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5 Freeway at Los Feliz Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90039
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Just east of Hollywood, the famous Griffith Park Observatory looks over 4000 acres of terrain. As the county’s largest municipal park, Griffith Park is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. On the south side of the Park, the open-air Greek Theatre offers first class entertainment from music’s hottest acts throughout the summer months. On the north side, the nostalgic Travel Town will take you back to the days of steam locomotives, and let you get an up close look at the authentic trains and other vintage vehicles on display. On the east end of the park, a statue of Cowboy star Gene Autry welcomes you to the Autry National Center, a museum that brings the history of the old west to life, both real… and imagined. In addition its collection of historical artifacts and art, the Autry traces the history of the film Western, showcasing the good, the bad, and the ugly, Just across the parking lot from the Autry Center is the Los Angeles Zoo, a treat for both young and old. Having recently completed a major facelift, this zoo has taken its place among the top animal parks in the country.
La Brea Tar Pits/George C. Page Museum
5801 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 323-934-7243
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Animals of the prehistoric variety are on display at the La Brea Tar Pits. Thousands of years ago, this pool of ooze entrapped literally millions of Ice Age creatures that wandered into the mucky asphalt. Over 100 excavation sites have been uncovered in the last century, and some of the findings are on display at the adjacent George C. Page Museum.
Little Tokyo
Around 1st & San Pedro
Los Angeles, CA 90012
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Though few Japanese actually live in this area anymore, its collection of restaurants and bookstores still acts as a magnet for Southern California’s Japanese community. On weekends, Little Tokyo teems with visitors and locals alike, eager to try Japanese noodle shops like Orochon, where the owners practically dare you to try their spiciest ramens. Outside, stroll through the shopping areas or stop and enjoy one of the many cultural experiences that Little Tokyo has to offer. The Japanese American National Museum houses numerous historical exhibits, and is open six days a week. Plus, throughout the year, there are many events and festivals that bring this area to life with the sights and sounds of old Japan.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 323-857-6000
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On Wilshire Boulevard’s Miracle Mile is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. With over 150,000 pieces, it’s considered one of the most comprehensive collections in the Western United States. Especially impressive are the Japanese Pavilliion, which houses a large number of classic works, and the museum's contemporary Anderson Building, which is home to works by Magritte, Matisse, and numerous artists of the Dada school. The permanent collection also features prominent artists such as Degas, Rembrandt, and Monet. Allow plenty of time to hit this one, though - it is the biggest art museum west of the Mississippi.
Olvera Street
Near Union Station
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-680-2525
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The birthplace of Los Angeles is on historic Olvera Street, just east of downtown. In 1781, under the orders of King Carlos III of Spain, a small group of settlers, led by California governor Felipe de Neve, arrived in this area. The eleven families of settlers, or Pobladores as they were known set up camp here and they named their new home El Pueblo de la Reina de los Angeles,” or the Town of the Queen of the Angels. In time, various buildings sprouted up around the plaza, including the Pico House hotel, built in 1869, and Firehouse Number One, Los Angeles’s original firehouse, dating from 1884. Nowadays Olvera Street is a bustling market place, and a center for the LA’s large Hispanic population. This narrow street practically bursts at the seams with vendors and performers of all stripes. It’s a living testament to the area’s deep Latino roots.
Paley Center for the Media
465 North Beverly Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Phone: 310-786-1025
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Formerly known as THE MUSEUM OF TELEVISION & RADIO, the Paley Center for the Media is a museum dedicated to the broadcast arts. Here there is an archive of 100,000 programs and commercials covering over eighty years of broadcast highlights and lowlights. Patrons can use computers to find exactly the clip they want and then view them at one of the museum’s many viewing stations. It certainly beats channel surfing in the hotel room.