WHEN you visit Los Angeles, California, you can’t help but go to places that you’ve seen on TV or in the movies. A side trip to LA when I went to San Francisco for a conference was the perfect opportunity. It’s the land of the movie stars, and what better way to enjoy LA than to see the place that has been a backdrop in print and broadcast media. Here are places you can check out when in the City of Angels.
• Hollywood Boulevard. When you think of LA, the first thing that comes to mind is Hollywood. The Walk of Fame, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, and El Capitan Theatre are just a few of the familiar structures along this stretch. Don’t forget to check out the stars and the names of the celebrities on them.
• Universal Studios. It’s a giant playground and shooting location at the same time. There are many rides, performances and attractions. The most amazing part was the studio tour, which brought me around the various sets where famous movies and TV series were filmed. It’s like going behind the scenes of movies like “War of the Worlds,” “The Jaws,” “Psycho,” “Fast and Furious,” and so much more. We even drove through Wisteria Lane of the “Desperate Housewives.”
• Downtown LA. There are several movies that were shot at Downtown LA. My friend’s place, where I stayed, was just next to the Pershing Square station, so I was able to walk around the area. There’s the Walt Disney Concert Hall, which I visited but a few minutes late for the last free tour. I also went to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Angels, passing Pershing Square, the Civic Center, and Grand Park along the way. I also walked back and proceeded to the Central Library, onwards to LA Live and Staples Center.
• Griffith Observatory. Once I arrived at the Griffith Observatory, a scene at the Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle movie. But more than just a movie location, there are interesting things to see inside the Griffith Observatory. There are also trails around Griffith Park. You can see downtown LA below from the observatory building.
• Beverly Hills. Another interesting place to hang out in LA is Beverly Hills. It was so popular in the 90’s with the hit of the TV series “Beverly Hills 90210.” Posh and lavish shops dot the streets of Beverly Hills. One particular place where you can wander is Rodeo Drive. Adjacent to it, you will find a familiar structure, which is the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel, where a number of movies where also hot.
• Sta. Monica Beach. The Ferris Wheel of the Sta. Monica Beach is not an uncommon sight as we get to see it in the movies and on TV. It’s also a favorite place of families where they can walk around and enjoy the beach. There are also street performances near Sta. Monica Beach when you wander around.
• The Grove. If you want to do some shopping and lots of dining, then the Grove is a place you should never miss. Some TV shows are also shot here. Of course, you can also enjoy a relaxing day in the movies at The Grove.
But LA is more than just the movies, there are plenty of things to see and do in the City of Angels.
All photos are by this author. Claire Marie Algarme blogs at http://firsttimetravels.com. Follow her as @firsttimetravel on Twitter and Instagram and like her Facebook page First-time Travels blog.