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.

Theatricum Botanicum

This lovely venue was the brainchild of Will Geer, best known for his portrayal of Grandpa in the 1970s TV series The Waltons . Watch popular classics.
Third Street Promenade

Downtown Santa Monica’s main artery, this three-block mall is one of the most pleasant walking areas in LA. The product of a hugely successful revitalization effort in the late 1980s, it is flanked by upscale shops, movie theaters, and eclectic restaurants, bars, and cafés. Street musicians from around the globe shower strollers with flamenco, jazz, and hip hop. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, the farmers market attracts large crowds.
Third Street Promenade

A carnival atmosphere reigns on this popular pedestrian-only strip, especially in summer. Upscale chains such as Banana Republic and Urban Outfitters dominate with a few bookstores and old-timers such as the Puzzle Zoo game thrown in.
Tiffany & Co

The meticulously crafted jewelry is as exquisite as Audrey Hepburn was in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s , based on the famous store in New York.
Tobey C. Moss

This LA art scene fixture began with a focus on prints and drawings, but is best known as a keen promoter of pre-1960s California Modernists.
Tom Bradley (1917–98)

LA’s first African-American mayor governed for an unprecedented five terms.
Top Three Oscar-winning Films

Ben Hur and Titanic tie the number one spot (11 awards each), while West Side Story comes in third with ten.
Toppers

An outside glass elevator whisks you to this sports bar in the Radisson-Huntley Hotel.
Tour of Stars’ Homes

Morning

Begin your tour of stars’ homes by driving north on Walden Drive, just off Santa Monica Boulevard, for a glimpse of “Witch’s House” at the corner of Carmelita Avenue, famous for its Hansel-and-Gretel looks. Go right on Lomitas Avenue, then left on Linden Drive where mobster Bugsy Siegel was gunned down at No. 810 in 1947. Follow Linden north to Sunset Boulevard, turn right, then left on Roxbury Avenue for two star-packed blocks. Apart from Jimmy Stewart who lived at No. 918, you’ll also see the former homes of song lyricist Ira Gershwin (No. 1021), Diane Keaton (No. 1025), singer Rosemary Clooney (aunt of George, at No. 1019), Peter Falk (No. 1004), comedian Jack Benny (No. 1002), and Lucille Ball (No. 1000).

Turn right on Cañon Drive, then right again on Bedford Drive where the house at No. 904 was at different times the homes of stars such as Frank Sinatra, Rex Harrison, Anthony Quinn, Greta Garbo, and Ava Gardner. Steve Martin used to live at No. 721 and Lana Turner at No. 730. It was here in 1958 that Lana’s daughter Cheryl Crane is believed to have killed her mother’s mobster-lover Johnny Stompanato. At No. 512 is the former home of silent screen siren Clara Bow where, in 1927, she allegedly “entertained” the entire USC football team, including Marion Morrison, better known by his screen name of John Wayne.
Traveler

Terry Schoonhoven’s 1993 ceramic mural depicts California travelers from the days of the Spanish explorations, and LA landmarks such as Pico House.