DK Eyewitness - DK Eyewitness Top 10 Los Angeles

Clockwise from top: Los Angeles skyline, Walt Disney Concert Hall, North Vista at the Huntington, Rodeo Drive sign, A Los Angeles beach with colorful beach houses, West Coaster at Santa Monica Pier, Street performer on Hollywoods Walk of Fame

City of Angels. City of Dreams. City streets lined with palm trees under a dazzling blue sky. Convertibles cruising the Pacific Coast Highway. Surfers riding a perfect wave. Movie stars leading mythological lives in designer gowns. Beneath this image lies a vibrant, multicultural city for all to enjoy, and with Eyewitness Top 10 Los Angeles, its yours to explore.

Never would the Spanish founders of the pueblo in 1781 have envisioned that it would one day become a vast urban sprawl, home to over 18 million people from 140 countries. Its a city that dictates culture to the world, yet where no single culture predominates. Stroll down any street and you can hear a dozen different languages and sample the food of a dozen different cuisines. Explore Pasadena, with its European style; Beverly Hills, where excess is an art form; and Venice Beach, with its hedonistic, anything-goes boardwalk.

In an area known for its stars, the Getty Center, the Huntington, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) are stars among a cultural galaxy. Some of the worlds most cutting-edge architecture is rising from Downtowns streets. And, if theres a certain sense of familiarity, look around carefully you may have seen it in a movie. Free-spirited at heart, this is a city of optimism and possibility.

Whether youre coming for a weekend or a week, our Top 10 guide brings together the best of everything that Los Angeles has to offer, from iconic places such as Hollywood to the amazing DisneylandResort. The guide has useful tips throughout, from seeking out whats free to avoiding the crowds, plus ten easy-to-follow itineraries designed to tie together a clutch of sights in a short space of time. Add inspiring photography and detailed maps, and youve got the essential pocket-sized travel companion. Enjoy the book, and enjoy Los Angeles.

Exploring Los Angeles

From the pier of Santa Monica overlooking the Pacific to the star-lined streets of Hollywood, this vast area presents a carousel of activities. Angelinos excel in having fun, whether its at the beaches, the museums, or the world-famous amusement parks. These two- and four-day itineraries will help you make the most of your time in Los Angeles.

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Two Days in Los Angeles

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Day 1

Morning

Start the day on .

The Hollywood Sign makes for an iconic sight high on the hillside above the city.

Afternoon

Head to , a masterpiece of the LA community wandering through the Impressionist Room or the gardens, while taking in the fabulous views of the coastline and hills.

Day 2

Morning

Enjoy breakfast at Pick a couple of gardens to focus on like the Desert Garden or Rose Garden and then step into the art gallery to view the masterpieces on display.

Afternoon

Take the Metro to Union Station, Downtown. Cross the street to museum.

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Four Days in Los Angeles

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Day 1

Morning

After breakfast at Downtowns and explore LAs early history. From Union Station, take the Metro to Hollywood/Highland Station.

Afternoon

Try a little star-gazing on , a few blocks away.

Day 2

Morning

Spend the morning among the roses at the .

Universal Studios HollywoodSM is packed with entertaining rides.

Afternoon

Focus on the most popular attractions, such as the famed Wizarding World of Harry Potter, King Kong, and Jurassic Park. Then head over to .

Day 3

Morning

Pedal a rental bicycle from Santa Monica to Venice along the famous .

Afternoon

Enjoy a blissful afternoon at .

Day 4

Morning

really require a full day. Buy a Park Hopper ticket that allows entry into both parks. Spend the morning on the rides at Disneyland.

Afternoon

Shift over to California Adventure by late afternoon and be sure to stay for the spectacular World of Color display at night.

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Top 10 Los Angeles Highlights

The impressive auditorium at the TCL Chinese Theatre

Top 10 Los Angeles Highlights

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HISTORIC HOLLYWOOD BOULEVARD

Hollywood Boulevard, home of the Walk of Fame, has always been synonymous with the glamour of moviemaking, especially in the 1920s and 1930s. But it eventually fell out of favor, teeming with drug addicts and prostitutes. Now the heart of Tinseltown is finally cleaning up its act the old movie palaces have received facelifts, the Hollywood & Highland complex is a major draw, and even Oscar has found a permanent home here.

Map of Historic Hollywood Boulevard

NEED TO KNOW

Stretches from La Brea Blvd to Vine St

Walk of Fame: Hollywood Blvd between Gower St & La Brea Ave, and Vine St between Yucca Ave & Sunset Blvd

Hollywood & Highland: