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.

South Bay

Surfing, swimming, tanning, beach volleyball, and other outdoor pursuits govern the laid-back lifestyle of the string of three picture-perfect beach towns in the southern Santa Monica Bay. Of these, Manhattan Beach is the most sophisticated, Hermosa (see Hermosa Beach) the liveliest, and Redondo the most historical. A paved trail paralleling the beach and connecting all the three communities is perfect for bicycling and inline skating.
Southwest Museum

The oldest museum in Los Angeles was the brainchild of Charles Lummis, whose personal collection of Native American artifacts formed the basis of its holdings. It has one of the nation’s largest and most important collections of Native art and artifacts. Galleries provide a survey of the traditions of Native cultures from California, the Great Plains, the Southwest, and the Pacific Northwest. A famous collection of baskets are intriguing exhibits.

Southwest Museum
Spago Beverly Hills

Stargazers are likely to report sightings when dining at Wolfgang Puck’s flagship restaurant, one of the pioneers of California cuisine.
Spago Beverly Hills

There aren’t too many restaurants whose owners are as famous as their A-list patrons, but Wolfgang Puck is certainly one of them. He can often be seen schmoozing in the dining room and blowing air kisses. One of the most pleasant spots for stargazing (see Spago Beverly Hills, Spago Beverly Hills).
Spago Beverly Hills

This beautiful Wolfgang Puck outpost is a favorite with the rich and famous and a great place to sample California cuisine. The chef keeps the menu in flux but always pairs supreme cuts of meat or fish with seasonal side dishes such as chanterelle mushrooms. The lox pizza is always popular. Early reservations essential (see Spago Beverly Hills, Spago Beverly Hills).
Spine

This 1993 installation by Jud Fine is a visual allegory of a book – the well symbolizes the title page, the step risers the pages, and the pools the plot flow.
Splash

Have fun in the bathroom with handmade body products scented to suit your mood, such as the banana shake body lotion.
St. Sophia Cathedral

One of LA’s surprises, St. Sophia, the central church of Southern California’s Greek community, was masterminded by the Skouras brothers, a trio of movie impresarios. Behind its austere, gleaming white exterior is an exceptionally opulent hall of worship. The eye is drawn to the icon-studded, golden altar of the Virgin Mary while Jesus, surrounded by saints, looks down at the congregation from the 90-ft (27-m) high dome.
Staples Center

This modern temple to professional team sports is home base for basketball’s Lakers, Clippers, and Sparks, ice hockey’s Kings, and indoor football’s Avengers. Opened in 1999, it’s also a preferred stop for blockbuster music acts à la Barbra Streisand and the Rolling Stones. Thanks to steep bleachers, views are great from most seats.
Stephen Watts Kearny (1794–1848)

The American general who assisted in the capture of Los Angeles from the Mexican army in 1847.

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Restaurant price categories

Price categories include a three-course meal for one, a glass of house wine, and all unavoidable extra charges including tax.
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