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Orientation
The greater Los Angeles area is a vast and sprawling metropolis with many cities, neighborhoods, and micro-communities.
Amusement Parks, Rides, and Zoos
Location | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Disneyland | In Anaheim. A significant commute from downtown LA. | |
Universal Studios | A short freeway drive from downtown LA. | |
Six Flags Magic Mountain | In Santa Clarita/Valencia. A commute from downtown LA. | |
Knott's Berry Farm | A significant drive. Not as impressive as the others, IMO. | |
Santa Monica Pier | Carnival-style rides and games, food, beach... | |
LA Zoo | Great for kids. Gene Autry Museum across the street. | |
Aquarium of the Pacific | Long Beach. A significant commute from downtown LA. |
The Arts, Museums
There are many great art and history museums in Los Angeles. Here are some resources to explore and just a few options to consider:
Location | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Discover the Arts in Los Angeles |
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Resource |
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to |
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find |
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deals |
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for |
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numerous |
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museums, |
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plays, |
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etc. |
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LACMA |
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(Los |
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Angeles |
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County |
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Museum |
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of |
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Art) |
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An |
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amazing |
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museum, |
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including |
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two |
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new |
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complexes. |
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Check |
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our |
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BCAM |
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for |
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contemporary |
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art. |
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Getty |
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Two |
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locations, |
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one |
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in |
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LA |
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off |
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the |
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405 |
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and |
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one |
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at |
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the |
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coast |
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on |
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Pacific |
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Coast |
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Hwy. |
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Both |
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are |
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amazing |
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! | ||
MOCA - Museum of Contemporary Art | South Grand Ave near Pershing Square exit. | |
Annenberg Space for Photography |
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A |
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small |
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space, |
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but |
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great |
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photography. |
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In |
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1-2 |
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hours, |
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you'll |
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see |
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it |
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all |
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and |
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be |
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ready |
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for |
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your |
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next |
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adventure |
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in |
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LA. |
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Petersen |
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Automotive |
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Museum |
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If |
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you're |
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a |
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car |
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nut, |
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this |
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place |
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is |
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for |
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you. |
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Just |
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across |
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the |
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street |
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from |
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LACMA. |
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Hollywood |
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Bowl |
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Music, |
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performances. |
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Walt |
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Disney |
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Concert |
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Hall |
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Not |
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sure |
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if |
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there |
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will |
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be |
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performances, |
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but |
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worth |
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a |
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look |
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! |
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Ahmanson |
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Theater, |
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Mark |
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Taper |
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Forum |
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If |
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a |
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play's |
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your |
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thing, |
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check |
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out |
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these |
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great |
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venues. |
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Griffith |
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Observatory |
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Great |
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view |
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of |
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LA, |
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planetarium, |
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and |
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much |
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more |
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! |
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The |
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Huntington |
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Library, |
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Art |
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Collections, |
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and |
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Botanical |
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Gardens |
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In |
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San |
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Marino-Pasadena. |
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Independent Shakespeare at Griffith Park | Shakespeare. Griffith Park. Check schedule to see if playing during conference. | |
Autry Museum Of Western Heritage | Learn about the American West. | |
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles |
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Exhibits on earth's biodiversity. | |
California Science Center |
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Future home of Space Shuttle Endeavor. | ||
Los Angeles Central Public Library | Check out the art and architecture. | |
Culver City Art District |
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Cool place to explore contemporary art for sale. | ||
Bergamot Station | Cool place to explore contemporary art for sale. |
The Beach
The main beach communities of the Los Angeles Area are, from north to south: Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice and Maria Del Rey. Unfortunately, Downtown LA is on the east side of town, so in order to dip your toes in the Pacific, you'll need a car or a bus trip. Access to the beaches is free, but parking is not.
If you're looking for suggestions, here is a link to recommendations for 8 great LA area beaches.
| Info |
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Please be aware that we sometimes have coastal fog in June. It usually burns off my midday, but something to be aware of. Learn more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_Gloom |
Dining
There are many, many restaurants and eateries in the LA area.
First, you'll notice that restaurants have a letter grade on the door. This is a rating of cleanliness from the city. You want to eat at an "A" restaurant. Less than an "A" means the establishment hasn't met all health codes. You can learn more here: http://lapublichealth.org/eh/misc/ehpost.htm
Location | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
The Original Pantry | An LA landmark. Good ole American diner fare. | |
Urban Spoon's Picks | http://www.urbanspoon.com/n/5/415/LA/Downtown-Los-Angeles-restaurants |
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Yelp's Picks | http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants+downtown&find_loc=Los+Angeles%2C+CA |
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If you're interested in exploring LA's food truck scene, try:
LAist Food Truck Twitter List
Roaming Hunger
If you're interested in sampling some of LA's amazing tacos and taco trucks, a great resource is The Great Taco Hunt. But seriously, almost any taco trunk you come upon is going to have something unique and delicious.
