Beginner's Guide to Los Angeles http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/ Los Angeles en Copyright 2007 Tue, 01 Aug 2006 15:15:56 +0000 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/?v=3.35 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Climate and Geography/Geology Los Angeles enjoys beautiful and mild weather a majority of the year. However, the city is occasionally visited by the Santa Ana winds. These winds are hot and dry and are named for the canyon from which they blow. Due to the location of Los Angeles, the City is subject to earthquakes and unpredictable seismic activity. 
 
Climate: Due to the wonderful climate, Los Angeles is home to many exotic flowers and flowering trees. It is situated in a Mediterranean climate where the weather is warm and dry during the four seasons. There are at least 325 days of sunshine a year. Thanks to the breezes from the Pacific ocean, the beach communities located in LA are cooler in summer and warmer in winter. The average daytime temperature in the summer is 85°F. Nighttime temps usually range from 66°F. Wintertime temperatures only vary a few degrees from 85°F to 70°F during the day. The nighttime temperatures during the winter can become quite chilly. Los Angeles dwellers can expect rain during the winter and spring months of about 15 inches per year. One of the most interesting climate facts about LA is the fact that you can ski and surf in LA on the same day. The mountains that lie within the city limits receive snow every year and the beaches are always ready for a surfer. Unfortunately, the size of Los Angeles and its reliance on automobiles causes the city to suffer from air pollution. The San Fernando Valley and the Los Angeles Basin form bowls that hold in the smog that plagues the city. The state of California has adopted tougher emission laws and the smog situation has improved over the past few decades. Los Angeles, despite its beautiful weather, is the most polluted American city. 
 
Geography: Los Angeles is large by city standards. It is more than 465 square miles making it larger than New York or Chicago in area. The highest point in Los Angeles is Sister Elsie Peak (5,080 feet). The Lost Angeles River is a short river that flows through the city and is almost entirely lined in concrete. Los Angeles has such a variety of geography including beaches, wetlands, hills, mountains, rivers and dunes. 
 
Seismic Conditions: There are a number of faults that run under the City and it is located near the San Andreas Fault. The San Andreas fault is located 33 miles from downtown Los Angeles. There hasn’t been an earthquake of major intensity (higher than 7 on the Richter scale of 10) since the 1850’s. These faults consist of a complex system that poses a seismic threat to virtually every portion of the City. The Northridge earthquake occurred in 1994 on a previously unknown fault line. It was moderate earthquake but inflicted a costly toll on Los Angeles. There were 72 lives lost and damage to at least 93,000 buildings. Other major earthquakes occurred in 1987, 1971 and the 1933 Long Beach earthquake. Thankfully, for those who live and visit LA most earthquakes are minor doing little or no damage. 
]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/climate-and-geographygeology.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/climate-and-geographygeology.php Los Angeles, California Overview and History Tue, 25 Apr 2006 22:08:28 +0000 Los Angeles Hotels and Accommodation Overview Los Angeles, also known as L.A. and the City of Angels is home to over 3.8 million people, is a beloved vacation spot for families, and is a thriving metropolis visited by a multitude of business persons every year. This requires a vast amount of hotels and accommodations to meet the needs of each of these different individuals. Los Angeles offers a wide variety of entertainment from sporting events to shopping malls and amusement parks to art galleries. This is one of the reasons the city is visited by so many tourists. Some vacationers are simply intrigued with the city and its extreme beauty. Whatever the reason might be for your visit, accommodations while you are there play an important role in the level of your enjoyment.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodation-overview.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodation-overview.php Los Angeles Hotels and Accommodations Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:14:18 +0000 What area do you prefer? Los Angeles has a great deal to offer to a vast amount of unique individuals. It is important to determine what your particular interests are and in what area of the city you wish to spend most of your time. You can determine this by making an itinerary that lists the activities and attractions that you would like to visit while in L.A. For instance, if you plan on visiting Disneyland with your family, you most likely want to stay within a few minutes of the theme park. Some hotels are located in a glamorous area known as Beverly Hills. You might be in L.A. on business and prefer staying close to airport at one of the many hotels located near LAX. Some individuals are interested in an exciting night life and would enjoy a hotel in West Hollywood or if you are traveling with the entire family you might want to choose a hotel near Disneyland. There are also those individuals looking for a relaxing environment and would love to visit one of the charming harbor towns such as Long Beach. Whatever your particular desires might be, Los Angeles has a variety of accommodations to help you enjoy your stay. There is public transportation available throughout the city that can be used on those days that you wish to visit areas away from your hotel, but selecting a hotel in the correct area for your particular situation can be quite helpful.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/what-area-do-you-prefer.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/what-area-do-you-prefer.php Los Angeles Hotels and Accommodations Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:39:22 +0000 Hotels The city of Los Angeles offers a variety of accommodations ranging in a multitude of price ranges. Of course, you typically get what you pay for. The locations that require a higher nightly amount often times have more “extras” to offer than less expensive hotels. However, it is possible to find decent lodging for reasonable prices throughout the city of Los Angeles.  
 
