Sightseeing in Los AngelesLos Angeles is a geographically diverse city, known for the ability for visitors and natives alike to ski in the mountains and surf at the world famous beaches, all in the same sunny day.
In the entertainment capital of world, there is always something to do and somewhere to go. For those not familiar with the Los Angeles city scene, we have put together our Top 10 List of Editors' Picks, which highlights our favorite city landmarks.
Rodeo DriveBeverly Hill's Rodeo Drive is the pinnacle of upscale shopping. With more than 100 hotels and elite boutiques spread throughout three blocks, Rodeo Drive is a shopping aficionado's dream. High-end designer boutiques include Bottega Venetta, De Beers, David Yurman, Fendi, Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chopard, Valentino, Chanel, Hermes, Tiffany & Co., Lacoste, Salvatore Ferragamo, Bvlgari, YSL, Jimmy Choo, Escada and many more.
ChinatownSpanning 16 square blocks, the Chinatown district is home to an eclectic mix of family-owned shops, ethnic restaurants and art galleries. During the mid-1850s, Chinese settlers came to the area, and today, many still call Chinatown home. The district has served as a backdrop for many Hollywood motion pictures including Lethal Weapon 4, Rush Hour, and Chinatown.
Santa Monica PierThe Santa Monica Pier offers visitors to Los Angeles a wide array of fun-filled activities. The pier boasts a small amusement park filled with rides such as the Pacific Wheel Ferris Wheel, the West Coaster roller coaster, bumper cars and the Looff Hippodrome carousel, which was originally built back in 1916. Other attractions include the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, the Playland Arcade, as well as plenty of dining options.
Kodak TheatreIn the heart of the Hollywood & Highland Center, the Kodak Theatre is a Mecca for entertainment and is the permanent home of the Academy Awards®. The 3,332-seat theater made its grand debut in November 2001 and was built at a cost of $94 million. The Kodak Theatre has played host to many notable television and award events such as the American Idol finals, the AFI Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Daytime Emmy Awards, the ESPY Awards and BET Awards.
The Getty CenterThe Getty Center consists of five two-story pavilions set around an open courtyard. As one of the city's most celebrated museums, the Getty Center features a large selection of antiquities, expanded galleries, Impressionist paintings, manuscripts, photography, graphic arts, and features an extensive display of collector J. Paul Getty's art collection.
Hollywood Walk of FameThe Hollywood Walk of Fame, located in Mann's courtyard, is filled with cement blocks of celebrity hand and footprints of the Golden Age of Hollywood through the present. See how you measure up and then take a photo with some of the residents of the area that dress up in costumes of iconic movie characters, from Superman to Marilyn Monroe.
Mann's Chinese TheatreAlso in Hollywood, just next to the Hollywood & Highland Center is Mann's Chinese Theatre on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Universal City WalkAdjacent to Universal Studios lies Universal City Walk. Full of shopping, nightlife, dining and more, City Walk has something for everyone. Many nights the center is filled with performers and often the 19-theater AMC Cinema hosts movie premiers complete with the red carpet, paparazzi and Hollywood glitterati. Shopping includes a variety of apparel, novelty and specialty shops. Nightlife options include the popular Howl at the Moon, featuring dueling pianos, Jilian's, an eclectic venue featuring food, games, bowling and video games; as well as popular venues Rumba Room, Hardrock Cafe and Saddle Ranch. In addition the AMC Theaters, concerts are put on regularly at the connecting Gibson Ampitheatre.
