Things to do in Los Angeles
A trip to Los Angeles would not be complete without discovering the wonderful world of Hollywood.
Known as 'Tinsel Town', this part of LA is immensely popular with tourists and star spotters, never more so than during the annual Academy Awards, better known as the Oscars. All of the top screen stars come out for this event and Hollywood is transformed into an incredible circus as tourists and actors swamp the area.
But even if you are not in LA during the Oscars, there is still plenty to see and do in Hollywood. To begin with, there is of course the Walk of Fame, where stars of stage and screen from years gone by, as well as today's famous faces, have their hand prints embedded in the ground along Hollywood Boulevard. This is obviously one of the biggest attractions with tourists, so those going at peak times of the year may choose to stay away from the Boulevard, as masses of people swarm around the most famous stars, at times making it difficult to move!
For a slightly less crowded experience of Tinsel Town, a trip into the Hollywood Hills provides an opportunity for travellers to get away from the hustle and bustle of the streets of LA. On the highest peak overlooking the city stands the famous Hollywood sign. Situated in Griffith Park, a trip to get close up to the sign is also a good way to relax, as the expanse of greenery provides a welcome solace from the busy downtown. There is also the opportunity to explore some natural film sets, such as the Bronson Caves, which have been used in films such as Batman and Gunsmoke, as well as in sci-fi classics like Star Trek. There really is no getting away from the movies in Los Angeles!
One of the most interesting buildings in the Hollywood region of Los Angeles is the Capitol Records Tower. The company was one of the most powerful and prosperous in the world during the 1950s and to demonstrate its importance, the owners decided to build an impressive headquarters. At the suggestion of two of the company's biggest recording artists of the time, Nat King Cole and Johnny Mercer, Capitol built a tower in the shape of a stack of records, while the walls of the plush lobby are lined with gold and platinum albums from the company's biggest successes. Perhaps a little ostentatious, some might say, but this is Hollywood, after all!
There also exists the Universal Studios Hollywood park, which includes a back-lot tour of old film sets and a number of theme park rides for those looking for excitement. Unsurprisingly, however, visiting Universal is not a cheap way to spend time in LA.
Away from the star-studded streets of Hollywood, Los Angeles has much more to offer travellers. For one, there is the city's China Town, which while smaller than those in San Francisco or New York, is still worth a visit as bargains and unusual delights can often be found. The city is also a Mecca for shoppers. While it may not have the reputation of New York for its shops, that can be a bonus as it is often cheaper than its east coast cousin.
When you have had enough sightseeing, star-spotting and shopping, a trip to the nearby Venice Beach offers a superb opportunity to relax and unwind. Popular with tourists and locals, the beach's most famous part is its boardwalk. Street performers, hippies and skateboarders all hang out along this strip.
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Things to Do
