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How to spend time in Los Angeles is a question
that every visitor faces, and while the city's size and options may seem overwhelming,
there's no need to panic. However you choose to spend your time, the chances are
good that it'll be time well spent. During
the day, take to the beach, go on a walking tour, or visit a theme park or sporting
event. For sports fans, why not go to a baseball game? The Los Angeles Dodgers
have been entertaining residents ever since they moved to the city from Brooklyn
in 1958. If possible, take in a day game over the weekend or a night game during
the week. While it'd certainly be nice to score tickets to see the star-studded
Los Angeles Lakers play at Staples Center , these games are usually sold out well
in advance. The better bet is to plan on visiting beautiful Dodger Stadium and
relaxing at the ballpark for a few hours watching Dodger Blue. For
those who wish to partake in sports rather than be a spectator, Los Angeles '
beaches, parks, and golf courses are waiting for you. Beaches, such as Venice
, Santa Monica , and Zuma's white-sand beach, are perfect for surfing, swimming,
sunning, or diving. Other activities to pass the day include bicycling, hiking,
and whale-watching. Indeed whale-watching tours (December through March) are a
great way to learn about whale migration, as well as catch an unforgettable glimpse
at these majestic creatures. If thrills
are what you seek, some of the best can be found at the region's theme parks:
Six Flags Magic Mountain and Universal Studios Hollywood. Each offers rides, shows,
and other family-friendly entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Located about an
hour north of Los Angeles , Six Flags is pretty much an all-day investment, but
its roller coasters and other thrill rides serve as proper reward for those willing
to make the trip and surrender the day. For those not wanting to travel so far,
another option is Universal Studios. This theme park, comprised of 415 acres,
offers a dazzling trip through the world off special FX, with rides designed to
convey the experience of feeling the effects and not just seeing them. But
entertainment in Los Angeles is certainly not limited to the daytime. When one
thinks of Los Angeles ' nightlife, bright lights, famous faces, and endless crowds
may come to mind, but there's much more to it than that. There are hidden gems
and cherished hangouts, along with celebrated concert halls and storied theaters.
The club scene in L.A. is one of the
most famous in the world, and when the sun sets and night falls, night clubs and
bars along Sunset Boulevard and Hollywood light up with atmosphere and people.
Genres range from blues and jazz to Latin and rock and roll, with performers including
both the famous and the undiscovered. Well-known clubs, such as The Viper Room,
Congo Room, and The Knitting Factory, are natural attractions for tourists, as
is the famous Whisky-A-Go-Go, which ruled the Strip during the 1960's. As
for the city's dance clubs, hip-hop, techno, and funk mix at all hours, keeping
the energy level at a high until closing time. While these hot spots offer a variety
of fun, tourists need to remember that some of these clubs are exclusive or at
the very least, very difficult to get into, and a better time may be spent elsewhere
rather than waiting in line. But where to go? While the L.A. club scene is a must-see
experience for some, it may be a bit intimidating (and draining) for others. A
quieter evening spent at a local coffeehouse listening to poetry may be the perfect
alternative. Nightlife in Los Angeles
sparkles, but it's not all glitz and glamour. Concert halls, such as the Walt
Disney Concert Hall (home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic) and the famed Hollywood
Bowl, offer concerts nightly. Listen to pop and jazz, classical music and rock.
These venues are not only concert halls, but tourist attractions as well -- rich
in history and tradition. One of the
newest and most impressive theaters in town is The Kodak Theatre, which opened
in 2001. The official host to the Academy Awards, this 3,500-seat venue also welcomes
the public throughout the year, and to experience the beauty of the theater while
also catching a concert or ballet, is a time not likely to be forgotten. Call
the box office in advance to find out about upcoming performances and ticket availability.
Speaking of theater, Los Angeles does
not only showcase film and television, but also the stage. Though Hollywood and
its films are no doubt more recognizable, L.A. 's theater scene has made a name
for itself as well. A pleasant evening could be spent watching a new play or a
revival at one of the city's major theaters, such as the Dorothy Chandler Pavillion
or Pantages Theatre. Smaller venues, such as the nonprofit Edgemar Theatre in
Santa Monica , offer a fine selection of drama and comedy too. The Knightsbridge
Theatre in Pasadena , for example, is a great place to see classic theater come
to life. And though it may seem ordinary
in comparison, going to the movies is also a wonderful way to experience L.A.
Why not see a movie the way the stars do and taken in a show at Grauman's Chinese
Theatre? Located right on Hollywood Boulevard , this historic theater hosts studio
premieres weekly, but also shows first-run movies to the general public. After
a day spent window-shopping on Rodeo Drive or bargaining at a local flea market,
watching a movie (with popcorn and soft drink in hand) might be the perfect way
to cap off a day in Tinsletown. From
theme parks and beaches to dance clubs, bars, and art houses, Los Angeles entertainment
is an eclectic mix, one to explore and discover, to enjoy and know -- a good first
step is deciding where to go. |
