can be covered without an overnight stay. (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Six Flags
Santa Clarita: The world-famous Six Flags Magic Mountain is popular theme park. With the most exciting thrill rides around, California residents come here when they want to have fun. Over the years Six Flags Magic Mountain has evolved. A new park has been added next door - Six Flags Hurricane Harbor - and the two parks together comprise Six Flags California. Magic Mountain bills itself as the "Xtreme Park," with the most roller coasters and adult rides in the region. Of course, there are activities for the less ambitious, but this park is known best for its thrills. Six Flags Magic Mountain currently has the most roller coasters in the world with 17. There are 9 separately themed areas within the park – each zone featuring its own distinct rides, attractions, and food service venues. Click for more. |
Warner Bros Tour
Burbank: See “Behind-the-scenes” and “into-the-scenes” of your favorite shows and movies at the world’s busiest motion picture and television studio. Guests of the Warner Bros VIP Tour are offered a rare and intimate glimpse into real Hollywood at work. This ain’t no theme park! The tour via carts takes you through back lot streets, sound stages, sets and craft shops. No two tours are alike and guides take you to where the action is. Walk on to the set of a hit television show, watch as Foley artists create sound effects for movies, see how sets are constructed, peruse over 10 million items in the prop department, see your favorite vehicles from film and television up close, and the list goes on. But always, always be on the lookout for a star as production is happening all around. Click for more. |
Sony Pictures Tour
Culver City: What do "The Wizard of Oz," "Men in Black" and "Spider-Man" have in common? They were all filmed at the famed Sony Pictures Studio. Get the insider's scoop on the movies, TV shows and commercials that have been shot here. Take the Sony Pictures Studio Tour and step back in time to the era when the sensation of the big screen was first capturing the attention of the world. Located on one of the world's most famous studio lots, this walking tour gives you a rare look into the glory days of old Hollywood and an insider's view of a state-of-the-art motion picture studio. Enjoy a stroll through the home of the Yellow Brick Road and Munchkinland of Wizard of Oz fame, the Men in Black battles, and Spider-Man! See the sets of Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, etc. Click for more. |
Kidspace Museum
Pasadena: Kidspace is Southern California’s premier children’s museum, serving guests in greater Los Angeles for the last three decades. The guests we serve each year embark on their personal voyage of experiential education, discovery, and fun while at the museum. The unique educational programs and exhibit experiences we offer have won national, state, and local recognition. It has over 3.5 acres of hands-on exhibits & programming to engage children in learning through our natural world. dynamic city centered in beautiful Southern California, Pasadena is a city of discovery – from dining and shopping to theater and art galleries. Pasadena offers the business and recreational traveler a surprising combination of sophisticated charm, culture, history, and fun. Click for more. |
Below are popular side trips further from the city, an overnight stay is suggested. (Clicking on red colored text will link to more info or videos or official sites)
Disneyland
Anaheim: The Happiest Place on Earth. Rides like Pirates of the Caribbean, The Jungle Cruise, The Haunted House, and The Teacups will have you reliving your childhood days. Disney's California Adventure Park, another amusement park, is situated directly across from Disneyland. The newest addition to the Disneyland family, the park offers rides and attractions with a California theme. A "Park Hopper" ticket will get you admittance to both parks. The Downtown Disney District gives you a chance to enjoy the cheerful Disneyland atmosphere without paying an entrance fee. Here you can watch a movie at the AMC Movie Theatre, visit ESPN Zone Sports Arena, or stop by the House of Blues Stage and spend as little or as much time as you choose. Of course there are shops. Click for more. |
Legoland
Carlsbad: Legoland California is a theme park focused on LEGO bricks. The park is split into nine major sections which are: The Beginning, Dino Island, Duplo, Village Green, Fun Town, Castle Hill, Miniland USA, Pirate Shores, Imagination Zone, and Land of Adventure. In Dino Island, a mini steel roller coaster called the "Coastersaurus" curves and dips around giant models of Lego dinosaurs. Visitors can dig for imitation dinosaur bones in the "Dig Those Dinos" attraction. Duplo includes the "Water Works" attraction, which has dozens of interactive water activities and is directly beside "Musical Fountain" where visitors hop up and down to make music play and water blow. Do visit the nearby Flower Fields to see 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers in full bloom. Click for more. |
