OrangeSmile Tours Best destinations around the world - Travel Guide
Los Angeles

Culture of Los Angeles. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

Downtown Los Angeles Los Angeles is often called a city of fests. The city meets the tourists with a vast choice of entertainments and engaging tours. Each city district has its own unique history and features is own landmarks. The most unusual sight of the city is an ancient cemetery called Hollywood Forever which was established in 1899. This is the place of final destination of world renowned script writers, producers, actors and film directors. The cemetery is set nearby the Paramount studio and despite its mournful status the place attracts many tourists.
1. The most widely used city transport is underground. The city also offers over 200 bus routes. The cost of a single trip will equal 1.25USD meanwhile the travel pass for a whole day will … Open
Tourists should definitely visit the Petersen Automotive Museum which is considered one of the most unusual and interesting in its kind. The opening of the museum took place in 1994 and since that time its grand collection offers the visitors to enjoy the vehicles of different epochs. There are some cars aged more than 100 years. Another significant landmark of the city of Los Angeles is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Walking on the sidewalks one can see thousands of five pointed stars bearing the names of the greatest contributors to the entertainment industry. Now it consists of more than 2.5 thousands of starts which turns it to be a great challenge to find a star of your idol there.
Those tourists who enjoy walking through the scenic areas and viewing architectural landmarks will surely like the Getty Center. This grand art center in Art Nouveau was built upon the project of renowned architect Richard Meier. It was opened in 1997. Not the center encompasses several of stone buildings of amazing beauty sinking in scenic gardens and parks. The world renowned landmark is the Wax museum which was established in 1964. Today it performs above two hundreds of figures. There are wax figures of renowned actors, politicians, sportsmen, pop stars. The figures are so realistic that it is hard to distinguish them from live human beings. Copyright www.orangesmile.com
Guinness world of records museum is also of great popularity among travelers. Its huge collection just stunning as it performs the figure of the biggest man, the grand pictures made of bread and amazing constructions made of matches. The scale museum is parted in several theme zones. To keep the interest of the visitors hot the collection is regularly added with ever new exhibit items. Among other unique landmarks of the city one will find the Grauman’s Chinese Theater, the Kodak Theater, Walt Disney Concert Hall and its magic castle.
Los Angeles California Temple, Dusk The University of California building is no less interesting from the architectural point of view. Tourists are particularly attracted by stunning sculptures and fountains framing the campus of the educational institution. The Great Wall of Los Angeles - this is the name of the graffiti-painted walls that can be admired while walking around Oxnard Blvd. The walls are remarkable in that they show the whole history of California and the world in pictures - you can see Elvis Presley, native Americans, and even Mahatma Gandhi and Einstein, without which the world would be different. Of great interest are Hollywood Murals (You Are the Star) located along Wilcox Ave where you can see Hollywood legends gathered in one place. Everybody can join them just by taking a joint selfie.
Shopping in Los Angeles is a dream for many travelers. This city boasts world-famous shopping centers and fashion boutiques. The most popular shopping area is The Grove pedestrian zone where … Open
The city also has several religious sights. The main local shrine is the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels that once replaced the Cathedral of Saint Vibiana that had suffered from an earthquake in 1994. The new cathedral built in 2002 combines the elements of deconstructivism and Art Nouveau - for this reason, it’s hardly possible to realize that this unusual building is actually a religious monument at first glance. Among other interesting monuments of sacred architecture are St. Sophia Orthodox Cathedral whose rich interior will impress any tourist and the colorful Wat Thai of Los Angeles, a place of pilgrimage for representatives of the Hindu community.
Los Angeles Cathedral It is worth noting that "The City Of Angels" boasts many monuments of modern architecture. One of these is the 138-meter high City Hall built in 1928, the former tallest building in California until 1928. On one of the upper floors, one can find a beautiful viewing platform, which is definitely appreciated by those looking for aesthetic enjoyment. Capitol Records building erected in 1965 is interesting not only because it houses the inner sanctum of Los Angeles - the most famous record company - but also because of its beautiful exterior. The tower is also notable for the fact that the flickering light spells out the word "Hollywood" in Morse code, thus embodying the idea of Capitol Records' president Alan Livingston.
Discovering the architecture of Los Angeles from bird's eye view! Getty Museum, Walt Disney Concert Hall, Memorial Coliseum, MacArthur Park, Staples Center, Hollywood Bowl, all those monuments are defining the image of Los Angeles … Open
Chiat-Day Building, or “The Binoculars Building”, is another remarkable local attraction. Its construction was completed in 2001, and the world-famous “guru of deconstructivism” Frank Gehry (who designed the already mentioned Walt Disney Concert Hall for Los Angeles) had a hand in the project's implementation. The Chiat-Day building is noteworthy in that it combines two different styles: deconstructivism and expressionism. Today it houses the offices of popular companies, including Google. One should not pass by another building in the city - namely, LAX Theme Building dating back to 1961. The idea was to make it look like a flying saucer landing on the ground - and it came to life successfully.
Walt Disney Concert Hall The modern appearance of Los Angeles is in no way spoiled by the Heritage Square Museum - the “living history park” accommodating historic 19th-century buildings. Complete immersion in the Victorian era is ensured by recreated interior and exterior, which together contribute to the creation of an authentic atmosphere. Of interest are not only residential buildings but also vintage cars, as well as a beautiful green garden with a quiet pond, where you'd like to walk for ages. No less interesting Angelino Heights Historic Area, which also a historic neighborhood, but unlike the Heritage Square, here you can find buildings in three styles built at different times: the Victorian era, the Renaissance, and the age of Enlightenment.
Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, City Hall, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, The Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Museum of Modern Art, as well as many others, they all become the world's cultural heritage objects and remain as iconic monuments for Los Angeles … Open
The present-day “City Of Angels” couldn't be imagined without the Hollywood Bowl Overlook offering the best views of the famous Hollywood sign, as well as Los Angeles itself. Many tourists also discover Angels Flight Railway and fantastic views of Los Angeles along with it. An interesting attraction is the Art Brut complex consisting of 17 towers called Watts Towers, the construction of which was completed in 1954. Looking at the towers, people realize how painstaking was the creation of each of them and why their construction took more than 33 years.
J. Paul Getty Museum The Bradbury Building where several iconic films were filmed (Blade Runner, Double Indemnity, The Wolf) is another outstanding architectural monument. Built in 1893, today it houses the Los Angeles Police Department's Internal Affairs division and a number of offices. The city has prepared several cultural institutions for those wishing to watch theatrical performances or listen to classical music or opera. The same can be done at the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Opera, and the already mentioned Walt Disney Concert Hall. Before visiting each of the above institutions, tourists cannot but admire their exteriors - all the buildings deserve special attention.
Los Angeles is not only the capital of entertainment, but also an important military-industrial region of the United States. The exact date of the foundation of the city is not clearly … Open
A peculiar Los Angeles attraction is Guitar Center - a cult store, which is a real paradise for music lovers. Among its “exhibits” are musical instruments that were once held in the hands of iconic rock musicians. Next to the store is a gallery of concrete fingerprints of rock music legends. Among them are the fingerprints of Eddie Van Halen, Billy Gibbons, Les Paul. In addition, guitar masterclasses are held here for visitors. A unique place in Los Angeles is the Museum of Selfies with its great installations for fans of original photos.
Among other noteworthy museums, it is worth mentioning the Exposition Park with its extensive collection of various exhibits. The cultural institution is a complex of museums, which include the Natural History Museum that tells about the evolution of species, the Space Shuttle Endeavor presenting models of aircraft (including spaceships), as well as the California African American Museum where one can find an extensive collection of artworks by African Americans. In the Exposition Park, you can find the huge Memorial Coliseum Stadium that hosts the largest and most important sports competitions in the region. Flower lovers shouldn't miss a chance to visit Rose Garden - the fragrant aroma of beautiful plants will lead you in the right direction.
The choice of entertainment in Los Angeles for vacationers with children is simply mind-blowing. The city has attractive water parks, zoos, amusement parks, as well as many excellent cinemas … Open
Find out about the tragic events that occurred during the Second World War in the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust. Among its exhibits, you can find photographs, documents, personal items of the victims of extermination camps. Many travelers find interesting the Los Angeles Maritime Museum presenting a huge collection of models of military, merchant and passenger ships and historical objects. A popular meeting place for tourists is the Museum of Neon Art (or MONA) displaying an exposition of neon signs and hundreds of unique exhibits. To get acquainted with the local culture, the Craft & Folk Art Museum would be the best choice. Here you can make a real trip to the world of traditional crafts of the region and its culture.
In the section below, you can get one of our excursion, activities or city discovery tours over Los Angeles and surroundings. Our website offers 10-30% lower ticket prices, when compared to the offline purchase on the spot.

