Fun Things to do in the Los Angeles Area
With its sunny days and entertainment filled nights, Los Angeles is ideally suited for both indoor and outdoor activities. It offers a fantastic climate throughout the year for taking part in all types of sporting adventures. It is also a very trendy, hip, and cosmopolitan area, rich in cultural activities including concerts and museum exhibitions. However you care to spend your free time, you’ll have no problem finding something fun to do in “The City of Angels.”
1. Take a walk down the Hollywood Walk of Fame – Located on Hollywood Blvd., this is a must see on most people’s list of things to do in LA. The first star placed on the walk was for Joanne Woodward on February 9, 1960. The Walk of Fame lies along both sides of Hollywood Blvd. from Gower Blvd. (on the east) to La Brea Ave. (on the west), and along both sides of Vine Street from Yucca Street to Sunset Blvd.
2. Visit Universal Studios Hollywood – This is the original theme park that grew out of a studio tour. In addition to the theme park, visitors can view the actual studio sets of some of the most popular movies ever made. For more information, go to www.universalstudioshollywood.com.
3. Shop Rodeo Drive – Window-shopping is even a treat on this special, over-the-top street, packed with exclusive shops and full of gawkers. They all came to enjoy the excess. For more information, go to www.seeing-stars.com/shop/rodeodrive.shtml.
4. Go to Disneyland – Known as one of the happiest places on earth this theme park is a big hit with kids of all ages. Disneyland and its sister park, Disney’s California Adventure, are open year-round. For more information, go to www.disneyland.com.
5. Grab an In-N-Out Burger – In 1948, the first In-N-Out Burger was founded in the Baldwin Park area, which is just east of downtown LA. The idea of a drive-thru hamburger stand where customers could order through a two-way speaker box was quite unique at that time. The idea caught on, and now there are dozens of In-N-Out Burger outlets in the greater LA area and throughout California.” Try a double double and your life will never be the same www.in-n -out.com.
6. Take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard – This street is ready for its close-up, thanks to years of urban renewal and renovation. Enjoy the entertainment Museum, Mann’s theater and for more information, go to www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/hollywood_boulevard.
7. Visit El Pueblo de Los Angeles – El Pueblo de Los Angeles is where the city began in 1781, founded by King Carlos III of Spain to grow food for the soldiers. A surprising 27 buildings survive here, including the Avila Adobe, the city’s oldest structure built in 1818, and the city’s oldest brick house. For more information, go to www.lacity.org/elp.
8. Go to the beach – he Southern California Beaches rival the best in the world. Try Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Venice, Redondo Beach, Laguna Beach or Santa Monica. There are so many State Beach parks that you could visit a different one every day of the year--all of them more gorgeous than the next. For more information, go to www.southern-california- beaches-vacation-guide.com.
9. Dine on seafood at Gladstone’s of Malibu – Gladstone’s is one of Southern California’s best-known landmarks, and with good reason! It’s the number one place for seafood and fun, located on world-famous Malibu beach. Gladstone’s serves the largest selection of fresh seafood on the West Coast. The chefs at the restaurant broil, bake, boil, or fry 50 varieties of seafood and serve more than a million dishes every year. This is a fun place, with great views of the Pacific. Reservations are recommended for dinner. For more information, go to www.gladstones.com.
10. Visit Six Flags Magic Mountain – This amusement park is full of gut-wrenching roller coasters. For more information, go to www.sixflages.com/magicmountain.
11. Take a drive down Sunset Boulevard – Perhaps one of the world’s most famous streets, it began as a route between the stars’ posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the “Sunset Strip” on its way. For more information, go to www.seeing-stars.com/streets/sunsetblvd.shtml.
12. Watch celebrities walk the Red Carpet – New movies open every week in Hollywood. The big studios pull out all of the stops for these movie premieres. The general public isn’t usually able to get a ticket to the showing but really, the big show happens outside the theater before the premiere. Searchlights scan the sky, and movie stars, dressed in tuxedos and evening gowns, arrive in their limos, wave to their fans, take photos, say a few words, and walk the red carpet. No tickets are needed and it can be very exciting to see so many celebrities in one place. For more information, go to www.seeing-stars.com.
