Los Angeles Free Travel Guide and Information

		Los Angeles: Sights & Places of Interest

	Background & History	Fascinated by moviemaking and Hollywood stars? Los Angeles is the place to be to surround yourself in the excitement of the action of the making of movies and the making of true Hollywood stars!

		Karen has put together some suggested itineraries for you. You will find details of each of the highlighted sights listed further below.
	1 Day Tour	Tour 1: In the morning, walk down Hollywood Boulevard. Stop to have a look at the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Compare your hands and feet with the famous prints outside Mann's Chinese Theatre and visit Ripley's Believe it or Not, the Hollywood History Museum, Movieland Wax Museum and the Hollywood Entertainment Museum. Stop at Starline Tours and take a tour of over 50 movie stars' homes on an air conditioned 2-hour narrated tour. Then drive west on Hollywood Boulevard and south on Fairfax Avenue to 3rd Street for a fabulous Farmers Market, where more than 100 unique vendors and restaurants provide casual outdoor dining. To take a load off your feet - head back to Hollywood Boulevard to catch a first-run movie at a famous movie palace such as El Capitan or the Egyptian Theater. Then go west on Melrose and north on Doheney Drive to Sunset Boulevard. You can drive or walk a portion of the Sunset Strip, famous for its wild and crazy nightlife. Please note: Museums are closed on Sunday and Monday.
	2 Day Tour	If You Have 2 Days, spend the first day as suggested above. On the second day start at the Getty Center. Next drive onto Wilshire Boulevard's Museum Row. See the world-renowned collection at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, then walk over to the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits and the tar pits themselves. Then experience a bit of Los Angeles' other favorite pass time - shopping on Rodeo Drive. If local restaurants are too expensive, drive east on Wilshire to La Cienega Boulevard and try one of those many unique casual restaurants. Remember, museums are closed on Sunday and Monday as well as some stores on Rodeo Drive.
	3 Day Tour	If You Have 3 Days, spend the first 2 days as outlined above. On the third day, head for the beach! Start (after rush hour!) by heading west on Sunset Boulevard to the Pacific Coast Highway. Follow it south through Pacific Palisades and on to Venice Beach. Spend the afternoon on the famous Venice Boardwalk where you can have lunch and enjoy the human carnival - or rent a bike or a pair of in-line skates and have some fun California-style. Later, head north to Santa Monica for the sunset and amusements at Santa Monica Pier. Walk north on Ocean Avenue and east on Santa Monica Boulevard to the Third Street Promenade to visit the trendy shops and cafés. Top the evening off by treating yourself to dinner and stargazing at one of the many restaurants or café's. This is a perfect tour for a Sunday or Monday!
	4 Day Tour	If You Have 4 Days, spend the first 3 days as outlined above. In the morning of the fourth day head to Disneyland or Universal Studios. Its a full day at either park - wear good comfortable walking shoes!

