Los Angeles Neighborhoods
- Day 1 (4 schedule items)
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- Flight to LA arriving in the evening
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- A Los Angeles, CA
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[Full Description]
Los Angeles is the heart of the second largest metropolitan area in the U.S. While it's most famous for Hollywood, the center of the film and television industry, that is just one aspect of this sprawling and highly diverse city.
The Los Angeles metro area has been a "boomtown" since the completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1876 and has long been a gateway of immigration from throughout the Pacific Rim and Latin America. L.A. is a sprawling megalopolis including smaller cities, such as Santa Monica, Burbank, Pasadena and Long Beach, which retain distinct identities. Geographically, there is very little logic as to what is part of the city of L.A. For example, Hollywood is not a separate city, but adjacent West Hollywood is.
You can find some of the biggest tourist attractions in the city on Hollywood Boulevard: the Walk of Fame for its stars; Grauman's Chinese Theater, with its celebrity hand and foot prints; the Hollywood/Highland Plaza for shopping and entertainment; the Wax Museum; and Ripley's Believe It or Not. All of these attractions are accessible from the Hollywood/ Highland Metro Red Line station.
Griffith Park is the second largest park within a city in the entire country and is a great place for hikes or picnics. The hiking trails lead up to Mulholland Drive and provide stunning views of the city. Visitors can also enjoy the beaches, several excellent museums (such as the Getty Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Museum of Tolerance) and root for a number of pro sports teams.
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- Pick up car rental at airport
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- B Sofitel Los Angeles - Los Angeles, United States - TravelMus
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Sofitel Los Angeles - Los Angeles, United States - TravelMus
Quintessentially LA, Sofitel LA emerges from its makeover exuding fashion and elegance with the intimate spaces of Simon LA, the sexy atmosphere of Stone Rose Lounge and the lavish experiences of LeSpa.Sofitel LA is located on the posh West Side bordering Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Adjacent to the Beverly Center, close to Rodeo Drive, Melrose Avenue and Sunset Boulevard, LA's hottest destinations surround you.European elegance intermingles with true Hollywood glamour in the luxurious guest rooms featuring HDTV TV's, Rainfall Showers, and the signature SO Bed.Experience the best workout with the extensive SoFit fitness center, one of the largest California hotel fitness centers. SOFit offers personal flat screen monitors on all cardio equipment, free weights not to mention chilled eucalyptus towels and Evian water. After your workout, consider rejuvenating at Le Spa which boasts various treatment rooms, spa suites, steam rooms, and a serenity lounge.Start the evening off in a seductive booth of the celebrity chef, Kerry Simon's SIMON LA. Enjoy modernized comfort food complimented by the open exhibition kitchen, and outdoor Zen-like patio for alfresco dining for all seasons. After a sumptuous dinner, step into Rande Gerbers Stone Rose Lounge, LA's place to see and be seen. Sofitel LA has it all in one location. See it for yourself, the luxury of Sofitel and the excitement of LA await.[Full Description]
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- Day 2 (6 schedule items)
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- C Ocean Front Walk, Los Angeles
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This Venice inspired street Ocean Front Walk is a must visit when in Los Angeles. And it has seen it all—from the beat movement to the hippies rebellion—quite an interesting past! Street performers, stalls selling cheap wares, and a bunch of wannabes make this place an engaging trip for the keen observer.[Full Description]
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- D Red House Gallery, Los Angeles
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If you're an art lover you should not miss out on the Red House Gallery; if you aren't, you may still like to peruse the exclusive works it holds. The plush interiors and black leather seats make art-gazing a more comfortable experience. Various artists showcase their talents here on a regular basis, so try to get your hands on an itinerary to catch an exhibit that appeals to you.[Full Description]
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- Neptina glass
- Beyond Baroque Literary Arts Center
- E Primitivo Wine Bistro, Los Angeles
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Spaniards at heart will experience an instant connection with Primitivo Wine Bistro. The place exudes a pleasant Mediterranean vibe, complete with quaint furniture and loud, but friendly patrons. The trend continues into the menu, with an assortment of sparkles, port, beers and culture cuisine. Partake of the hot or cold tapas meals that include tiger shrimp, fried calamari and the house special Primitivo Paella—a delectable selection of mussels, chicken and spicy Spanish chorizo atop a bed of saffron rice. Juicy, meaty salads and sandwiches make up the entrees, while dessert sees a divine chocolate mousse cake with Almond Meringue Stars and Cranberry Orange Chutney smiling up at your delighted eyes. The prix fix menu ensures that you leave with both wallet and tummy satisfactorily full, so make reservations now![Full Description]
