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Big fan of the Beach Boys or Baywatch - then go wiggle your toes in the sand at one of Los Angeles County's 20 plus beaches. Manhattan Beach is the birthplace of beach volleyball and the spot where Brian Wilson and the rest of the Beach Boys hung out in their early days. Santa Monica Beach, with its amusement park on the pier is ideal for families while surfers will want to hang ten on the wicked waves at Zuma Beach. Try searching for the stars on the Starline Hollywood Tour of Malibu Beach and see where Cher, Bill Murray and Leonardo DiCaprio have homes. For something completely different, try the beach scene around Venice with its amazing array of street entertainers - they range from swamis on rollerblades to chainsaw jugglers. Workout warriors can catch a pick-up game of basketball or make the pilgrimage to Gold's Gym, the spot where Arnold, now Governor Schwarzenegger was discovered by Hollywood.
Night Life
No other city offers LA's selection of fun once the sun goes down. There are dance clubs, (try the Mood Club which is described as a place where Zen Buddhism meets all night imbibing) sophisticated cocktail lounges and live music spots like The Knitting Factory, House of Blues, and such legendary hangouts as the Whiskey a Go-Go and The Troubadour where The Doors were once the house band. Looking for a guaranteed giggle, go to LA's line-up of big league comedy clubs including The Improv, The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store where alumni include Roseanne Barr and Robin Williams.
Free Time
There are lots of things to see and do in LA that don't cost a dime. How about being in the studio audience at your favourite game show, everything from Jeopardy to the Price is Right. (Tickets are free but must be obtained in advance.)
Window shop along Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. The three block stretch of pure luxury features both designer stores and superstar shoppers. Even better, parking is free.
Explore LA's cutting edge architectural treasures. Designed by Richard Meier and costing more than a billion dollars, The Getty Center curls along a pair of ridges in the Santa Monica Mountains. With its wavy , stainless steel skin that resembles a billowing sail, The Walt Disney Concert Hall on South Grand Avenue was designed by Frank Gehry, Canada's master architect.
Wrap up your LA story with a trip to Grauman's Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame where you can compare your hand and foot size with Hollywood's finest. Of course its not just hands and feet. Roy Roger's wonder horse Trigger left his hoof prints in the sidewalk while more recently the stars of the Harry Potter movies waved their wands in the cement.
Family Fun
For families, the LA area is a city-sized candy store - everywhere you turn there is a sweet treat. The original centre for family fun is Disneyland, Uncle Walt's ultimate dream destination where you can climb Space Mountain or fend off the Pirates of the Caribbean with time left over for a stroll to the Magic Kingdom with Mickey and Minnie Mouse.
Thrill seekers should make their way to Knott's Berry Farm for America's greatest collection of roller coasters. Strap in tight for the Perilous Plunge. Nearly as high as Niagara Falls, riders swoosh down a 40 metre chute at a staggering 75 degree angle.
Want to see how Hollywood magic really happens, than go behind the scenes at the Universal Studios theme park where the trolley plunges through the explosive special effects from Fast and the Furious and splashes past a life-sized Jaws who is waiting to take a bite out of the back lot. Afterwards, try out Shrek 4D, The Adventures of Curious George and the Simpsons Ride.
West Hollywood
LA is home to more than a dozen eclectic neighbourhoods. One of the favourites is West Hollywood. Tucked at the base of the Hollywood Hills and snuggled next to Beverly Hills, it includes an intriguing mix of shops, clubs and restaurants along Sunset Strip and Santa Monica Blvd. (Make a reservation at the new Boxwood Café by Gordon Ramsay which is featuring a three course lunch deal for just $19.) Shoppers will head to The Avenues, a 1.5 million sq. ft. area of shops, showrooms and galleries, including the prestigious Pacific Design Center. Bounded by Melrose Avenue, the pedestrian-friendly stretch includes 30 art galleries and over 100 antique and contemporary furniture design stores.
Travel Planner
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