Los Angeles & Hollywood

On March 15th, we visited Los Angeles, Hollywood, and Beverley Hills. We toured Hollywood Boulevard with it's famous Walk of Fame< Madame Toussaud's Wax Museum, Ripley's Believe it or Not, as well as many other landmark Hollywood sites. We also toured Rodeo Drive, and the Sunset Strip. We also witnessed the filming of some movie scene near the Hollywood sign.






RODEO DRIVE





The stretch of shops and boutiques on Rodeo Drive is only three blocks long. It begins at Wilshire Boulevard on the south, and runs north to Santa Monica Boulevard, where the commercial section of the street gives way to an affluent residential neighborhood. But those three short blocks constitute the most famous shopping district in America, and probably the most expensive three blocks of shops in the world.
It is here that the rich & famous do their shopping, and where tourists window-shop while trying to spot movie stars on the fabled street.
The most celebrated clothing designers in the world have boutiques here: Armani, Gucci, Christian Dior, Coco Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Valentino... The jewelry stores boast names like Cartier and Tiffany. Other nearby stores include I. Magnin, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Yves Saint Laurent, & Pierre Deux.
In fact, Rodeo Drive is home to the single most expensive store in the world: Bijan (at 420 Rodeo Drive). You must make an appointment in advance just to shop at Bijan (which was named after its Iranian owner). On a typical visit, Bijan's average customer spends in the neighborhood of $100,000 on men's fashions, which range from a $50 pair of socks to $15,000 suits.
The most handsome - and ostentatious - part of Rodeo Drive (and the portion that most resembles what tourists expect to find here) is actually the newest addition to the famed boulevard. If you listen closely to a scene in the movie "Pretty Woman," you will hear a line that says: "Via Rodeo is the first new street built in Beverly Hills in 75 years."



Located at the northeast corner of Wilshire & Rodeo, the "Two Rodeo" center creates the illusion of two small, parallel streets, cleverly designed so that they both appear to be at ground level. Built at a cost of over $200 million, Two Rodeo attempts to re-create a romantic version of an old European avenue. In practice, though, this gleaming new addition most resembles a movie set, or perhaps a Disneyland pastiche such as New Orleans Square.



But it's still a winner in its own right. The short, curving street is paved with Old World cobblestones, and features two & three story facades, with a unique blend of classic architectural styles. There are romantic archways, bubbling fountains, an Italianate piazza, and charming balconies. The faux street is lined with black, wrought-iron street lamps and polished brass fixtures; ornate planters are filled with colorful flowers & trees.



Essentially a small outdoor mall, "Two Rodeo" manages to create the illusion of freestanding storefronts, variously faced with brick, stone and marble. There is a sidewalk café, two pricey restaurants, and tenants such as Tiffany, Cartier, Charles Jourdan, Valentino, Christian Dior, and Jose Eber. The center even offers free, two-hour valet parking in its posh underground garage. And it is here now, next to the Spanish steps and sparkling fountains of "Two Rodeo," that most tourists pose for the pictures of Rodeo Drive that they will take home to show their friends.
But it's not just tourists. Hollywood.com reports spotting a happy Leonardo DiCaprio shopping there last Christmas, wearing a baseball cap, sunglasses, goatee, longer hair and carrying a large Tiffany & Co. shopping bag. Other stars they spotted in the same season included Britney Spears, Calista Flockhart, Warren Beatty, Val Kilmer, Danny DeVito, Don Johnson, Rod Stewart and Gregory Peck.



Hollywood Boulevard








Hollywood Boulevard is the stuff of legends, but it may not be what you expect. You won't find movie stars walking the streets, and most of the movie studios moved out years ago, with Paramount the only one left in town and quite far from Hollywood Boulevard.
Frankly, this part of Hollywood is one of the most touristy spots in all of Los Angeles, full of t-shirt and souvenir shops, the streets packed with gawping tourists snapping photos. It's also the home of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, footprints at Grauman's Chinese Theatre and Hollywood at Highland shopping/dining complex.








Any time after mid-morning is exciting. During daylight hours, you get views and can enjoy the throngs of tourists. At night, the Boulevard is neon-lit.

Hollywood Boulevard is an avenue in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, beginning at Sunset Boulevard in the east and running northwest to Vermont Avenue, where it straightens out and runs due west to Laurel Canyon Boulevard. West of Laurel Canyon it continues as a small residential street in the hills, finally ending at Sunset Plaza Drive. The famous street was named Prospect Avenue from 1887 to 1910, when the town of Hollywood was annexed to the City of Los Angeles. After annexation, the street numbers changed from 100 Prospect Avenue, at Vermont Avenue, to 6400 Hollywood Boulevard. In 1958, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which runs from Gower Street to La Brea Avenue, was created. The first star was placed in 1960 as a tribute to artists working in the entertainment industry. (The walk was later extended onto Vine Street.) The Hollywood extension of the Metro Red Line subway was opened in June 1999. Running from Downtown to the Valley, it has stops on Hollywood Boulevard at Western Avenue, at Vine Street and at Highland Avenue. In recent years efforts have been made at cleaning up Hollywood Blvd., as the street had gained a reputation for crime and seediness. Central to these efforts was the construction of the Hollywood and Highland shopping center and adjacent Kodak Theatre in 2001. The street remains one of the major tourist draws in Los Angeles.
A tour and listing of major Hollywood tourist attractions that can be found along Hollywood Boulevard, together with the lesser known Hollywood attractions from the past and present. A short description on each attraction is given together with links (where applicable) which lead to further detailed information on that subject. Also check out the Hollywood City Pass giving you entrance to 6 of L.A.'s major attractions including Universal Studios. Saving you over 30% on admission prices full details at www.citypass.net available also in many visitor centers.

