By Megan Mattingly-Arthur
Things to Do in Los Angeles Area
Planning a trip to the
Los Angeles area can be overwhelming. With so much to see and do it's easy for some great, but lesser-known, attractions to get lost in the shuffle. While you're busy visiting some of L.A.'s top attractions and amusement parks, don't forget to stop and take in some of L.A.'s unique cultural gems as well.
Disneyland
Located in Anaheim, California, Disneyland is one of the most popular tourist attractions in California and definitely worth the short drive from Los Angeles. Disney fans will be delighted to see Disney classics like Mickey Mouse, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and others roaming the park and posing for pictures with tourists. Though the majority of the rides found at Disneyland are rides that the whole family can enjoy, Disneyland also features a few rides to delight a more thrill-seeking crowd. Popular attractions and rides at the park include Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones' Temple of Doom.
1313 S. Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, California 92802
(714) 520-5060
www.gocalifornia.about.com
Six Flags Magic Mountain
Located just minutes from Los Angeles in nearby Santa Clarita, Six Flags Magic Mountain is an amusement park suited for those looking for nonstop thrills at a mile a minute. Kids and teens will enjoy the park's amusement and thrill rides while parents can relax and take in an afternoon show. Together with its neighboring water park, Hurricane Harbor, Six Flags Magic Mountain provides enough entertainment to be sure every member of your family has something fun to do.
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway
Valencia, California 91355
(661) 255-4100
www.sixflags.com/magicMountain
Knott's Berry Farm
Knott's Berry Farm is one of the oldest amusements parks in California. Founded in 1934, the park was sold to park management company Cedar Fair in 1997 and has since become one of Southern California's most popular attractions. Knott's Berry Farm features 38 major rides to interest older children as well as Camp Snoopy to entertain the little ones. While you're there, don't forget to sample their delicious fried chicken!
8039 beach Boulevard
Buena Park, California 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com
J. Paul Getty Center
The J. Paul Getty Center museum features European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, decorative arts, and European and American photographs from famed artists like Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne. Spread over two locations, the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Villa in Malibu opened in 2006, the J. Paul Getty Center offers a wide variety of art exhibits for art and culture lovers.
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, California 90049
(310) 440-7330
www.getty.edu/museum
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is a popular observatory and planetarium operated by the City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks. Perched 1,134 feet above sea level, Griffith Observatory is an L.A. area landmark that is visible from many places in the greater Los Angeles area. Admission to Griffith Observatory is free, so it's a fun and educational place to spend an afternoon on a budget.
2800 E Observatory Ave.
Los Angeles, California 90027
(323) 660-7827
www.griffithobservatory.org
The Hollywood Sign
No trip to the greater Los Angeles area is complete without getting a glimpse of that famous "Hollywood" sign. Originally built in 1923 by Los Angeles Times publisher Harry Chandler, Los Angeles' most recognized landmark was rebuilt in 1978 thanks to a charity fundraiser arranged by Hugh Hefner. While the sign can be seen throughout Hollywood, those looking to get a well-angled snapshot of the famous landmark will have a perfect opportunity to do so while visiting the Griffith Observatory.
Resources
About the Author:
Megan Mattingly-Arthur has been writing professionally since 1998. She has contributed to various publications, including "Teen Voices" and "Positive Teens" magazines, as well as a book, "The Young Writer's Guide to Getting Published." Mattingly-Arthur is studying travel and tourism through Penn Foster Career School.
Photo Credits:
Italian Cultural Institute of Los Angeles
