LOS ANGELES TRAVEL BOOKS

Los Angeles is not really a city but rather a sprawling metropolis constituting more than 80 smaller city areas woven together by a daunting network of traffic-congested freeways without a clearly defined centre. LA is just one of these cities with Downtown at its heart, and lying outside the city limits is the surrounding conglomeration of cities that comprises LA County.
Los Angeles offers a dazzling variety of attractions and world-famous amusements. Downtown is a mixture of cultures and local communities: the traditional herbalists of Chinatown’s Bamboo Lane; Little Tokyo with its sushi bars and Japanese gardens; and the narrow Latino-influenced Olvera Street. Los Angeles County is endowed with a rich diversity of backgrounds and is a mix-and-match of people from 140 countries speaking 96 different languages, of those who have left home to seek acceptance for ideas or unconventional lifestyles not tolerated in the more conservative parts of the country, and would-be stars with dreams of fame and fortune. West Hollywood is the focal point of gay and lesbian culture, and the posh beachside resort of Santa Monica and body-builders at Muscle Beach, as well as the childhood fantasy of Disneyland are all a part of the diversity, although not always a harmonious one. There are exciting museums, cinemas featuring every conceivable production, swanky boutiques with the latest fashions, comedy clubs, poetry readings and coffee house recitals, and music of every kind played in various venues throughout the city.
Underneath the huge ‘Hollywood’ sign on the crest of the Hollywood Hills, the high energy and pleasure-seeking atmosphere, bold billboards, sexy sun-bronzed people, bright lights and fancy cars are images of a city that everyone loves to hate; but whether one likes what one finds or not, Los Angeles must be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

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Losangeles Video Guide

Hollywood Video Guide

Hollywood
Los Angeles is the film and entertainment capital of the world and the name ‘Hollywood’ is the embodiment of glamour, success and money; the place where films are made, television shows are recorded and stars take up residence. The famous Hollywood sign on the hills above the city has become the enduring symbol of the movie industry and of Los Angeles itself - the 50ft-high (15m) white letters can be seen from miles away. The historic heart of the movie industry is centred on Hollywood Boulevard where millions of visitors flock to see landmark attractions and museums.

Universal Video Guide

Universal Studios Hollywood
One of the most popular attractions in Los Angeles is Universal Studios Hollywood, reputedly the world’s biggest film studio and theme park. The main attraction is the Studio Tour, a narrated tram ride that traverses the huge complex, passing stars’ dressing rooms and famous back-lot sets, including an Old West town, the town square in ‘Back to the Future’ films, as well as Jurassic Park III and ‘Curse of the Mummy’s Tomb’ sets. Along the way visitors will experience several realistic staged-disasters such as an earthquake, an avalanche, an attack by ‘Jaws’ and a meeting with an enormous version of ‘King Kong’. Besides the tours there is a theme park that provides a thrilling introduction to the principles of special effects with several attractions and movie-related rides.

Warner Bros Video Guide

Warner Bros Studios
The tour at Warner Bros offers a comprehensive behind-the-scenes look at an authentic working studio and provides more of a technical slant than the Universal Studios tour, focussing on the authentic filmmaking procedure. The informative two-hour tour takes visitors to view the sets, prop construction, wardrobe and sound department, as well as visiting active film and television sets where it is sometimes possible to watch actors in the midst of filming. There is also an introductory film and museum depicting the studio’s film history.

West LA Video Guide

West LA
West LA is famous for its trend-setting style; the place where the ’stars’ live, shop and go out on the town. The area includes some of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Los Angeles, particularly Beverley Hills and Bel Air. Home of the rich and famous, and one of the world’s most expensive residential areas, Beverley Hills flaunts its wealth with luxurious manors, tree-lined streets, grand estates and security gates concealing landscaped grounds that are home to the likes of Jack Nicholson and Harrison Ford. Scheduled tours are available or Star Home Maps can be picked up at any street corner vendor for the latest on who lives where. The neighbourhood is also home to the famous shopping district centred on Rodeo Drive with expensive shops oozing designer labels such as Gucci, Armani and Vuitton.

The Beach Communities Video Guide

The Beach Communities
The miles of sandy beaches along the Pacific Ocean are a celebration of the Californian lifestyle with distinct neighbourhoods and oceanfront walks linking the communities. Malibu is popular with the privacy seeking rich and famous and their mansions line strips of privately owned shoreline; the wide sandy beaches, rocky outcrops and green open-spaces make Malibu the most scenic neighbourhood in LA. It presents the classic Californian beach babe image immortalised by the ‘Beach Boys’ and ‘Baywatch’. LA’s premiere beach community, Santa Monica, is known for its alternative beachfront atmosphere, as well as its famous hideaway Hollywood residents.

