Hollywood Walk of Fame

When you think of Hollywood, the Hollywood Sign probably pops into your head. High above in the Hollywood Hills, this sign is a piece of history. But forget walking to it. Instead, take a walk along Hollywood Boulevard to get a good view of the Hollywood Sign, and see the star of your favorite actor or musician from today or yesteryear.

Each month, a few more become a part of history by getting their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and you can be there to see it. Not only will you see the celebrated star, but you could see some of their Hollywood friends who make an appearance to support them.

A tourist must, is to place your hands and feet in your favorite star’s imprint in cement, in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater. Everyone does it! Grauman’s is a theater that was opened to the public on May 19, 1927. Now visitors and locals alike can watch their favorite new blockbuster on its giant screens. Though it has been expanded, it is still a must-see to watch a movie on the main screen. If you are lucky, you might even see a Hollywood premier, with the red carpet and all!

This is also a popular spot to hop on a tour to view where the stars live. Although you won’t see much of their houses (mainly just big iron gates), the tour is fun, but definitely not cheap.

Disneyland

Address	1313 Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim 92802
Admission	Adults: $50; Seniors: $48; Children 3 to 9: $40; Children under 3: Free; Parking: $8
Hours	Open 365 days a year. Call for hours.
Phone	(714) 781-4565
Website	www.disneyland.com

Mickey Mouse and Mini Mouse; Donald Duck and Goofy. How could you not love Disneyland! Whether you have children or are simply a child at heart, Disneyland should definitely be on your must-see list. Grab a pair of Mickey ears and enjoy a day at “The Happiest Place on Earth.”

Enjoy the Pirate’s of the Caribbean ride, and then a nice dinner at its restaurant Blue Bayou. But make sure that you make reservations or you won’t be able to enjoy the fine dining and serene atmosphere.

Space Mountain is an old favorite and will have you traveling faster than the speed of light through space. It has been updated in celebration of Disneyland’s 50th anniversary, and is now bigger and better.

Look for the “Speed Pass” stations located near the entrance to rides. These passes give you a designated time to return to the ride, and allow you to jump past the big line so you can spend more time enjoying the rides, and less time waiting in line. And unlike everything else in Disneyland, this service is free.

Walk down Main Street where you can purchase souvenirs with the Disney logos on them. But all of this love for Mickey will set you back a pretty penny, though it is completely worth it!

Ask about multi-park passes that will allow you to go between Disneyland and California Disney Park during the same day. Multi-day packages and special offers for Southern California residents are also available.

Universal Studios

Address	100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
Admission	General: $53; Under 48 inches: $43; Children 3 and under: Free; Parking: $10
Hours	Daily: 10am – 6pm; Summer: 9am – 8pm
Phone	1-800-UNIVERSAL
Website	www.universalstudioshollywood.com

Take a trip to the largest movie studio in the world, Universal Studios Hollywood. Go on the famous Studio Tour where you will see where some of your favorite Hollywood movies were filmed. You can also see lots that have been used as streets in many of the most famous neighborhoods on TV.

Enjoy the Special Effects Stages where you can see first-hand how Hollywood makes magic on film. Experience the power of a simulated earthquake, and face fear with Jaws, all in one tour. Keep your camera handy because you may even see your favorite star walking around on their way to a soundstage for their TV show or movie.

At Universal Studios Hollywood, rides are mixed with the magic of Hollywood, which allows for a unique theme park experience. Go on one of the many rides including “Jurassic Park” and “Revenge of the Mummy The Ride,” the world’s first blockbuster roller coaster.

If you are willing to shell out more cash, get the Front of the Line Pass. And to save time, purchase tickets online.

Afterwards, grab dinner at Universal City Walk, which is adjacent to the amusement park. Entrance is free and there are plenty of shops and restaurants, including the Hard Rock Café Hollywood, B.B. King’s Blue’s Club and Gladstone’s Universal.

The Getty Museum

Address	1200 Getty Center Dr.
Admission	Free; Parking: $7
Hours	Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday: 10am – 6pm; Friday and Saturday: 10am – 9pm
Phone	(310) 440-7300
Website	www.getty.edu

Even if you are not an art lover, you must make a visit to The Getty Museum. When you get there, you will know why.

Opened in 1997, entrance to the museum is free, and includes a ride up in The Getty Center Tram, an amazing view of Bel Air and West LOS ANGELES, and enough art to satisfy almost any art lover. If you need a little help understanding the art, spend $3 for the self-guided audio tour.

Five exhibition pavilions house the museum’s galleries. Classical Connections can be found in The North Pavilion, and primary 17th-century Baroque art can be found in The East Pavilion. View 18th-century paintings and the Museum’s European decorative arts collection in The South Pavilion, and sculpture and Italian decorative arts in The West Pavilion. There are also changing exhibitions in The Exhibitions Pavilion.

Those with children should visit the Family Room, located in the Museum Courtyard. This area allows parents and children to do various activities that involve the entire family in art appreciation.

Once you’re done, drop by one of the restaurants for a bite to eat. The Café at the Getty Center offers self-service, and The Restaurant allows you to enjoy a beautiful view of the Santa Monica Mountains. There is also a Garden Terrace Cafe where you can enjoy snacks and coffee.

Whichever way you spend your time at The Getty, make sure to allot time to sit on top of the perfectly manicured grass to relax, and enjoy the view.

Santa Monica Beach & Pacific Park

Address	380 Santa Monica Pier
Admission	Unlimited Ride Wrist Bands: $9.95 to $21.95; Parking: $5 to $8
Hours	Pacific Park: Hour vary by time of year
Phone	(310) 260-8744
Website	www.pacpark.com

If you have seen an Los Angeles beach on TV, you have probably seen Santa Monica Beach. Made famous by appearances in TV shows since Three’s Company, and shot to fame with Baywatch, Santa Monica is home to a young beach-loving crowd of over 90,000 people.

Experience this laid-back atmosphere for yourself. Head West on Inter-State Highway 10 and you will end up next to the Pacific Ocean. The 3.5 mile beach you see is Santa Monica Beach. It attracts visitors every day, and if the sun is out, prepare to get stuck in traffic getting to and from the popular beach town.

If you want to play instead of tan, head over to the Santa Monica Pier. Pass under the famous arch and play arcade games and ride the West Coaster or the Pacific Wheel. You can also sunbathe, take a swim, or rent a pair of rollerblades for a trip down to Venice Beach. There are many possibilities with such good weather!

If you’d rather do some shopping while enjoying the sunshine, stroll over to Third Street Promenade. Only two blocks away from the ocean, you will feel the cool breeze while you buy goods from over 100 stores. This pedestrian-only area is three blocks of shopping fun.

Los Angeles Travel Guides
 Frommer's Los Angeles
 Lonely Planet Los Angeles
 Let's Go Los Angeles
 Fodors Los Angeles