13. Take the Kids to Knott’s Berry Farm – Knotts’ Southern California Resort includes Soak City U.S.A. and a theme park-full of family shows and rides. For more information, go to www.knotts.com.
14. Eat at the original California Pizza Kitchen – Rick Rosenfield and Larry Flax opened the first California Pizza Kitchen in 1985 in Beverly Hills after wanting to give the public pizza with a twist. Formerly attorneys, they broke the mold by opening up a whole new pizza taste experience. They created the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, and pizza lovers were jolted out of the pepperoni-mode and thrown into BLT Bliss, Thai Chicken Euphoria and Jamaican Jerk Nirvana. The original restaurant is located at 207 South Beverly Dr. in Beverly Hills. For more information, go to www.cpk.com.
15. Go to a concert at NOKIA Theater – Attending live entertainment in Los Angeles is an all new experience when you visit NOKIA Theatre at LA LIVE in downtown Los Angeles. NOKIA Theatre at LA LIVE opened in 2007. Destined to become the preferred indoor venue for performers and fans alike, the 7,100-seat venue offers guests mid-sized intimacy, with no seat further from the stage than 220 feet, exceptional comfort and amenities never before offered to guests at similar theatres. NOKIA Theater anchors the LA LIVE entertainment district which is just steps away from the LA Convention Center. For more information, go to www.nokiatheaterlalive.com.
16. Drive the Pacific Coast Highway – If you want to experience the Pacific Coast in a way that is unrushed and with amazing views, take a drive on the Pacific Coast Highway on the Pacific Coast highway also known as U.S. Route l.
17. Visit Santa Monica – It’s easy to see why Santa Monica is considered the first choice for a Southern California beach vacation. This seaside city blends the charm and appeal of a coastal getaway with an unforgettable beach and the sophistication of an urban center—a magnetic combination. Whether you walk on the pier, take in the sun and surf, sample the foods offered by the more than 400 restaurants or shop the Third Street Promenade. Santa Monica will exceed your highest expectations. For more information, go to www.santamonica.com.
18. Tour the Queen Mary – Once the largest ship afloat, she’s been docked in Long Beach for longer than she sailed, and her elegance never fails to impress. On board, you’ll find restaurants, bars and lounges, a Cabaret and Dinner Theatre, as well as a hotel. For more information, go to www.queenmary.com.
19. Check out LA Live – This is a one-of-a-kind entertainment district. LA Live provides Los Angeles’ residents, commuters, guests, and tourists with a world-class sports and entertainment destination that is conveniently located in the heart of downtown LA in the same development as Staples Center and the LA Convention Center. LA Live is a huge complex, covering more than six city blocks on 27 acres. LA Live combines restaurants, cafes, theaters, a fully-functioning broadcast studio, bowling lanes, music clubs, and a cultural museum. For more information, go to www.lalive.com.
20. Cruise Olvera Street – The most popular activity in this historic district is shopping, and it’s a wonder this area isn’t named Mexicotown for the Mexican market along Olvera Street (which is really more of an alley than a street), originally named for a local judge and converted into a market in the 1930s. You’ll find a nice selection of leather goods, sandals, and decorative items in the Olvera Street market, and several popular Mexican restaurants to provide sustenance should all the shopping wear you out. For more information, go to www.olvera-street.com.
21. Visit Grand Central Market. Located at 317 South Broadway this market has been in operation since 1916. It is very picturesque with more than 50 food stalls, fresh produce, seafood, spices, meat and deli items, as well as other prepared international foods.
22. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old Town Pasadena - Historic downtown Pasadena is filled with shops and restaurants, and is a very popular nightspot. There are few urban destinations as dynamic, yet so quaint, picturesque, and rich in history as Old Pasadena. For more information, go to www.oldpasadena.org.