	TIP	Get a "CityPass" which gives you great discounts on admission to all the major attractions including Universal Studios, a bus tour of the stars homes and more!
	Egyptian Theatre	American Cinematique at the Egyptian Theatre The magnificently renovated landmark 1922 Egyptian Theatre offers daily showings of "Forever Hollywood", a one hour, insider's look at the history of the movies, as told by some of today's biggest stars. At night, catch Hollywood classics, new foreign and independent films, pop culture gems and more. address: 6712 Hollywood Blvd phone: (323) 466-FILM hours: Closed Mondays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas and New Years's Day; "Forever Hollywood" screens Tuesday - Sunday at 2:00 pm and 3:30 pm; Evening programs change nightly; Wednesday -Sunday; Courtyard is open 1:00 pm until the last evening program of the day ends. admission: Adult-$8.00)
	Autry Museum of Western Heritage	Autry Museum of Western Heritage Step back into the Old West -- explore both real history and Hollywood! At the Autry you'll see the west's most famous relics, like Billy the Kid's gun and Wyatt Earp's badge plus 41,000 other artifacts. View the west through Hollywood's camera lens, see actual costumes and props used by famous western stars like John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Relive the lives of the famous and infamous who told this fascinating story of the American West. The jewel of Griffith Park, the Autry is a perfect outing for history buffs and little wranglers! address: 4700 Western Heritage Way phone: (323) 667-2000 hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00am-5:00 pm; Thursdays until 8:00 pm; some Monday holidays. admission: Adult-$7.50 Get Your CityPass for 1/2 Off Admission
	El Capitan Theatre	El Capitan Theatre , recently renovated by the Walt Disney Company, is a classic movie house that serves as the perfect example of the Hollywood glory of yesterday. First a legitimate theatre, the El Capitan was the site of the 1941 world premier of the greatest movie ever made: "Citizen Kane." Now, your ticket will give you a seat in this amazing theatre where Disney movies are played daily: a wonderful journey into the golden days of the silver screen.
	Farmer's Market	Farmer's Market: Since its advent in July of 1934, this famous open air market has grown exponentially. From its first days as a small conglomerate of farmers selling fresh produce out of the backs of their trucks, the farmer's market has become a landmark that exhibits the agriculture that is so inherent to the Californian way of life. Now, there are vast quantities of delicious fresh fruit, crisp vegetables and sweet-smelling flowers to purchase and enjoy. A great addition to any vacation!
	The Getty Center	The Getty Center is home the the J. Paul Musuem, a Conservation insitute and a research institue. Here you will find exhibits that include Greco-Roman Antiquities, European Masterpeices, drawings, manuscripts, sculputres and other decorative arts. You will also find collections of photography from both Europe and American, and other educational programs and exhibits that will fascinate and amaze all who impart on this journey--a truly remarkable place
	Hollywood Entertainment Museum	Hollywood Entertainment Museum: Get a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry -film, television, radio, sound recording and new media - in Hollywood at the Hollywood Entertainment Museum. Experience interactive exhibits, video presentations, memorabilia and technological innovations, editing and foley suites and a studio back lot tour, culminating in a visit to original sets from Star Trek and Cheers. address: 7021 Hollywood Blvd phone: (323) 465-7900 hours: Winter: Open Thursday-Tuesday, 11:00am-6:00pm, closed Wednesday. Summer: Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00am-6:00pm, Sunday, 11:00am-6:00pm admission: Adult-$6.00 Get Your CityPass for 1/2 Off Admission
	The Hollywood History Museum	The Hollywood History Museum is located in the historical Max Factor Building, and is home to some of the most fascinating artifacts from the many years of movie-making in this country. The Hollywood History Museum is a four-level, 38,000sq ft space located in the Hollywood Fire and Safe Building: place where stars would store automobiles, jewelry and other priceless items when they were away filming for their next movie. The floors are dedicated to the Max Factor Legacy, Costumes, Technological Advancement in the art of film-making, and the art-deco styling that made Hollywood a landmark for both architecture and style.
	Hollywood Walk of Fame	The Hollywood Walk of Fame is, without a doubt, the most famous sidewalk in the world. Pink and charcoal terrazzo squares immortalize over 2000 stars, and their contributions to the world of entertainment. Started in 1958, the sidewalk is lined with five-pointed stars with the names of entertainers and celebrities from five genres. The names range from Big-Bird to Alfred Hitchcock, from Lassie to John Lennon and every type of celebrity in between. The five categories that are represented are Music, Film, Live Theatre, Radio and Television. Each star has a brass emblem below their name representing that celebrity's category. The Walk of Fame lines both side of Hollywood Boulevard from Gower to La Brea, and both sides of Vine Street, from Yucca to Sunset. A great opportunity to walk in the footsteps of Hollywood Greats, you're sure to enjoy your "walk of fame."
	Los Angeles County Museum of Art	Los Angeles County Museum of Art is home to multiple exhibits ranging from costumes and textiles to modern masters and their works. This museum is a wonderful escape for art-lovers and museum-junkies alike, and a real treat for the visitor. address: 5905 Wilshire Boulevard phone: (323) 857-6000 hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 12noon-8pm, Friday 12noon-9pm, Saturday and Sunday, 11am-8pm, closed Wednesdays, Thanksgiving, and Christmas day. admission: Adults-$7, Seniors(62+) and students(18+) with ID-$5, children/younger students ages 6 to 17-$1, Free, children under 6 years of age. *The second Tuesday of each month is free to all, except for specially ticketed exhibitions.
