Family Exploration of LA

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.

An historic landmark, the Millennium Biltmore Hotel has been home to presidents, kings and Hollywood celebrities since it opened in 1923. The hotel was host to the founding banquet for the Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and was the location of the conception of the Oscar award. With old-world charm and the elegance of grand European hotels, the Biltmore is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, amidst the city's business, financial and cultural centers.The guests will be mesmerized by the ornate columns, vivid frescoes, rich history and contemporary luxury prominent throughout the hotel. In addition, its award-winning banquet and convention staff, as well as 70,000 square feet of elegant and versatile meeting, banquet and exhibit space makes the hotel the perfect location for groups both large and small. The amenities include a 24-hour front desk, Valet parking available at 40 per day, currency exchange, multi-lingual concierge, 24-hour room service, safe deposit boxes, business services, including high-speed Internet access, babysitting, turndown and wake-up services, laundry valet, express checkout, newsstand, gift shop, 24-hour security and a Greco/Roman-tiled indoor swimming pool. There is also a health club with Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room on site. Five on-site restaurants and bars include La Bistecca Italian Steakhouse, Smeraldi���s Restaurant and Sai Sai Modern Asian Cuisine and Sushi Bar, as well as the Gallery Bar and afternoon tea at the Rendezvous Court. There are also two bar/lounges, and a cafe.The room amenities include two-line telephones with voicemail and dataports, cable TV with in-room movies, irons and ironing boards, hairdryers, coffeemakers, and wireless and high-speed Internet access (fee).

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.

This 3 and a half mile round trip walk was created in 1958. At Hollywood Walk Of Fame, you can see all the stars as you walk it down. It is a dedication to film, radio, television, theatre and the recording artists who have made significant contributions in the Hollywood industry. The celebrities names are embossed on star-shaped figures. You would be amazed to find the awesome display of 2,000 stars listed here. There is also a small souvenir shop on the street where you can buy tiny shot glasses with your name in a star. Go famous!

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.

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.

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.

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.

This 125,000-square-foot facility presents shows, exhibits and panel discussions on various cultural issues. Religious objects including pottery, mosaics, paintings and jewelry are on display regularly. In addition, the state-of-the-art theater presents films and seminars. The complex features a comprehensive library for those looking to do their own research. There are also various concerts, workshops for kids, readings, and more. Call or visit the website for a schedule of current and upcoming events. Admission to the Resource Center is free. Museum admission: USD8 for adults, USD6 for seniors and students.

This place is just always bustling with shoppers. The Grove houses great shops, numerous restaurants, the American Girl Cafe as well as a theatre with 14 screens. Shop for top bands, such as Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic and lots more. There are also shops that specialize in children's wear. Once you're done with the shopping, grab a quick bite at one of the cafes or check out the latest flick.

Considering Los Angeles' place as the second largest American city, it only stands to reason that it would have one of the country's premier art museums. LACMA, as it's known by locals, features a permanent collection of art from literally all corners of the globe. From art dating back to 6000 BCE to paintings from Renaissance masters to photographs and sculpture from the end of the 20th Century, the collection here takes weeks to explore. It hosts film screenings and free concerts on a regular basis. Check the website often or, better yet, become a member to find out about current and upcoming exhibitions. The second Tuesday of each month is free to all, though full admission is required for special exhibitions.

Once the most exclusive residential community in the city, this area was developed by Captain G. Allan Hancock circa 1910. The Hancock family then jumped in on the oil craze, which was quickly exhausted but which also led to the discovery of the La Brea Tar Pits. Besides the Doheny and Hancock families, many other prominent Southland families once owned and still do own estates here, including the Huntington, Crocker and Van Nuys families. The Hancock Park area makes for a great walking or driving tour at your own pace.

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.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and adapted for the stage by Stephen Schwartz (music and lyrics) and Winnie Holzman (book), Wicked at the Pantages Theatre re-imagines the Wicked Witch and Glinda the Good from L. Frank Baum's classic work, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and explores what might have been, long before Dorothy ever dropped in. Unlike The Wiz or the SciFi Channel's Tin Man, Wicked does not simply retell the story. Rather, it creates a whole new view of Oz and the relationship between the "good" and "wicked" witches. We meet Glinda (called Galinda at the start of the show) and the Wicked Witch (named Elphaba) at different stages of development, including the birth of Elphaba with her emerald green skin. The female protagonists are polar opposites: Elphaba reserved and universally rejected, Glinda, bubbly and popular. The friendship that slowly blossoms between the two is tested not only by a love triangle between the ladies and the Winkie prince, Fiyero (portrayed by Kristoffer Cusick), but also by the choices that they make between ambition and integrity when the dark, political underside of Oz is revealed. Several themes run through the heart of the show: living a life free of limits (as illustrated by the show-stopping number "Defying Gravity"), and the capriciousness of moral judgment as conflict drives the characters apart. Eden Espinosa as Elphaba and Megan Hilty as Glinda embody these characters completely, Espinosa imbuing Elphaba with both the drive to do good and desperation to be accepted. Hilty's Glinda is enthusiastic to the extreme, with pitch-perfect comedic timing. Carol Kane plays Madame Morrible with her usual flair, and John Rubinstein gives the Wizard charm and appeal despite the character's subversive motives. The supporting cast is rounded out by Jenna Leigh Green as Nessarose, Elphaba's sister, and Adam Wylie as Boq, a Munchkin boy with feelings for Glinda. Directed by Joe Mantello with musical staging by Wayne Cilento, Wicked features extravagant costumes and impressive sets, including a fire-breathing dragon. Stephen Schwartz's music soars to an almost overwhelming height with songs such as "The Wizard and I," "Popular," "Defying Gravity," "No Good Deed," and "For Good." This show will entertain both children and adults, or anyone willing to lose themselves in fantasy. –Joanna Ortiz Tickets: $35-$98