23. Drop by The Farmers Market and The Grove – A new shopping complex right next to a Los Angeles landmark, The Grove and Farmers Market coexist. Enjoy a movie or shopping, and then take the trolley to the Farmers Market for lunch or dinner. For more information, go to www.farmersmarketla.com or www.thegrovela.com.
24. Attend a USC Football Game. There is really nothing like being in the LA Coliseum with 90,000 yelling -screaming fans rooting for their beloved Trojans. The pageantry is nothing short of amazing. The team has been at the top of the college ranks in each of the past five years.
25. Check out Oscar – The Kodak Theatre is the permanent home of the Academy Awards. Visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour and see a real golden statuette. For more information, go to www.kodaktheatre.com.
26. View the exhibits at the Getty Center – The Getty Center presents the Getty’s collection of Western art from the Middle Ages to the present against a backdrop of dramatic architecture, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking views. For more information, go to www.getty.edu.
27. Visit Griffith Park – Home of the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park Observatory, Travel Town, and the Greek Theatre. For more information, go to http://www.lacity.org/rap/dos/parks/griffithpk/index.htm.
28. Hop over to Catalina Island – It’s in Los Angeles County, but it seems more like it should be on the Mediterranean. Things are different on Catalina. People drive golf carts instead of cars. It’s a magical place, and a favorite Southern California getaway. For more information, go to www.catalinachamber.com.
29. Watch a television show taping – All you need is an advance reservation and some time to be in the studio audience for selected sitcoms and game shows. For more information, go to www.hollywoodtickets.com.
30. Listen to live music at the Hollywood Bowl – The Hollywood Bowl is the largest outdoor amphitheater in the United States. The Bowl is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the home of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. This is the place to see all sorts of concerts from Sarah Chang to Diana Krall, John Williams to Pet Shop Boys, and Nancy Wilson to Arcade Fire. For more information, go to www.hollywoodbowl.com.
31. Check out the Stars – The Griffith Observatory has been a major Los Angeles landmark since 1935. The Observatory is now open again after a major restoration. A must see Los Angeles attraction. For more information, go to www.griffithobs.org.
32. Check Out the Huntington Library and Museum – The Huntington Museum in San Marino boasts and art collection that is second to none. For example, this is the place where you will see Gainsborough’s Blue Boy. The Chinese gardens are not to be missed. For more information http://www.huntington.org.
33. Take a tour of movie star homes – Even if you don’t want to admit to it in public, you probably really want to check out where all of those celebrity types live. The best tour we’ve found is from LA City Tours and includes the homes of Julia Roberts, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Leonardo DiCaprio, John Travolta, Jack Nicholson, Jackie Chan, Elvis Presley, Meg Ryan, Lucille Ball, Robert Redford, and more. For more information, go to www.lacitytours.com.
34. Go to the ultimate skate park – Van’s Skateboard Park in Anaheim is as big as a large department store, with an assortment of quarter pipes, banks, handrails, boxes, pyramids, and much more to keep your ‘boarder busy. For more information, go to http://www.vans.com/vans/skateparks/index.asp.
35. Climb a wall – If the weather has you climbing the walls figuratively, why not do it literally? Try Rockreation in Santa Monica or The Rock Gym in Long Beach. For more information, go to http://www.rockreation.com/lahome.html or www.therockgym.com.
36. Visit the La Brea Tar Pits – This is your opportunity to see one of the world’s most famous fossil pits, still oozing with tar complete with replicas of a mammoth and saber-tooth tigers which are shown as they were ensnared millions of years ago. For more information, go to www.tarpits.org.
37. Take flight in a simulator – Take off into the wild blue yonder in a flight simulator. This is no video game, but a realistic fighter jet simulator. Try Flightdeck Air Combat Center in Anaheim. For more information, go to http://web.mac.com/paulhomer/iWeb/FlightdeckAirCombatCtr/Info.html.
