Attractions: G-R
THE GREAT WESTERN FORUM:
3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood - (310-330-7300)
Well-known pop and rock stars perform here.
GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY, located in Griffith Park, 2800 East
Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (213-473-0800).
Since 1935, the Observatory has given millions of visitors the
opportunity to become observers. With a new dome, star projector,
laser digital projection system, seats, sound system, and theatrical
lighting, the 300-seat Samuel Oschin Planetarium theater is the finest
planetarium in the world. The opening show — “Centered in the
Universe” — takes visitors on a cosmic journey of exploration and
discovery; live presentations are scheduled every hour. Griffith
Observatory’s three solar telescopes provide a different real-time
view of the sun, including sunspots and solar flares. On any given
night, Observatory staff may set up one or more free-standing
telescopes on the lawn or East Observation Terrace to enable more
people to put their eyeball to the sky. Once a month, the L.A.
Astronomical Society and Sidewalk Astronomers hold a star party at
the Observatory in which many more telescopes are available for
public viewing. In addition, the Observatory has mounted a
number of coin-operated telescopes to enable visitors to look at
objects in the Los Angeles Basin and surrounding mountains. The
Observatory’s brand new gift and book store offers a cosmic array
of Observatory insignia items, as well as astronomy-related and
space-themed books, gifts, clothing, toys, and other items. Open
weekdays (Tuesday–Friday) from noon–10:00 p.m. On weekends
(Saturday–Sunday), open 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
Visitor access by reservation only. Visit www.griffithobservatory.org/
for details.
GRIFFITH PARK, 2800 E. Observatory Road - (323-913-4688)
www.lacity.org
This is L.A.’s largest park, with over 4,000 acres of trees and hills
providing hiking and riding trails, golf, tennis and playgrounds.
Within the park are the L.A. Zoo, the Greek Theatre, Griffith
Observatory and Traveltown, plus the L.A. Equestrian Center
(see the “Museum” and “Theater” sections in this guide). Free
guided tours.
KNOTT'S BERRY FARM, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park - (714-220-5200)
www.knotts.com
The oldest theme park in Southern California has over 165 rides
and attractions plus live entertainment. Visit the Boardwalk, Viesta
Village, Indian Trails, Ghost Town and Camp Snoopy. The
Boardwalk offers several thrill rides, such as XCELERATOR, which
launches you off the line at an electrifying top speed of 82 mph in
2.3 seconds through an exhilarating 205-foot ascent and immediate
descent at a 90-degree angle. Ghost Town is an 1880’s California
Boom Town with cowboys, gunfights, stage-coaches, a steam
train, the world’s first log flume ride and panning for real gold.
Camp Snoopy’s offers rides for the younger guests, including the
Timberline Twister kiddie roller coaster, the Huff and Puff® pedal
cars, the Red Baron airplane ride, Charlie Brown Speedway and
more. Hours vary according to the season. Admission (good for all
rides and attractions except Pan for Gold and arcade games) are
$41.95 for adults, $16.95 for seniors, and $16.95 for children aged
3–11; children 2 and under are free. Discount tickets are available at
the UCLA Central Ticket Office. For Southern California residents,
there are often seasonal promotions which offer discounted
admission with proof of residence (California Driver’s License).
Parking is $10.00.
L.A. MEMORIAL COLISEUM: 3939 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles
(213-747-7111)
www.lacoliseum.com
Home to USC football and other sports and artistic events.
L.A. MEMORIAL SPORTS ARENA: 3939 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles
(213-748-6136).
This stadium hosts a variety of sporting and entertainment events.
Ice shows, track meets, concerts and car shows are held here.
L.A. ZOO & BOTANICAL GARDENS, Griffith Park:- 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles
junction of the Golden State Freeway and the Ventura Freeway, L.A.
(323-644-6400) www.lazoo.org
The zoo is divided into continental areas and contains 2000
animals from around the world. They also have a fantastic collection
of plants as well as animals The Winnick Family Children’s Zoo
brings kids and animals together. There are many special attractions
such as the World of Birds Show, Keeper Close-up and more. Don’t
miss the Red Ape Rain Forest Exhibit, part of the Great Ape Forest.
Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Admission: $10.00 adults; $5.00
children 2–12; children under 2 free; $7.00 for seniors.
LEGOLAND:
One Legoland Drive, just off Interstate 5, in Carlsbad.
www.legolandca.com
Legoland has about 50 rides, shows and attractions. Venture
into the wilds of Africa on Safari Trek and see life-sized giraffes,
zebras, and lions, all made of LEGO® bricks. Explore Village is an
interactive area that allows children to test their paleontology skills
as they dig for the “skeletal remains” of dinosaurs buried in over
30 cubic yards of sand. Miniland USA includes reproductions of
seven areas of the United States, all constructed with 20 million
LEGO bricks. Don’t miss the LEGO replicas of Washington D.C.,
New Orleans, New York City, Florida, San Francisco and the
Southern California coastline. The park is specifically geared
towards children ages 2–10. One day admission is $57 for adults,
$44 for children 3–12. Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until 7:00 or 8:00 in
the summer. Parking is $10.00
MANN'S CHINESE THEATRE: 6925 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.
(323-464-8111)
www.manntheatres.com
The jade-green bronze roof of the theater rises 69-feet into the
air and the interior of the theatre is decorated in exotic art from
China. But the most famous thing about the Chinese Theatre is its
Forecourt of the Stars. At any time of the day or night, fans and
tourists can be found “trying on” and “checking out” the hand and
foot prints and signatures in cement. To date, nearly 200 movie
idols have left their marks on movie history. The 3-1/2 mile Walk
of Fame passes in front of the theater and continues all along
Hollywood Blvd and Vine. You can also take a VIP Backstage tour
of the theatre. Call in advance for tour times, which are offered
7 days a week, and prices (323) 463-9576
PARAMOUNT PICTURES STUDIO: 5555 Melrose Ave., Hollywood
(323-956-4385).
www.paramount.com
Take a 2 hour guided tour of the studio; get a historical and
informational look behind the scenes of the daily operations of a
major motion picture and television facility. Cost is $35/person,
no one under 12 years of age admitted. Call (323) 956-1777 for
reservations (required). You can also get free tickets to watch a
live taping of a tv show. To see what shows are available, visit
www.hollywoodtickets.com.
The Rose Bowl home of Bruin Football
ROSE BOWL: 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena.
(626-577-3101) www.rosebowlstadium.com
This stadium is well known for the annual Rose Bowl game held
each New Year’s Day. Other events including UCLA football are
held here and a large swap meet is held the first Sunday of every
month in the adjacent area.
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