You may have heard that LA has excellent Chinese food. The best place to get some of the most authentic and regional cuisines is in the various towns of the San Gabriel Valley, just east of Downtown.
Hiking, Outdoors
Location | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Griffith Park |
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| ||
Los Angeles Mountains | Trails, parks, etc. |
Off the Beaten Path
Location | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Adamson House, Malibu | Beautiful location, learn about Malibu history, amazing tile. | |
Bergamot Station Art Center, Santa Monica | A collection of art galleries with new and old art and photography for sale. | |
Bradbury Building, Downtown LA | Architecture. | |
Culver City Art District | A collection of art galleries with new and old art and photography for sale. | |
Gamble House, Pasadena | Architecture. Pasadena. Might remember it from Back to the Future. | |
Grand Central Market |
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Food, etc. | |
Graystone Mansion, Beverly Hills |
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Nice grounds, good view, free... | ||
Hollyhock House, Hollywood | Frank Lloyd Wright. 'Nuff said. | |
LA Metro Art |
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The art at bus stations, rail stations, etc. | |
MAK Center at the Schindler House, West Hollywood |
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Art and architecture. | |
The World Famous Magic Castle |
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If you know a magician or member, ask for passes... it's worth the trip! |
Shopping
More places than can be mentioned here. Just a sample:
Location | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Americana - Glendale |
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Popular |
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new |
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mall. |
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Beverly |
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Hills |
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- |
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Rodeo |
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Drive |
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Iconic. |
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Expensive. |
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Beverly |
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Center |
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Not |
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in |
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Beverly |
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Hills, |
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but |
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a |
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mall |
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nonetheless. |
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3rd |
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Street |
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Promenade, |
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Santa |
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Monica |
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Open-air |
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walking |
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mall. |
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Moments |
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away |
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from |
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Santa |
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Monica |
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pier |
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and |
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beach. |
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Another |
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major |
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mall |
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next |
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door. |
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A |
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commute |
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from |
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downtown |
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LA. |
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The |
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Grove |
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Another |
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popular |
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open-air |
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mall. |
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Farmer's |
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market |
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nearby. |
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Hollywood |
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and |
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Highland |
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See |
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the |
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sights, |
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buy |
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some |
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things. Mann's Chinese next door, El Capitan Theatre across the street. | ||
Los Angeles Farmer's Market |
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Los Angeles Fashion District, Flower District |
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Universal City Walk | At the steps to Universal Studios. |
Sightseeing
Location | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Discover Los Angeles | Links to options big and small. | |
Hollywood Sign | A popular symbol of LA. | |
Hollywood and Highland, incl. Mann's Chinese Theater | See the Chinese, glimpse the Hollywood Sign from the observation level, see the El Capitan Theatre across the street, gawk at people dressed in costume. A short subway trip from downtown. | |
Griffith Park |
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La Brea Tar Pits | LACMA next door. Petersen across street. | |
Beverly Hills | The Graystone Mansion is a free place to visit. | |
Santa Monica Pier | Rides, food, beach... | |
Venice Beach | Famous or infamous? | |
Chinatown | Culture, food, shops, and more. Downtown LA. | |
Union Station | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_Station_%28Los_Angeles%29 | Check out the architecture. Downtown LA. |
Olvera Street | Culture, food, shops, and more. One of the oldest parts of downtown. | |
Little Tokyo | Culture, food, shops, and more. Downtown LA. | |
Queen Mary | Long Beach | |
Angel's Flight Railway | Shortest railway in the world. | |
LA Conservancy Walking Tours |
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Sports, Concerts
Location | URL | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Staples Center | Lakers, Clippers, Kings, concerts, etc. | |
LA Dodgers | Home of the Dodgers | |
Anaheim or LA Angels | Home of the Angels | |
The Greek Theatre | Concerts, etc. | |
Nokia Theatre at LA Live | Concerts, etc. | |
LA Forum | Concerts, etc. | |
House of Blues Los Angeles | Concerts | |
Sunset Strip | Concerts, comedy, etc. |
Just a sample of things to do in LA...
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