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- Brig, The Los Angeles CA (Lounge_Bar)
- Day 3 (6 schedule items)
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- F Santa Monica State Beach, Los Angeles
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Santa Monica State Beach is the closest beach to the Santa Monica Pier and Third Street Promenade. As one can expect, it is well equipped with the usual amenities plus volleyball courts, picnic tables and good swimming and surfing conditions. In addition to attracting the typical beach combing crowd, this spot seems to be a magnet for special events, most notably a semi-annual performance run by the world-famous Cirque du Soleil. Just be advised that summer crowds—especially on weekends, can be monstrous.[Full Description]
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- G Lobster (The), Los Angeles
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With a name like The Lobster, you know exactly what the menu would be—Grilled Pacific Spiny Lobster with vegetable couscous and garlic lemon butter, Yellowfin Tuna Salad Sandwich with French fries and coleslaw, Grilled Wild King Salmon with roasted garlic mashed, haricot vert and green herb sauce and much more for your seafood platter. The décor of the restaurant, chiefly, the glass walls as well as the scenic view of the ocean create a soothing atmosphere—it is so popular that it is also available as a location for film shoots and as a venue for award ceremonies and weddings. The Lobster also participates annually in the food fest, Taste of Santa Monica.[Full Description]
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- Blazing Saddles Bike Rentals
- H Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles
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Perched over the Pacific Ocean in Santa Monica, "The Pier" feels more like a carnival than a place to shop. Cirque du Soleil pitches their tent on the beach here annually, and there are concerts and dances on the weekends in the summer. In addition to the many restaurants and souvenir stands, there is a full-service amusement park with a roller coaster, ferris wheel, merry-go-round and arcade. The pier's end provides one of the best sunset views in Los Angeles County.[Full Description]
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- I BOA Steakhouse, Los Angeles
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If the thought of a juicy steak makes your mouth water, then it's time to make a trip to BOA. This branch located in Santa Monica welcomes you with its vibrant decor and hip bar area. The innovative flavors and signature sauces available here are sure to make your mouth water. Creamy and saucy pastas, mouth-watering seafood, and wine by the glass are available. Beef Carpaccio, Thai Apiced Ahi Tuna Tartare, and the American Wagyu Kobe Beef are some of their popular preparations. Although the menu is a tad pricey, you are sure to leave with a smile.[Full Description]
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- Third Street Promenade stroll
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Santa Monica Third Street Promenade
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- Day 4 (8 schedule items)
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- J Chinatown, Los Angeles
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The day is easily spent in this part of Downtown Los Angeles. A major tourist destination, Chinatown is dotted with restaurants, shops and landmarks, and dozens of entertainment options. Quaint architecture on this strip is complemented by the presence of equally charming Chinese residents. Amble through the markets; stop by the herbal and grocery stores, or simply browse through the cartloads of household goods, toys, CDs, and other knick-knacks on display. Some of the items might raise a few eyebrows—the funeral accessories, for instance. Events, such as art gallery openings, tours and food festivals add to the razzmatazz. When its time to refuel try a meal at a seafood restaurant, or a traditional Chinese eating houses or one f the newer joints that serve American-Chinese. Open hours and credit cards vary by business.[Full Description]
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- K Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
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Little Tokyo is the Japanese version of Chinatown in downtown Los Angeles. Covering 67 acres of land and a mere four blocks, the area may not be as famed as its Chinese counterpart, yet it manages to retain a fair share of tourists and locals who come here to shop, eat and even look for a place to live. Having survived quite a few hard times, the area is now abuzz with businesses, restaurants, shops and hotels, notably the New Otani Hotel & Garden, the tallest in the area. Quaint, 19th century homes add ambiance to the place. Exploration is best done by foot. Note that credit cards and open hours will vary by business, so call ahead before you visit.[Full Description]
