23 Feb 2008 10:54:17 | Tony Fenton
Like many large cities, Los Angeles is a collection of smaller
towns, glued together with a grid of roads and freeways.
Roughly 60 miles across it is one of the largest cities by area
in the US. Crossing from side to side can take an hour, but with
freeway traffic conditions you are more likely to take at least
double this time.
Downtown LA is more of a commercial district of skyscraper
office blocks than a shopping district. You will find shopping
in the form of small shopping plazas and larger shopping malls
dotted all over the LA basin.
In this respect LA is a little disappointing if you were looking
for an american version of London or Paris. However there is
still plenty to see and do, it just takes a little planning so
that you are not spending your entire time in a traffic jam or
driving endless miles across city.
Places To Visit Here are some selected places to visit whilst in
LA.
Angeles Crest Highway A little out of the city this scenic drive
twists and turns much like Mulholland Drive along the
mountainous crest of the LA basin.
Long Beach Home of the Queen Mary which can be toured.
Aquarium of the Pacific Whilst in Long Beach the Aquarium of the
Pacific is definitely worth a visit. From colourful corals and
tropical marine fish to California Rays that come out of the
water for you to pet and stroke like small dogs! Also a new
shark exhibition is worth seeing.
Dodger Stadium Whether going to a ball game or not, the stadium
is worth a visit. Top of the Park souvenir shop sells LA Dodger
branded clothing and other baseball souvenirs. Parking is free
on non-game days.
Griffith Park A good vantage point from where you can see the
cluster of skyscrapers making up the commercial downtown of LA
and also the world-famous Hollywood sign.
Hollywood Boulevard Aside from the famous stars lining the
sidewalk there is usually some form of street entertainment and
always a hustle. At the Western end of Hollywood Boulevard is .
. .
Mann's Chinese A must-see, even if it's much smaller in real
life than you would have imagined! Famous foot/hand/etc. prints
of those legendary Hollywood stars.
Frederick's Of Hollywood Also on Hollywood Boulevard is
Frederick's flagship lingerie store, world-renowned. Includes a
free museum of lingerie worn by stars of the silver screen
Mulholland Drive The famous drive that has views all over the LA
basin and will introduce you to the scale of the city.
Universal Studios More of a theme park than studio tour, but
true to the glamour and glitz of Hollywood.
Warner Brothers In contrast to Universal, this is a tour of a
working studio. A costume museum full of fascinating history is
the start of a tour that includes prop departments, workshops,
sound stages, usually a chance to sit in on a TV series
rehearsal in a sound stage and a chance to wander around some
memorable backlot sets.
And don't forget neighboring Orange County which is home to the
quintessential Southern Californian Beach Cities of Newport
Beach and Huntington Beach where life slows to the ebb and flow
of the Pacific along their golden sandy shores. Or for some
great shopping visit world class South Coast Plaza at Costa Mesa
or the outdoor mall of Newport Beach's Fashion Island.
About Author :
Tony is a keen traveller and has enjoyed many visits to
California over the years.