The Universal Studios tour is one of Hollywood's famous must-sees. With a slate of ever-changing attractions, the park is a great outing for the whole family and can easily take up an entire day. After the guided tour, you can wander around the park, get something to eat (at one of the numerous restaurants and cafes), take in the various shows, like the new Spiderman Rocks musical and Waterworld or board one of the numerous thrill rides including Jurassic Park, Back to the Future, and Terminator.

This fun area is located in Universal Studios and connects all the Universal City attractions. It opened in 1993 and is an open-air street featuring retail stores, movies, bars and restaurants for every taste. The Universal City cinemas show all the latest movies. Credit cards acceptance vary by store.

This large venue has quickly become one of the most fun places to catch some of the giants in the blues scene. Every night they serve up live music, Lip Smackin' BBQ Ribs, catfish, Beale Street Gumbo, and Ass Kickin' Fried Chicken. Artists include Josh Halverson, The Dirty Diamond, Roadhouse, and the King of blues himself. It is a sister store to the original on Beale Street in Memphis. The sound system is excellent, the drinks come relatively fast and the food's good.

Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens sits on 113 acres in the heart of Griffith Park and boasts an average annual attendance of 1.3 million visitors. Since first opening its doors in 1966, the zoo has grown continuously through the years and presently houses species from every corner of the globe. Check the zoo web site for a complete list of animals as well as current and upcoming shows and admision rates.

Gene Autry opened this museum in 1988 to showcase western history. The museum features several rotating exhibits as well as a permanent collection. Art and artifacts from the Old West are on display, from the West's prehistoric roots to the 20th century's Hollywood glamorization of the Wild West. Using film, radio and television clips, and a hands-on discovery center for children, the museum sheds a bright light on this part of the nation's heritage.

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.

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.

Years ago, one of the summer rituals for L.A. children was a new pair of huaraches from Olvera Street and maybe some Mexican jumping beans. Nowadays those rituals are a year-round treat on this cobblestone street, which is a block-long cornucopia of traditional clothing and accessories, Mexican art, giftwares, leather goods, novelties and restaurants. There is also a Visitors Center where tourists can appreciate the complimentary screening of a film which depicts early life in Los Angeles. Olvera Street was created in the '30s and comprises the area known as the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, which is the site of the city's beginnings. Free tours are given to the public by the Las Angelinas, a non-profit organization.

Unlike other studio tours, this is a walking tour. You do not get herded around in a tram, but actually walk the grounds of the back lot. This can be tiring since the tour lasts two hours, but if you are interested in seeing the inner workings of this famous movie studio then it is worth it. Some sites you will see: New York Street, which includes the building fronts of the Seinfeld set and the Ally McBeal brownstone as well as the Laverne & Shirley building front. Children under 10 are not permitted. Reservations are required; meet at the pedestrian entrance of the main gate. Parking is available across the street.

Although its counterpart in Glendale is arguably more impressive, this cemetery is as Hollywood as they come. Genuine elegance is provided by its Egyptian temples, Greek statues and Roman memorials. This is the final resting place for some of the most famous names in early Hollywood history including Cecil B. DeMille, Douglas Fairbanks and Rudolph Valentino. The Paramount Studios lot lies adjacent to these grounds, and many of its stars have been buried here. Some of the more impressive grave sites include the water-guarded mausoleum of William A. Clark, Jr. and Douglas Fairbank's monument and reflecting pool.

When you turn the corner from Melrose Avenue at LaBrea, you cannot miss the line that has been extending from Pink's since it opened in 1939. Chili dogs, chili fries, chili burgers, turkey dogs, burrito dogs—every imaginable (and sometimes unimaginable) permutation of the wiener can be found here. No matter the time of day or night, you will find yourself standing in line with tourists, corporate climbers and celebrities. Cash only.