Los Angeles City Guide

Top Family Activities in Los Angeles

As you might expect in the entertainment capital of the world, there are plenty of fun family activities in Los Angeles.  Whether it is touring old movie studios or visiting Universal Studio’s theme park, LA has something for everyone, and every age.  Below are the ten best family activities in Los Angeles:

1. Universal Studios Hollywood

800-864-837725
100 Universal City Plaza
Los Angeles, CA 91608

Known as the Entertainment Capital of L.A., Universal Studio is a entertainment experience that is fun for the whole family. In the theme park you will enjoy rides like the new Simpson’s Ride, the Revenge of the Mummy thrill coaster and the Jurassic Park 80 foot raft plunge among many more. Universal Studio’s  also offers Studio Tours, and a Citywalk that is compete with cinemas and concerts.

2. Six Flags Magic Mountain

661-255-4111
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy
Valencia, CA 91355

This theme park is pack with rides, entertainment, food and fun! The rides vary from monster coasters, to  family rides that mom and dad can go on with their little ones. There is also a wide variety of entertainment options from Looney Tunes Beach Bash Parade to Mat Hoffman’s Danger Defying Daredevils.

3. Santa Monica Pier – Pacific Park & Aquarium

310-260-8744
380 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401

When you are in LA, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the beautiful Santa Monica Pier with your family. This location offers entertainment, thrill rides at Pacific Park, an interactive aquarium, dining, shopping and my favorite a historic 1922 Carousel.

4. Hollywood Wax Museum

323-462-8860
6767 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028

Come and see the stars, famous actors and actress have been sculpted out of wax to resemble an uncanny likeness for over 40 years. This attraction is a great photo opportunity to let your kids get their picture taken by some of there favorite stars.

5. Guinness World Records Museum

323-463-6433
6764 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028

This museum is fresh and clean and full of fun and crazy facts like the world’s largest apple and records set in eating, sports, entertainment and so many more. They have touch-screen computers set up that allow you to select which record you and your family wish to read more about.

6. Los Angeles City Tour and Movie Stars’ Homes

310-458-0257
1434 2nd St
Santa Monica, CA 90401

This is the way to go if you want to see all of Los Angeles’ highlights in one day. Some of the stops include Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip, Venice Beach, the Hollywood sign and 45 movie stars’ homes.

7. Paramount Picutures Studio Tour

323-956-1777
5555 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90038

If your family loves movies you should take this 2-hour tour that allows you a behind-the-scences  historical and informational look of the daily operations of Paramount Pictures major motion and television facility.

8. J. Paul Getty Center

310-440-7300
1200 Getty Center Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90049

To add culture and education to your family vacation the Getty Center is full of modern architecture and gardens as well as a museum that boasts a impressive collection of approximately 44,000 works of art.

9. Grauman’s Chinese Theatre

6925 Hollywood Blvd
Hollywood, CA

Located along the historic Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Chinese Theatre was opened in 1927. It has since been home to many premieres and three Academy Awards ceremonies. And don’t forget the concrete blocks in the front which bear the signatures, footprints, and handprints of popular motion picture personalities from the 1920s to the present day.

10. Petersen Automotive Museum

323-930-2277
6060 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90036

This museum exhibits rare and classic automobiles. There is something new to discover for the whole family from the evolution of the Automobile over the last 100 years to a discovery center and a kid’s corner.

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Best Gyms and Health Clubs in Los Angeles

Looking to tune up that beach body? Well you’re not alone, LA has built a culture of fitness and they have the gyms to prove it.  Whether you are looking for a luxurious athletic club with VIP locker rooms, or a bodybuilder-themed sweatbox, the city of Los Angeles has what you are searching for.  Below are the ten best gyms and health clubs in LA:

1. The Sports Club/LA

310-473-1447
1835 Sepulveda Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

2. Los Angeles Athletic Club

213-625-2211
431 W 7th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014

3. Equinox Fitness Clubs

310-657-4372
8590 W Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

4. Body Maxx

323-655-8365
8474 W 3rd St Ste 110
Los Angeles, CA 90048

5. KOR Health & Fitness

323-933-3744
815 N La Brea Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

6. Easton Gym

323-651-3636
8053 Beverly Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90048

7. Heartbeat House

323-669-2821
3141 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039

8. Crunch

323-654-4550
8000 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046-2439

9. TRAIN West Hollywood

310-657-4140
624 North La Cienega Blvd @ Melrose
West Hollywood, CA 90069

10. 4 Ideal Fitness

310-231-8228
1554 S Sepulveda Blvd Ste 109
Los Angeles, CA 90025-3377

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Top Los Angeles Neighborhoods

Los Angeles real estate has been featured in countless movies and TV shows, and for very good reason.  Architects and designers from around the world travel to the City of Angels to study the homes and buildings due to their style and exquisite detail.  Below are the ten best places to live in LA:

1. Beverly Hills

2. Bel Air

3. Malibu

4. Hancock Park

5. Silver Lake

6. West Hollywood

7. Sherman Oaks

8. Brentwood

9. Westwood

10. Pacific Palisades

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Best Hotels and Resorts in Los Angeles

Whenever you have a city full of celebrities and perfect weather, you will find stunning resorts and hotels.  This is definitely the case with LA, from beachfront resorts to modern hotels, this city of stars has accommodations for every style.  I especially enjoyed the hotels that had gourmet restaurants located on the premises.  Below are the ten best hotels and resorts in Los Angeles:

1. Mondrian Los Angeles

323-650-8999
8440 Sunset Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90096

