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 at 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.
Art finds expression, culture finds a solid canvas, and entertainment blooms at Venice Beach, a charming beachfront neighborhood. Stretching two and a half miles along the edge of Los Angeles, Venice Beach is one of the city’s most recognizable strips of seaside real estate. Modeled on the romantic Venice in Italy, this waterfront town is quirky and charismatic, teamed with a thriving music scene. Its boulevards are lined with Californian palm trees, which deeply contrast the cottages resting under charming pastel facades. The neighborhood's expanse is stippled with an array of beachfront hotels, restaurants and open volleyball courts. Its many vibrant murals lend a vibrant hue, and the neighborhood boasts some iconic landmarks like Muscle Beach and the ultra-bohemian Abbot Kinney Boulevard, which is a shopping wonderland. A jewel of the West Coast, 'Venice' is a splendid locus of aesthetics, creativity and an indelible Californian spirit.
Burbank’s answer to the Hollywood Bowl, this marvel is a much-loved and frequented concert venue near Stough Park. A wide variety of concerts, from classical to pop, are held in this stunning setting throughout the summer. This beautiful natural bowl offers ample seating, both on benches and in the grass, where guests may enjoy their favorite performers and amazing acoustics to the transporting views of sunsets gradually superceded by starry skies. Visitors are invited to pack a picnic, including drinks of their choosing with no express restrictions imposed, other than non-interference with other patrons’ enjoyment of the event. Pricing is very affordable, enabling music buffs to get their fill during the summer months, after rationing their patronage of rather more expensive concert halls and arenas during the rest of the year.
The Huntington, the former home of a railroad tycoon, is many things—an extensive library filled with rare books, a large art collection containing numerous European prints and paintings, botanical gardens of almost unmatched splendor and a forum for regular lectures and other activities. You will also find a fine bookstore, cafe and tea room on the grounds. Come and wander through the 150 acres of colorful gardens, lily ponds and beautiful sculptures. The rare books and manuscripts in the library include some of the earliest editions of Shakespeare's works, a copy of the Gutenberg Bible on vellum and the Ellesmere manuscript of one or more of Chaucer's greatest works. Please note reservations are required in order to visit and prices vary depending on the day of the week.
Seen in Los Angeles County, the Venice Canals are one of California’s most popular attractions. In 1905, developer Abbot Kinney sought to recreate the city of Venice in Los Angeles, which resulted in the formation of this pristine district. Comprising several winding canals, this picturesque neighborhood can be traversed using the many bridges and sidewalks, which also make for excellent vantage points. A fascinating feature of this neighborhood is the presence of docks outside the houses. Many houses also own a boat, allowing members to navigate the waterway. When in Los Angeles County, one simply cannot miss taking a stroll along the historic Venice Canals.
If you're an out-of-towner and miss riding the plains, you can cure your equestrian nostalgia by renting a horse and riding through the Hollywood Hills and Griffith Park. There are plenty of options here, including one and two hour rides during the day for anyone over the age of seven. A very popular option is the Friday night moonlight ride. Just arrive for a three-hour round-trip ride, which culminates with dinner at a nearby Mexican restaurant.
Located inside the historic Castle Green Hotel and maintained by the Castle Catering, Romanesque Room is a gorgeous event venue. This awe-inspiring ballroom is ideal for any private event involving large numbers of guests but the place has garnered a reputation for being one of the best wedding venues in the city. A carpet flooring, floor-to-ceiling windows that usher in sunlight, artistic Chiavari Chairs and traditional round tables, and a spacious dance floor complete this room. The place can accommodate more than 200 guests and cuisine as well as alcohol is managed by their in-house catering service.
The Huntington, the former home of a railroad tycoon, is many things—an extensive library filled with rare books, a large art collection containing numerous European prints and paintings, botanical gardens of almost unmatched splendor and a forum for regular lectures and other activities. You will also find a fine bookstore, cafe and tea room on the grounds. Come and wander through the 150 acres of colorful gardens, lily ponds and beautiful sculptures. The rare books and manuscripts in the library include some of the earliest editions of Shakespeare's works, a copy of the Gutenberg Bible on vellum and the Ellesmere manuscript of one or more of Chaucer's greatest works. Please note reservations are required in order to visit and prices vary depending on the day of the week.
Sidewalk Studio Theatre is a small theater that shows local productions. The shows are often innovative and occasionally there is a world premiere. The acting and directing is often fantastic, and it's no wonder with Hollywood so close by. There are also several classes that you can attend if you'd like to learn how to act.
What better way to experience the sunny culture of Santa Monica, than on an exhilarating bike ride. Pedal...or Not takes you through a fun electric bike ride that begins along the coastline of the Santa Monica Bay, meandering on to the Marion Davies Guesthouse, on to Venice Beach and ending in a tour of the famed Venice Canals. Friendly and knowledgeable staff keep you entertained throughout the bike ride, with interesting facts and nuggets about each place. Ages 13 and upward can participate in the bike ride, although minors need to be chaperoned by a parent/guardian.
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 at 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.