Related Sponsors

Day One

Home » Los Angeles » Los Angeles/3-Day Itinerary » Day One

If you are using your own car to explore Los Angeles, you must remember the traffic and the traffic congestion. This is a major issue that confronts Los Angeles. The number of cars will slow your progress. So just take your time and relax! Don’t let yourself get uptight over something that can be helped. This is your vacation after all!

Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive: This city is part of what is known as the “Golden Triangle” of Beverly Hills, Bel-Air and Holmby Hills. It is bordered on the east by the west Hollywood. By the 1950’s, expensive housing developments started taking shape in the hills above the city. Beverly Hills marketed itself as a glamorous city with unmatched shopping experiences. Rodeo Drive the famous hip-shopping scene is actually a famous three-block stretch of shops and boutiques in Beverly Hills. It has made its name by being one the most expensive shopping areas in the world. The street is divided by a median. This median was a horse path until the early 1950’s. It is now one of the most celebrated shopping streets in the world. There are Italian designer boutiques, the best in French fashion and an unparalleled choice of beautiful jewelry. Brands such as Gucci, Armani, Hugo Boss, Hermes and Harry Winston abound in boutiques located on Rodeo Drive. Fine restaurants and eating establishments that fit any budget can be found on side streets. From pizza, deli food to Chinese Noveau are just some of the choices. Not all hotels are extravagantly priced. Hotel deals begin around $120.

Grauman’s Chinese Theatre: This theatre opened over 70 years ago with a debut of the original silent version of the “King of Kings.’ Through the years, Grauman’s has been site of more Hollywood movie premiers than any other theater. However, the most famous draw and what brings millions of visitors to the theatre each year is the legendary sidewalk of celebrity footprints. This theatre has quite a history. In the 1940’s, Grauman’s Chinese Theatre hosed the Academy Award ceremonies. This theatre has also hosted a few movie sets of its own-Singing in the Rain, Speed and Mighty Joe Young. It’s also been part of TV sitcoms including I Love Lucy and The Beverly Hillbillies. Showman Sid Grauman built the theatre. He is the one who is attributed with the idea of having stars’ footprints in the sidewalk. The theatre was purchased in 1973 by Ted Mann and was renamed Mann’s Chinese Theatre. The architecture is as interesting as its history. It resembles a giant, red Chinese pagoda. It features a large dragon snaking its way across the front of the theatre. This Chinese Theatre is a must-see as you explore Hollywood. Walking tours are now offered for a half-hour of the theatre. Charge is $5 and children under 5 are free.

Hollywood Sign: The Hollywood Sign is visible for miles atop Mt. Lee. It is the most photographed landmark in Los Angeles. Surprisingly, it is illegal to hike or get anywhere near the Sign! It is set well back behind gates and is protected by security cameras and Park Rangers. To capture the perfect photo-op of this landmark several places will do the trick including Hollywood and Highland center, Beachwood Canyon and Glen Holly, Franklin Ave. & Gower and Lake Hollywood. These areas will at least enable you to catch the ambiance of the Hollywood Sign!

Sunset Strip: This mile and half stretch of Sunset Boulevard passes through West Hollywood. It is best known for being home to a mecca of boutiques, restaurants, rock clubs and nightclubs that are influential in the entertainment industry. Sunset Strip is easy to spot with its wall-to-wall billboard signs! The Strip has a colorful history of glamour and glitz. In the 30’s and 40’s it was renowned for its restaurants and clubs and was a playground for the rich and famous. The rich and famous can still be spotted on the Strip with many living in upscale condominium complexes.

Hollywood Boulevard: This street was made famous for the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The walk extends to Hollywood Blvd. and Vine. In recent years, efforts have been made to clean up this well-known street. The Kodak Theatre (now home to the Academy Awards) and the Hollywood and Highland shopping center have helped spiff up this street. The Kodak Theatre was designed with the Oscars in mind and is now The Academy Awards first permanent home. The theatre was sponsored by the Kodak Company which paid $75 million to have its name associated with the building. The rest of the year concerts keep the Kodak theatre alive with many varieties of music.

Next Page: Day Two

Related Los Angeles/3-Day Itinerary Articles