·        Low
While Los Angeles has a great amount of expensive hotels, there are some that are lower in price, as well. The price will largely depend on the area of the city chosen. The Super 8, the Days Inn, Quality Inn, Motel Six, Econo Lodge, and Red Roof are all lower priced hotels can be found throughout the city of L.A. These hotels do not typically offer the variety of amenities as the medium and high priced hotels do, but they are often times more affordable. The Days Inn located in downtown Los Angeles would be considered a low priced hotel and has an average nightly rate of $75.00. 
·        Medium
Hotels found in Los Angeles that are in the medium price range typically have a nightly rate of $100.00 to $200.00. The La Quinta Inn located near the Los Angeles airport has a nightly rate of $110.00. Other medium priced hotels are Residence Inns, Amerisuites, and Holiday Inns. For example the Holiday Inn Express located in south L.A. has a nightly rate of $110.00.    
·        High
Some examples of hotels on the high end are the Renaissance Montura which is located ½ mile from the Los Angeles International airport and eleven miles from the city center. The Renaissance Montura typically charges around $215.00 a night which includes a variety of desired amenities. There are a variety of upscale hotels located in the area of Los Angeles known as Beverly Hills. The Crown Plaza is located in Beverly Hills and is within walking distance of the prominent shops found on Rodeo Drive. The nightly rate typically averages around $245.00 per night. Another exclusive hotel located in the heart of Beverly Hills is the Sofitel which requires a nightly payment of $270.00 for a standard room. It is across the street from the Beverly Center Mall and is about one mile away from the Sunset Strip. The Orlando hotel, the Hilton, the Westwood, and the Westin are all three high priced hotels that are found in city of angels. 
]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/hotels.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/hotels.php Los Angeles Hotels and Accommodations Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:40:41 +0000 Resorts A resort is a place designed to allow recreation and relaxation at the same time. They are great for that much needed vacation, for family time, and for weekend getaways. Resorts typically consist of comfortable lodging, dining, and an array of different activities. The resort style lodging offers a number of amenities such as shopping, spas, pools, workout facilities, hair salons, limo services, golf courses, concierges, tennis courts, child care services, and restaurants. Resorts allow you the opportunity to choose the activities in which you would like to participate without leaving the site. Resorts can be more expensive than traditional hotels, but many feel the increased price is worth it. Resorts can offer a more personal feel and create a home away for home for you and your family. Resorts generally offer more valuable amenities to the vacationer which can increase the nightly rate a great deal. The Park Hyatt in Los Angeles is located within ten miles of LAX airport and is an easy drive to the beach. The nightly rate of this particular property ranges from $250.00 to $300.00. Another famous resort style hotel located in Los Angeles is the Four Seasons. The exquisite Four Seasons Los Angeles is located just one mile away from the world-renowned Rodeo Drive. It can range in price anywhere from $500.00 for a standard room to $975.00 for a luxurious room with a view. You can even place you and your family near Disneyland at Disney’s Grand California Hotel. This resort is within walking distance of the theme park that everyone knows and loves. Nightly rates at Disney’s Grand California Hotel can range anywhere from $280.00 for a standard room and $1,300.00 for a three bedroom suite.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/resorts.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/resorts.php Los Angeles Hotels and Accommodations Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:41:29 +0000 Vacation Rentals Whether you want a place on the beach or one in the mountains, vacation rentals offer a comfortable stay in Los Angeles. Vacation rentals are simply homes that can be rented out, typically for a week at a time or longer. This is an excellent idea for families or groups of families. You will select a rental home that will accommodate the number of individuals in your vacationing group. These vacation rentals normally consist of several rooms and bathrooms, depending on the home chosen. Furniture, linens, and a full kitchen equipped with necessary utensils are typical in vacation rentals. The kitchen allows you to easily cook some of your meals at the house which can cut down on expenses for long trips. Vacation rentals