38. See a movie at the Cinerama Dome – Built in 1963, Pacific Theatres’ Cinerama Dome (part of the ArcLight Hollywood complex) has been host to nearly four decades of premieres and blockbusters. Completely renovated, the Dome, however, still respects the original 1960’s “look and feel,” seating layout, and huge, curved screen. The Cinerama Dome takes movie-going to an entirely new level with ambiance almost as much fun as the film. For more information, go to www.arclightcinemas.com.
39. Spend Friday night listening to jazz at the Art Museum – Friday evenings from April to November, you can catch a free concert in the Los Angeles Times Central Court at the Los Angeles County Art Museum. For more information, go to www.lacma.org.
40. Visit a museum for free – The California Science Center is free all the time, and the Getty Museum and Getty Villa have no admission fee (although they will charge you to park). Others offer free admission on selected days only. For more information, go to http://golosangeles.about.com/od/ losangelesmuseums/a / MuseumFreeDays.html.
41. Visit Universal Studios Citywalk – Located on the Universal Studios property, Citywalk is the ideal place to enjoy dinner, night spots, a movie, or do some shopping. For more information, go to www.citywalkhollywood.com.
42. Golf at Trump National Golf Club – Trump National Golf Club is unsurpassed as a luxury golf experience. With the most spectacular panoramic Pacific Ocean views, Trump National has no equal. Located on the luxurious Palos Verdes Peninsula just 30 minutes south of downtown LA, this course is where the 10th Annual NAHC Golf Classic will take place. For more information, go to www.trumpnationallosangeles.com.
43. Experience the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Walt Disney Concert Hall – Designed by architect Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is designed to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world, providing both visual and aural intimacy for an unparalleled musical experience. Take in a concert of the Los Angeles Philharmonic or take a tour of the hall. For more information, go to www.laphil.com.
44. Try a little aromatherapy – A number of practitioners offer their services in the Los Angeles area with what they claim to be great results. Among them is BB Aromatherapy of West Hollywood. For more information, go to www.bbaromatherapy.com.
45. Buy a piece of fine art – Los Angeles is rich in art galleries. Fine art is offered for viewing, but also for sale. One popular gallery is the Martin Lawrence Galleries. For more information, go to www.martinlawrence.com.
46. See what the stars have in store for you – Many people are strong believers in astrology. If you care to have an astrological reading there are many shops to accommodate you, including, for example, Vedic Astrology. For more information, go to www.vimana.org.
47. Take a trip in a hot air balloon – There are few things more fun than sailing above the clouds in a lighter-than-air balloon. There are many operators in the Los Angeles area, one is Los Angeles Hot Air Balloons. For more information, go to www.1800skyride.com.
48. Check the Hollywood Sign – The 45-foot-high letters are visible from all parts of Hollywood including Hollywood & Highland complex. Built in 1923, the sign originally said Hollywoodland. The sign is located in Beachwood Canyon. The following web site includes recommendations for where to view the sign for the best photos. For more information, go to www.hollywoodsign.org.
49. Enjoy a bicycle ride along the ocean – There are numerous shops offering bicycles for rent at one of the many Los Angeles-area beaches. One cool rental company to check out is Manny’s Low Rider Bikes in Venice Beach – a favorite of Lindsay Lohan. For more information, call (310) 306-3452.
50. Enjoy playing a little pool – Billiards is a very popular game around the country. You’ll have no problem finding a place to play in LA. One hot spot is Q’s Billiards in Old Town Pasadena. For more information, go to www.qsbilliards.com/pasadena.
51. Take in a horse race – World class thoroughbred racing, dining and entertainment are available at Hollywood Park. For more information, go to www.hollywoodpark.com.
52. Visit Dodger’s Stadium – If the Dodger’s make it to October, you may even be able to catch a playoff game. The franchise turned 50 years old in 2008, and tours are given most days for $15. For more information, go to www.losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com.
53. Add to your baseball card collection – It is amazing how many people collect baseball cards and how valuable they have become. Check out All Star Cards in Los Angeles. For more information, go to www.allstarcards.com.
