DESTINATIONS

LOS ANGELES
★
Welcome to the City of Angels: Los Angeles! Few cities can boast of such
worldwide recognition that they are referred to only by their initials! L.A.
attracts several million visitors a year and is a must on any California itinerary.
Every day someone, somewhere, leaves everything behind to live his or her
"American dream": of being discovered and finding fame and fortune. So
don’t be surprised by the number of would-be celebrities you may see, at any
time of the day or night!
© Adobe Stock, Emeric’s Timelapse

SU N S E T IN LOS A N G E L E
WHAT TO DO GOOD TO KNOW
— Because the city is large and the public transit system is inefficient, it is
DOWNTOWN ★ Hill, to the west, was covered easier to get around by car. Plan your day well by being aware of traffic rush
with stately Victorian mansions, hours and by grouping activities together. You can also check with the hotel
to see if shuttles are available to the main attractions.
BROADWAY ★ and the area’s stylish residents
In the early 20th century, rode down to shop for groceries
Broadway was the hub of L.A.’s in the Market’s open-air arcade. steel. Free outdoor concerts the feel of "Old Los Angeles":
entertainment scene; with its Today, Grand Central Market’s are held here. a pedestrian mall lined
dozen movie theatres, it had mission is to celebrate the 350, SOUTH GRAND AVENUE with street vendors, cafes,
the highest concentration cuisines and cultures of Los LOS ANGELES restaurants and gift shops. It
of cinemas in the world. The Angeles and to preserve the 213-687-2190 was revitalized around 1930 to
most famous of these was the legacy of a historic downtown WWW.GRANDPERFORMANCES.ORG preserve the historic buildings
Million Dollar Theater, one of landmark. It seeks to showcase and bring the district back to
the first movie theatres built in California’s best ingredients, UNION STATION ★ life. Many of the merchants
the United States, which served chefs, and entrepreneurs. Open Pay a visit to Union Station, are descended from the
as a venue for major movie every day from 8 am to 9 pm. L.A.’s main railway station, original vendors who opened
premieres. It is still in operation 317, SOUTH BROADWAY, to marvel at its magnificent shops there back in 1930.
today and shows live Spanish LOS ANGELES hall with marble mosaics, its Visitors from around the
theatre. In the 1920s Broadway 213-624-2378 sumptuous chandeliers and world enjoy wandering around
was abandoned for Hollywood WWW.GRANDCENTRALMARKET.COM its large wood and leather the marketplace smelling the
and the decrepit facades of the armchairs. ever-present tacos at the
buildings can still be seen today. CALIFORNIA PLAZA ★ 800, NORTH ALAMEDA STREET outdoor cafes, listening to
Visitors and locals alike LOS ANGELES the strolling mariachi music,
GRAND CENTRAL MARKET ★ love to relax on the plaza’s WWW.UNIONSTATIONLA.COM and watching Aztec and
Grand Central Market first amphitheater-style terrace Mexican folkloric dancing.
opened in 1917 and has been in which provides plenty of OLVERA STREET ★★ The "puestos" (stalls) sell
continuous operation ever since. seating. At the bottom of the Olvera Street is a historic handcrafted goods such as
A hundred years ago, Broadway steps there is a watercourt district considered to be the pottery, belts, leather wallets,
was the principal commercial with fountains and flowery birthplace of Los Angeles and Mexican folk art.
and entertainment corridor of islands. The square is flanked in 1781. Today it is a colorful WWW.OLVERA-STREET.COM
downtown Los Angeles. Bunker by tall twin towers of glass and Mexican marketplace with
© Los Angeles Tourisme Bureau

© shutterstock_1054139933

LOS A N G E L E S, C A LIFO R NI A O LV E R A S T R E E T

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see

 DESTINATIONS

HOLLYWOOD ★★ before you go). We also suggest 5515, MELROSE AVENUE, HOLLYWOOD popular stars on the planet.
When we think of Hollywood, purchasing your tickets online, 323-956-1777 Rodeo Drive is a popular
we immediately think of which can save you time and money WWW.PARAMOUNTSTUDIOTOUR.COM shopping destination known for
movie pictures and great stars. and offer exclusive online benefits. its high-end luxury boutiques. If
Nowadays, the neighborhood 100, UNIVERSAL CITY PLAZA you feel like playing paparazzi,
has lost some of its "glamour" UNIVERSAL CITY BEVERLY HILLS ★★ a paparazzi celebrity tour will
of yesteryear since many movie 1-800-864-8377 Beverly Hills is the place to see even help you get to know the
studios have left for other UNIVERSALSTUDIOSHOLLYWOOD.COM luxury cars and the immense underbelly of the profession.
neighborhoods and many buildings mansions of some of the most
on Hollywood Boulevard ★ have WARNER BROS STUDIOS ★
been abandoned and replaced by The Warner Bros. tour begins
souvenir shops. However, there is with a short film that tells
a move to revitalize the area with the history of the production
the reopening of establishments company before setting out
such as the iconic Chinese on a guided tour of the studios.
Theater ★★★ and the Hear anecdotes as you tour sets,
construction of a major backlots and a soundstage, look
entertainment complex, the at real costumes and props, and
Hollywood & Highland Center, maybe even witness a film shoot.

