|
|
|
|
In Short
If
Los Angeles seems eerily familiar it's because you've probably already
seen so much of it through film and television. Los Angeles, the home
of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, is not only a star-studded city, it is
such a frequent star of movies and television series itself that
virtually everywhere you turn there are reminders that this city is the
entertainment capital of the world.
While Hollywood and
Beverly Hills are standout attractions in their own right, for many
visitors it is seeking out the 'real' locations from their favourite
movies and TV shows that makes visits to Los Angeles such a delight.
Whether you are searching out the great studio lots - Universal, Warner
Bros and MGM - the street locations of such recent TV blockbusters as
Keifer Sutherland's 24, or discovering the time-honoured star trails,
Los Angeles has a wealth of movie-related experiences.
Move
inquisitively beyond the Hollywood aura of Los Angeles, however, and
you will discover a diverse and fascinating region in its own right.
Even a trip to the beach brings up a star-studded choice between Santa
Monica (close to the airport), Long Beach, Huntington Beach (known
locally as Surf City), Newport Beach and Laguna.
Los
Angeles is indeed the golden destination described by that most
historic American catchphrase, 'Go West, young man! Go West'. Where
fortunes were once found through digging California's sands for gold
and oil, more recent fortunes and dreams have been made fashioned out
of the sandscapes of LA's thriving computer industry that links
distantly north to San Jose's Silicon Valley.
Such areas
of recent legend are well worth seeing - along with such accessible
favourites as the Mojave Desert, Death Valley, Joshua Tree and a host
of legendary Old West towns - and the best way is to drive. After all,
Los Angeles is both renowned and lampooned as the city that deifies the
automobile (proof can be found in Steve Martin's movie, LA Story, or
the recent hits The Fast and the Furious and 2 Fast 2 Furious) - and
that's all the more reason to use LA as your launch pad for a unique
Californian driving holiday.
Los Angeles has been - and still is - the staging
point for great American stories and experiences.
Best Time to Visit
So
much of what's special to Los Angeles County, such as Hollywood and the
major theme parks, is in a controlled environment, so weather patterns
do not play a major role in choosing the best time of year to visit.
More appropriate, perhaps, are the travel trends that dictate the size
of crowds at these attractions.
While it may seem like a
good idea to be in Hollywood for the Academy Awards, it's not a good
time for accommodation or getting in to major attractions. You're not
the only one with that idea. Before or after the big event, however,
you'll find things are much more manageable in LA.
Those
choosing a driving holiday will want to take note of the weather.
California's weather can loosely be described as Mediterranean-style,
but Los Angeles rests on the cusp of a desert and as such suffers
dramatic extremes in temperature. Be prepared for hot days (especially
in summer) and cool nights much of the time. July to September are the
hot summer months, so for the most pleasant weather aim for the months
that flank summer.
Things To See &
Do
Experience Los Angeles
If
you are attracted by Los Angeles and LA County you are not alone.
According to California Tourism, 317 million tourists travelled
throughout California last year and about eight million of them are
said to have come from overseas. Most of them entered through LA
International Airport.
Those sorts of numbers reflect the
fact that Los Angeles has a lot to offer visitors. Locals admit that
the vibrant lifestyle of Los Angeles rests somewhere between reality
and dream and that's what makes this town so special. LA is a
trend-setting city that is worth visiting just to find out what those
latest trends are. It's here that big flashy convertibles, short
skirts, in-line skates, health food, surfing and even the Internet were
popularized.
There's
plenty to see and do in the Downtown area, even before you venture out
to the theme park mecca of Anaheim or drive the beachside routes.
Venice Boardwalk is the place to meet LA's characters ranging from
bodybuilders to extreme roller-bladers to fire eaters and juggling
street entertainers. You must try Rodeo Drive for both window- shopping
and celebrity spotting. The Walk of Fame is a must-do in central
Hollywood, and Universal Studios and its state-of-the-art theme park
tops must-see lists.
Movie buffs must check out the famous
HOLLYWOOD sign - go to the end of Beechwood Drive. There is also a host
of new movie-related attractions including the Hollywood and Highland
Development on Hollywood Boulevard which houses a theatre, shops and
ballroom, and its Kodak Theatre now hosts the Academy Awards. When not
hosting the Oscars, the theatre offers music and comedy performances.
