Those catwalk-ish walkways are for viewing the Hollywood sign off in the distance.Hollywood and Highland Center (outdoor shopping mall):
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The Official "Explore Southern California!" Thread
- Thread starter Cosmic Commando
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Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
You are correct, sir.
We stayed at the Loews Hollywood and it was great. Perfect location for our Hollywood/LA plans before heading to Disneyland.
gboiler1
Active Member
Lots of places of interest right there as well include the Disney Soda Fountain right next to the El Cap and Jimmy Kimmel Live on the other side. A short walk east is the Egyptian Theater if you enjoy the classic style. I want to hit the tour there next time. We did the tour at the Kodak, now Dolby and the Chinese. No photos allowed at the Kodak.
Also down by the Egyptian is the Pig & Fife, I think I got the name right. It's an old Hollywood hang out with beautiful wood and I think its supposed to be haunted.
Also in the area is Mel's Diner for some good malt shop type burgers, etc. Plenty of kitschy museums in the are too. Ripley's, Madame Tussaude's, Frederick's of Hollywood, etc. If planned right you could spend most of the day in a two or three block area especially if you catch a movie. We saw one at the El Capitan just because its an awesome venue.
Also down by the Egyptian is the Pig & Fife, I think I got the name right. It's an old Hollywood hang out with beautiful wood and I think its supposed to be haunted.
Also in the area is Mel's Diner for some good malt shop type burgers, etc. Plenty of kitschy museums in the are too. Ripley's, Madame Tussaude's, Frederick's of Hollywood, etc. If planned right you could spend most of the day in a two or three block area especially if you catch a movie. We saw one at the El Capitan just because its an awesome venue.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
What?: The California Science Center
Where?: South Los Angeles, near USC
How much?: Parking is ten bucks, but entry is completely free. That's a bonus.
How far from Disneyland?: 30+ miles away, with a 30-45 minute drive
The California Science Center is one of the main destinations SoCal kids take field trips to in elementary school. I know I took at least two or three trips there when I was in grade school, not to mention all the side trips (I've lived within a fifteen minute drive all my life). The Science Center is not only educational, it's fun and interesting as well. One thing I find really cool about the Science Center is they haven't updated their look in certain places. I went a couple of months ago and I felt like I had gone back to the 90's. It's dated, but still cool. They've added some new things since I was a kid, including an aquarium-like area and the grand Endeavour, which, sadly, I have yet to see. Speaking of the Endeavor, they do charge a small fee to see it (two bucks, I think). There are plenty of exhibits to check out. Whether you enjoy the Science Center or not, you can't go wrong with free admission. Nearby is the African American Museum, the Rose Garden, the Natural History Museum (I haven't been there since I was a kid and I'm dying to go back!) and the famous Coliseum, the venue where the 1932 and 1984 Olympics were held.
Learn about how the body works with Tess, the 50-foot, woman! She kind of scared me as a child.
Science is cool!
Just for fun...
California African American Museum:
Rose Garden:
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Natural History Museum:
Coliseum:
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Throwback!
1932 Olympics:
1984 Olympics:
What the heck, I'll throw in a shout out to USC while I'm at it. Go Trojans!
Where?: South Los Angeles, near USC
How much?: Parking is ten bucks, but entry is completely free. That's a bonus.
How far from Disneyland?: 30+ miles away, with a 30-45 minute drive
The California Science Center is one of the main destinations SoCal kids take field trips to in elementary school. I know I took at least two or three trips there when I was in grade school, not to mention all the side trips (I've lived within a fifteen minute drive all my life). The Science Center is not only educational, it's fun and interesting as well. One thing I find really cool about the Science Center is they haven't updated their look in certain places. I went a couple of months ago and I felt like I had gone back to the 90's. It's dated, but still cool. They've added some new things since I was a kid, including an aquarium-like area and the grand Endeavour, which, sadly, I have yet to see. Speaking of the Endeavor, they do charge a small fee to see it (two bucks, I think). There are plenty of exhibits to check out. Whether you enjoy the Science Center or not, you can't go wrong with free admission. Nearby is the African American Museum, the Rose Garden, the Natural History Museum (I haven't been there since I was a kid and I'm dying to go back!) and the famous Coliseum, the venue where the 1932 and 1984 Olympics were held.