© shutterstock_551056507-Gabriele Maltinti
which includes shops, a hotel, Fans of Batman and other great
restaurants and the Dolby Theater superheroes, Harry Potter, or the
(formerly the Kodak Theater), famous TV show "Friends" won’t
home to the Academy Awards. Of be disappointed! You can choose
course, there are still the famous between three types of tours: the
stars embedded in the sidewalks Studio Tour (the most popular,
along the Hollywood Walk of Fame lasting 3 hours), the Deluxe Tour
SU N S E T O N H O L LY WO O D
and the celebrity handprints and (a unique look into the movie-
footprints in the concrete of the making process , 5 hours) or the
forecourt of the Chinese Theater. Classics Tour (focusing on the
The most interesting section of great classics, lasting 3 hours).
Hollywood Boulevard is between Tickets can be purchased directly
La Brea Avenue and Vine Street. on the website. Tours are generally
You can have fun finding the stars offered every day between 8:30
of your favorite celebrities. am and 3:30 pm.
3400, WARNER BOULEVARD,
FILM STUDIOS ★★★ BURBANK / 818-977-8687
© shutterstock_665769004, Sean Pavone

WWW.WBSTUDIOTOUR.COM
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ★★
This legendary cinema destination PARAMOUNT STUDIOS ★
offers the World Famous Studio Today Paramount Studios
Tour ★★★, a behind-the-scenes produces television shows 90%
look at sets, special effects, and the time. This studio tour explores
everything related to moviemaking. over a century of Hollywood
CHIN E S E T H E AT E R
A must-see! Universal has also history, with its vast collection
created a fantastic theme park on of props and set items from past
the site with rides and attractions productions and a tour of the
that include Fast and Furious - backlot with its outdoor sets
Supercharged, Despicable me, The of big cities that will impress
Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you with their realism. Enjoy
The Simpson Ride, DreamWorks an intimate behind-the-scenes
Theatre Featuring Kung Fu Panda experience in a real working
and many more. Let yourself be studio, the longest-operating
transported into the world of studio in Hollywood. There
Universal Studios and experience are two tour options generally
© Authentik USA, Marylène Fauvelle

the excitement and magic! Don’t available: the Studio Tour, lasting
miss Universal CityWalk, an 2 hours, between 9 am and 3
entertainment, dining and retail pm every day, and the VIP Tour,
promenade where you will find lasting 4 1/2 hours, at 9:30 a.m,
great souvenirs. Open every day weekdays only. Online reservation
from 11 am to 9 pm (hours may vary is necessary via the website.
U NI V E R SA L S T U DIOS
with the season: check the website

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see

GRIFFITH PARK ★
AND GRIFFITH PARK
OBSERVATORY ★
This municipal park is home to
the famous giant Hollywood
Sign, on the south slope of
Mount Lee. A great place to
observe the Sign is at the

© iStockPhoto, Kimbuyo
Griffith Observatory, where
you can park for free, visit
the planetarium, explore the
current exhibits and look B E RV E R LY HIL L S
through telescopes. The
observatory is open Monday-
Friday from noon to 10 pm
and Saturday-Sunday from
10 am to 10 pm.
2800, EAST OBSERVATORY ROAD
LOS ANGELES
213-473-0800
WWW.GRIFFITHOBSERVATORY.ORG

GETTY CENTER ★★
Just north of Santa Monica,
the Getty Center enjoys an
exceptional location amid
lush green mountains, at
269 metres above sea level.

© shutterstock_473171920, Southtownboy Studio

It is worth a visit for the
breathtaking view ★★★ of
the city. The Getty Center
is in fact a cultural complex
consisting of four pavilions
housing its permanent
collections, another for
temporary exhibits, and G RIFFIT H PA R K O BS E RVATO RY
a research institute. Its
central garden is a true
work of art. Admission is
free, but there is a parking
fee (about $20 per car)
Note that it is not easily
accessible by RV, but you
can get there by public
transit. Open Tuesday-Friday
and Sunday from 10 am to
5:30 pm and Saturday 10 am
to 8 pm Closed on Mondays.
1200, GETTY CENTER DRIVE
LOS ANGELES
310-440-7300
WWW.GETTY.EDU

