Los Angeles, the most populous city in California, competes with other major west coast cities such as Las Vegas, San Diego or San Francisco, which are admired by tourists from all over the world. However, Los Angeles has a special attraction, and that is that it is the mecca of cinema, a city that has become the international hub of the filming of American films, what we call “Hollywood films”.
Don’t be surprised if the streets of The Angelssince the entire city has been the scene of some of the most media-oriented films in history.
It is a very large city which is divided into four zones: Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica and the film studios. There seem to be many other cities within Los Angeles where variety is guaranteed. You can enjoy both huge palaces of Beverly Hills such as heavenly beaches or a peaceful stroll through the canals of Venice beach.
It is not far from what many of us consider an ideal trip. And for those who think it’s a distant dream, you are in luck, as they have launched several airlines that fly from Spain to the United States cheap flights to Los Angeles. Now there is no excuse.
1. Walk the Walk of Fame
The Hall of Fame it’s that long popular street Hollywood Boulevard that we have been able to see on television so many times. It’s a journey of miles away from movie stars, music, series, radio and even cartoons like The Simpsons or The Flintstones.
The most prestigious theaters in the world are concentrated on this sidewalk, where the most ambitious producers of the art scene reside. Do not miss the first theater that was installed in 1922, the Egyptian theatergone down in history for launch Robin Hood. We also recommend the Grauman Theater where you can see the foot and hand prints of some of the most international stars. Perhaps the least flashy but the most sought after is the Kodak Theater, where the Oscars are held every year. And finally, the Hollywood Museum brings together unreleased tracks from the best-known films in history, such as the original Cella di The silence of the lambsan essential show for the most cinephiles.
2. Walk Sunset Boulevard, the street of wordsMayor
While it may seem a little superfluous, this visit isn’t wasted. Avenue of the sunset It is the famous avenue surrounded by imposing palm trees that runs through almost the entire city. Walking down this street revives the many Hollywood movies you a Cadillac Eldorado, the ultimate representative of the spirit of American classic cars, passes palm by palm until it reaches its destination. The best known part is the one that connects Hollywood with Beverly Hills, called Strip at sunsetwhere casinos and clubs flourished when this area still resided outside the city of Los Angeles.
Over time, this area has changed, becoming a more respectable recreational area, suitable for the needs of all types of population. In addition, a few years ago some Hollywood stars decided to move their residences to residential complexes around Sunset Boulevard, particularly in the Sunset Strip section.
3. See the famous Hollywood sign
And you can’t miss a good view of one of the most important signs in the world. If you go to the corner of Hollywood Boulevard y North Highland Avenue you will find a shopping mall called Center of Hollywood and the Highlands. Going up to the upper floors you can enjoy one of the best views in HOLLYWOOD.
The other option is for those who have the ability to drive a car, driving Beachwood Canyon. So there are the best views Ranch at sunset, a ranch located in the adjacent hills. And if you still want to see it closer, you can rent a horse riding to get as close as possible. Those who think about playing each of their lyrics, the thing is difficult, since the poster is protected by fences. We will have to be content with seeing it a few meters away.
4. Visit the Beverly Hills neighborhood
Beverly Hills It was a small town located near the city of Los Angeles, as well as Santa Monica, which we will talk about later. It is currently one of the busiest neighborhoods in the city, the main reason being that in this area there are large buildings where millionaire personalities from all over the world reside. It has thus become the most luxurious and expensive area of the city.
One of the most requested excursions is a tour that covers all the mansions of the famous and famous who reside in such luxurious buildings, including explanations, details and curiosities for the most curious tourists. However, there are other areas of Beverly Hills that are worth visiting. Don’t face the street Rodeo Driveas this is where part of the film was shot Pretty Woman.