Shops in the development include Aveda, Celine and Louis Vuitton along
with the luxury Renaissance Hollywood Hotel.
Well
worth a visit in the city itself is The Grove restaurant district and
the Hollywood Entertainment Museum, along with the new Autry National
Center of the American West, named after the famed Hollywood cowboy
Gene Autry and now amalgamated with the Southwest Museum of the
American Indian. West Hollywood is a magnet for the fashion conscious
and its hub is Sunset Millennium Plaza on the Sunset Strip, where big
name boutiques such as Undercover, Vertigo, L'Occitane and 'O' Boutique
dazzle.
The Motion Picture Hall of Fame opens on the
corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine St in January 2004 and it is
destined to become a must-visit for film buffs. Other oddities that are
a delight to discover but rarely make it onto tour itineraries are the
Natural History Museum of LA County and the Museum of Tolerance which
features moving displays on challenges facing society on issues such as
racism and religious tolerance.
Then, of course, you must
leave time to drive out to Anaheim and sample the top attraction in the
US, Disneyland, and the relatively new Disney's California Adventure,
along with Knott's Berry Farm. California offers some great driving
experiences beyond LA and routes can be explored on www.gocalif.com.
Restaurants &
Bars
Restaurants
The
LA restaurant scene is bewilderingly diverse and this is a city that is
prepared to pay as much for decor, ambience and star quality as much as
quality of cuisine. Remember, this is the city that patented healthy
restaurant cuisine.
Local restaurant critics all seem to
agree on a few choice names, however. Bastide is one of the top names
on everyone's dining list in LA (8475 Melrose Place, Tel +1 323 651
0426) for its exquisite French style cuisine. Of course, where the
stars dine has to be good and at the peak of that list is probably
Spago Beverly Hills (176 N. Canon Drive, Tel +1 310 385 0850), which
offers Californian cuisine at its zenith.
Well regarded is
Water Grill for its superb seafood (544 S. Grand Avenue, Tel +1 213 891
0900) and Aubergine often gets a mention for its Californian creativity
(508 29th St Newport Beach, Tel +1 949 723 4150) so long as you are
prepared to drive to Newport Beach.
A couple of decades of
fame has not dulled the event of eating at West Hollywood's Chaya
Brasserie (8741 Alden Drive, Tel +1 310 859 8833) and those who lust
after Italian are still to be found at Madeo (8897 Beverly Blvd, Tel +1
310 859 4903).
But if you are not up to shelling our for
the big names, there is a stellar choice in local dining to be found
throughout the city and especially in West Hollywood and Santa Monica.
Bars
Well,
LA is the entertainment capital of the world so it holds a lot of
advantages on the bar scene. So long as you remember to tip the
bartender, you can have a great time star spotting and hanging out in
the better-known bars.
Top of many lists is the "uniquely
LA" The Bourgeois Pig (5931 Franklin Ave), which is set up in a gothic
style but actually attracts celebrities because of its alcohol-free
drinks range. A good bet for star spotting can also be the better hotel
bars, such as the lobby lounge at Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica
and, of course, The Peninsula in Beverly Hills.
The famous
Trader Vic's Tiki bar at the Beverly Hills Hotel remains a fair bet,
but you'll probably need to be with a celebrity if you want to get into
the Whiskey Bar (1200 Alta Loma Rd) at the Sunset Marquis Hotel &
Villas. Few are disappointed in cocktails at Mojo in the W Hotel (930
Hilgard Av). Also worth a mention is House of Blues (Sunset Boulevard)
for music that suits a wide range of tastes.
Getting Around
On Foot
Make
the most of the few areas which are set up for walking, such as Santa
Monica, West Hollywood and Downtown. LA may be the automobile's mecca,
but to walk certain areas is to experience the essence of LA life:
Downtown's Chinatown and Little Tokyo, plus the western areas of the
Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Malibu, and Venice
Beach.
Car (Automobile)
Los Angeles rests along the coast of the Pacific
Ocean and with its 1,200 km2 in the heart of 10,600 km2
LA County it's one of the world's great metropolitan sprawls.
