Built in Art Deco style, this observatory was constructed in the early 1930s and is a highlight among the landmarks in Southern California. See incredible light shows at the Oschin Planetarium, which puts to use the latest technology. Outside the observatory, you'll find sweeping views of the nearby area that are breathtaking during the day as well as night. Exhibits and planetarium shows will fascinate visitors. Some visitors might recognize the observatory as the site where the climax of Rebel Without a Cause was filmed. On clear nights take advantage of the free public telescopes to see the stars up close.
An iconic attraction in Hollywood, Universal Studios is a must-visit for anyone who enjoys the thrill and excitement of a theme park. With a slate of ever-changing attractions, the park is a great outing for the whole family and can easily take up an entire day. After the guided tour, you can wander around the park, and get something to eat at one of the numerous restaurants and cafes scattered around its sprawl. Later, take in various shows like WaterWorld or the Special Effects show. Some other park attractions that will definitely get your adrenaline pumping include the Revenge of the Mummy Ride, various rides at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the acclaimed King Kong 360-3D virtual ride.
An ideal place for kids and adults alike to have fun while learning something in the process, Discovery Cube Los Angeles is a one of a kind attraction. From basic science, astronomy and more, you can learn interesting facts about them here. The facility also features a 3D theater for an immersive experience.
This is where the Walt Disney Company has been working its magic since 1923. Relocated from its original studio at Silver Lake, the Burbank studio was established after the monumental success of the 1937 film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The international headquarters of this iconic company, this state-of-the-art facility offers its services in the fields of film production, music publishing, stage production, distribution, and marketing. The site spans over 51 acres (21 hectares) and features notable structures like the Michael D. Eisner Building, Disney Legends Plaza, and the Frank G. Wells Building, among others. There is also a provision at the Main Theater to showcase first-run Disney movies for special guests. A colossal landmark on 500 South Buena Vista Street, the studio is unfortunately not open to the public, but hoists gigantic head constructions of Mickey Mouse and the Seven Dwarves over its steep red-bricked walls for passers-by to savor.
One of the most noted places in the world, the Warner Brothers Studio has played home to some of the entertainment worlds most famous comedy and drama series. The studio has numerous sets for various scenes all of which have excellent facilities, props and sound and light systems. On location here are also craft and set shops where patrons can purchase memorabilia. There is a tour of the entire studio which takes guests on a journey into the entertainment world with guides who are well versed with the place.
Situated just north of Claremont University, California Botanic Garden is a conservatory dedicated to native Californian plants. This 86-acre (35-hectare) green oasis is home to more than 6,000 varieties of native species, some of which include exotic seasonal ones like the Manzanita, Dutchman’s Pipe, Catalina Crossosoma and many more. A stroll through this beautiful garden allows visitors to see squirrels, red-tailed hawks, butterflies and other avian life. The garden is open throughout the year, however, the best time to visit is in the spring of course, when the plants are in full bloom.
The Robinson Memorial is fittingly located a few blocks from where the legendary athlete and trailblazer was born. After facing constant scrutiny by the community for being part of the only black family living in the area, Jackie Robinson went on to become a star athlete at Pasadena City College and UCLA. He eventually became the first African American in major league baseball and the rest, as they say is history. The memorial depicts the visages of both Jackie and his older brother Mack, who also contributed to the civil rights movement.
Those who like to do offbeat things will enjoy Melting Pot Food Tours - Old Pasadena. It is one of the six tours offered by Melting Pot Food Tours and also among the most popular ones. This walking foodie tour in the historic old town covers about 1.25 miles (2 kilometers) and stops at nine places. Wind though vibrant alleys and explore cafes, bars and restaurants. Get to know stories of host merchants and sample food along the trip.
The Huntington Ranch Garden is a collection of fruit trees, shrubs, perennial herbs and small cropping plants over a green landscape. This half acre garden is a beautiful melange of diverse flora, including a variety of fruit trees and plants. The garden draws inspiration from Huntington's regional agricultural practices and heritage. The Ranch Garden Project researches and explores the role of gardening in regional ecosystems and varying climatic conditions.
The Desert Garden at The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is a unique place to visit, as it is one of the largest cactus gardens in the world. Expanding over 10 acres, this garden showcases more than 2000 variants of cacti and 3000 succulent plants. These plants are spread out over 60 landscaped beds and have been brought over from different parts of the world. About 200 of the 300 species of Aloe available throughout the world are found here at this very garden. The largest cactus, Cereus Xanthocarpus is a tree sized cactus weighing in at about 20 tons (18 metric tonnes).
Part of the larger Huntington Botanical Gardens (covering 120 acres or 48.56 hectares of garden space), the Subtropical Garden covers 4 acres (1.62 hectares) of the hillside space on the Raymond Hill earthquake fault. It features a wide variety of plants, flowers, trees and shrubs from the tropics. The south-facing slope of the garden remains warm, making it suitable for planting tropical floral species. Pink cape chestnuts, lavender-blue jacarandas and the golden trumpet tree are some of the popular flowering tree species that can be found in this garden. It is also home to different species of salvia that give the garden its colorful and vibrant look.
The beautiful and vibrant Camellia Garden is part of the expansive Huntington Botanical Gardens, located in San Marino, California. As the name suggests, this garden is famous for its multiple varieties of Camellia plantations. The garden features over 80 different species of Camellia including sasanqua, vernalis, hiermalis, nitidissima and japonica, to name a few and close to 1200 cultivated species. January and February months of the year are when the flowers are at their peak bloom and offer a breathtaking and spectacular view of the garden.