The famous Los Angeles Farmers Market is a large, outdoor farmers market that has been a part of Los Angeles since the first half of the 20th century. The market opened in 1934 after entrepreneurs Roger Dahlhjelm and Fred Beck approached Earl Bell Gilmore, owner of the land where the market stands today, with an idea to rent out small spaces so local vendors could sell their produce and hand-crafted good. The idea proved to be wildly successful and has transformed into popular attraction with multiple restaurants, stores and outdoor bars.
Popular restaurants like Johnny Rockets, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Co. and Pinkberry have made the Los Angeles Farmers Market home over the years. Annual events also attract tourists of all ages. The Summer Concert Series brings in jazz, rock and pop artists for visitors to enjoy. Holiday festivities during the winter months include a menorah lighting, Christmas carolers and a toy soldier band.
Of course, the local produce and craft vendors that made the Los Angeles Farmers Market famous in the first place remain their today. These activities and vendors can all be enjoyed by seniors since there is a copious amount of seating (chairs and tables can be found near almost every vendor), restrooms are easily accessible and most of the farmers market is under canopies that block the sun and keep the market moderately cool.
Los Angeles Farmers Market
6333 W. 3rd St.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
323-933-9211
farmersmarketla.com
LA City Tours is a great way for seniors to explore the Los Angeles area in the comfort of an air-conditioned tour bus or a convertible-style tour bus. LA City Tours offers several tours of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, along with touring the homes of Hollywood's most famous celebrities. The most popular tour is the 5 1/2-hour LA City Tour, Star Home & Beaches Tour. This package takes visitors around downtown Los Angeles, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive, Sunset Strip and famous Los Angeles-area beaches. The package also includes visits to 45 celebrity homes. Smaller packages are also available. A 2-hour Hollywood & Movie Star home package takes in the convertible-style tour bus around the homes of famous celebrities like Nicolas Cage, Jennifer Lopez, John Travolta and Robert Redford.
The convenience of seeing the most famous places in Los Angeles from a comfortable tour bus makes LA City Tours the perfect senior-friendly activity for seniors who want to explore the Los Angeles area.
LA City Tours
6806 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
323-960-0300
lacitytours.com
The famous Griffith Observatory opened its doors in 1935 and has since become one of the world leaders in public astronomy and has had 70 million visitors walk through its doors over the years. Part of the popularity of the observatory is that admission into the building is free and tickets to observatory events are inexpensive. For $5, seniors can enjoy the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, where two laser shows are held. The "Centered in the Universe" show focuses on cosmic exploration and the "Water is Life" show revolves around a search for water in space. The 285-seat stadium offers seniors a place to sit and enjoy a state-of-the-art laser show. The Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon is another venue--with 200 seat--where seniors can sit and enjoy a 24-minute film on the history of the observatory. Admission to this show is free.
For seniors who do not mind a little walking, the Griffith Observatory offers free astronomy exhibits. One such exhibit is the The Wilder Hall of the Eye exhibit, which focuses on the evolution of astronomy and the tools humans have used throughout history to learn more about the stars and planets in the sky. The other exhibits cover subjects such as the solar system, physics and space exploration.
Griffith Observatory
2800 E. Observatory Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-660-7827
griffithobs.org
