The Famous Hollywood Sign
area between Abbot Kinney , Pacific , and Venice Boulevards that was clearly inspired by their Italian namesake with the man-made canals that were first built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney ( who now has one of Venice ’ s most chic streets named after him ). While many of the canals were filled in and replaced by roads during the dawning of the car era , a renovation project re-opened the district in 1993 . The district is now a desirable place to wander with its eclectic bungalows , historic balconied homes — and plenty of ducks . The waterways are lined with little row boats in place of Italy ’ s gondolas and you can even do a paddleboard tour of the most popular routes . If you ’ re lucky enough to be there over the holidays , the Venice Beach Christmas Boat Parade offers an explosion of lights and kitschy festive decorations .
The Beach in Malibu
Photo : Matt Marriott
It is impossible to sum up Los Angeles in a few words or to truly understand the city ’ s complexities by visiting a handful of famous landmarks . A sprawling metropolis spreading 469 square miles and the secondmost populous city in the United States , L . A . feels more like a cluster of small towns fused together as neighborhoods including Silverlake , Pasadena , Hollywood , Downtown , the San Fernando Valley , Santa Monica , Venice , Playa del Rey and Hermosa Beach all have their own very distinct personalities .
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY
The Griffith Observatory has been a must-see spot for movie fans ever since James Dean acted in the dramatic scene from Rebel Without a Cause scene . However , it ’ s taken on a whole new meaning since last year ’ s beloved hit La La Land , when Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone ’ s characters spent a night roaming around the planetarium ( they also bust out a dance to “ A Lovely Night ” in the 4,210 acre Griffith Park ). Since opening in 1935 , there is never an entrance fee per benefactor , the late Griffith J . Griffith . Aside from live shows at the planetarium , guests can watch films in the Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon and visit the dozens of intergalactic exhibitions . Even the Wolfgang Puck-run eatery is inspired by pop culture . The name of the cafe — Café at the End of the Universe — is an “ affectionate allusion ” to the Douglas Adams book title Restaurant at the End of the Universe . The observatory is in Griffith Park , which also has endless challenging hiking trails , epic views of the Hollywood sign and is home to iconic concert venue , the Greek Theatre .
VENICE CANALS
Who says California doesn ’ t have history ? It may be younger than other parts of the country — but is far more colorful . The Venice Canals Historic District is a prime example of the rich culture hidden in L . A .’ s back streets . The neighborhood is tucked away with winding water-side pathways and little humped bridges within the picturesque
HORSE RIDING TO THE HOLLYWOOD SIGN
No visit to Los Angeles is complete without getting a good view of the Hollywood sign , but you ’ re fighting a losing battle ( and trespassing ) if you try to get past the heavily guarded fence for a close encounter . While hiking trails from Griffith Park or viewing spots on Beachwood Canyon offer photo opportunities , a more exhilarating and foot-friendly option is on horseback . Circle K Ranch is located in Burbank and offers Western rides up scenic trails and mountainsides popping out onto a ledge opposite the famous landmark . The groups are fast or slow depending on your riding experience , and all the horses are kept in great condition as they ’ re often used on TV or movie shoots . Be sure to wear long pants and boots unless you want bruised , chaffed ankles , and aim to go early in
GETTING THERE
DULLES - Daily flights on American Airlines , Virgin America , United Airlines REAGAN - Daily on flights on American Airlines , Alaskan Airlines , Delta Airlines
FLYWASHINGTON . COM 34 AUTUMN 2017