Los Angeles
Los Angeles has an odd effect on a lot of people. Many visitors to L.A. are suddenly seized by an urge to see a movie and go shopping. There’s just something about sunny, picture-perfect L.A. that makes people want to acquire shiny new things and retreat into a fantasy world. (It’s a good thing Disneyland is nearby.)
Activities and Attractions:
Sunny beaches are a big part of L.A.’s image—and for good reason: There are 60 miles of shoreline stretching from Malibu south to Rancho Palos Verdes. Swimming is only a secondary consideration for many beach visitors. Malibu, for instance, is a big surfing destination. The beach at Santa Monica is best known for its pier, home to a Ferris wheel that can be seen for miles, and for paved pathways used by bikers, walkers, and roller-bladers. Further south, Manhattan and Hermosa Beaches are where you can find acres of sand for playing volleyball, walking, and yes, even sunbathing.
Shopping is a major pastime for Angelinos, so why not do some yourself? Rodeo Drive, in Beverly Hills, is Southern California’s most famous shopping address. Here, and in the surrounding 16-block “Golden Triangle,” you’ll find all the upscale brand names you’d expect, like Bvlgari, Hermès, and Dolce & Gabbana. Wilshire Boulevard offers big names like Barneys New York and Neiman Marcus.
On La Brea Avenue, also in Beverly Hills, you’ll find an interesting clutch of vintage furniture stores, specializing in deco, arts and crafts, and modern pieces. Another interesting shopping district is along the otherwise mass-market Sunset Strip; at the Sunset Plaza you can purchase silver belt buckles, snakeskin cowboy boots, and other upscale western wear. There are also quality jewelry stores.
If you’re not quite sure what you’re in the mood for, Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade offers a European-tinged shopping experience. A long pedestrian-only area is lined with specialty bookshops. The Grove, an upscale outdoor mall, offers a similar experience. Browse Coach, Michael Kors, and the Apple store. The Grove is also an excellent place to spot celebrities.
And if it’s celebrities you’re after, they’re not so hard to find. After all, they buy coffee and fill up their cars just like you. (Remember, they’re always shorter than you expect them to be.) For a better look at your favorite small-screen star, arrange to attend a T.V. show taping. (The show’s web site should have registration information.) For a close encounter of a different kind, compare your handprints with those of your favorite stars on the Hollywood Walk of fame, at Hollywood and Vine. If all else fails, there’s one sure way to secure an audience with a celebrity: The Forest Lawn cemetery in Glendale is the final resting place of many beloved favorites, including Humphrey Bogart, Sammy Davis Jr., Mary Pickford, Clark Gable, and Gracie Allen and George Burns. (“Together Again,” reads their memorial stone.)
Insider Tip:
Want to go to L.A.’s most glamorous event? It’s nearly impossible to get inside the Kodak Theater during the Oscars unless you’re an academy member or a nominee. (Or the lucky date of a nominee.) But you do stand a chance of scoring one of 400 bleacher seats at the red carpet parade before the ceremony. It just takes good luck and good timing. Register in September for the random ticket lottery at http://www.oscars.org/bleachers/, and you will hear in October whether or not you should start planning your wardrobe.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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