DK Travel : Los Angeles

The myth, the velocity, the edginess in creative and technological fields – this is Los Angeles, where the multicultural future that awaits the rest of the country is already a firm reality. In little more than 200 years, LA has grown from a dusty Spanish outpost into one of the world’s largest and most complex cities offering top venues for everything from archaeology and the arts to food. The birthplace of Mickey Mouse and Hollywood, LA has shaped the imaginations of millions.

Saladang Song

Complex flavors and a lovely Post-Modern patio make this trendy Thai eatery a Pasadena favorite. Insiders swear by the delicious flavored rice soup breakfast.
Samuel French Theatre & Film Bookshop

This purveyor of printed Hollywood material is geared to the needs of professional actors and screenwriters. The company also publishes and leases scripts of live plays.
San Antonio Winery

LA’s only surviving winery is tucked away in the industrial area north of the Los Angeles River. It’s hard to imagine that this bleak area was once blanketed with vineyards. When the founder of San Antonio, Santo Cambianica, arrived in 1917, he faced stiff competition from over 100 wineries. Prohibition put most out of business, but Santo survived making sacramental wine. Even today, fermentation continues to take place here. Taste the wines; the restaurant is a popular lunch spot (see Maddalena Restaurant).
Santa Anita Racetrack

One of the most celebrated thoroughbred racetracks in the US, Santa Anita opened in 1934 and has been a hit with Hollywood stars and the LA elite ever since. The season runs from December 26 to April.
Santa Barbara & Wine Country

This graceful “Mediterranean” town with its Spanish-style architecture and villa-studded hillsides is imbued with an unpretentious charm. With a stately mission and historical adobes, it is also a must visit for wine connoisseurs. Head for the tasting rooms of the wine country around Santa Ynez, a 45-minute drive away.
Santa Monica Beach

This easy-to-access beach is one of LA’s busiest. Families love the (see Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica Pier) with its pretty historical carousel and amusement park. Fitness buffs can get their kicks from pedaling or skating down a paved path running past the recently restored Muscle Beach, the birthplace of the Southern California exercise craze back in the 1930s.
Santa Monica Pier

For a variety of entertainment, visit Santa Monica Pier. Where else can you hop on to a historic carousel, visit an aquarium, or ride a roller coaster? California’s oldest amusement pier (built in 1908) also marks the western terminus of Route 66. Its oldest attraction is the 1916 Hippodrome, a merry-go-round that has made many movie appearances. Its newest is Pacific Park, a compact amusement park, anchored by a solar-powered Ferris wheel. Tucked beneath the pier, the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is a small, family-oriented facility where you can observe and pet local marine life.
Santa Monica Pier

Pet a sea cucumber, take to the skies in a Ferris wheel, or watch local fisherfolk reel in their latest catch at this pier. These are just some of the activities on California’s oldest amusement pier, whose attractions draw over three million people a year. During summer, be sure to make it to the popular free concert series that takes place on Thursday nights.
Santa Monica Place

Frank Gehry-designed mall with great food courts.
Santee Alley

Bargain hunters will love this pedestrian-only lane, the busiest in the Fashion District and the center of LA’s garment industry. In a setting reminiscent of an Oriental bazaar, vendors hawk cut-rate clothing, accessories, and luggage. Alas, name-brand knock-offs are not uncommon, so beware.

Jump to top

Restaurant price categories

Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
- under $25
- $25–$50
- $50–$80
- over $80