Los Angeles is a thriving and influential destination known as a world center for business and trade, entertainment, culture, media, fashion and education. Its wide range of professional and cultural fields reflect the many renowned educational institutions and premier companies operating within the area. Its large population features a diverse mix of people originating from varying countries and races. It is also acknowledged as the "Entertainment Capital of the World," being home to Hollywood.
With leading industries including film and television production, video games and music recording, Hollywood is a premier destination for visitors who want to immerse themselves in entertainment culture. The Hollywood Boulevard is home to the Walk of Fame, Kodak Theatre and Grauman's Chinese Theatre.
The Sunset Boulevard offers a long stretch of famous commercial establishments and Hollywood studios. Day and walking tours also allow travelers to check out a number of movie studio tours, the Hollywood sign, the Hollywood Museum or the Griffith Observatory, or you may even attend a TV show taping.
The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside region of Los Angeles County showcases some of the most famous theme parks in the world. Travelers can visit Disneyland and other Disney attractions including Downtown Disney and Disney's California Adventure. Other popular theme parks include Knott's Berry Farm, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Universal Studios, Wild Rivers Waterpark, Hurricane Harbor and Raging Waters.
A number of beaches are easily accessible for Los Angeles visitors. Venice Beach is home to the popular Muscle Beach, a thriving location filled with street performers and tacky shops.
Malibu, Long Beach and Huntington Beach offer varying beach attractions and landscapes complete with rocky palisades, smooth sands, lagoons and surf-friendly waters. The "South Bay" beach towns consisting of Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach provide a number of water attractions and activities as well.
The Hollywood area has a large concentration of both affordable dining spots like El Coyote Cafe, Kung Pao Kitty, Kitchen 21 and Truly Vegan Restaurant and fine dining restaurants like Spago, Barone's Famous Italian Restaurant and BLT Steak. Many parts of Los Angeles also feature posh dining establishments with rare and interesting food options like Urasawa's Fugu and Bulgarini's goat's milk gelato. Meanwhile, the Sunset is home to renowned bars and clubs such as the House of Blues, Libertine and Carney's.