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- L Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles
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Located in Little Tokyo, this outdoor collection of shops boasts beautiful architecture and fine, high-end Japanese merchandise. The exposed wood frames of the building go well with the blue tile roof and the traditional Japanese lookout tower. Find authentic kimonos, trendy golf clothing and accessories, clothing, holistic herbs, traditional Japanese ceramics, gifts and several delicious Japanese restaurants like Yagura Ichiban and Rascals in this fantastic mall. You will find a lot to admire in the shops and a lot to make your mouth water in the restaurants.[Full Description]
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- M Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), Los Angeles
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Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Japan's top architect, Arata Isozaki, built this museum in 1986. The series of bright galleries with exposed vaults display some of this century's finest artwork. Works by Mark Rothco, Franz Kline, Claes Oldenburg and more are displayed year-round. In addition to the curators, artists and critics frequently give guided tours. Inside the museum is a great restaurant called Patinette serving great Mediterranean cuisine.[Full Description]
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- N Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles
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Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is the mother church of the archdiocese of Los Angeles. Built originally in the 1800s, it was rebuilt to the tune of USD180 million after the Northridge earthquake in 1994. This seven-level structure accommodates up to 3000 worshipers. The lower level Crypt Mausoleum is also worth a glance, and is the resting place of bishops and cardinals.[Full Description]
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- O Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles
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One of the most sophisticated concert halls in the world today. It is acoustically and aesthetically advanced, home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, and a monument to the Walt Disney family's vision. Walt Disney's family made the initial contribution of USD50 million. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is the fourth addition to the Music Center of Los Angeles County. It has an urban park, expansive public gardens, ornamental landscaping, and water elements designed by Melinda Taylor and Lawrence Reed Moline. With a seating capacity of 2265, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a prized entertainment avenue for the people of Los Angeles. It is also known for the REDCAT (Roy and Edna Disney/CalArts Theater) located here. If you wish to visit the hall, check the website for performance details. Audio Tours are also offered to the public.[Full Description]
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- P Noé Restaurant and Bar, Los Angeles
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Centrally located in the heart of the Downtown Theater District, Noé offers progressive American Cuisine combined with a touch of Japanese flavor in a French artsy environment. The establishment, which was inaugurated in 2003, is placed at Omni Hotel's third floor, surrounded by skyscrapers. In Noé you will be able to find scallops with duck hash, mimosa salad with crispy chicken, a minted mango frappe, as well as a delicious course tastings. Noé offers more than 100 international wines on their wine list, and includes a humidor for anyone who would enjoy their variety of cigars in a friendly cigar-spot.[Full Description]
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- Golden Gopher Bar
- Day 5 (6 schedule items)
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- Q La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles
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Once upon a time, Rancho La Brea was only a Mexican land grant. Now a park, the tar pits have been the world's richest deposit of Ice Age fossils. More than 40,000 years ago mammoths, saber-toothed cats and dire wolves freely roamed the Los Angeles basin and became entrapped in the natural asphalt of the tar pits. During the summer months, visitors can observe the ongoing excavation from Pit 91. A visit to the on-site Page Museum is a must.[Full Description]
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- R Downtown Los Angeles
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Downtown Los Angeles is a central business district of the city. Home to a lot of arts institutions and sports facilities, it is also famous for its skyscrapers and multinational corporations. Shop as much as you want in the fashion district as this area has stores selling some of the best brands in clothing and accessories. The Grand Central Market which has withstood all changes over a period of time is in sync with the modern supermarkets. You will find a lot of government buildings, banks, art galleries and museums to explore.[Full Description]
