|
The “City of Angels” was established by the Spaniards 1781in Southern California
on the Pacific Coast. Los Angeles was then merely a ranch town until the US
appropriated it from Mexico in 1846, But by the 20th century the film industry
had its hands on the city’s fortune shining the spotlight of glamour on L.A.
ever since
The city of over 3 million
sprawls across nearly 500 square miles of desert basin, mountain canyons, and
coastal beaches. If there was one word to describe Los Angles it would have
to be diverse; for diversity is not only a characteristic of Los Angeles' geography,
but it also describes the approximate 11 million people who call it home. The
largest population of Pacific Islanders in the nation lives here, as well as
the world's third-largest Hispanic population. Los Angeles is home to people
from over 140 countries speaking 96 different languages.
Attractions in this city are
numerous and varied. There are more than 2,000 museums, galleries, theatres
and other cultural attractions in Los Angeles. The city has a wealth of other
attractions and activities such as world class shopping, beaches, restaurants,
people watching and sports. The Mann's Chinese Theatre provides for an interesting
outing, while Rodeo Drive showcases the latest trends. No matter where you travel
in the Los Angeles area, there's something exciting to do or see The Los Angeles
area also features dozens of annual events, from parades, to sporting meets
to festivals. Los Angeles has drawn the attention of people from all over the
US and the world, making it the entertainment capitol of the world. L.A. has
not only played a major role in the development of television, music, fashion
and art, but it has also been a central figure in creating a diverse centre
of pop and traditional culture.
Los Angeles, although not
everyone’s first choice for a vacation with the kids, is actually a great place
for them discover a whole world away from the obvious attractions of Disneyland
and Universal Studios. A trip to nearby San Diego with its world beating zoo,
and a diversion to the exclusive resort town of La Jolla is an easy day out
from LA and will give the kids some time on the beach as well as an informative
view of the world’s favourite animals.
Check out these other attractions,
suitable for both adults and kids alike.
El Pueblo De Los Angeles
Historic Monument
125 Paseo De La Plaza, Ste 400
Los Angeles CA 90012
Tel; 213-680-2525
Home of world-famous Olvera Street and site of Los Angeles' birthplace, this
colourful Mexican marketplace, which opened in 1930, features 27 historic buildings
surrounding the old Plaza.
The HOLLYWOOD Sign
With letters 50 ft tall, Hollywood's trademark sign can be spotted from miles
away and is recognized around the world. The sign, which originally spelled
out "Hollywoodland," was erected in the Hollywood Hills in 1923 to
promote a real-estate development.
Capitol Records Tower
1750 N. Vine St
On its south wall, L.A. artist Richard Wyatt's mural Hollywood Jazz, 1945-1972,
immortalizes musical greats Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald,
and Miles Davis. The blinking light at the top of the tower spells out "Hollywood"
in Morse code.
Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St
323-933-9211
In July 1934, two entrepreneurs developed a European-style open-air market where
farmers could sell their produce to local housewives. The idea was an instant
success, the market has more than 110 stalls and more than 20 restaurants, many
with alfresco dining under umbrellas.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
All along this mile-long stretch of Hollywood Boulevard sidewalk, the names
of more than 2,000 entertainment legends are embossed in brass, each at the
centre of a pink star embedded in dark-grey terrazzo.
Los Angeles Children's Museum
310 N. Main St
213-687-8800
Hands-on exhibits allow kids to record a song, make a TV show, learn about recycling,
create arts and crafts, build a city out of pillows, and practice being a fire
fighter.
Museum of Contemporary Art at California Plaza
250 S. Grand Ave
Tel; 213-626-6222
The permanent collection of MOCA is split between Geffen Contemporary and the
galleries at this site, a red sandstone building designed by Japanese architect
Arata Isozaki.
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd
213-763-3466
The more than 3.5 million specimens at this superb museum in Exposition Park
include a rich collection of prehistoric fossils; extensive bird, insect, and
marine-life displays; an elaborate taxidermy exhibit; pre-Columbian artefacts;
and crafts from the South Pacific.
Olvera Street
622 N. Main St. Sepulveda House
213-628-1274
Lively, one-block Olvera Street tantalizes with tile walkways, piñatas, mariachis,
and authentic Mexican food. Restored as an open-air Mexican market in 1930,
the street is the symbol of the city's beginnings when the original settlers
built earthen and willow huts near the river. Vendors sell puppets, tooled leather
goods, sandals, serapes, and other items from little stalls that line the centre
of the narrow street.
Santa Monica Pier
Colorado Ave. and the ocean
310-458-8900
Eateries, souvenir shops, a psychic adviser, arcades, and the Pacific Park amusement
facilities are all part of this truncated pier at the foot of Colorado Boulevard
below Palisades Park.
Have you been to Los Angeles and know about some more great highlights worth a mention? Add details for other visitors to read about.
Add a Los Angeles highlight > >.
|
|