This
is the city that made an art form out of the freeway, so don't be
surprised to be spending a lot of time on some of LA's 527 miles of
freeway.
It's a fair bet, though, that hiring a car will
be cheaper and more relaxed than constantly taking taxis. Taxis are not
hailed on the street in LA, in general, but are to be found at major
hotel queues. Taxis have a USD $2 flagfall and are about USD $1.80 per
mile.
With car hire, do reserve in advance, do get
insurance, read the freeway rules and always plan your route,
especially if planning freeway travel. It's best to take car hire as
part of your travel package to save money and hassles on arrival.
Travel Tips
- California is measured in miles (about 1.6 km).
- If there are no signs posted, the maximum speed
is 25 mph on city streets and 65 mph on the freeways.
- You may turn right after stopping at a red
light unless a sign says otherwise.
- Drink driving laws are strictly enforced.
- Be
sure to read carefully all signs that say what days or hours you may
park. Illegally parked vehicles get tickets very quickly and may be
towed away.
Airports
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is 17
miles southwest of the city and Santa Monica is its closest stylish
neighbourhood.
From
LAX there are shuttle companies running 24 hours a day including
SuperShuttle (Tel +1 323 775 6600) and fares start at around USD $15 to
Santa Monica.
A taxi to the Westside will cost upwards of
USD $20 plus tip and take about 20 minutes. It will be about USD $40
plus and about 45 minutes to Hollywood.
Money
The
currency of the United States is the US Dollar (USD $), one dollar is
divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1 cent (penny),
5 cents (nickel), 10 cents (dime), 25 cents (quarter), 50 cents (half
dollar)
Paper bills come in $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, and
$100. Bills are similar in size and come in the same monochromatic
green, so look carefully at denominations as you use notes.
People
rarely carry around $100 bills and usually use a credit card for
purchases of more than $50. Traveller's cheques are widely accepted.
Foreign exchange counters are available at airports, but rates are not
as attractive as those offered by banks. International credit cards
such as American Express, Diner's Club, MasterCard and Visa are
accepted in most hotels, shopping malls, restaurants and car rental
offices.
It's a good idea to have at least one
international credit card when visiting the US, as it will make major
purchases much easier, including deposits on car rental and some
hotels. Credit cards can be used for cash advances from selected banks.
|
|
|
Los
Angeles
by David Chandler
LOS ANGELES a metropolis, which spans across a
thousand square miles of the great desert basin, mixed together with
congested freeways that run between the ocean and the mountains.
LA is still considered a young city. In the
mid-nineteenth century, it was a community of white American
immigrants, poor Chinese laborers, and wealthy Mexican ranchers, with a
population of less than fifty thousand. Definitely, a difference from
what it is now. LA is known for it shopping malls, palm trees, and
swimming pools. The celluloid self-image of Los Angeles is known all
over the world.
The first-time visitor to Los Angeles may well
find it to be thrilling and threatening in equal proportions. It is a
very fast-paced city and it will pick you up and sweep you along
whether you want it to or not. While Los Angeles has many fine-art
museums, California cuisine and a few old-fashioned urban plazas, what
people really come here for is to experience the city that has come to
epitomize the American Dream. This is where teens come to try to become
actors and stars.
Recommendation for first time visitors is to visit
places such as Universal Studios, Mann's Chinese Theatre, Venice Beach
Boardwalk, Watt's Towers, Melrose Avenue, Rodeo Drive, Walt Disney
Concert Hall, and let us not forget about the amusement parks such as
Knott's Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, and Disneyland.
With all the entertainment available in Los
Angeles, you are sure to see a Celebrity or two while you are out and
about. There are many things to do in LA, how about just hanging out at
the beach and relaxing or surfing in the Pacific Ocean. Many things are
within driving distance from LA as well.
|
Los
Angeles
by David Chandler
LOS ANGELES a metropolis, which spans across a
thousand square miles of the great desert basin, mixed together with
congested freeways that run between the ocean and the mountains.