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- S Central Library, Los Angeles
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Back on October 3, 1993, Angelenos celebrated the re-opening of the cherished downtown Central Library, which had been closed for seven long years after an arsonist's fire destroyed more than one third of its books. The re-opening was a great source of pride because architects were able to add a beautiful new wing to the library without sacrificing its original wing. Remarkably, the historical Rotunda and paintings survived the fire. Since the re-opening, the library is once again a citadel of study and research, as well as an important contributor to the cultural life of the city. Prominent authors regularly appear at literary events open to the public, and there are numerous activities aimed at children.[Full Description]
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- Welcome to the Grand Central Market
- T Bradbury Building, Los Angeles
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Bradbury building is the most impressive Victorian building remaining in L.A. Determined to build a lasting monument as his final real estate development, millionaire Lewis Bradbury rejected conventional designs and urged draftsman George Wyman to give the building a more futuristic twist. Wyman initially turned down the offer as unprofessional, but was supposedly persuaded to change his mind after communicating with his deceased brother using a Ouija board. He ultimately created a masterpiece of oak paneling, tiled stairs, wrought-iron railings, open-cage elevators and a glass roof, which illuminates all.[Full Description]
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- Ciudad, Los Angeles
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Famous from their cable television cooking show, "Two Hot Tamales," and their appearance on Julia Child's "Cooking With Master Chefs," Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger of Santa Monica's Border Grill have created Ciudad in downtown Los Angeles. The name is Spanish for city and the restaurant explores the cuisines of Mexico City, Lima, Barcelona and Buenos Aires. The atmosphere here is playfully campy with a '50s-inspired design. Specialties include the Argentine Rib Eye and a Cuban-style Grilled Chicken, served with fried plantains and yucca. Wines from Spain, Chile, Argentina, Portugal and California are featured, as are authentic, dreamy desserts.[Full Description]
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- Day 6 (6 schedule items)
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- U Griffith Observatory, Los Angeles
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The Observatory is the highlight of Griffith J. Griffith's contribution to Los Angeles. The construction of this art deco observatory was completed in the early 1930s and has since undergone a major renovation which has enameled it as one of Southern California's most popular landmarks. The Observatory's state-of-the-art Samuel Oschin Planetarium blasts off amazing light shows providing a visual feast for the eyes. Notwithstanding the new technology, simply walk outside and the observatory which provides outstanding views of the area during both day and night. Anyone even vaguely interested in astronomy will find the exhibits and planetarium shows fascinating. Griffith Observatory is of interest to film fans because it was the site of the unforgettable climax of Rebel Without a Cause starring James Dean.[Full Description]
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- Sunset Ranch Hollywood horseback tours
- V Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles
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Many people visit this theater not to see first-run motion pictures, but to gaze at the famous hand and footprints outside. It's a quintessential L.A. tourist ritual and well worth the trip. The theater itself is one of the oldest and largest in town. The screen is massive and the sound is top-notch. Enter the Pagoda-like structure of this theater with dragons and lions welcoming you into the premises. Check out the exotic interiors and revel in the glory of days gone by. Mann's has the distinction of being the venue for the world premier of the much-loved movie The Wizard of Oz, and has also hosted the Academy Awards. Featured in TV shows and movies, it has been an integral part of Hollywood. Outside you will find various tour guides and kitschy souvenirs. There is no charge to wander around the open-air patio that contains the famous hand-prints.[Full Description]
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- W Social Hollywood, Los Angeles
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This stunningly classy restaurant reflects the glamor and bourgeois elegance of Hollywood. With 20,000 square feet space, there's a lounge area, bar, screening room, game room, and rooms for private parties. Despite the opulence of the place, the food is rather underrated—though a few creations are almost perfect. The decor deserves full marks. Celebrities are often spotted and Social Hollywood seems perpetually crowded. The service tends to be slow but with so much happening around you never get bored. Valet parking is available.[Full Description]
