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Watch an LA Lakers basketball game at the Staples Center and see stars on the court and in the stands. End the day sipping a cocktail at Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, where celebrities meet their agents and studio execs. Hollywood Conceived originally as an outdoor bill- board promoting a housing development called "Hollywoodland" in 1923, the Holly- wood sign sits on the south side of Mount Lee and Griffith Park—long a symbol that this is a place where dreams can come true. The first movie studio, the Nestor Motion Picture Company, opened in the fall of 1911 in Hollywood on the northwest corner of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street. It was absorbed by the Universal Film Manufacturing Company, which later became Universal Studios. By the 1920s, 80 percent of the world's films were shot in California. Learn more about Tinsel Town's history, and experience its memorabilia at The Hol- lywood Museum. Or participate in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sci- ences events and get swept up in the pre-Oscar buzz. The Great Outdoors Despite its car culture rap, LA County offers lots of outdoor activities. Rent a bike along the Santa Monica Pier and ride down the path that parallels the ocean, through Venice and on to Marina del Rey before doubling back. Pack a picnic lunch and hike Echo Mountain in Altadena or the Arroyo Seco trail system in the San Gabriel Mountains. Sign up for rock-climbing instruction, or take a surfing lesson from one of the many surfing centers in Santa Monica. Or lounge around on the sand or join an impromptu beach volleyball game. Explore the county's many and varied beaches, from the iconic to the little known, but bring a sweater. In the summer, moist marine air is pulled inland and forms a misty cover till it burns off by the afternoon. Start in Malibu and show your stuff at the iconic "Surfrider Beach" at Malibu Lagoon State Beach and explore tide pools and caves at Leo Carrillo State Park. Perhaps watch filming in progress at Malibu's Point Dume State Beach, often featured in movies such as the Iron Man series (2008-2013), and it appeared in the last scene of Planet of the Apes (1968). Or look out for California gray whales during their migration from December to mid April. Next, wind your way down through Topanga Beach and stop over for a volley- ball game at Will Rogers State Beach in 104 2 0 1 5 T R A V E L G U I D E T O C A L I F O R N I A DRIVE TOUR » MULHOLLAND DRIVE offers spectacular views of the HOLLYWOOD BOWL , the LA BASIN and SAN FERNANDO VALLEY . It's about 24 miles from the 405 freeway to Hwy 101 with overlooks all along the way. Or, drive in a loop from HOLLYWOOD . Starting at the DOLBY THEATER , home of the Academy Awards, go west on HOLLYWOOD BLVD . in Los Angeles till it ends. Turn right on LAUREL CANYON BLVD . and at the top, turn left on Mulholland Drive. Stop at the NANCY HOOVER POHL OVERLOOK and enjoy a great view of the "Valley." Return to Mulholland Drive, going eastbound, past Laurel Canyon Road until you see the HOLLYWOOD BOWL OVERLOOK on your right. Park and walk up to see the panoramic views of downtown LA, the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood Bowl Amphitheater. Continue east until you reach the bottom of Mulholland Drive. Turn right on Woodrow Wilson and make an immediate right onto CAHUENGA BLVD ., heading south back to Hollywood. LONG BEACH CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU SAILING in Long Beach, leV.