can vary in price depending on the location, its size, and its additional amenities such as a pool or hot tub. For instance a vacation rental in Beverly Hills that has a swimming pool and balcony can cost as much as $7,500 for one week. A general price for a week long vacation rental in Los Angeles can range anywhere from $600 for one bedroom apartment in Hollywood to $7,500 for a two bedroom home in Beverly Hills. There are vacation rentals throughout the city of Los Angeles which allows everyone the opportunity to stay in a comfortable home close to their ideal vacation area. The policies and rules of the vacation home will vary depending on the owner. If you are planning on traveling with pets, need a handicap accessible facility, or any other additional features, it is a good idea to contact the owner prior to making the reservation.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/vacation-rentals.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations/vacation-rentals.php Los Angeles Hotels and Accommodations Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:42:02 +0000 Overview and History of Los Angeles, California Whether you call it the City of Angels, L.A., the City of Flowers and Sunshine, or simply Los Angeles; Los Angeles, California is a city known by many around the world. It is located in Southern California and serves as the core and most important city of the lower portion of California. Los Angeles is an enormous metropolis of diverse individuals with different religions, nationalities, cultures, ethnic backgrounds, personalities, styles, economic standings, and ages. Each of these unique individuals adds their own bit of creativity to the popular city making it an extremely fascinating and intriguing place on the map. While there are many that think of Los Angeles as the entertainment industry of the world, which is true, it is also one of the cultural, scientific, and economic centers of the United States. Many diverse individuals are attracted to Los Angeles for its pleasant weather year round, its unique personality, enthusiasm, active lifestyles, and the opportunity to fulfill a dream. After all, “Everybody comes to Hollywood for a dream”, right? Los Angeles is not only an exciting place to visit, many people love to live in the city as well. It is home to more than 3.8 million people and it is the second largest city in the United States of America, as far as population is concerned. This number, as well as the land mass the city covers, continues to increase through the years.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/overview-and-history-of-los-angeles-california.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/overview-and-history-of-los-angeles-california.php Los Angeles, California Overview and History Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:43:12 +0000 Economy Los Angeles has continued to grow economically throughout the years. While the economy of Los Angeles is mostly driven by the entertainment industry, international trade, agriculture, tourism, manufacturers, and aerospace, there are many other sources of economy within the city. Los Angeles, California is the home base of three Fortune 500 companies as well as a multitude of other major businesses. These three Fortune 500 companies are known as Northrop Grumman, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, and KB Home. Los Angeles holds some of the most major ports of entry in the world which make the city easily accessible for many companies.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/economy.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/economy.php Los Angeles, California Overview and History Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:44:35 +0000 Educational Opportunities Many individuals move to the city of Los Angeles solely for its educational opportunities. Los Angeles is home to a variety of institutions for a higher education. Whether an individual desires a public university, a technical school, a community college, or a private college, there are institutions that give people with different aspirations the ability to achieve the specific education needed. One of the most well known public schools in Los Angeles is UCLA. The University of California Los Angeles is located in the heart of Los Angeles and offers a vast amount of undergraduate and graduate studies. Another popular public college located in Los Angeles is California State University also known as CSULA. Private colleges in the city of Los Angeles include Pepperdine University, University of Southern California (USC), Loyola Marymount, Southwestern University School and many others. These public and private institutions listed are only a small example of the educational opportunities available for interested individuals in the city of Los Angeles.

