Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Sign at sunset

The Guide to L.A.'s Griffith Park

05/13/2013

Discover Los Angeles

Spanning more than 4,200 acres of land, Griffith Park is one of the largest municipal parks with urban wilderness areas in the United States. Originally a part of the Spanish land grant, Rancho Los Feliz, the park was named for its former owner, “Colonel” Griffith J. Griffith, a Welsh industrialist and philanthropist. In 1896, Griffith bequeathed five square miles of his Rancho Los Feliz estate to the people of Los Angeles. Since Griffith's original gift, further donations of land, along with city purchases and the reversion of private land to public domain, have expanded Griffith Park to its present size. Read on to find out the best attractions and activities in Griffith Park.

Hollywood Palladium

Discover Los Angeles Music Car Free

04/11/2013

Discover Los Angeles

In addition to being the world’s movie-making capital, Los Angeles can also stake a claim to being one of the world’s great music cities, serving as the epicenter for everything from West Coast jazz to surf music and the singer-songwriter movement. L.A. has also made an indelible impact on the funk, punk, hip-hop and EDM genres. Covering all that musical ground in a day without wheels is a challenge, but an intrepid explorer can check out many of the city’s most famous music-related sites with a little creativity and an ear to the street.

From WeHo and Hollywood to Downtown, explore ten of L.A.'s most famous music sites with our car-free walking tour. This full-day itinerary takes approximately six to eight hours if all stops are visited. Skip stops if you are running low on time, or want to spend more time enjoying a particular point of interest.

Recommended Methods of Travel: Metro Bus & Rail, Walking
Total Distance: 13 miles. Distance Walking: 4 miles

For more Car Free LA guides, click here.

Discover L.A.'s Museum Row & WeHo Car Free

04/11/2013

Discover Los Angeles

A trip to Museum Row and West Hollywood (aka WeHo) provides a true feast for the senses, including art, architecture, history, shopping, dining and nightlife. All it takes for some instant gratification is either a rather long walk or a short local bus ride. This full-day itinerary takes approximately six to eight hours if all stops are visited. Skip stops if you are running low on time, or want to spend more time enjoying a particular point of interest.

Recommended Methods of Travel: DASH Bus, Walking
Total Distance: 5 miles. Walking Distance: 3.5 miles.

For more Car Free LA guides, click here.

Fanfare Fountains at Gateway Plaza in the Port of Los Angeles

Discover San Pedro Car Free

04/11/2013

Discover Los Angeles

While San Pedro is part of the city of Los Angeles, a trip there would convince a visitor otherwise, as the harbor-front community offers a truly distinctive experience. With San Pedro (pronounced “PEE-dro”) annexed to L.A. in 1909, the Port of Los Angeles was dredged shortly thereafter, creating a thriving community of about 80,000 people comprised of a fascinating mix of Greek-, Mexican-, Irish-, Italian- and Croatian-Americans. Much of the L.A. Waterfront can be explored on foot or via the 1.5-mile Waterfront Red Car Line. The truly adventurous can opt for an excellent side trip to Catalina Island.

This full-day itinerary takes approximately six to eight hours if all stops are visited. You may want to set aside an entire day to enjoy the optional trip to Catalina Island. Skip stops if you are running low on time, or want to spend more time enjoying a particular point of interest.

Recommended Methods of Travel: Walking, Water Front Red Car
Total Distance: 5 miles. Distance Walking: 1.5 miles.

For more Car Free L.A. guides, click here.

Discover the Beach Cities Car Free

04/10/2013

Discover Los Angeles

No place conveys the healthy lifestyle often associated with Los Angeles more than the area’s coastal communities. So it’s only natural that a one-day tour of the beach cities of Santa Monica and Venice would be of the human-powered variety, with no motors required. Here’s a local itinerary that can be completed by bike, on foot or even on skateboard.

Allow a minimum of six hours walking, or three hours biking, for this day-long coastal itinerary. Essentials include comfortable shoes/sandals, sunscreen and occasional water breaks.

Recommended Methods of Travel: Walking or Biking
Total Distance: 5.6 miles. Distance Walking or Biking: 5.6 miles

For more Car Free LA guides, click here.

TCL Chinese Theatre at dusk

Discover Hollywood Car Free

04/09/2013

Discover Los Angeles

No doubt about it, Los Angeles is the Entertainment Capital of the World and you can delve right into it by exploring Hollywood on foot. The beauty of the region is that, while Hollywood covers a lot of ground geographically, many of its primary attractions are near each other. Plus the Metro Rail Red Line runs under much of the area, meaning that seeing stars doesn’t necessarily require driving cars.

  • Recommended Methods of Travel: Metro, Walking
  • Total Distance: .4 miles. Walking Distance: .4 miles

For more Car Free LA guides, click here.

Fanfare Fountains at San Pedro Gateway

Discover San Pedro and the Los Angeles Waterfront

03/20/2013

Discover Los Angeles

Located on the southern end of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, San Pedro is one of the most historic and picturesque regions in Los Angeles. San Pedro is a unique blend of small-town charm, superb cultural attractions, eclectic shopping, America’s Port® and a world class cruise center.

The 1st Thursday Art Walk in downtown San Pedro features open galleries and a variety of food and entertainment options, beginning at 5 p.m. Art galleries, shops and restaurants are open until 9 p.m. Most of the participants are located on 4th St. to 7th St., and from Pacific Ave. to Palos Verdes St.

One of the best ways to discover the waterfront is by riding one of San Pedro's propane-powered trolleys, a free service that operates Thursday through Sunday. To download the trolley schedule, click here.

Read our guide to San Pedro and begin your exploration of this hidden gem coastal destination.

The Best Restaurants in Hollywood

03/14/2013

Tara de Lis

Like all great actors, Hollywood is constantly reinventing itself. At various times, it’s been known as the home of pioneering movie studios, the first Academy Awards ceremony, an Art Deco treasure trove, a punk rock stomping ground, a tourist T-shirt mecca, and an epicenter of nightlife. These restaurants, from as far back as 1919 to more recent openings, have helped to establish Hollywood as one of the hottest dining and drinking destinations in the city.

Los Angeles Day Trips: The Best of L.A. in One Day

09/14/2012

Discover Los Angeles

Hundreds of guidebooks and websites tell Los Angeles travelers the best places to visit, but for someone with just one or 2 days in LA looking for an only-in-L.A. experience, here are some tips from locals when it comes to recreation, shopping, food and other activities.

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