54. Go fly a kite – The beach is the perfect place to fly your kite. Great ones can be found at the Wind Wizard in Ventura. For more information, go to www.windwizard.com.
55. Check into a day spa – Most of the major hotels associated with the NAHC 28th Annual Meeting & Exposition include a spa which offers skin care, manicures, pedicures, and massages. One incredible spa is Spa Montage in Laguna Beach. For more information, go to www.spamontage.com.
56. Sample some Greek pastries – There are many fine Greek restaurants in the area which feature Greek pastries. Some of the best reportedly are to be found at a Greek restaurant and grocery called Papa Cristo’s. For more information, go to www.papacristos.com.
57. Get ideas for your next home renovation – The Pacific Design Center is world famous. It features the best in floor and wall coverings, curtains, paintings, lamps, and other furnishings. With more than 130 showrooms, the Pacific Design Center is the west coast’s leading resource for commercial and residential designers. For more information, go to www.thepacificdesigncenter.com.
58. Go to a comedy club – Los Angeles has some of the best and most famous comedy clubs in the country. One that’s always a hit is the Comedy Store – run by comedian/actor Pauley Shore’s mom – in West Hollywood. For more information, go to www.thecomedystore.com.
59. Have a tattoo removed – Tattoo MD in Los Angeles has board-certified dermatologists on hand to remove any unwanted tattoo using state of the art laser equipment. For more information, go to www.tattoomdla.com.
60. Treat yourself to a new pair of sunglasses – Although Sunglass Hut International and Lenscrafters are well represented here, you might want to go Hollywood and find a pair of shades at a high-end boutique on Rodeo Drive. For more information, go to www.rodeodrive-bh.com.
61. See a movie at Mann’s Chinese Theatre – Originially the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, this Hollywood treasure was built in 1927, and is the most sought-after theatre in Hollywood for studio premieres. Fans flock to these events to see the celebrities arrive and walk up the red carpet into the theatre. For more information, go to www.manntheatres.com/chinese.
62. Catch a glimpse of celebrity homes on a helicopter tour – By taking a helicopter tour, you’ll never need a star map again and you’ll probably have to be convinced that these homes are not hotels. CalActive has many tours available where you can see estates, ranches, castles, and most popular, the Playboy Mansion! For more information, go to www.calactive.com.
63. Take in a National Hockey League Game – Most sporting buffs will agree that nothing compares with an NHL game for pure action. Los Angeles is home to the NHL Los Angeles Kings who have been quite competitive. For more information, go to www.kings.nhl.com.
64. Have a picnic on the beach – There are many good choices for a picnic here. One that comes to mind is Leo Carillo State Park off of the Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Malibu. Have you ever noticed how much better food tastes in the open ocean air? A hot dog or hamburger grilled on the beach is sheer ecstasy. For more information, go to www.parks.ca.gov.
65. Go ice skating – Check out the Pasadena Ice Skating Center, a huge skating facility that has open skating everyday. For more information, go to www.skatepasadena.com.
66. Visit the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum is one of the most prestigious and historic sports monuments in America today. The Coliseum was built in 1923 and has a fabled history including playing host to both the 1932 and 1984 Olympic Games. For more information, go to www.lacoliseum.com.
67. Try your hand at miniature golf – There are many miniature golf venues in LA but one stands out as a place everyone will love – Putting Edge Fun Center in Culver City. In addition to arcades and miniature golf by day, Putting Edge also does Glow in the Dark Mini Golf at night. For more information, go to www.puttingedge.com.
68. Buy baby clothes like a movie star – Ah, the fabulous lives of celebrities and their kids. Celebrities are notorious for dropping large amounts of money on themselves, but they also spend lots and lots of money on their children. Here are a few of the places where they buy those trendy tot duds: Glamajama, Crib Rock Couture, and Fred Segal on Melrose. For more information, go to www.kidsfashion.about.com.
69. Ride over to the Lasky-DeMille Barn – Located at the Hollywood Heritage Museum, the 1895 barn is full of exhibits, photos, and memorabilia from the silent film era, and is considered the birthplace of the LA movie industry. For more information, go to www.hollywoodheritage.org.
