Los Angeles Sightseeing Places and Special Attractions
Los Angeles is a tourist paradise replete with picturesque theme parks and water parks, quaint museums, salubrious beaches, several historical landmarks and some much sought- after spots like Venice Beach and the Grove shopping mall.
As there are lots of tourist attractions in Los Angeles, a visitor will understandably be perplexed which places to see and which places to leave out. Anyway, it is worthwhile to list out all the star attractions of Los Angeles and then make an honest attempt to see as many as possible.
If you are traveling with kids, your obvious priority should be to visit the Disneyland and the Universal Studios attractions in Los Angeles. Teenagers love to hang out in Hollywood and Venice Beach. Disneyland is indeed Southern California's most sought-after amusement park, with several million visitors coming every year. Needless to say, Disneyland is a must see attraction.
Hollywood Bowl, formerly known as the Daisy Dell, was officially opened in 1922 on the site where a natural amphitheater stood. This is the summer home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and continues to be a popular musical performance venue.
Try to get a glimpse of Hollywood Sign (perched atop Mount Lee), that is acclaimed as a great icon and acknowledged as one of the world’s most evocative symbols for ambition, success and glamour. This global symbol of Hollywood glamour measures 450 feet in length with mammoth white letters, each standing 45 feet high, spelling out the name of the city.
Hollywood Walk of Fame is a renowned spot that no visitor to Los Angeles should miss. You will be awe-struck seeing the world’s most amazing sidewalk (at Hollywood & Vine) strewn with more than 2,000 five-pointed stars carrying the names of real time celebrities as well as fictional characters honored by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce for their contributions to the entertainment industry.
Madame Tussauds Hollywood is the famed new wax attraction in Los Angeles located next to the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. Here you can see, touch, feel and take a photo with the life-like wax model celebrities. If you are keen to visit the final resting place of your favorite stars, you can visit the celebrity graves - some of the better known are Westwood Memorial Park, Forest Lawn Glendale, Hollywood Forever, Holy Cross Cemetery
Universal Studios is located in the heart of Hollywood. Spend time inside the famous studios and get a behind-the-scenes look at special effects techniques. This world renowned movie studio and theme park features movie studios, exciting tours, fabulous attractions, joy rides, restaurants and more. Honestly speaking, you will need at least a full day to thoroughly see all there is in the park.
You must make it a point to visit Santa Monica / Venice Beach where you can experience the excitement of Los Angeles city, and the serenity of the seashore. It can be said that Santa Monica is the Los Angeles area's true urban beach. You can enjoy ocean views, dine on the Pier, witness carnival games and opt for some exciting rides at Pacific Park.
Spend a few hours with your kids at the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens. The Griffith Park is home to more than 1,200 animal species, including the Red Ape Rain Forest and Dragons of Komodo. Griffith Park spread over 4,107 acres, offers numerous family attractions and also features an assortment of educational and cultural institutions and miles of hiking and horseback riding trails.
Adamson House, Malibu is located on one of Southern California's most beautiful beaches. Make sure to visit the place and obtain a wealth of information about now-defunct Malibu Pottery’s magnificent tile work. Spend some time to enjoy the sands and the nearby beach.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, considered the third largest cathedral in the world, was thrown open to public in 2002. This is also the first Roman Catholic Church to be erected in the western U.S. in 30 years. The cathedral is an architectural marvel incorporating contemporary design with virtually no right angles.
Situated in the heart of downtown Los Angeles is the Music Center that features the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theatre, Mark Taper Forum and Walt Disney Concert Hall. Here, you can expect some exciting performances and opportunities for fabulous dining. The Walt Disney concert hall is designed to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated in the world.
The Autry is a museum and cultural center that celebrates the history and diversity of the American West. Come to witness the many historical and contemporary exhibits, attend engaging lectures and workshops, and lose yourself in the panoramic view of Griffith Park.
Since its inception in 1965, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has been collecting works of art to represent Asian, Latin American, European, and American art and culture. Once inside, you can develop a feeling of being a world citizen. There is also a new contemporary museum on its campus, BCAM.
Come to Beverly Hills where you can find perhaps one of most well-known streets in the world: Rodeo Drive - a haven for anyone who has a passion for fashion. Venice Oceanfront Boardwalk is a stretch that resembles an outdoor circus, teeming with rollerblading jugglers, fire-eaters, body-builders and other talented, creative folks.
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