BUS 449 Post 13: Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles, the city of angels and the home of many movie stars, is a popular destination for a number of reasons. If you are in L.A., you could spend a day at the Universal Studios theme park and the attached City Walk outdoor mall. Make sure to leave at least one whole day for this as the lines for the rides tend to be quite long. My personal favorite was the King Kong 3-D ride, where as you’re taken on a tour around Universal Studios, you get caught in the middle of a terrifying struggle between a 35-foot T-Rex and the 8th wonder of the world – King Kong.

On the red carpet at Universal Studios.

Another thing you can get into is talking a walk on Hollywood Boulevard to Grauman's Chinese Theater. Check out the celebrity handprints and footprints, take some photos with the dressed characters walking around or shop at the Hollywood and Highland Center mall.  Robertson Boulevard is the place where you can see a celebrity and have lunch at  Ivy, where paparazzi are waiting out.  

If you’re into hiking, Runyon Canyon Park is a must. You might even see some famous people there! If you’re a sushi lover, you must enjoy the sushi joints that grow in strip malls on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City, the heart of the San Fernando Valley.

I can’t help, but mention some of the most popular beaches in the Los Angeles region: Malibu beach, Venice beach, El Matador, Santa Monica, and Leo Carrillo are some of the many exquisite beaches around. The many palm trees, white, soft sand and the endless outdoor activities will amaze you!  

If you appreciate art and good reads, the Huntington Library has some famous art, like Thomas Gainsborough's The Blue Boy, and lots of important documents, such as a Gutenberg Bible, a copy of The Canterbury Tales and two quartos of Hamlet. Furthermore, the 120 acres of botanical gardens are endless and beautiful.

Another suggestion I would never miss out on if I am in L.A. is going to Disneyland, which is about 45 minutes south, in the city of Anaheim. This is my all-time favorite! One is never too old to go to Disneyland. 

The Disneyland castle

The Hollywood sign at Universal Studios.

The famous ground stars.