Universal Studios (universalstudioshollywood.com) offers typical amusement park fun, but does it with a Hollywood twist. Rides have a movie or TV theme and include Shrek, The Simpsons and Terminator 2. Perhaps the most famous attraction at Universal Studios is the back-lot tour where you go behind the scenes of movie making and see how it all comes together. Other popular amusement attractions in Los Angeles County are Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita and Knotts Berry Farm in Buena Park.
Famed for hosting Hollywood premieres for nearly a century, the outside of Grauman's Chinese Theater (chinesetheatres.com) can be seen on TV and magazines for a host of red-carpet events. But the inside of the theater can be just as glamorous, and a 30-minute walking tour is available for individuals and groups.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is where stars are truly stars. It stretches over a mile on Hollywood Boulevard from North Gower Street to North La Brea Avenue and another quarter mile or so on Vine between Hollywood and Sunset. You can walk over the terrazzo and brass stars imprinted into the sidewalk of nearly 2,400 celebrities and contributors to Hollywood productions, including directors, writers and musicians. You can often find flowers left by fans for deceased artists, and new stars are added each year.
For a day in the sun, Venice beach is the place to be. Stretching along a mile and a half of sand and ocean, Venice beach is famed for its boardwalk attractions including shops, eclectic sculptures, skaters, tattoo artists, performers and a variety of restaurants. New Jersey-born Abbot Kinney conceptualized the idea of Venice in America, taking a piece of Italy and bringing it to the United States in 1905. In the late 20th century, the area gained popularity and is now a must-see destination for residents and tourists alike.