5. Dive into the beaches of Santa Monica and Venice Beach
The coast of Los Angeles could not be missed. the beaches of Santa Monica run through 3 miles of sand with a wide variety of entertainment. For both practitioners and spectators, surfing unites all who set foot on these beaches. You will find youngsters tied to their tables from the beginning and end of the arena, as well as sturdy lifeguards in pure style Baywatch. The plan cannot end without stepping on the pier of santa monica, which juts out into the sea for a mile. One of the best places on the west coast to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
At the end of the Santa Monica tour we arrived Venice beach, the favorite destination of bohemians. This place perfectly represents Californian culture, as it exudes tranquility, good vibes and urban art. Venice Beach was born in 1905 with the idea of creating a small replica of Venice to promote the cultural movement in Southern California. Throughout the area there are many shops, food stalls, outdoor gyms and even street performers. Hence, Venice Beach has been home to artists trying to achieve fame since its construction. See the facades of the buildings where you can see murals of famous people from the musical or film field. As you can see, visiting Los Angeles is priceless.
6. Have fun like a kid at Disneyland and Universal Studios
There seems to be no better place to find two amusement parks with these characteristics than in the movie mecca. What about Disneyland and its universe populated by unforgettable animals and characters! Undoubtedly an unbeatable place to return to childhood. Even if what you like are movies for slightly older people, nothing beats going through Universal Studios. There you can have fun an area dedicated exclusively to Harry Potter and another to the Simpsons. Among many other things! Well, you can also walk through a reproduction of the streets of The walking dead and remember Jurassic Park through an aquatic attraction.
7. Cool off in Malibu
35 minutes drive from Los Angeles is one of the most Californian symbols imaginable: the beaches of Malibu. Malibu is a city full of beaches that are as paradisiacal as they are cinematic. We could highlight some of them, for example Zuma Beach, Malibu State Beach or Topanga Beach. But there are many more! And all very well stocked with tourist services that will make your experience in the Pacific waters something even more complete. In short, a very complete and easy plan to implement: just rent a car in Los Angeles; something that is also cheap as you can find rentals starting at € 25.
8. Little Tokyo
Chinatowns are common in American cities, but did you know there is a Japanese neighborhood in Los Angeles? In fact there is and is called Little Tokyo. It has no losses. Walking through its streets you will see reconstructions of traditional Japanese architecture, restaurants and even some Buddhist temples. It is also a dynamic neighborhood where traditional elements coexist with more modern ones; above all from an architectural point of view, given that in the 1970s the area underwent a profound alteration. We advise you not to miss a visit to the James Irvine Japanese Garden, the Japanese American Museum and the essential Koyasan temple, the first Buddhist temple in the United States, built in 1927.
9. Chinatown
And how could there not be a Chinatown in Los Angeles anyway? It is in fact an ancient settlement, dating back to the nineteenth century. However, the decadence it experienced led the authorities to transfer it to the center. A decision that explains the great architectural diversity of current Chinatown, as the area chosen for this new settlement had it traditional Mexican houses. Something you will clearly see on Olvera Street. And, as if that weren’t enough, too ended up absorbing the Italian quarter, so you will not miss the restaurants of this delicious gastronomy. In short: multiculturalism in its purest form. If you visit it you cannot miss the above Via Olverathe call Chung Kingthe central square e the Thien Hau temple, dedicated to the Chinese deity of the sea, Mazu.
10. The Huntington
Although Los Angeles is preceded by its status as a Mecca for entertainment, it is not a city without level cultural options for those more interested in going beyond the beaches and leisure. If that’s the case, you can’t miss a visit to The Huntighton. It’s about a Park of 50 hectares with a great diversity of styles (Chinese, Australian, Japanese …) which is complemented by a library and an art museum. The library holds priceless treasures such as ancient manuscripts, Shakespeare’s writings (and his desk) annotations of Newtons letters from George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincolnand one of the 12 existing copies of the Gutenberg Bible. And we haven’t talked about the museum yet! In fact, in its art gallery it is possible to admire one of the best painting collections in the United States. They mostly belong to Anglo-Saxon artists, although there is also a strong presence of French artists. On its walls you can admire works by Thomas Gainsborough or Edward Hopper. Of course, admission costs 25 dollars and is located in San Marino, 20 minutes from the center.
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