Learn about how the body works with Tess, the 50-foot, woman! She kind of scared me as a child.
Science is cool!
Just for fun...
California African American Museum:
Rose Garden:
Natural History Museum:
Coliseum:
Throwback!
1932 Olympics:
1984 Olympics:
What the heck, I'll throw in a shout out to USC while I'm at it. Go Trojans!
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
What?: Sports games!
Where?: Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego
How far from Disneyland?: Depends. Could either be a 30-45 minute drive, a 5 minute drive or 60+ minute drive.
How much?: Depends.
SoCal, especially Los Angeles, has multiple sports teams. LA has two baseball teams (yes, the Angels are from LA, they just play in Anaheim), two basketball teams, a soccer team and a hockey team. San Diego hosts the Padres and Anaheim hosts the Ducks. I don't think I need to go into detail on how much fun going to sports games is. The crowds are fun, the food is good (but expensive) and it's always great when your team wins!
Staples Center, where the Lakers, the Clippers and the Kings play:
Dodgers play at Dodger Stadium, not too far way from Staples Center:
LA Galaxy plays at the StubHub Center in Carson.
The Angels, although an LA team, play in Angel Stadium in Anaheim, right down the street from Disneyland!
The Anaheim Ducks (not an LA team) play in the Honda Center, also not far from Disneyland.
The San Diego Padres play in PetCo (haha!) Park.
Where?: Los Angeles, Anaheim, San Diego
How far from Disneyland?: Depends. Could either be a 30-45 minute drive, a 5 minute drive or 60+ minute drive.
How much?: Depends.
SoCal, especially Los Angeles, has multiple sports teams. LA has two baseball teams (yes, the Angels are from LA, they just play in Anaheim), two basketball teams, a soccer team and a hockey team. San Diego hosts the Padres and Anaheim hosts the Ducks. I don't think I need to go into detail on how much fun going to sports games is. The crowds are fun, the food is good (but expensive) and it's always great when your team wins!
Staples Center, where the Lakers, the Clippers and the Kings play:
Dodgers play at Dodger Stadium, not too far way from Staples Center:
LA Galaxy plays at the StubHub Center in Carson.
The Angels, although an LA team, play in Angel Stadium in Anaheim, right down the street from Disneyland!
The Anaheim Ducks (not an LA team) play in the Honda Center, also not far from Disneyland.
The San Diego Padres play in PetCo (haha!) Park.
Rufus T Firefly
Well-Known Member
Actually, John Belushi died at the Chateau Marmont off of Sunset Bl.
Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
One of my favorite buildings out that way is Capitol Records. I just thought that was so cool looking when I was little. (Well, okay, I still do.)
Yes!
It looks almost like a tall spaceship has landed in Hollywood when you see it from a distance!
Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
What?: Various activities on Hollywood and Highland
Where?: Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Street
How Far From Disneyland?: At least 35 miles away, with an average 35-60 minute drive
How Much?: Depends.
Hollywood and Highland is famous for the locations of shops, eateries, attractions and the tons of weird and dirty people you'll find there. Located on Hollywood and Highland is the seriously famous Chinese Theatre, the El Capitan Theatre, the Hollywood and Highland Center, the Dolby Theatre (formerly known as the Kodak Theater), the Hollywood Walk of Fame and more. Hollywood and Highland is very much a tourist destination and is always packed with people. The Chinese Theatre is always hosting movie premieres, so there are times where certain parts of the streets are completely blocked off, even more when the Oscars are being held (held in the Dolby Theatre). Although there are plenty of creepy and just downright weird people on Hollywood and Highland (have you seen those awful costumes?!), it's still considered a nice hang out spot for Angelenos.
The El Capitan, which exclusively plays Disney films:
Chinese Theatre (no, not the faux one in DHS):
Movie premiere, specifically Ocean's Thirteen:
Classic moment at the Chinese Theatre:
Dolby Theatre:
Oscars:
Hollywood and Highland Center (outdoor shopping mall):
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Walk of Fame:
Can't forget the ridiculous characters...:
...and the tourists:
Seeing the photos of the 'costumed characters' outside on Hollywood Blvd reminds me of my first visit there in the Summer of 2012.
I was not entirely sure what to expect.
I was with a friend who is a old time cinema buff and wanted to check out the El Capitan while we were in the DL area, so we ventured over one afternoon to partake in the scene.
