Construído em estilo Art Déco, este observatório foi construído no início da década de 1930 e é um destaque entre os pontos turísticos do sul da Califórnia. Veja incríveis shows de luzes no Planetário Oschin, que usa a mais recente tecnologia. Fora do observatório, você encontrará vistas deslumbrantes da área próxima que são de tirar o fôlego durante o dia e a noite. Exposições e shows de planetário vão fascinar os visitantes. Alguns visitantes podem reconhecer o observatório como o local onde o clímax de Rebel Without a Cause foi filmado. Em noites claras, aproveite os telescópios públicos gratuitos para ver as estrelas de perto.
Um dos símbolos mais marcantes de Los Angeles, o letreiro de Hollywood está no alto do Monte Lee. Esta peça de sinalização popular foi originalmente criada em 1923 para servir como um truque de publicidade para o desenvolvimento imobiliário, apenas para se tornar tão lendária quanto sua residência nos anos que se seguiram à Era de Ouro de Hollywood. Com vista para a expansão urbana de seu bairro homônimo, a placa brilha sob o sol californiano, profundamente icônica em suas letras brancas a uma altura de 13,4 metros. Faixas de barricadas e portões restritos impedem o acesso ao sinal, mesmo quando indivíduos aventureiros tentam ultrapassá-lo. Parte de uma camada cultural eterna que cobre a cidade de Los Angeles e talvez toda a América, este sinal histórico tornou-se um dos aspectos mais tangíveis do reino fantástico de Hollywood.
Rodeo Drive, nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, California, is an iconic and world-renowned shopping destination that epitomizes luxury and glamour. This palm-lined street is synonymous with high-end fashion, exquisite boutiques, and opulent designer stores. Renowned fashion houses, such as Chanel, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, line the sidewalks, showcasing the latest trends and timeless elegance. While shopping is the main attraction, Rodeo Drive also offers opportunities for celebrity spotting and enjoying fine dining at upscale restaurants. Be warned, however, that some of the stores are so exclusive, that shopping is by appointment only.
The perfect thing to do on a bright sunny day is to head to Rancho Los Alamitos. Admire the 19th Century ranch house that houses an interesting museum about local history, then explore the surrounding area. Make sure you stop by the barn and check out the livestock, which is often the highlight for children. You can also stroll through the beautiful garden. The gift shop has interesting things to take back home too. Overall, a historical place with lots of education, along with fun thrown in.
Mission San Fernando Rey de Espana is an old mission that has been transformed into a museum that offers a unique look into the region's past. The original mission was founded on September 8, 1797 and has been meticulously restored to closely resemble the original structure plus a few modernizations. Visitors to the mission can tour the church, monastery, living quarters and even an archival center featuring preserved documents and records. Also be sure to check out the museum's theater, which offers short films pertaining to the mission's illustrious history.
Empoleirado sobre o Oceano Pacífico em Santa Monica, "The Pier" parece mais um carnaval do que um lugar para fazer compras. O Cirque du Soleil arma sua barraca na praia anualmente, e há shows e danças nos fins de semana no verão. Além dos muitos restaurantes e barracas de souvenirs, há um parque de diversões com montanha-russa, roda gigante, carrossel e fliperama. O final do píer oferece uma das melhores vistas do pôr do sol no condado de Los Angeles.
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.
Considered by the Greene brothers as their best architectural achievement, the Robert R. Blacker House is a grand bungalow which was built in 1907 for 100,000 USD. In adjusted figures, that sum is even more impressive, especially since the owner of the house provided the lumber from his own company. In the 1980s, a Texan purchased the house and sold off a number of the furniture and other interior accoutrements designed by the Greene brothers, causing a scandal among Pasadena's preservationists. Although the home is a private residence, no tour of historic L.A. structures would be complete without catching at least a glimpse of it.
The Lake Shrine is a beautiful place hidden away in Pacific Palisades. It is the resting place for a portion of Mahatma Gandhi's ashes and people from around the world come to pay their respects. The grounds cover ten acres and lie on a former movie set. There is a lake with swans, lush greenery, waterfalls, and beautiful statues. A perfect place to spend the day when you need to get away from it all, the memorial is open to visitors of any denomination. This pleasant place was created by Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda in 1950. Services for followers of this yogi are held in a Dutch windmill left over from its days as a movie studio.
Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Saint Michael's Episcopal Church was build in 1876. In 1955, the church was moved to its present location along West South Street. Today the church remains an important part of the community holding weekly events and services. Be sure to visit the website for services times and more information.