LA is still considered a young city. In the
mid-nineteenth century, it was a community of white American
immigrants, poor Chinese laborers, and wealthy Mexican ranchers, with a
population of less than fifty thousand. Definitely, a difference from
what it is now. LA is known for it shopping malls, palm trees, and
swimming pools. The celluloid self-image of Los Angeles is known all
over the world.
The first-time visitor to Los Angeles may well
find it to be thrilling and threatening in equal proportions. It is a
very fast-paced city and it will pick you up and sweep you along
whether you want it to or not. While Los Angeles has many fine-art
museums, California cuisine and a few old-fashioned urban plazas, what
people really come here for is to experience the city that has come to
epitomize the American Dream. This is where teens come to try to become
actors and stars.
Recommendation for first time visitors is to visit
places such as Universal Studios, Mann's Chinese Theatre, Venice Beach
Boardwalk, Watt's Towers, Melrose Avenue, Rodeo Drive, Walt Disney
Concert Hall, and let us not forget about the amusement parks such as
Knott's Berry Farm, Magic Mountain, and Disneyland.
With all the entertainment available in Los
Angeles, you are sure to see a Celebrity or two while you are out and
about. There are many things to do in LA, how about just hanging out at
the beach and relaxing or surfing in the Pacific Ocean. Many things are
within driving distance from LA as well.
Check with your local travel agency for excellent
packages to the Los Angeles area.
For more information, visit Los
Angeles Info Center
|
Sightseeing
in Los Angeles
by Tony Fenton
Tony started Strathlorn Travel to
provide a service to independent travellers to the USA, Canada,
Australia and other worldwide destinations. Tony enjoys travel and
brings his own experiences to help others in arranging their
itineraries.
Tony Fenton may be contacted at http://www.strathlorntravel.co.uk
or ajfenton@strathlorntravel.co.uk
|
Santa
Catalina - Island of Dreams
by Tony Fenton
This beautiful island lies just 26 miles across
the ocean from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. Yet it might be
thousands of miles away.
As soon as you step ashore you can feel the pace
of life slow perceptibly. Even the name of the main 'town' on the
island is evocative - Avalon.
The 76 square mile island was originally owned by
the Wrigley Family (of chewing gum fame) but over 80% is now owned by
The Santa Catalina Island Conservancy. The island's interior is
unspoilt and protected as a wildlife natural habitat. There are very
few cars on the island - transport is mainly by bike or electric golf
cart(!). But you can easily explore Avalon on foot, and this is the
only way to enjoy the shops, bars and restaurants along The Crescent.
Tours include a guided tour of the Casino,
glass-bottomed boat trip from the pier to some kelp fields to see fish
being fed from the boats and various bus tours into the interior of the
island.
Tours can be purchased from the tourist office
located by the pier. The problem is trying to fit everything in before
your return ferry!
The Casino is a must visit. Not actually ever a
gambling casino, the three-storey Art Deco style building is home to a
movie theatre and the world's largest circular ballroom. At its heyday
up to 6000 dancers enjoyed the Big Bands in the 1920s to 1950s.
Guided tours are available and well worth going on
to see the place and learn something of its wonderful history.
Aside from the usual tee-shirt shops selling
souvenirs the island is known for its coloured ceramic tiles. These can
make good mementos of your visit.
There are several boat services linking Catalina
to the mainland, all take approximately 1 hour 15 minutes and cost
about $42 per adult or - for $132 round trip you can arrive in style by
a 15 minute helicopter flight from San Pedro.
Tony started Strathlorn Travel to
provide a service to independent travellers to the USA, Canada,
Australia and other worldwide destinations. Tony enjoys travel and
brings his own experiences to help others in arranging their
itineraries.
Tony Fenton may be contacted at http://www.strathlorntravel.co.uk
or ajfenton@strathlorntravel.co.uk
|
|
Visit
Beverly Hills California
by David Hallstrom
Beverly Hills, California, one of the wealthiest
cities in the world is known world wide for multi million dollar
mansions, Rodeo Drive shopping, luxury automobile dealerships, four and
five star hotels, fine dining establishments and wealthy citizens.