Before i arrived, i was under the impression the area was a bit run down and basically just your typical 'touristy spot'....
Imagine my surprise seeing all those costumed characters walking around!
Yeah, surreal is not the word for it.
I felt like i was at a convention for mascots.
It was hilarious and random.
Of course they ALL want to have their picture taken with you...for a price in many cases.
So a gentle warning for those going ...especially with kids...who will find all the random characters a attraction in their own right.
The down side was that the scene also tended to attract a lot of hucksters and eccentric folks trying to 'sell' you tours of the area..and anything under the sun related off of the sidewalk.
Worth experiencing at least once...yes.
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wild01ride
Well-Known Member
Those catwalk-ish walkways are for viewing the Hollywood sign off in the distance.Hollywood and Highland Center (outdoor shopping mall):
And the entire complex is built on an angle (not square to the street) so that the archway perfectly frames the Hollywood Sign in the distance!
There is a very good documentary available on Netflix streaming called "Confessions of a Superhero" that gives more detail on some of the costumed characters from Hollywood Blvd. 100% on Rotten Tomatoes!
Figments Friend
Well-Known Member
There is a very good documentary available on Netflix streaming called "Confessions of a Superhero" that gives more detail on some of the costumed characters from Hollywood Blvd. 100% on Rotten Tomatoes!
Nice!
I will have to check this out...sounds entertaining to say the least.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
Museum time.
What?: LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
Where?: Los Angeles, CA
How far from Disneyland?: Roughly 35 miles away, with a 45-60 minute drive.
How much?: Depends.
LACMA is a very large and impressive art museum in Los Angeles. It holds art from various time periods and countries. The museum sometimes hosts public events, as well. One doesn't have to be an art lover to be entertained here. It's a great museum.
LACMA was featured in No Strings Attached (0:15):
What?: The Museum of Tolerance
Where?: Los Angeles, California
How far from Disneyland?: Roughly 36 miles away, with a 45-60 minute drive.
How much?: $15.50 for adults and $11.50 for children.
The Museum of Tolerance is a museum that focuses on hate, racism and prejudice around the world, with a heavy focus on the Holocaust. I haven't visited in the last couple of years, but I'm pretty certain the tour guides are still Holocaust survivors, tattoos included. I don't know if they still do this, but in the beginning of the tour, you are given the identification of a Holocaust victim, and at the end of the tour, you find out if that person lived or died. Mine died. I'm not going to lie, this place will break your heart, but it is eye-opening. I highly recommend.
Gas chamber replica (this messed me up a bit):
What?: Petersen Automotive Museum
Where?: Los Angeles, California, right across the street from LACMA!
How far from Disneyland?: See info on LACMA.
How much?: $15 for adults and $5 for children.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a seriously cool place that "specializes" in, you guessed it, cars throughout history. We went one day and my mom spotted an old milk truck and doughnut truck, the ones that would drive through neighborhoods for service. Brought back a lot of memories for her. There are all kinds of cars here. It's neat to learn about so many cars.
Interesting fact, rapper Biggie Smalls was shot and killed right in front of the Petersen in 1997.
What?: LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art)
Where?: Los Angeles, CA
How far from Disneyland?: Roughly 35 miles away, with a 45-60 minute drive.
How much?: Depends.
LACMA is a very large and impressive art museum in Los Angeles. It holds art from various time periods and countries. The museum sometimes hosts public events, as well. One doesn't have to be an art lover to be entertained here. It's a great museum.
LACMA was featured in No Strings Attached (0:15):
What?: The Museum of Tolerance
Where?: Los Angeles, California
How far from Disneyland?: Roughly 36 miles away, with a 45-60 minute drive.
How much?: $15.50 for adults and $11.50 for children.
The Museum of Tolerance is a museum that focuses on hate, racism and prejudice around the world, with a heavy focus on the Holocaust. I haven't visited in the last couple of years, but I'm pretty certain the tour guides are still Holocaust survivors, tattoos included. I don't know if they still do this, but in the beginning of the tour, you are given the identification of a Holocaust victim, and at the end of the tour, you find out if that person lived or died. Mine died
. I'm not going to lie, this place will break your heart, but it is eye-opening. I highly recommend.
Gas chamber replica (this messed me up a bit):
What?: Petersen Automotive Museum
Where?: Los Angeles, California, right across the street from LACMA!