City tours, excursions and tickets in Los Angeles and surroundings

Plan your own excursion through Los Angeles: churches, museums and castles

Getty Museum, Los Angeles

» The J. Paul Getty Museum is the largest art museum in California. It’s a museum complex consisting of several buildings, each of which has world-renowned collections of paintings, sculptures, and pieces of decorative and applied arts.
»  The museum was founded thanks to oil tycoon Paul Getty’s – who by the time of his death was the richest man in the world – multibillion-dollar fortune.
»  The first-floor museum halls have ancient manuscripts and drawings as well as sculptures and works by the oldest masters of art on display. The second floor is occupied by paintings ordered chronologically.
»  The museum has an observation platform that you should definitely go up to to admire the beauty of Los Angeles.
»  It’s worth noting that the entry to the museum is free.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Los Angeles

» The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels was designed by Raphael Moneo and built in 2002. The cathedral was erected on the site of a Catholic church destroyed by the severe earthquake that struck Los Angeles in 1994.
»  The cathedral is architecturally unique: there is not a single right angle in the entire structure!
»  The size of the temple is truly impressive. About 3,000 parishioners can simultaneously gather here.
»  It is interesting that the church has its own mausoleum in which anyone can buy a burial place. All money earned from that is used to keep the cathedral in good condition.
»  Near the postmodern church, there is a park decorated with statues of people and animals, some of which are biblical.