SANTA MONICA ★★
© iStock-1068333772, simonkr

Santa Monica is known as a

seaside resort town with its
luxury hotels, lively downtown
and proximity to the seafront.
A E RI A L V IE W O F G E T T Y CE N T E R AT SU N S E T

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see

 DESTINATIONS

SANTA MONICA PIER ★★

The Santa Monica Pier is the
end of the legendary Route
66, which connects Chicago
to Los Angeles. It is also
an iconic structure and the
symbol of the city. Visitors
flock here for the amusement
park with its classic rides
and 1922 carousel, and for
the magnificent views of the
coast and the town from the
end of the pier. Palisades
Park, a long strip of green
with public art, a rose garden
and plenty of palm trees,
stretches along the bluff just
north of Santa Monica Pier.
At the end of the park, the
189 steps of The Stairs lead
up to Adelaide Drive. Just
south of Santa Monica Pier is
Santa Monica Muscle Beach,
where many people go to be
seen and admired, including
acrobats and other street
performers!

MAIN STREET ★
Main Street is one of Santa
© iStock-476917550, NicolasMcComber

Monica’s main shopping

districts, especially between
Marine Street and Pico
Boulevard. It features
picturesque 19th-century
buildings and an atmosphere
that is at once chic and laid-
SA N TA M O NIC A B E ACH AT NIG H T
back.
© iStock-1071163328, Ingus Kruklitis

SA N TA M O NIC A PIE R

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see

VENICE ★★ OCEAN FRONT WALK ★★
Unlike Santa Monica, which is The eccentric Venice boardwalk is
a rather posh seaside resort, a show unto itself. It is frequented
Venice is very bohemian. For by an eclectic mix of musicians
two years, it was a favorite and dancers performing for the
hangout of Jim Morrison crowds, fitness buffs working out,
and several other stars. The shops of all kinds, vendors, tattoo
neighbourhood takes its artists, fortune tellers, homeless

© shutterstock_618145523-oneinchpunch
name from the many canals people, tourists... In short, it’s
that were dug here in 1905 a real circus. Experiencing the
to recreate the appearance effervescence of Venice is a must!
and feel of Venice, Italy, It There is even Muscle Beach,
was even possible to take an which is actually an outdoor
Italian-style gondola ride in training center where people
what was considered at the enjoy showing off their muscles.
O CE A N FRO N T WA L K
time to be an amusement park.

© shutterstock_778252822, Altitude Images

A E RI A L V IE W O F V E NICE B E ACH

FESTIVALS
—
Dog Star Orchestra purchased on the official event
Dates : mid-June website.
Experimental music festival. Dog www.hardsummer.com
Star events take place in various
locations and venues throughout Long Beach Jazz Festival
the Los Angeles area. Dates : mid-August
www.dogstarorchestra.com Come celebrate the 34th edition
© iStock-691269954, Meinzahn

of the Long Beach Jazz Festi-

Hard Summer val! A great lineup each year
Dates : end of July showcasing the best artists of
Electronic / hip hop music the moment, in a magnificent
festival. This event is for 18 years outdoor setting.
O L D HIS TO RIC C A N A L S
and over. Tickets can only be www.longbeachjazzfestival.com

★ Noteworthy ★★ Worth the detour ★★★ Must see

 DESTINATIONS

WHERE TO
EAT
—
DOWNTOWN
1 LA LUZ DEL DIA ($)
At La Luz del Dia, the food is
abundant and inexpensive.
Order a plate of carnitas
(pork), which will be served
with hand-made tortillas and a
friendly smile. You can also try
something not often seen on
the menu... cactus (nopales)!
Wednesday-Friday : 10:30 am to
4:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday :
10:30 am to 5:30 pm
1, OLVERA STREET
213-628-7495
WWW.LUZDELDIA.COM
© Adobe Stock, Uladzik Kryhin