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/educational-opportunities.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/educational-opportunities.php Los Angeles, California Overview and History Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:45:08 +0000 Entertainment A multitude of tourists visit the thriving city of Los Angeles every year. It is known as the center of entertainment. From shopping malls to art galleries and theme parks to sporting events, one is bound to find a source of entertainment in the city of Los Angeles. 
 
·        Art Galleries
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Getty Center, and the Museum of Neon Art are only a few examples of notable artistic and cultural institutions located in the city of Los Angeles. There are also a variety of small art galleries within the city as well as theaters that host Broadway productions, and many architectural structures such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Cathedral of our Lady of the Angels.   
·        Amusement Parks
A theme park is often a popular choice of entertainment for families on vacation. One of the most well known amusement parks located in Los Angeles is Disney Land. This is an exciting place where the entire family can enjoy themselves. Some other amusements parks found in the city of Los Angeles are Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios Theme Park, and Legoland. 
·        Sightseeing
From beaches to mountain tops, Los Angeles has it all. The city is well known for its beauty and it is appealing to most any walk of life. Many tourists enjoy strolling along the beaches of the Pacific Ocean in Long Beach while others enjoy walking the streets of Hollywood looking for celebrity names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and some like to do a little bit of both. Whatever your interests may be, there is definitely sightseeing to be done in the city of Los Angeles.  
·        Shopping
Shopping is always fun in Los Angeles. There are varieties of shopping malls and shopping centers located throughout the city that include just about every store you could imagine. Of course, the avid shopper cannot visit Los Angeles without walking the fabulous street known as “Rodeo Drive”. Rodeo Drive is full of high end shops and can be enjoyed by many, even if you just want to window shop!   ]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/entertainment.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/entertainment.php Los Angeles, California Overview and History Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:45:39 +0000 Climate Many individuals enjoy Los Angeles for its mild climate and pleasant weather year round. It is located in the subtropical zone and the city normally experiences mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. While these are typical conditions for the winter and summer months, Los Angeles is known to be warm and sunny most of the time. Temperatures in the winter range between 48 degrees and 70 degrees. The summer months bring about warmer temperatures between 85 degrees, but can easily reach above 90 degrees. The breeze off of the Pacific Ocean often times creates cooler weather within the beach communities. In fact, the areas close to the ocean can have temperatures that are about 20 degrees cooler than the areas closer to downtown. The city of Los Angeles averages fifteen inches of precipitation during one year. Snow is a rare occurrence in Los Angeles, although it is typical for the mountain tops to receive snow, and rain is normally active during the winter and spring months.


Sources;
Wikipedia

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/climate.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/los-angeles-california-overview-and-history/climate.php Los Angeles, California Overview and History Wed, 26 Apr 2006 21:46:26 +0000 Los Angeles Real Estate lare.jpg

Los Angeles Real Estate Overview

The Market

Neighborhoods

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/newbies-picks/los-angeles-real-estate.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/newbies-picks/los-angeles-real-estate.php Newbie's Picks Tue, 01 Aug 2006 15:08:28 +0000 Los Angeles Hotels and Accommodations lahote.jpg

Los Angeles Hotels and Accommodations Overview

Historic/High-End Hotels of LA

Affordable Hotels

Los Angeles Hotels and Accommodation Overview

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/newbies-picks/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/newbies-picks/los-angeles-hotels-and-accommodations.php Newbie's Picks Tue, 01 Aug 2006 15:09:54 +0000 Los Angeles/3-Day Itinerary laiten.jpg

Los Angeles/3-Day Itinerary Overview

Day One

Day Two

Day Three

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/newbies-picks/los-angeles3day-itinerary.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/newbies-picks/los-angeles3day-itinerary.php Newbie's Picks Tue, 01 Aug 2006 15:14:25 +0000 Los Angeles Entertainment laenter.jpg

Los Angeles Entertainment Overview

Tours

Museums

Theme Parks

]]> http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/newbies-picks/los-angeles-entertainment.php http://beginnersguide.com/los-angeles/newbies-picks/los-angeles-entertainment.php Newbie's Picks Tue, 01 Aug 2006 15:15:56 +0000