Beverly Hills is a great place to visit. Go shopping or window shopping
at Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Channel, Prada, Gucci, Louis
Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, Gearys, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Giorgio Armani,
Lalique, Tiffany & Co, Robert Clergerie, Barneys New York, Van
Cleef & Arpels, La Perla, Hermes, Alfred Dunhill, St. John, Harry
Winston, Buccellati, Cole-Haan, David Orgell, Salvatore Ferragamo, Hugo
Boss, Fendi or dozens of other luxury boutiques, stores and shops.
If you are into luxury cars, you can find almost every type of luxury
and classic car there is on the streets and at the dealerships in
Beverly Hills.
If you can afford it stay in a bungalow at the Beverly Hills Hotel and
be treated like a king or queen. There are also the Le Meridien, Four
Seasons, Regent Beverly Wilshire, The Beverly Hilton, Raffles
L'Ermitage Beverly Hills hotels as well as several other great hotels.
Have breakfast or lunch and see the stars at the Polo Lounge, eat at
Trader Vics, Spagos, Il Fornaio, La Scala, Delmonicos Lobster House,
Regent Beverly Wilshire, Benihana, Houston's and other fine
restaurants. All of them provide excellent service and delicious fare.
All of the businesses and merchants in Beverly Hills are used to
serving wealthy and discriminating clientel, therefore almost anywhere
you go you will be treated with service that is far above average.
Unlike the scenes in the movie Pretty Woman I have never run in to rude
or snooty sales clerks. Everywhere I have shopped, stayed or dined in
Beverly Hills I have been treated very well. Money is money and it
seems that the merchants believe that if you can afford to buy their
goods or services you are more than welcome in their establishment.
Since nowadays it is hard to tell by looks who has money and who
doesn't it's easier and safer for the merchants to treat everyone as if
they are wealthy.
Drive through the residential areas of Beverly Hills. You will find
houses and mansions of all architectural styles and sizes beautifuly
landscaped with dark green lawns, sculpted hedges, fountains and
gorgeous gardens. Even the streets are clean and well tended.
Visit Beverly Hills, if you are rich you will feel right at home and if
you are not you will probably, at least for a while, feel like you are.
By the way, even though the city is filled with luxury hotels, shops
and restaurants, since not everyone who lives, visits or works in
Beverly Hills is rich, there are still plenty of medium to
inexpensively priced hotels, shops, restaurants, coffee shops and fast
food places.
For more information about the city of Beverly Hills, California see http://beverlyhills.usacitydirectories.com,
a directory of links to city of Beverly Hills, California guides and
directories listing hotels, restaurants, attorneys, information,
resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.
About the Author
David G. Hallstrom, Sr. is a retired private
investigator and is currently the publisher of several internet
directories, including http://www.usacitydirectories.com a directory of
national, state, county and city guides and directories listing local
guides, directories, web sites and web pages providing resources,
services and information about things to do and places to go.
David Hallstrom may be contacted at http://www.usacitydirectories.com
|
|
Visit
Hollywood California
by David Hallstrom
World famous Hollywood, California is one of the
best known cities in the world, however it not a city, it's mayor is
honorary, it has no city council or other city officers. It is part of
the city of Los Angeles and as such is governed by the Los Angeles city
council and mayor and it's security is maintained by the Los Angeles
Police Department.
What Hollywood does have is the Kodak Theatre which since opening in
November 2001, has hosted a range of prestigious artists and events
including the Academy Awards® Ceremonies, Celine Dion, Prince,
Elvis Costello, Barry Manilow, American Ballet Theatre, Moscow
Stanislavsky Ballet, AFI Life Achievement Award to Tom Hanks, ESPY
Awards, American Idol finals, GREASE starring Frankie Avalon and more,
the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre with it's movie
premieres, it's cement handprints and footprints which immortalize some
of entertainment's brightest stars, the Egyptian Theatre, a
40,000-square-foot- theater complex, located at 6712 (& 6708 which
is the address of retail space on the property) Hollywood Boulevard,
currently consists of an operational 618-seat theater, a
6,700-square-foot tiled courtyard and a 3,080-square-foot retail
building and the Pantages Theatre, which has become one of the greatest
landmarks of Hollywood, signifying both the glorious past and
adventuresome future of the world's entertainment capital.