Getty Center Video Guide

Getty Center
The J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center is a museum you can’t miss. With lofty skylights and original architecture, it is one of the best museums in Los Angeles. Getty stores a multitude of art, sculpture and photographs from Europe and America. You can also check out old manuscripts and decorative arts here. Highlights of the year consist of Italian Manuscripts from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Rembrandt’s Late Religious Portraits and Shrine and Shroud: Textiles in Illuminated Manuscripts, to name a few. Keep a day aside for this museum, its Central Gardens and popular restaurant , which are sure to leave you breathless with their beauty. Admission is free.

Griffith Observatory Video Guide

Griffith Observatory
This landmark observatory features an impressive Planetarium, periodically changing presentations, and a permanent exhibition in the main hall. It also features Laserium shows of sound and light.

Olvera Street Video Guide

Olvera Street
Years ago, one of the summer rituals for L.A. children was a new pair of huaraches from Olvera Street and maybe some Mexican jumping beans. Nowadays those rituals are a year-round treat on this cobblestone street, which is a block-long cornucopia of traditional clothing and accessories, Mexican art, giftwares, leather goods, novelties and restaurants. There is also a Visitors Center where tourists can appreciate the complimentary screening of a film which depicts early life in Los Angeles. Olvera Street was created in the ’30s and comprises the area known as the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, which is the site of the city’s beginnings. Free tours are given to the public by the Las Angelinas, a non-profit organization.

La Brea Tar PitsVideo Guide

La Brea Tar Pits
Once upon a time, Rancho La Brea was only a Mexican land grant. Now a park, the tar pits have been the world’s richest deposit of Ice Age fossils. More than 40,000 years ago mammoths, saber-toothed cats and dire wolves freely roamed the Los Angeles basin and became entrapped in the natural asphalt of the tar pits. During the summer months, visitors can observe the ongoing excavation from Pit 91. A visit to the on-site Page Museum is a must.

THE BEST HOTEL IN LOSANGELES

Sunset Tower Video Guide

Sunset Tower Hotel, Los Angeles
Formerly known as the Argyle Hotel, the historic Sunset Tower has reclaimed its original name, and is located on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, and is approximately 15 miles from Los Angeles International Airoprt. Local attractions include Beverly Hills, located one mile from the property, and Hollywood, approximately three miles away. Hotel amenities include in-room spa services, a beauty salon, and the Tower Bar. Dining options include the on-site bistro.

The Westin Bonaventure Video Guide

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites, Los Angeles, rightfully considered a landmark of downtown Los Angeles, is located in the center of the financial district and approximately 17 miles from Los Angeles International Airport. Nearby attractions include Dodger Stadium, Shrine Auditorium, California Science Center, Natural History Museum, La Brea Tar Pit, Los Angeles Zoo, Hollywood Bowl, and Universal Studios®, all less than 10 miles away. Within walking distance, guests will find the 7th Street Market Place, Macy’s Plaza, Museum of Contemporary Art, LA Convention Center, and Little Tokyo.

Four Seasons Video Guide

Four Seasons Los Angeles
Nestled near Beverly Hills, the Four Seasons is host to the moneyed elite, quirky creative types, and fabled stars who are used to the best of the best. There is no expense spared when it comes to providing the utmost quality in amenities, style and service. European paintings, exquisite flower arrangements and beautiful gardens are the norm throughout this breathtaking hotel. Host to the working person too, the staff offers a vast array of business services including translation services, secretarial services, audio visual equipment, cellular telephones and much more. The in-house Spa provides various therapies and massages, while the Gardens restaurant provides for an open-air dining space. They also have Windows Lounge with an alfresco ambience for people who want to laze around and enjoy some ethnic cuisine.

THE BEST RESTUARANT

In-N-Out Burger Video Guide

In-N-Out Burger
In-N-Out Burger is a fast food chain spread across California, Arizona, Nevada and Utah. Their West Los Angeles location brings out the same freshness and quality for which this chain is popular. This chic haunt serves French fries, shakes and other beverages besides the regular varieties of burgers. They have a limited menu but all worth tasting. Clean environment and friendly service completes the ambience, all in all, making it a delightful experience.

Philippe the Original Video Guide

Philippe the Original
Since 1918, this place has been serving the best French-dipped sandwiches in the world. That seems logical because it was the original Philippe who claims to have invented the juicy concoction nearly 100 years ago. The prices haven’t changed that much sincea roast beef, pork, turkey, ham or leg of lamb sandwich satiate your palate and suit your pocket! Want a cup of coffee? Got a dime? No kidding.

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