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- X Hollywood Forever Cemetary, Los Angeles
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The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is special because it offers unique services to pay respect to the departed. A lot of Hollywood's famous people are buried here. The services include a funeral chapel which can broadcast the funeral over the web, for those who cannot attend the funeral in person. Other facilities include a personalized funeral service with floral tributes and musicians. The service is further complimented by bottled water and a speaker system.[Full Description]
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- Y Hollywood Chamber Of Commerce Walk of Fame, Los Angeles
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The Walk of Fame is very much a tribute to Johnny Grant, a former mayor of Hollywood and relentless promoter of Tinsel Town. There is no mistaking what town you are in when you gaze down at the sidewalk and see these world famous gold stars. Encompassing a stretch of Hollywood Boulevard near the intersection of Hollywood and Vine, more than 2500 bronze-inlaid stars commemorate some of the most famous individuals in movies, radio, TV, recording and theater. Celebrities are added frequently, so give the Chamber of Commerce a call to see if you can catch one of the actual ceremonies and witness a star becoming immortal.[Full Description]
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- Day 7 (6 schedule items)
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- Z Barney Greengrass, Los Angeles
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Sit on the outdoor terrace and quite literally look down on the Beverly Hills locals as they go about their business. Situated on the top of Barney's department store, this very high-class eatery serves up only the best deli items available. Don't count on a late dinner, however—the restaurant keeps store hours, mostly closing between 6p-7p every night.[Full Description]
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- a Rodeo Drive of Beverly Hills, Los Angeles
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It isn't exaggerating to say that Rodeo Drive contains some of the most expensive real estate on the planet. Remember Julia Roberts' shopping spree in Pretty Woman? Rodeo Drive Shopping District shopping area is where she went. The place boasts of a great mixture of clothing, restaurants, unique shops and celebrity spotting. Be warned, however, some of the stores are so exclusive, shopping is by appointment only.[Full Description]
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- b Prada, Los Angeles
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Anyone who follows the world of fashion knows how quickly Prada has emerged on the scene and how steadily her popularity seems to climb. Featuring fashions for both men and women, here you'll find clothes that whisper of class and elegance. All fashions are imported and all are expensive. However, the window-shopping alone makes this worth a visit, regardless of your bank balance.[Full Description]
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- The Fountain Coffee Room at The Beverly Hills Hotel
- Driving tour of the estates of Beverly Hills
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Driving tour of the estates of Beverly Hills
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- c Pastaio (Il), Los Angeles
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Gourmet magazine once wrote that Pastaio's cuisine is "a taste of heaven on earth". To find out whether this statement holds any water, try the prosciutto, polenta or the zucchini soufflé. There is a six-course tasting menu for those who want to try a range of dishes. The wine list is extensive and drinks by the glass are affordable. If you step in as a food critic, chances are you might end up leaving as a fan.[Full Description]
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- Day 8 (3 schedule items)
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- Mulholland Drive
- d Getty Center (The), Los Angeles
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The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center is a museum you can't miss. With lofty skylights and original architecture, it is one of the best museums in Los Angeles. Getty stores a multitude of art, sculpture and photographs from Europe and America. You can also check out old manuscripts and decorative arts here. Highlights of the year consist of Italian Manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Rembrandt's Late Religious Portraits and Shrine and Shroud: Textiles in Illuminated Manuscripts, to name a few. Set aside a day for this museum, its Central Gardens and popular restaurant, which are sure to leave you breathless with their beauty. Admission is free.[Full Description]
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- Flight from LA to NYC departing late evening
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