Los Angeles is a sprawling city that is as famous for its unique landscapes and entertainment as it is for its residents. As the center of the nation's film and television industry, it's exciting at every nook and cranny. We love Los Angeles and each of its unique neighborhoods and towns. You can live in Los Angeles for years and still not get to see everything it has to offer. Spending an unforgettable week sightseeing, or even doing it in a few days, is completely doable, and still very satisfying. Whether you're touring Universal, Warner or Paramount Studios, checking out the TCL Chinese Theater to put your shoes or hands into one of favorite celebrities, checking out the stars on the Walk of Fame, or taking a tour of movie star's homes, all things celebrity surround you.
Make sure you visit the Griffith Observatory, Sunset Boulevard, Melrose Avenue, the Getty Center, The Grove, Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive, the Farmer's Market, and the Kodak Theater (many can be done the same day on tours). And that's only the beginning. There's so much more!!!Enjoy the beautiful sun-kissed beaches of Santa Monica and Venice, the panoramic mountains, rolling hills, variety of sights, entertainment galore, diversity of food, jaw-dropping views, shop-til-you-drop boutiques and one-of-a-kind stores, and spectacular weather. Anything you desire is here. So, with that being said, we'd like to offer some advice on where to stay and where to go.
The Luxe Hotel.
If you’re looking for a great hotel at a fair price in an excellent location, The Luxe is your place. This quaint boutique hotel is all about…. Location, location, location. However, there's plenty more to it than that. We’ve stayed at hundreds of hotels over the years and many are wonderful, at a cost. The Luxe's location can't be beat, and neither can its excellent accommodations, and great amenities, all for a price you won't believe. The Luxe is in Brentwood on Sunset Boulevard, right off the 405 freeway, and smack in the middle of all of the fun. It's perfect if you're going to be sightseeing or traveling for business in any direction. Westwood, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu, and Hollywood, to name a few, are all short drives away. Please see our review from July 25, 2014 for full review.www.luxesunset.com
Universal Studios Theme Park and CityWalk.
This is one place you don’t want to miss. You can easily spend a couple of days here but, if you’re itinerary is packed, even a half a day will do. CityWalk incorporates the magic of Hollywood’s movie industry. Three blocks of restaurants, movie theatres, shopping and entertainment (including a dancing musical fountain, street performers, indoor skydiving, or an outdoor concert venue are part of the fun. The Universal Studios theme park started off many years ago as a tour of the actual working Universal studios and grew into a massive theme park. Two complete levels are loaded with movie-themed rides, live performances, great casual food, unique shopping, and play areas for the little ones. The 45-minute Studio Tour is still part of the fun and on it you will ride through famous scenes from movies including Jurassic Park, a ‘flash flood,’ the parting of the Red Sea, an earthquake, the Bates Motel and into the King Kong: 360 3D Experience. The live shows at the park include a special effects show, and Shrek 3D. In the Lower Lot there are blockbuster theme rides that bring your favorite movie and TV moments and characters to life. These include: the Revenge of the Mummy, Transformers, The Simpsons, Jurassic Park, Shrek 4D, WaterWorld, Blues Brothers mini-show, The Adventures of Curious George, and the Animal Actors or Special Effects Stage. And let’s not forget about all of the Universal characters you will cross paths with. This park isn’t just for kids… adults will love it just as much.www.universalstudioshollywood.com
Warner Brothers Studio Tour.
Another not-to-miss tour. Warner Brothers was founded in 1903 and has produced thousands of movies. This 2-hour guided tour will take you across their 110-acre studio. Start your journey at the VIP Tour Center where you see a short film about the history of Warner Bros. Then hop on an electric cart with a small group groups and enjoy their exclusive tour through the TV and movie studios. (If you have the time, take the Deluxe 5-hour tour which gives you an even more in-depth look at the studios and the back lot.) This informative and entertaining tour describes many famous film scenes and how they were created. You will go down areas which were actually used in films, including a recreated Midwest Street to the town square, in to the jungle, through forests and past a lagoon. You will also go on the set of well known TV shows and visit the costume and props department. You see Stage 16, the tallest sound stage in North America. Using a green screen you can take a photo of yourself standing in one of your favorite movie scenes. Each tour is different as the studios are in use as crews film TV shows and films around you. It’s a great time for all ages. www.wbstudiotour.com
TMZ Hollywood Celebrity Hot Spot Tour.
The entertaining website and TV show that keep you up-to-date on everything Hollywood brings you the ultimate celebrity-spotting tour in Los Angeles. Hope on their intimate, open-air mini-bus and tour the streets of Beverly Hills and Hollywood all for one goal… to search for celebrities. Along the way a camera-ready and knowledgeable guide will search the local hot spots as he provides you wish all of the gossip and juicy stories about the stars. This is so much better than the celebrity home tour, and way more fun. It’s your best shot at finding a celebrity, while relaxing and enjoying yourself! www.tmz.com/tour
Venice Beach/Santa Monica E-Bike Tour.
If you’re more of the adventurous type, you will thoroughly enjoy this 2½ hr pedal-or-powered bike tour through the beaches and streets of Santa Monica and Venice. Enjoy laid-back travel by using the electric or get some exercise while pedaling as you breath in fresh ocean breezes. A guide will bring you to explore these two wonderful areas. Cruise the trails along the Santa Monica boardwalk and Venice Beach, even cycling around to explore the historic canals. The tour guide continuously explains the different locations. Love it. www.viator.com
Hollywood Hills Hiking Sunset Tour.