How far from Disneyland?: See info on LACMA.
How much?: $15 for adults and $5 for children.
The Petersen Automotive Museum is a seriously cool place that "specializes" in, you guessed it, cars throughout history. We went one day and my mom spotted an old milk truck and doughnut truck, the ones that would drive through neighborhoods for service. Brought back a lot of memories for her. There are all kinds of cars here. It's neat to learn about so many cars.
Interesting fact, rapper Biggie Smalls was shot and killed right in front of the Petersen in 1997.
Blueliner
Well-Known Member
A quick note . . . One of the highlights of our trip to Southern California for the Tournament of Rose Parade was our visit to Crystal Cove State Park (mentioned earlier in this thread) last Saturday. It is just a really neat blast from the past with old cabins from the 30's-50's and spectacular ocean views. The Beachcomber was able to squeeze us in for dinner and was a good little restaurant. If you are staying near Disneyland, it is not much of a drive, and the views as you glide down Newport Coast Drive toward the Pacific Coast Highway are quite impressive.
Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member
What?: Bob's Big Boy (original location)
Where?: Burbank, California (same vicinity as the Walt Disney Studios)
How far from Disneyland?: About 40 miles away, with a at least a 45 minute drive
How much?: Depends. Prices are reasonable, though.
Bob's Big Boy is considered a California landmark, specifically the original in Burbank. I absolutely love Bob's, mainly because the restaurant's look hasn't changed much. The restaurant opened in 1949. All of the old signs are still up, as well as the vintage-looking drive-thru speaker, which is so cool (I'm a sucker for late 40's/50's things)! The car hop sign is still up as well. Inside the restaurant, there are all types of different memorabilia from the restaurant's past, including the original menu. After a gig at the Hollywood Bowl one night, the Beatles came in to Bob's and ate. There's a plaque next to the booth where they ate. The famous double-decker cheeseburger is so good, and Bob's makes the best cherry cokes. Possibly the best thing about Bob's is the car show every Friday night. Embracing the well-known car culture in California back in the 50's, there are all types of cool and classic automobiles and hot rods parked in the parking lot that are shown off every Friday night. It is seriously cool, but it's very popular and can get crowded. This goes for the restaurant as well. Plenty of locals begin to show up in the evenings. Bob's has great service, food and atmosphere. I'd recommend it.
Car show:
Where?: Burbank, California (same vicinity as the Walt Disney Studios)
How far from Disneyland?: About 40 miles away, with a at least a 45 minute drive
How much?: Depends. Prices are reasonable, though.
Bob's Big Boy is considered a California landmark, specifically the original in Burbank. I absolutely love Bob's, mainly because the restaurant's look hasn't changed much. The restaurant opened in 1949. All of the old signs are still up, as well as the vintage-looking drive-thru speaker, which is so cool (I'm a sucker for late 40's/50's things)! The car hop sign is still up as well. Inside the restaurant, there are all types of different memorabilia from the restaurant's past, including the original menu. After a gig at the Hollywood Bowl one night, the Beatles came in to Bob's and ate. There's a plaque next to the booth where they ate. The famous double-decker cheeseburger is so good, and Bob's makes the best cherry cokes. Possibly the best thing about Bob's is the car show every Friday night. Embracing the well-known car culture in California back in the 50's, there are all types of cool and classic automobiles and hot rods parked in the parking lot that are shown off every Friday night. It is seriously cool, but it's very popular and can get crowded. This goes for the restaurant as well. Plenty of locals begin to show up in the evenings. Bob's has great service, food and atmosphere. I'd recommend it.
Car show:
fbp
Well-Known Member
Thanks again for the continued posts! Planning on visiting lots of the suggestions during our upcoming trip.
Should we catch a Ducks game or a Kings game? The LA Live Centre the Kings arena is in looks like fun, but is the Ducks arena in a notable area as well?
I'm excited about watching a hockey game in a building landscaped with palm trees. Ours is landscaped with the suburbs and cold.
Should we catch a Ducks game or a Kings game? The LA Live Centre the Kings arena is in looks like fun, but is the Ducks arena in a notable area as well?
I'm excited about watching a hockey game in a building landscaped with palm trees. Ours is landscaped with the suburbs and cold.
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Californian Elitist
Well-Known Member