Space Shuttle Endeavour at California Science Center

Celebrate Aviation History in Los Angeles

12/17/2013

Discover Los Angeles

On December 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first successful flight of a self-propelled, heavier-than-air aircraft. The flight only lasted 12 seconds and a distance of 120 feet, but it was enough to change the course of history. Los Angeles has a historic and important role in aviation and aerospace, which visitors can explore at various cultural attractions throughout the city.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the main airport serving the Greater Los Angeles area. LAX is the seventh busiest airport in the world and third busiest in the United States, offering 742 daily nonstop flights to 101 domestic cities and 1,273 weekly nonstop flights to 76 cities in 41 countries on 64 commercial air carriers. LAX is the first and last L.A. landmark for tens of millions of travelers every year, from across the country and around the world, in particular our friends from the Pacific Rim. LAX assures its status as a world-class airport by making vital improvements such as the New Tom Bradley International Terminal.

Located in the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is the world's busiest general aviation airport, handling more than 1,200 operations every day with just two parallel runways. Because of its convenience and privacy, VNY is frequently used by celebrities, politicians, and executives. Many local TV news helicopters fly out of Van Nuys Airport, as well as the L.A. Fire Department’s Air Operations Unit. VNY also offers convenient FlyAway Bus service to LAX. Generations of movie fans recognize Van Nuys Airport from the closing scene in Casablanca. The 2009 documentary, One Six Right traces the history of VNY.

Frank Sinatra at Capitol Studios

Discover Frank Sinatra's Los Angeles

12/11/2013

Daniel Djang

Frank Sinatra was one of the world’s greatest performers of popular music, an artist who set the standard for generations to follow. Though he was known as “The Voice,” his prodigious talents let him wear many hats, including actor, producer, director, and conductor. During his six-decade career, Sinatra earned 11 GRAMMY Awards, three Oscars (including Best Supporting Actor), two Golden Globes, the Presidential Medal Of Honor and the Congressional Gold Medal, the nation’s highest award for a civilian. Read on for Los Angeles locations where you can experience the enduring legacy of the Chairman of the Board.

Secret Off-the-Menu Dishes in Los Angeles

12/08/2013

Bill Esparza

In Barry Sonnenfeld’s fundamental LA tale, Get Shorty (1995), actor Martin Weir (played by Danny DeVito) orders off the menu at the storied celebrity sighting destination, the Ivy. At the time, the Food Network was only two years old, and ordering your meal like a Hollywood big shot seemed ultra-cool. Fast forward to 2013, and Los Angeles is teeming with restaurants offering secret menus and off-the-menu items for customers in the know. Here are some hearty insider eats to impress your friends, and you don’t even have to be Martin Weir to make it happen.

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