Staples Center, Los Angeles

» Staples Center is a multi-purpose sports complex opened in Los Angeles in 1999.
»  Staples Center hosts various sports competitions and other events.
»  Staples Center has been the only home arena for 5 professional sports teams.
»  The size of the multi-purpose sports complex is impressive. Staples Center occupies an area of almost 90,000 square meters. The size of the arena is 28.7 m by 61 m by 45.7 m.
»  The capacity of the arena is 20,000 spectators for concerts, 18,997 fans for basketball matches, and 18,118 for hockey and football matches.

Museum of Modern Art, Los Angeles

» The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is considered one of the best art museums in the United States.
»  The museum is dedicated to contemporary art – paintings, sculptures, graphics, pieces of applied art. The main requirement works should meet to get there is to date from 1940 or later.
»  In addition to permanent exhibitions, the Museum of Contemporary Art also has temporary exhibitions, many of which become high-profile events in the cultural life of the country. Furthermore, art lectures and other educational programs are held here.
»  The Museum of Contemporary Art has over 5,000 exhibits in its collection, and the number is constantly growing.
»  It's interesting that there are no restrictions on the style of works present in the museum. Here you can see pop art, abstract expressionism, visual art as well as photography.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Los Angeles

Disneyland
Where: 700 W Ball Rd, Los Angeles; Telephone: +1 (0)714 7814000; Tickets: $ 69 children (ages 3-9) $59; More info: Neighborhood;
Getty Center
Where: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles; Telephone: +1 (0)310 4407300; Tickets: Free admission; More info: Neighborhood;
La Brea Tar Pits
Where: 5801 Wilshire Blvd Curson Avenue, Los Angeles; Telephone: +1 (0)323 9347243; Opening hours: 9:30am-5:00pm daily; Tickets: $ 7; More info: Neighborhood;
Universal Studios & Universal City Walk
Where: 100 Universal City Plaza, Los Angeles; Telephone: +1 (0)800 5089600; Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00am-6:00pm, Sat-Sun 10:00am-7:00pm. Check the website for details.; Tickets: From $ 57; More info: Neighborhood;
Norton Simon Museum
Where: 411 W. Colorado Blvd, Los Angeles; Telephone: +1 (0)626 4496840; Opening hours: Closed Tuesdays; Tickets: $8, $4 concession. Under 18 free.; More info: Neighborhood;
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Where: 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles; Telephone: +1 (0)323 4648111; More info: Neighborhood;
Griffith Park
Where: Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Feliz Blvd, Los Angeles; Telephone: +1 (0)323 9134688; Opening hours: 5.30 a.m. to 10.30 p.m. daily.; More info: Neighborhood;
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Where: 111 South Grand Ave, Los Angeles; Telephone: +1 (0)323 8502000; More info: Neighborhood;
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
Where: MOCA, Los Angeles; Telephone: +1 (0)213 6266222; Opening hours: Mon 11am–5pm, Thurs 11am–8pm (5–8pm FREE), Fri 11am–5pm, Sat and Sun 11am–6pm; Tickets: $10 (Valid for all locations on the date of purchase); More info: Neighborhood;
Reference information
Map of all art museums
Art galleries in Los Angeles and around
♥   Art museum 'Los Angeles' Los Angeles, 0.1 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Museum of Contemporary Art' Los Angeles, 0.7 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'The Broad' Los Angeles, 0.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Los Angeles County Museum of Art' Los Angeles, 10.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Art museum 'Norton Simon Museum' Pasadena, 13 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Map of all churches
Cathedrals and basilicas near Los Angeles
♥   Our Lady of Mount Lebanon–St. Peter Cathedral, Los Angeles, 12.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Cathedral of St. Gregory the Illuminator, Glendale, 12.6 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Mission San Gabriel Arcángel, San Gabriel, 13.5 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Co-Cathedral of St. Anne, North Hollywood, 16.4 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Proto-Cathedral of St. Mary, Van Nuys, 24.2 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Mission San Fernando Rey de España, Los Angeles, 31.8 km from the center. On the map   Photo
♥   Christ Cathedral, Garden Grove, 43.3 km from the center. On the map   Photo
Car rental on OrangeSmile.com Rentals in Los Angeles

Preferred to Open 9 New Hotels in 2022

In September 2022, the Sommerro hotel in Oslo will start operating in a carefully restored 1930s Art Deco building. This building is a true landmark of Frogner, a historic neighborhood of the Norwegian capital. A multi-million-dollar renovation carefully turned the largest preservation project in Norway into a modern hotel with 231 rooms, including 56 residences. Preferred will open five more hotels in 2022, namely, The Wall Street Hotel in New York, Amrit Ocean Resort & Residences on Singer Island (Florida, the US), TOA Hotel & Spa in Zanzibar, Pendry hotel in Washington, and Pendry Park City hotel in Utah. Read this

28.03.2024

Photogallery of cultural heritage of Los Angeles

Landmarks of culture on Los Angeles map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc

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Excursions over cultural sights of neighbours of Los Angeles

Culture guide to Los Angeles. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Los Angeles: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Los Angeles. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!
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