Travel Guide to California

2024-25 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA 81 • HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME Launched on Hollywood Boulevard at Vine Street in 1958, this constellation of coral-pink terrazzo and brass sidewalk stars honors motion picture, TV, radio, recording, live theatre and sports entertainment legends. Among the first honorees were Burt Lancaster and Joanne Woodward; in 1994, Sophia Loren became the 2,000 th star. Today there are more than 2,700 stars, with typically two added monthly to the 15-block stretch of the boulevard. Millions of visitors come every year to find their favorite actors, directors, musicians and other entertainment luminaries. • walkoffame.com • SANTA MONICA PIER Savor a Will Rogers Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, ride a vintage carousel, view the area from the Ferris wheel (a movie celebrity in its own right) and explore the amusement park on this century-old pier. Snap a selfie by the End of the Trail sign on the pier for the legendary Route 66, which ends its 2,450-mile journey here. • santamonicapier.org • OLVERA STREET Known as the birthplace of Los Angeles, this section of LA was the town center during the colonial era under Spanish and Mexican rule through most of the 19 th century. Some vendors are the descendants of the original merchants in this marketplace, established in 1930 to preserve and bring back "old Los Angeles" and its customs. Absorb the scent of tacos and sounds of mariachi music amid the street stalls and old structures. Browse lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) masks, Day of the Dead figurines, piñatas and other souvenirs in this block-long Mexican marketplace located in Los Angeles Plaza Historic District. • olvera-street.com • VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK This 1.5-mile pathway parallels the Pacific Ocean and is a never- ending carnival of LA's most outrageous characters. Stroll past vendors and street performers trying to impress you with their breakdancing or juggling. Others may dress up as if every day is Halloween. When you're ready for a break, visit a restaurant or juice bar, or simply walk down to the beach and soak up some sun. And if you need souvenir T- shirts or trinkets, or an affordable painting or photograph, you're bound to find it here. • visitveniceca.com • SEE IMPROV, SKETCH OR STAND-UP COMEDY So many great comedians came out of the clubs of Los Angeles, and you can still catch rising stars honing their craft or legendary veterans trying out new material. Notable clubs and improv troupes include The Groundlings, Hollywood Improv Comedy Club, Laugh Factory, Upright Citizens Brigade and The Comedy Store. • thecomedybureau.com • discoverlosangeles.com/blog/comedy-clubs-los-angeles FAMOUS HOLLYWOOD SIGN, Los Angeles, below; fun at the beach in Santa Monica, opposite. THE HOLLYWOOD REEL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Screens new feature films, documentaries, shorts and videos by emerging filmmakers. Feb. 21-Mar. 1 at multiple venues and locations in Los Angeles hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com SKYLINE FESTIVAL This is a festival dedicated to underground dance music, street and digital art. Feb 24-25 at Expo Park in downtown Los Angeles skylinefest.com LOS ANGELES TIMES FESTIVAL OF BOOKS Meet hundreds of literary lights and browse the booths at one of the largest book festivals in the country. April 20-21 at USC events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks BEACHLIFE FESTIVAL This celebration of music, art, and Southern California beachlife culture takes place on four stages with over 50 bands. May 3-5 at Redondo Beach beachlifefestival.com LAWINEFEST Take part in a beautiful day at the harbor with wine tasting, craft beer, ciders, great food, live music and a lot more. Enjoy the party atmosphere while talking with winery owners and winemakers about the different wines and the grapes. June 1-2 at Harry Bridges Memorial Park, Long Beach lawinefest.com LOTUS FESTIVAL This annual fête celebrates the Asian-American community in Los Angeles. Enjoy live music, food, dance and dragon boat races set against a backdrop of blooming lotus flowerbeds. July 13-14 at Echo Park Lake in Los Angeles facebook.com/lotusfestivalla MIDSUMMER SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL Featuring Measure for Measure, presented by Ophelia's Jump Productions, in co-production with Pomona College. Beautiful lawns surrounding the theatre are perfect for BYOB picnicking; local restaurants offer picnic specials in town to bring to the show. A "Green Show" featuring local musicians and performers begins at 7 p.m. each night, show at 8 p.m., July 11, 13, 19, 21 at the Sontag Greek Theatre, Claremont opheliasjump.org SPECIAL EVENTS 2024 MUST DO SEE, The entertainment industry is an integral part of the local economy, annually contributing $47 billion to the region. For decades, the name Hollywood has been synonymous with the movie business, but today most studios have moved into neighboring suburbs such as Burbank and Culver City. Some of the better-known areas in LA County aren't even cities but rather districts or neighborhoods within Los Angeles, such as Hollywood, Silver Lake and Venice. In

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