TrAVEl
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loS ANGElES>> Sun, surf and traffic. Los Angeles is known for Hol-
lywood glitz as much as for its smog and tangle of freeways. But visitors with a taste
To do>>
ThINGS
for exploration should move beyond stereotypes to experience the city’s truly unique
rhythm and style. Opportunities abound for culture and outdoor enthusiasts.
1 See the Stars Visit
the Griffith obser-
vatory to see the other
stars. Perched up in
the Hollywood hills,
the recently renovated
observatory—one of the
world’s largest—holds
monthly star-gazing
parties, astronomy lec-
tures and workshops.
2Grab Tamales and
Mexican Artesenías
The pedestrian section of
olvera Street, known as El
Pueblo de Los Angeles, is
home to the city’s historic
Mexican community.
3Listen to Holiday
Sounds Alfresco The
Hollywood Bowl offers
year-round outdoor enter-
tainment. Pack a picnic
and catch the los Angeles
Philharmonic or any
number of popular rock
bands. christmas concerts
begin on December 16.
world-renowned artwork. on olympic Boulevard.
on Fridays, catch a lecture
or free concert at the Don’t Miss Venice outdoor amphitheater.
7 Beach Back in his
bodybuilding days, cali-
fornia Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger bulked
up at this funky, bohemian
beach community. Head
a few blocks inland and
experience the neighbor-
hood’s other face: the
boutiques, restaurants
and art galleries of Abbott Cheer for the Lakers kinney Street.
10 winner of
14 cham-
pionships, the los Angeles
lakers is one of the most
storied franchises in U.S.
basketball. kobe Bryant,
the team’s leading scorer,
may be the main attraction
for some fans, but be sure
to look for Jack nicholson
and other celebrity court-
side seat-holders.
gaBrieL Bouys/afp/getty images
5 Pedal the Strand From
posh to bohemian, the
best way to get a flavor
for the diverse beach
cities that dot los Angeles’
winding coastline is on two
wheels. Bike and roller-
blade rentals are available
at the Santa Monica Pier.
9 Order a Half-Caf,
Double, Soy Latte
Sophisticated Angelenos
satisfy their fickle coffee
preferences at the Urth
café. This west Hollywood
institution draws a steady
following of celebrities and
industry types, so don’t be
surprised to see paparazzi
peeking over your whole-
wheat panini.
6 Take a Trip to Seoul
Home to the largest
concentration of koreans
outside Asia, los Angeles’
4 Explore the Getty Villa koreatown may be the best
Modeled after a first- place to sample traditional
century roman residence, fare on this side of the
this magnificent museum Pacific. check out choSon
and cultural center boasts Galbi and other korean
amazing views as well as barbeque establishments
8 Stroll the Farmers
Market california’s
top-rate produce and a
selection of foods from
around the world are on
display at stalls lined up
for this one-of-a-kind daily
market. enter at Fairfax
and Third Street.
