The Best of L.A. in 2014

12/31/2013

Discover Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the world’s most dynamic cities, constantly evolving and expanding its possibilities. Even frequent visitors and longtime residents who think they know L.A. can always discover something new in this exciting metropolis. Read on to find out more about the numerous developments and events taking place in the City of Angels. How many of these must-sees will you scratch off the bucket list this year?

SuihoEn (“Garden of Water and Fragrance”)

Hidden Gems in the San Fernando Valley

12/23/2013

Esther Tseng

To the north of the Los Angeles Basin lies the San Fernando Valley, a bastion of suburban living with network and movie studios, parks, art galleries, shopping centers, sushi restaurants, theme parks and much more. Often referred to simply as "The Valley," it's a good idea to go beyond the stereotypes and visit a few lesser-known attractions to get a more intimate picture of the 260 square-mile region. We’ve gathered some great locations that fly under the radar in dining, recreation and culture, so you can get a good feel for what The Valley is really all about.

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.

Hidden Gems in Beverly Hills

11/28/2013

Esther Tseng

Originally a Spanish ranch that grew lima beans, Beverly Hills is now one of the most famous neighborhoods in Los Angeles, recognized for Rodeo Drive, its high-value real estate, and multiple references in film and television. Investors came looking for oil but found water instead, making it a prime location to build a town. Beverly Hills was incorporated in 1914, named after Beverly Farms in Massachusetts and the hills in the immediate area. The city’s glamour and appeal to Golden Age Hollywood movie stars were established when Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford bought land to build Pickfair, their legendary 56-acre estate. Explore the hidden gems of Beverly Hills and you’ll soon become an expert on an LA neighborhood that’s known around the world as the epitome of luxury and style.

MAK Center for Art & Architecture at the Schindler House

Hidden Gems in West Hollywood

09/25/2013

Esther Tseng

While West Hollywood flourishes as a tight-knit community and neighborhood, its official status goes beyond that as a city in its own right. Famous for passing legislation such as same-gender domestic partner benefits for city employees, and bans on fur sales and declawing of cats, West Hollywood represents not only much of LA’s entertainment history but also a beacon of social justice.

The legendary Sunset Strip has been undergoing a revival of sorts as the home of go-to music venues, and many of LA’s top destination restaurants lie within West Hollywood’s borders, but there are other spots that fly under the radar. Whether you're a longtime resident, or are visiting this bustling city beneath the hills for the first time, there's always something new to discover in WeHo. Take advantage of its rich, creative history and vibrant culture by going off the beaten path.

The 13 Scariest Places in Los Angeles

09/19/2013

Dearly Departed Tours

Los Angeles, the City of Angels... and devils, demons and ghosts. A city this large is bound to have its skeletons, and our job is to throw open the closet doors and acknowledge them. Below is a list of 13 terrifying locations. Some are fictional and some are very, very real. Like it or not, these scary places will always be a part of our history. Proceed with caution.

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