2. Intercontinental Hotel

310-284-6500
2151 Ave of the Stars
Los Angeles, CA 90067

3. Sunset Marquis

310-657-1333
1200 Alta Loma Rd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

4. Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills

310-275-5200
9500 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

5. Four Seasons Hotel

310-273-2222
300 S Doheny Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90048

6. Hotel Bel-Air

310-472-1211
701 Stone Canyon Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90077

7. The Peninsula Beverly Hills

310-551-2888
9882 Santa Monica Blvd
Beverly Hills, CA 90212

8. Viceroy Santa Monica

310-260-7500
1819 Ocean Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90401

9. The London West Hollywood

310-854-1111
1020 N San Vicente Boulevard
West Hollywood, CA 90069

10. W Los Angeles Westwood

866-716-8129
930 Hilgard Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90024

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Best Apartments and Condos in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has some of the most stunning apartments and condos in the nation.  With a combination of the hip California style and Hollywood flair, rental living has never been this luxurious.  One of my favorite aspects of these establishments is the floor plan variations.  Whether you are looking for simply studio or penthouse on the Sunset Strip, this city has it all.  Below are the ten best apartments and condos in Los Angeles:

1. Sunset and Vine

866-329-4667
1555 N Vine St
Hollywood, CA 90028

2. Hollywood Tower

866-505-0861
6200 Franklin Ave
Hollywood, CA 90028

3. Versailles Luxury Apartments

866-706-4771
918 S Oxford Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90006

4. 7950 West Sunset

877-269-2456
7950 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90046

5. The Crescent at West Hollywood Apartments

866-860-8343
1274 N Crescent Heights Bvld
West Hollywood, CA 90046

6. Living at NoHo

866-604-6860
11059 McCormick St
North Hollywood, CA 91601

7. Franklin Plaza

866-920-6701
7230 Franklin Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046

8. Avalon Sunset

866-705-9699
1443 North Fuller Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046

9. The Worchell

866-696-1022
5420 Harold Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027

10. Archstone Los Feliz

866-252-7558
3100 Riverside Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027

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Best Wine Bars in Los Angeles

The entire State of California has a rich tradition of fine wines, and it is reflected in LA’s many wine bars.  With varietals from all over the world, you are sure to find a wine to fit your taste.  Whenever I’m in Los Angeles, I typically choose to try out the California-themed wine flights.  These wine tastings allow you to sip many different California-grown variations, and the only problem will be deciding which one you liked best.  Below are the ten best wine bars in Los Angeles:

1. Lou

323-962-6369
724 Vine St
Los Angeles, CA 90038

2. AOC

323-653-6359
8022 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048

3. The Little Door

323-951-1210
8164 W 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90048

4. Cafe Stella

323-666-0265
3932 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029

5. Enoteca

310-786-8236
410 N Canon Dr
Beverly Hills, CA 90210

6. Minibar

323-882-6965
3413 Cahuenga Blvd W
North Hollywood, CA 90068

7. Upstairs 2

310-231-0316
2311 Cotner Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064

8. Vermont Restaurant

323-661-6163
1714 N Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027

9. Cobras y Matadors

323-669-3922
4655 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027

10. BIN 8945

310-550-8945
8945 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

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Best Coffee Bars in Los Angeles

If you’re looking for a great place to relax with a good book or newspaper, then look no further than these wonderful LA Coffee Bars.  I can’t think of a better way to get a java fix than these establishments.  Not in the mood for coffee? No problem, great tasting exotic teas and other beverages can also be found.  Below are the ten best coffee bars in Los Angeles:

1. The Healthy Bean

323-848-9401
8470 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90069

2. Peet’s Coffee & Tea

323-978-1003
124 N Larchmont Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90004

3. Cycleway Coffee

323-256-0200
5526 Monterey Rd
Los Angeles, CA 90042

4. Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea

323-663-6173
3922 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029

5. The Coffee Table

323-644-8111
2930 Rowena Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90039

6. Casbah Cafe

323-664-7000
3900 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029

7.  Silverlake Coffee Co

323-913-0388
2388 Glendale Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039

8. Stir Crazy Coffee Shop

323-934-4656
6903 Melrose Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90038

9. Cafe Marco

323-650-7742
1051 N Havenhurst DR
West Hollywood, CA 90046

10. Groundwork Coffee Company

323-871-0107
1501 Cahuenga Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90028

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Best Luxury Shopping Destinations in Los Angeles

Los Angeles gives visitors and locals alike one of the best luxury shopping experiences in the country.  From apparel to home decor, these establishments will fill your closets and homes while emptying your wallets.  One of my favorite aspects of these shops is the variety of brand name retailers with exquisite boutiques mixed in throughout.  Below are the ten best luxury shopping destinations in LA:

1. Rodeo Drive

Santa Monica Boulevard to the north, Wilshire Boulevard to the south and Canon Drive to the east, Los Angeles, CA.

2. Robertson Boulevard

Between Beverly Blvd and Third St, Los Angeles, CA.

3. Melrose Avenue

Between San Vicente and La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA.

4. Beverly Boulevard

Between Martel Ave and La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA.

5. Third Street

Between La Cienega Blvd and La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA.

6. Montana Avenue

Around 15th St., Los Angeles, CA.

7. La Brea

Between Wilshire Blvd and Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA.

8. Sunset Plaza

Sunset Blvd at Sunset Plaza D, Los Angeles. CA.

9. Westwood Village

Bordered by the UCLA campus to the north, Wilshire Blvd to the south, Gayley Ave to the West and Hilgard Ave to the east, Los Angeles, CA.

10. Downtown/Santee Alley

Downtown between Santee and Maple Sts and Olympic Blvd and 12th St, Los Angeles, CA.

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