70. Tour Paramount Studios – This is the only major working studio in Hollywood to offer the public two-hour guided tours of the lot. For more information, go to www.paramount.com.
71. Enroll (for a tour) of UCLA – The enormous campus of the University of California Los Angeles opened its doors to students in 1929. The university offers tours of the campus throughout the year. For more information, go to www.ucla.edu.
72. Check out the handprints at RockWalk – Located at the Guitar Center on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, the courtyard contains the handprints of hundreds of legendary musicians. RockWalk offers three different interactive tours you can take: the Memorabilia tour, Virtual handprints, and an Archive tour. For more information, go to www.rockwalk.com.
73. Visit the Aquarium of the Pacific – This is one of the largest aquariums in the United States. Located in Long Beach, it is home to more than 12,500 Pacific Ocean animals. For more information, go to www.aquariumofpacific.org.
74. Get an invite to the Grand Havana Room – This is an exclusive Cigar Club but if you play your cards right, you might just be able to score an invitation for an evening. For more information, go to www.grandhavana.com.
75. Buy a puppy; Take home a new pet – Why not take home a souvenir and reminder of your trip to Los Angeles in the form of an adorable new puppy? There are several ways to go about doing this, but one worth while is to make a visit to the Los Angeles SPCA. For more information, go to www.spcala.com.
76. Get a tan: Stock up on your Vitamin D – Billy Crystal famously said, “It is better to look good than to feel good.” After a few hours in the Los Angeles sun you will look “marvelous” and feel better, too. One reason for this is because you will have replenished your supply of Vitamin D. Grab a tan. Be the envy of your friends and neighbors when you get back home.
77. Add to your comic book collection – Comic books are another collectible which is rapidly increasing in value. There are many great stores which sell them in Los Angeles. One, for example, is Meltdown Comics, which is the largest comic book store on the West Coast. For more information, go to www.meltcomics.com.
78. Play tennis – Most hotels have tennis courts. There are also an abundant number of them in the more than 100 local parks. For more information, go to www.seemyla.com.
79. Learn to cook – There are many fine cooking schools in Los Angeles offering classes that range from a few hours to a few months and everything in between. One such school is the Epicurean School of Culinary Arts on Melrose Avenue which offers classes for beginner to expert. For more information, go to www.epicureanschool.com.
80. Buy your Christmas or Hannukah Gifts – Los Angeles offers so many unique things that you will be moved to buy something for everyone on your list – including yourself. Go for it. It is better to give than to receive, and you will also be helping to build the economy. For more information, go to www.seemyla.com.
81. Go swimming – Many physical therapists say that swimming is the best overall exercise. The health-conscious citizens of Los Angeles take this to heart. You can take a dip in the Pacific Ocean or go to one of the many pools, indoor and outdoor. Every major hotel has one, including the headquarters Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. For more information, go to www.westin.com.
82. Take a kayak Adventure – Take the opportunity to get close to nature. Paddle your way through the Pacific on a kayak. Rentals are available at Malibu Kayaks on the Pacific Coast Highway. For more information, go to www.ckf.org.
83. Check out a rare book – Only in Hollywood would one find an entire bookstore devoted to rare books on the movie industry. Collector’s Bookstore in Hollywood has been open since 1965, and has a collection dating back to 1910. For more information, go to www.collectorsbookstore.com.
84. Be a contestant on the Price is Right – The longest running game show in television history tapes anywhere from 10 to 15 days per month. You must be 18 years old to attend a showing and have a chance to be a contestant. For more information, go to www.cbs.com.
85. Add to your philatetic collection – If you are a stamp collector there are many dealers in the Los Angeles area. One is the Colonial Stamp Company on Wilshire Boulevard. For more information, go to www.colonialstamps.com.
86. Go horseback riding – There are plenty of opportunities to ride horseback in Los Angeles. Sunset Ranch offers all types of packages – anything from dinner rides, lessons and basic tours through the Hollywood Hills. For more information, go to www.sunsetranchhollywood.com.