Hollywood is also home to the Hollywood Bowl, The Greek Theatre which
offers top quality entertainment under the stars, the Whisky A Go-Go,
the Troubadour, the Hollywood Wax Museum which takes visitors of all
ages on a personal stroll down memory lane, recapturing special moments
with old friends from movies, television, music, sports and history,
the Hollywood Entertainment Museum which features technologically
advanced, interactive exhibits, memorabilia, special exhibitions, a
six-minute multi-screen video presentation and a studio backlot tour
and the El Capitan Theatre, an exclusive first run theatre for Walt
Disney Pictures with live stage shows and world premieres.
While Hollywood does not have much in the way of hotels it does have
the recently renovated (at a cost of $35,000,000.00) Hollywood
Roosevelt Hotel, a Hollywood landmark since 1927, which is right across
the street from Grauman's Chinese Theatre. Celebrities stay there
frequently, especially during premiers and other special functions.
There is also the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel by Marriott with it's 637
rooms and suites, roof-top pool, fitness room, full business center and
more.
Hollywood, which had been in decline since the late 1950s has lately
been undergoing it's own renovation and while it is not yet like it was
in it's heyday, it is again, a fun and interesting place to visit.
Stroll down Hollywood Blvd., take in the sights, visit the Wax Museum,
the Entertainment Museum, and the Kodak Theatre, have your picture
taken with one or more of the many celebrity look-alikes hanging
around, go shopping at Frederick's Of Hollywood or at one of the many
specialty shops, dine at one of the many restaurants, go dancing at
Wiskey A Go-Go, take in a concert at the Greek Theatre or take in a
movie at one of Hollywood's famous theatres.
For more information about Hollywood, California see http://hollywood.usacitydirectories.com,
a directory of links to Hollywood, California guides and directories
listing resources, services, things to do, places to go and more.
|
|
Here is a LosAngles
property report from our link partner /www.los-angeles-talk.com/travel/
Los Angeles
Real Estate Success Stories
Los
Angeles is a city of stark contrasts, from the multi-million dollar
homes in Pacific Palisades to the slums of South Central. For many of
modest means, the accumulation of great wealth through Los Angeles real
estate is a chimera, an unrealizable dream. The gap between where they
stand and where they would like to be is just too large. Yet there are
those who, starting from just such a situation, have parlayed an
investment of a few thousand dollars into substantial real estate
wealth. The particulars vary, but the key in each instance is
formulation of a sound plan and consistency in pursuing that plan over
time. Here are the stories of a few outstanding individuals who did
just that:
For
the patient investor, real estate is substantially more attractive than
securities as an investment. Even for the dyed-in-the-wool stocks and
bonds investor, real estate is appealing as a means of portfolio
diversification. The four main benefits of commercial real estate are:
The
benefits of appreciation and equity buildup are available to both real estate investors and
homeowners. Tens of thousands of families have created the most
significant portion of their family wealth through appreciation in the
value of their home over the course of their working careers. In
addition, payments made on a mortgage loan are like a monthly savings
plan, adding to equity.
Commercial
real estate offers additional income benefits. The issue of income is related to supply and
demand, which affect the asking price for rents. Because of the myriad
employment and self-employment opportunities in the Los Angeles area,
rents have marched steadily upward over the decades, and the consequent
benefit in terms of income for the real estate investor is a very solid
one.
With
respect to tax benefits, couples who sell their home can take a capital gain
exemption of up to $500,000 tax free on a joint tax return, or up to
$250,000 on a single return, provided they have lived in the home for
at least two of the five years preceding the sale. The real estate
investor also enjoys exceptional tax benefits. The first is the
write-off of depreciation as a deduction against income, resulting in a
tax break. The second is the IRS Section 1031 tax-deferred exchange,
one of the last great investment tax shelters in our country. Section
1031 allows an investment property owner to exchange equity from one
property to subsequent larger properties and defer capital gains taxes
over the course of his or her life. This tax-deferred exchange is
available for all the properties in a real estate investor's portfolio.
In a comprehensive estate plan, a lifetime of capital gains passes
tax-free into the owner's estate.
A
lifetime plan of investing in real estate is thus one of the
nation's last true means of creating significant wealth and
deferring taxes.
|
|
|