2 DAMIAN ($$$)
Ever wondered what a mix of
jungle and a New York industrial
loft might look like ? You’ll find
your answer at Damian! Nestled
SU N S E T O N T H E B E ACH
in the Los Angeles’ Art District,
this upscale Mexican restaurant
will not only charm you with its HOLLYWOOD 6 MUSSO & FRANK GRILL ($$$) of soulful, ancestral cuisine and
funky theme, but with the creative One of Hollywood’s oldest a California sensibility, utilizing
dishes served and the dedicated 4 THE GRIDDLE CAFE restaurants, Musso’s first the best quality ingredients from
staff. Definitely the place to go ($$-$$$) opened its doors in 1919. It was local farmers. Don’t miss the spicy
if you’re looking for something The perfect place to start the a popular hangout for Faulkner wontons, green papaya salad,
different and memorable! day! The appetizing menu offers and Hemingway during their turmeric grilled sea bass or the
Wednesday-Friday : 5:30 pm to several choices for a delicious screenwriting days; other regulars beef rendang, to name just a few.
10 pm, Saturday : 11 am to 2 pm / breakfast. The gigantic pancakes included Orson Welles and Charlie Sunday-Thursday : 5 pm to 9 pm,
5 pm to 10 pm, and Sunday : 11 am have a very good reputation. It Chaplin. The place is well known Friday-Saturday : 5 pm or 10 pm.
to 2 pm / 5 pm to 9 pm. is better to arrive early because for its perfectly seasoned Martinis 1314, 7TH STREET, SANTA MONICA
2132 E 7TH PL, LOS ANGELES the dining room fills up very and Bloody Marys. The menu 310-393-6699
213-270-0178 quickly and the wait can be long. still offers typical 1920’s cuisine WWW.CASSIALA.COM
WWW.DAMIANDTLA.COM Wednesday-Sunday : 8 am to 3 pm. with tasty salads, excellent grilled
7916, WEST SUNSET BLVD meats (a house specialty) and a 8 MÉLISSE ($$$$)
3 KARL STRAUSS 323-874-0377 wide selection of fish and seafood. This superb Santa Monica
BREWING COMPANY WWW.THEGRIDDLECAFE.COM Daily specials such as Thursday restaurant inspires all the senses
($$-$$$) chicken pot pie. with its chic ambiance, inspired
This downtown microbrewery is an 5 BOSSA NOVA ($$-$$$) Tuesday-Saturday : 5 pm to 11 pm contemporary French cuisine
excellent spot for a tasty gourmet Discover the flavors of Brazilian and Sundays : 4 pm to 10 pm. and courteous service. For an
meal accompanied by a glass of and Italian cuisine. Meal choices 6667, HOLLYWOOD BLVD. unparalleled dining experience,
beer or two. The staff is attentive include pasta, homemade pizzas, 323-467-7788 Mélisse is an exquisite culinary
and the service is good. Sit on the burgers and excellent grilled WWW.MUSSOANDFRANK.COM destination you will never regret.
terrace or inside in an attractive meats. Good value for money, Wednesday : from 6:30 pm and
decor with a view of the brewing good service and a relaxed family Thursday-Saturday : 5:30 pm to
vats. Daily : from 11:30 am. atmosphere. Sunday-Thursday : SANTA MONICA 8:45 pm.
4600, WILSHIRE BLVD (SUITE 100) 11 am to midnight and Friday- 1104, WILSHIRE BLVD, SANTA
213-228-2739 Saturday : 11 am to 1 am. 7 CASSIA ($$-$$$) MONICA / 310-395-0881
WWW.KARLSTRAUSS.COM/VISIT/ 7181, WEST SUNSET BLVD Cassia celebrates the fresh, WWW.CITRINANDMELISSE.COM
DOWNTOWN-LOS-ANGELES 323-436-7999 vibrant flavors of Southeast
WWW.BOSSANOVAFOOD.COM Asia, striking a unique balance *** Hours may vary ***

Microbrewery $ Inexppensive $$ Moderate $$$ Upscale $$$$ Fine dining

 LOS ANGELES WA R N E R B R O S 1 = Restaurants
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ★ = Parks
to Santa
Barbara
N S T U D I O S ★★ = Beaches
101
5
Ventura Fwy 2
CHINESE 134

Gold
T H E AT R E ★★★

en S
Griffith
Park ★

tate

Ho
405

l
2,5 km

lyw
Fwy

o
od
PA R A M O U N T S T U D I O S ★

Fw
y
B E V E R LY H I L L S ★★
GETTY 6 Hollywood Blvd
4 Sunset Blvd 5
C E N T E R ★★ t Santa Monica Blvd
Sunse O LV E R A S T ★★
Melrose Ave

2 101
MAIN ST ★ H O L LY WO O D B LV D ★ U N I O N S TAT I O N ★
S A N TA M O N I C A
P I E R ★★ 1
3 710
1 5 CALIFORNIA PLAZA ★
2
10
8 10 10
7
B R OA DWAY ★ GRAND CENTRAL

★ Noteworthy
vd
Bl MARKET ★
ce Vernon Ave
ni 405
Ve 48th St

★★
54th St 5
Slauson Ave
Broadway

280 Barstow
O C E A N F R O N T WA L K ★★
Santa Barbara
VENICE
Main St

CALIFORNIA

Worth the detour

B E AC H ★★
Aéroport
Inrternational San Diego

★★★
S Western Ave

Pacific Ocean de Los Angeles

to San Diego

1
Harbor Freeway & Transit Way

105 110

Must see