	Mann's Chinese Theatre	Mann's Chinese Theatre is possibly the most famous movies theatre in the world. Originally Grauman's theatre, the Chinese theatre has become a Hollywood landmark, not just as a spectacular movie palace, but as the home of a legendary forecourt housing the footprints of the stars. The Theatre opened with the debut of the original, silent version of "King of Kings," in 1927. Since that time, it has been the site of more Hollywood movie premiers than any other theatre in the world. One of it's most memorable galas was the world premiere of "The Wizard of Oz" in 1939, when over 10,000 spectators flocked to the beautiful theatre to catch a glimpse at the wonders of music, dancing and Technicolor. A great spot for traveler, photographer and movie-buff alike, you're sure to find your vacation wouldn't be complete without it.
	Movieland Wax Museum	Movieland Wax MuseumThe most unique House of Wax and one of the world's largest wax museums. Movieland is home to over 300 wax images of the most recognizable and admired stars from stage, screen and television. Each year Movieland updates and revitalizes its show by adding new sets and guests, displayed on loan from Movieland's "sister" attraction in San Francisco, the world renowned Wax Museum at Fisherman's Wharf. Hours: Open daily 365 days from 10:00 am to 7:30 pm (Monday thru Friday). Weekends from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm. address: 7711 Beach Blvd., (1 Block North of Knott's Berry Farm), Buena Park, CA, 90620. phone: (714) 522 1154 admission: Adults-$12.95, Children (Under 12)-$6.95, Seniors(55+)-$10.55
	Museum of Television and Radio	The Museum of Television and Radio The Museum of Television & Radio has a collection of over 100,000 programs covering more than 75 years of television and radio history, all accessible at private consoles. Your favorite I Love Lucy episode? The first time Ed Sullivan introduced the Beatles? The Seinfeld pilot? Find it, view it, and relive those memories with the whole family. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, a Museum visit puts you within easy walking distance to Rodeo Drive for window shopping and star gazing. address: 465 N. Beverly Drive phone: (310) 786-1000 hours: Wednesday - Sunday 12:00pm-5:00pm, and Thursdays until 9:00pm; Closed New Year's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. admission: Adult-$7.50)
	Peterson Automotive Museum	Peterson Automotive Museum A must-see for car buffs and Hollywood trivia lovers, the Petersen Automotive Museum showcases over 150 cars and motorcycles at any one time. Walk through 100 years of automotive history in the museum's world-famous "Streetscape". View cars that were loved by celebrities, including Fred Astaire's Rolls Royce and Steve McQueen's Jaguar, and cars that were celebrities themselves, such as the Flintstonemobile, the Shaguar, and the Thelma and Louise Thunderbird. The May Family Children's Discovery Center will delight youngsters that love to make things move with hands-on interactive learning. address: 6060 Wilshire Blvd. (at Fairfax), Los Angeles phone: (323) 930-CARS hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00am-6:00pm; Closed Monday admission: Adult $8.00)
	Ripley's Believe it or not Museum	Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum Opened in September 1990, the museum features strange and unusual artifacts and activities. The Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum in Buena Park features 10,000 square feet of Jungle Themed entertainment. The museum houses hundreds of rare and unusual artifacts, some which are unavailable anywhere else in the world! address: 7850 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA, 90620, USA phone: (714) 522 7045 hours: Open daily (including all major holidays) 11:00am-5:00pm on weekdays, and from 10:00am-6:00pm on weekends. admission: Adults-$8.95, Children (Under 12)-$5.25, Seniors (55+)-$6.95. Free parking is ample and available for cars, buses and handicapped visitors.
	Starline Tours of Hollywood	Starline Tours of Hollywood See over 50 movie stars' homes on our 2-hour narrated tour. Let Starline Tours of Hollywood take you where the "Stars" live, shop and hang out in the famous Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Holmby Hills and Hollywood Hills. You can see over 50 homes of the best-known celebrities. You will see mansions of today's superstars, homes of Hollywood legends and other sights such as Sunset Strip, Rodeo Drive and more. Tours depart from Mann's Chinese Theatre, the only place where you can see the famous hand and footprints of the Stars. address: 6925 Hollywood Blvd phone: (800) 959-3131 hours: Daily 8:30 am to sundown. Tours depart every half hour; 2-hour narrated tour admission: Adult-$35.00) Get Your CityPass for 1/2 Off Admission
	Universal Studios	Universal Studios Universal Studios Hollywood, the World's Largest Movie Studio and Theme ParkSM. Now featuring Animal Planet Live! See what happens when star quality critters monkey around with show business. Plus, you'll enjoy the live magic, music and mischief of the Rugrats™ Magic Adventure, experience the reality-shattering Terminator 2: 3D, and get T-Rex-size thrills and chills on Jurassic Park ® -- The Ride. After a day in the park, visit Universal CityWalk, featuring 65 of LA.'s hottest restaurants, nightclubs and shops. address: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 phone:1-800-UNIVERSAL hours: Open daily, except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Summer: 8:00am-10:00pm. Other: 9:00am-6:00pm. Park hours subject to change without notice admission: Adult-$43.00) Get Your CityPass for 1/2 Off Admission Website: http://www.destinationcoupons.com/California/Hollywood/Universal/Vacations.asp
		Please note: All hours, admission prices and other details are subject to change without notice.

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		If you have any questions, comments, or full day or half day trips you would like to add, we would be very happy to share them with the world! Send all the details to karen@destinationcoupons.com