Even Numbers are South side and Odd numbers are North side of Hollywood Boulevard.








Grauman's Chinese Theatre
Grauman's Chinese Theatre. 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Tel:-(323)-464-8111.
The most famous motion picture theatre in the world. See the hand & footprints of the Stars immortalized in cement. Have your own hands or footprints immortalized.
Go to Main Page:- Grauman's Chinese Theatre


Yamashiro Sky Room
Yamashiro Sky Room. 1999 N. Sycamore Ave. Tel:-(323)-466-5125.
Can be seen from in front of the Hotel Roosevelt high up on the hill behind Mann's
Chinese. This Japanese restaurant is a replica of an Oriental Palace containing some 12 acres of landscaped gardens, waterfalls and pagoda's. Has spectacular views of the city below and was used for the premiere party of "Lethal Weapon 4."



Hollywood & Highland
Hollywood & Highland. 6834 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:-323-460-2626
Shopping & Entertainment Center that includes shops, restaurants, four movie theatres, nightclub & broadcasting studios. A 640 room hotel, ballroom and the 175,000 sq. feet "Kodak" theatre which is home to the Academy Awards. Situated next to Grauman's Chinese and covers nearly two city blocks.
Hollywood Visitors Centre :- 6801 Hollywood Blvd suite 237 Hollywood, California 90028. Phone: 323.467.6412. Inside the Hollywood & Highland Complex on level two, next to the Kodak Theatre entrance. Open everyday from 10:00 AM
to 10:00 PM, except Sunday from 10:00 to 7:00 PM.


Roosevelt Hotel
Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. 7000 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:-(323)-466-7000
From the past to the present the Roosevelt is a well known Hollywood landmark that has been completely restored to its original splendor. Has a free Hollywood history exhibition including the original camera used to film "Gone with the Wind" and photos
of Hollywood past and present. The full length Mirror next to the elevator on the lower floor, is said to be haunted by Marilyn Monroe. The mirror used to hang in Marilyn's suite and her image now appears in it.
Official website www.hollywoodroosevelt.com


Hollywood Entertainment Museum
Hollywood Entertainment Museum. 7021 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:- (323)-469-9151
This museum was created to preserve and celebrate the entertainment industry. Visitors are given a behind the scenes tour of all facets of the entertainment industry, including television, film, radio, sound recording and the new media. Popular exhibits include the bridge of Star Trek's U.S.S. Enterprise; the bar from "Cheers", complete with signatures of cast members carved into the bar; a Max Factor make-up display, historical camera equipment and and a gift shop.
Official website:- www.hollywoodmuseum.com



Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hollywood Blvd. Tel:-(323)-469-8311. A tribute to over 2000 artists who have made significant contributions to film, radio, television, theatre and the recording industries. The first star placed on February 9 1960, was for Joanne Woodward. One of Hollywood's most popular tourist attractions, the Walk of Fame lies on both sides of Hollywood Blvd. from Gower to La Brea and both sides of Vine Street, from Yucca to Sunset. The Silver Four Ladies of Hollywood Gazebo, at Lea Brea, should not be missed.



El Capitan
El Capitan Theatre. 6838 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:-(323)-467-7674
Marvelous old theatre purchased and restored by the Disney Corporation to its former splendor. Used by Disney for all their new film premieres in the United States. Now one of the highest grossing cinema's in the U.S.A. You can now watch the latest Disney films in a sumptuously restored theatre from a bygone age
Official website www.elcapitantickets.com.


Hollywood Wax Museum. 6767 Hollywood Blvd. Tel:- (323)-462-8860
The museum displays over 220 unmistakably life-like replicas of renowned film and television personalities of past and present as well as famous sports, religious and political figures. As Tom Hanks suffered in Castaway… As Johnny Depp swaggered in Pirates of the Caribbean… As Toby McGuire swooned in Spider-Man… Step foot into the World-Famous Hollywood Wax Museum, home to mesmerizing displays where visitors travel through the scenes of movie blockbusters and classic TV shows. It’s a true walk of fame, where guests of all ages will look twice at the sculpted likenesses of their favorite super heroes, super creeps and super stars



Beverly Hills




Beverly Hills is an affluent city located in Los Angeles County, California, United States. With a population of 34,109 at the 2010 census, up from 33,784 as of the 2000 census. Beverly Hills residents include CEOs, heirs and heiresses, foreign and domestic dignitaries, authors, artists, professionals, and TV or film celebrities as well as other entertainment personalities, executives, and media creatives. As of the 2010 census, Beverly Hills is home to fewer children under 5 years old (about half as many, on average) than live in the entire state of California, and the city is home to almost twice as many seniors over the age of 65.



Beverly Hills and the neighboring city of West Hollywood are together entirely surrounded by the city of Los Angeles. To be specific, Beverly Hills is bordered on the northwest by the Los Angeles neighborhood of Bel-Air and the Santa Monica Mountains, on the east by West Hollywood, the Carthay neighborhood of Los Angeles, and the Fairfax District of Los Angeles, and on the south by the Beverlywood. The area's "Platinum Triangle" of affluent neighborhoods is formed by the city of Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Bel Air and Holmby Hills.