Los Angeles, cr-cityyear.rg
Los Angeles is widely recognised as the heart of the entertainment industry. The performing arts play a major role in LA’s cultural identity, with over 1,000 musical, theatre, dance and performing groups. This article lists five not-to-be-missed destinations for fans of popular culture.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Located along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is an internationally-recognized icon, attracting over 10 million visitors annually. With more than 2,400 star monuments, it pays homage to the best of the best in the entertainment industry, an array of actors, directors, producers, musicians and fictional characters.
Kodak Theater
Hollywood’s Kodak Theater has hosted the annual Academy Awards since its construction in 2001, evidence of Los Angeles’ dominance in the film industry. The Kodak Theater is also home to a number of concerts, performances and televised events such as the American Idol finals and the Miss USA pageant. Costing the Rockwell Group more than $94 million to build, the Kodak Theater has earned its title as a first class entertainment venue.
Rodeo Drive
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive is one of the world’s most renowned shopping districts for haute couture fashion. The stretch of boutiques along Rodeo Drive includes many famous retailers, such as Burberry, Chanel, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Prada and Versace. On the east side of Rodeo Drive stands the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, a filming location for the movie Pretty Woman as well as the television series Entourage.
For a more affordable shopping option, pay a visit to Los Angeles’ the Grove, a shopping complex built adjacent to the historic Farmers’ Market.
Universal Studios
Hollywood’s Universal Studios is a theme park and movie studio in one. Known as the “Entertainment Capital of LA,” Universal Studios offers tours of authentic sound stages and sets, as well as plenty of rides and attractions, divided into an Upper and Lower lot. Its attractions and shows are suited to the whole family, ranging from The Simpsons Ride to Transformers: The Ride. Adjacent to the park lies numerous hotels, a cinema and Universal City Walk, a collection of stores and restaurants.
Chateau Marmont
Described as the “Hotel of the Stars,” West Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont is a luxury hotel which has provided a backdrop for many star-studded events. Since its creation in 1927, the Chateau Marmont has hosted numerous A-list celebrities such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Marilyn Monroe, Dustin Hoffman and Mick Jagger. Situated above the Sunset Strip and bordering the Bar Marmont, the Chateau Marmont is a prime celebrity-spotting location, often seeing the likes of Britney Spears, Johnny Depp, Ellen DeGeneres and Leonardo DiCaprio. For more affordable accommodation, book your stay at one of Los Angeles’ Holiday Inn Hotels.
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