87. Charter a Yacht– There are unbelievable yachts and sailboats just waiting to be chartered at Maria Del Rey. For more information go to www.visitmarina.com.
88. Pick up that Harley – If you are like a good many adults, you like to go fast and few things might please you more than riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. You can get a great deal on a new or used Harley in Los Angeles at Glendale Harley-Davidson. For more information, go to www.glendaleharley.com.
89. Search for the perfect ice cream cone – Nothing goes better with sun and sand, palm trees and ocean than ice cream. Half of the fun is sampling the flavors. There are many ice cream stores to choose from in Los Angeles. Check out www.coldstonecreamery.com.
90. Tour USC – Walking Tours are student led and give guests a glimpse of the vibrant campus life. Each tour is about 50 minutes long and covers USC’s history, architecture, academic departments and programs, general admission information, and current student life. For more information, go to www.usc.edu.
91. Collect some model trains – Allied Model Trains carries on a tradition of providing the best in model railroading supplies from all corners of the globe since its founding in 1946 in West Los Angeles. For more information, go to www.alliedmodeltrains.com.
92. Visit the Rose Bowl Stadium – Built in 1922 this National Historic Landmark is most recognized as the site of the New Year’s Tournament of Roses Football Championship. Tours are available. For more information, go to www.rosebowlstadium.com.
93. Plant a tree – Help save the environment and plant a tree in someone’s honor while in Los Angeles. Tree Musketeers in El Segunda can help with the details. For more information, go to www.treemusketeers.org.
94. Do a little birdwatching – Go on a Bird Walk with the Los Angeles Audubon Society. For more information, go to www.laaudubon.org.
95. Check out a local sports bar – Close to all attendees in Los Angeles is the FOX Sports Sky Box at the Staples Center. Rarely does a bar come close to meeting the needs of the ultimate sports fanatic, but this one does its best to face the challenge head-on with a sensory overload of sports entertainment and a high-end bar environment. Designed to resemble an actual TV studio, Sky Box fits 300 hundred patrons into its glossy, metallic space, and seats them on stools alongside chest-high tabletops. For more information, go to www.staplescenter.com.
96. Visit Tournament House and Wrigley Gardens – The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame is located at the Tournament House and features an extensive collection of Rose Bowl memorabilia. The house and adjacent Wrigley Gardens were built in 1906 and donated later to the city of Pasadena. Tours of the house and gardens are available year round. For more information, go to www.tournamentofroses.com.
97. Take the deluxe Warner Bros. Studio Tour – This is an exclusive, five-hour tour of the Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. The tour takes you into the craft shops to talk to behind the scenes artisans, as well as onto working production sets. The tour finishes with lunch in the studio’s commissary. For more information, go to www.warnerbros.com/vipstudiotour/.
98. Walk along the Manhattan Beach Pier – The pier here jets out more than 900 feet into the Pacific Ocean. For more information, go to www.downtownmanhattanbeach.com.
99. Go Fishing – The fishing is great in Southern California. This is true whether you fish from the surf, from a pier or from a charter boat. The experience is bound to be memorable.
100. Grab a bite at the Paradise Cove Beach Café in Malibu – Located off the Pacific Coast Highway and open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Bob Morris’ Paradise Cove Beach Café is the only restaurant located directly on the sand with its own private beach and cove! For more information, go to www.paradisecovemalibu.com.
101. Collect some Hollywood Memorabilia – Whether you collect autographs or signed photos or props used in movies, you will find a wealth of things to chose from in LA. Not only are such items fun to collect, they have become increasingly more valuable with the passing of time. Check out Hollywood Mega Inc at 940 Washington Blvd. For more information go to www.hollywoodmegastore.com.
102. Check out Venice Beach – This is Los Angeles kitsch and over-the-top culture at its best. Here you’ll find Muscle Beach, street performers, and tacky shops galore. Not to be missed. For more information, go to www.venicebeach.com. |