FLYING AT THE VENICE BEACH skate
park, above; Walk of Fame on Hollywood
Boulevard in Los Angeles, opposite top;
light rail train in downtown Los Angeles,
opposite below.
versal 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 Moun-
tains. Sign up for rock-climbing
instruction, take a surfing or stand-up
paddle boarding lesson from one of the
many surfing centers in Santa Monica.
Explore the county's many and varied
beaches, from the famous to the little
known, but bring a sweater. In the summer,