San Diego
San Diego features many tourist attractions. Millions visit this sunny city each year, and it's really no wonder. There’s plenty to do and see for kids of all ages. It is known for its ideal climate, miles of beaches, and location on the Mexican border, right across from Tijuana. It has a rich heritage built around sailing and is home to the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy. It is also well known for its part in the wildlife conservation movement, being home to a SeaWorld theme park and the "world-famous" San Diego Zoo and Safari Park. Though large in its own respects, many come to San Diego to escape the hustle and bustle of nearby Los Angeles. Along San Diego's coast one can find miles of beaches for swimming, surfing. Dotted with shopping centers and boutiques. Click for more. |
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a resort city in the California desert. It became a destination during the 1950s and 1960s when Hollywood movie stars flocked there in droves. Nowadays, the area offers entertainment for all ages, although the most common demographics consists of retirees. Palm Springs offers a wealth of indoor and outdoor activities. Known for its hiking, mid-century modern architecture, stunning natural beauty and sparkling pools, Palm Springs has the perfect blend of outdoor activities and casual relaxation. The "one" thing to do in Palm Springs if you only have a limited amount of time, and a good place to go to get away from the heat. Incredible views at night, and snow in the winter.Palm Springs Art Museum. Palm Springs has more than a dozen art galleries featuring local artists. Click for more. |
Palos Verdes
The Palos Verdes Peninsula rises above South Bay. It's an oasis of greenery featureinga horse trails, ocean cliffs, tidepools, Eucalyptus trees,and nature walks. The best way to see Palos Verdes is to drive along beautiful Palos Verdes Drive. This is one of the finest drives in the United States and tops the list of things to do. Palos Verdes Drive West and South are the highlights, a seaside "yellow brick road" that traces the cliffs, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island. Palos Verdes Drive(s) (north, west, east, and south) encircle the Peninsula. The "center" of Palos Verdes consists of several upscale residential neighborhoods (only a few of which are gated), and beautiful. Start at Malaga Cove Plaza, home to charming plaza and library with Renaissance architecture. Click for more. |
Catalina Island
Catalina is an oasis of romance and adventure located off the Southern California coast. Sheltered from development and protected from urban sprawl, the Island offers dramatic vistas and native flora and fauna, crystal clear waters teeming with marine life and sweeping vistas of rolling hills and steep cliffs. The charming village of Avalon, the Island's only city, provides fine dining, shopping and day spas along with accommodations. The Casino is a popular landmark and tourist attraction on the western tip of the Avalon beach. Catalina is a haven for scuba divers. Other unique attractions to Catalina Island are the Semi-Submarines there design is unique and allows visitors to see the underwater life, sitting 5 feet underwater, day and night as are Glass Bottom Boats. Click for more. |
Orange County
Visit the OC: Put some sparkle in your summer. Orange County dazzles with glittery events and brilliant attractions that will light up your season. Fireworks, fairs, and festivals will put a glimmer in your eye. Orange County is the ultimate in California dreamin' where sun-soaked experiences are as boundless as your imagination. Orange County has its own destination oasis that’s reinventing the grand public park.. Attractions include Sky Zone (Anaheim), Centennial Farm (Costa Mesa), Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Children’s Museum (La Habra), Laguna Beach, Newport Beach. Orange County Zoo, Mission in San Juan Capistrano, Bowers Kidseum (Santa Ana), Discovery Science Center (Santa Ana), Spectator Sports (Honda Center). Click for more. |
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is one of the premier travel destinations in the world. Breathtaking views abound at every turn – mustard in the late winter, picturesque rolling hills planted with vineyards year-round and wineries of every stature dot the landscape. Whether you are wine tasting, dining at renowned restaurants like the French Laundry, pampering yourself with a mud bath in Calistoga, or just enjoying your stay at quaint bed & breakfasts, hotels or resorts ... Napa Valley is your spot of heaven on earth. Napa Valley, in the Bay Area in California, is the main wine growing region of the United States of America and one of the major wine regions of the world. It is also known for its gourmet restaurants, cafes, and spa-treatment centers. More than five million visitors come each year. Click for more. |