This is another perfect, and unique, way to see Los Angeles. It’s a 2½ hour hiking tour that offers the most gorgeous, incredible view of Los Angeles. The Hollywood sign, Sunset Strip, Hollywood, Century City, Downtown Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, Griffith Park Observatory and possible the Pacific Ocean (on a clear day) are a part of your journey. Mount Hollywood and the sign are so amazing up close and personal. Mountains, oceans, and foothills await you. There are morning walks or sunset walks that will allow you to take in panoramic view of this incredible city. The higher you go, the more spectacular the view. If you have a passion for nature and the outdoors, this is the tour for you. By the way, Patrick was the best tour guide we have ever had. So knowledgeable and fun!www.bikesandhikesla.com
Helicopter Tour.
As you can see, we are not fond of the traditional tours and this one especially justifies our reasoning. Take in Los Angeles at new heights with this Hollywood helicopter tour, as you ascent into the blue skies that will literally offer a bird’s eye view high above the manicured, diversified and dynamic streets of Tinseltown. There are three choices: Flying above the famous Hollywood Strip; gazing at the luxury homes of Beverly Hills and Bel Air; or soaking in the beautiful coastal towns along the ocean and admire their cliff-covered shorelines. During your flight you’ll also receive insightful commentary about the landmarks and city below. This helicopter tour also includes optional round-trip transport from your hotel. Soar over the Hollywood Sign, Beverly Hills, Paramount Pictures, the Playboy Mansion, Santa Monica and more. What a relaxing and enjoyable way to see what Los Angeles has to offer. The helicopter is small, comfortable and personal, generously providing huge windows with unobstructed views. You might even see a dolphin or two popping out of the ocean. Fantastic! www.elitehelicoptertours.com
All the touring can make you pretty hungry and there are hundreds of restaurant choices. We have a few favorites, depending on where you’re going, and hope you try them out.
Dan Tana’s.
A restaurant that has been around for decades must be something pretty special, and once you have dinner at Dan Tana’s you’ll know why. If you love old style Italian food and you love old school Hollywood, this is your kind of place. When you walk in, there is a cute little bar where you can grab a few drinks while waiting, and you are guaranteed to meet interesting people every time. The dining room is cozy, small and intimate. If there are celebrities there (which there almost always are), you will probably rub shoulders with one or two of them. What we love about Dan Tana’s is that even though it’s such a highly-respected and highly-sought-after restaurant, it still emits the feeling that grandma is ready to come out with some meatballs and macaroni. By the way, huge portions allow for lots of sharing and all of their food is extraordinary. The Veal Scalllopine (Carl Malden style) is fabulous (mouth watering). Veal Milanese, Shrimp Scampi, Sauteed Scallops, Veal Cutlet Parmigiana (best we’ve had anywhere), Caprese Salad (thick slices of tomato and mozzarella), Penne Arabiata, and fresh cannoli for dessert are all as good as any meal you’d have right in Italy. The staff has been there forever and they offer perfection every time…they’re all at the top of their game and they make you feel welcomed, even if you’re not in the business. Consistent food, consistent service, consistent enjoyment. Dan Tana’s should not be missed. Family is family, and the minute you enter their establishment, you're in their circle. www.dantanasrestaurant.com
The Ivy.
This charming restaurant was hopping in the 1980s and hasn’t stopped since. Everything you heard about this restaurant is true: You will always have a top-notch meal, every time you visit. Before you even begin your meal, you are given a complimentary glass of French champagne to welcome you. Eating delightfully fresh food while enjoying the ambiance of a wonderful French bistro will be one of the highlights of your trip. Not to mention, if it interests you, being in the perfect spot for stargazing and people watching. As far as décor, the wood-panelled room with its stained-glass windows and close-set tables will make you feel comfortable and cozy. This is only the beginning. You would be misled if you weren’t informed about their margaritas, a true treat. Everything on the menu is beautifully prepared and utterly delicious. However, we are partial to the fried calamari (the best!), crispy goat cheese filled zucchini, Cornish crab, steak tartare, burgers with Truffle fries, delectable crab cakes, spectacular lobster tacos and exceptional lobster ravioli. In addition to that, the things they can do with a salad are to die for. If that all wasn’t enough, they send you off with a gift that you will never forget… a lovely box of fabulous chocolate chip cookies. They know how to treat people and they do it with class. The Ivy will easily become one of your favorite restaurants after your first visit. You might not always see a celebrity, but you will always feel like one. www.theivyrestaurants.com
Duke’s Malibu.
If you’re in Malibu for the great views, and who isn’t, then you want to make sure you stop at Duke's. Duke’s is the next best thing to being in Hawaii because of the décor, the views, the hospitality, and, of course, the fresh fish and all of their other delectable dishes. Tropical drinks, Fisherman’s chowder soup, incredible Maui Onion Soup, coconut shrimp, blackened Ahi Tacos, Mahi Mahi (Parmesan and herb crusted, of course), while admiring the beautiful Pacific Ocean (and possible seeing dolphins and seal lions swimming about). Who could ask for more than that? Don’t forget the grand finale…their famous and delightful Hula Pie (cookie crust, macadamia nut vanilla ice cream, hot fudge and whipped cream). Go there around sunset and your draw might drop to the floor… West coast sunsets are spectacular. You can also eat in the oceanfront Barefoot Bar or outside patio while enjoying Aloha Hour (4-6pm) with great deals on the bar's menu.www.dukesmalibu.com