LA isn’t just a place where people follow their dreams or hope for an opportunity to shine, but vacationers too, can live out their dream vacation while visiting LA. LA can be a venue for learning, partying, shopping, sunbathing, pampering, and of course, exploring all things entertainment. Not to mention the fact that you can always depend on LA’s paradise-like weather. In order to find the right places to visit to fulfill your dream vacation, here are some neighborhood highlights.
Hollywood
Hollywood is one of the most visited neighborhoods in LA. It’s known to be a place where visitors can take a walk down Hollywood Walk of Fame, measure your hands and feet against celebrity prints at the TLC Chinese Theatre, or get a close up of Hollywood’s very own celebrities at the Hollywood Wax Museum. There’s also the Dolby Theatre, where you can do some shopping and can catch a glimpse of the Hollywood sign. For the nightlife owls, Hollywood offers great bars, lounges, and clubs for any desired atmosphere.
West Hollywood
The Sunset Strip is great way to see and experience some of the more trendy spots in LA. It’s hard to miss while driving down Sunset Blvd. at night, with its lit up restaurants, bars, and hotels. While visiting, you must make it out to one of these great well-known venues, where bands like The Doors, Van Halen and Poison once played: House of Blues Sunset Strip, Viper Room, The Roxy, and of course Whisky A Go-Go.
[sociallocker]
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills is one of the most talked-about neighborhoods in LA. It’s where the most famous celebrities live, dine and shop. Why not feel like a celebrity for a day? Take a walk down Rodeo Drive and do some shopping (window or wallet) at Versace, Manolo Blahnik, Valentino and many others. If you are feeling famished from all your shopping, make sure to check out The Farm of Beverly Hills, great food that’s farm fresh from locally- sourced and organic products. Add icing to your cake and take a drive around some of the Beverly Hills homes. Some notable streets are Roxbury Drive, Crescent Drive and Benedict Canyon Drive, where you’ll be amazed at the block-sized mansions.
Downtown LA
Interested in the Arts? If you happen to be in town on the second Thursday of the month, be sure to stop by Downtown and partake in the Art Walk. Art gallery owners open their galleries for people to drink, eat, and check out their artwork. If that doesn’t work out, you can also visit the Music Center, which has about six different venues that cater to adults and children, and the Natural History Museum. Downtown is also known for great places to eat, drink and club. Some local favorites are Seven Grand Whiskey Bar, Library Bar or Bottega Louie.
Venice Beach
Venice is one of the more “different” or “funky” places to visit. It’s a place where people watchers are in heaven, where you could sit for hours staring at beautiful ocean front views while watching local street performers. Jump into some skates or rent a bike and explore the boardwalk, local souvenir shops, and view amazing murals on local buildings. In fact, if you continue on north on the boardwalk, you’ll find yourself in Santa Monica.
Santa Monica
You can easily spend the day in Santa Monica sunbathing, shopping, dining and sightseeing. Known for its pier, which exudes a fun fair-like atmosphere, you can slip into a blissful state of nostalgia while eating fried food and riding rides. If this isn’t your thing, check out Third Street Promenade for some great shopping, or take a load off at Cabo Cantina for some tasty margaritas! If you find yourself looking for some yummy farm-fresh food, Curious Palate is highly recommended. Check out Santa Monica’s Farmer’s Market Every Sunday on Main street for more fresh food. Finally, if you are looking for something more unique to do, check out Santa Monica’s local website for outdoor concerts, movies, or festivals.
Malibu
With 21 miles of coastline, you can probably spend an entire vacation sunbathing at a different beach every day. However, for those who have limited time, check out El Matador Beach. This hidden gem is small, feels like a private beach, and is adorned with beautiful cliffs. Also, be sure to check out the amazing Zuma Beach (the beach that inspired Gwen Stefani to name her second son). If you are around during the winter or spring time, visit Escondido Falls and take a 3.8 round-trip hike down to beautiful natural waterfalls. For art enthusiasts, make a reservation and check out the Getty Villa for free. The villa is Roman-inspired, and displays both Roman and Greek artifacts and breathtaking views of the ocean.
[/sociallocker]
