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