Fourth of July Festivities

Image courtesy Pixabay

Tomorrow, our country celebrates its 239th birthday, and no city knows how to celebrate quite like Los Angeles does! If you want to mix up your typical Independence Day routine and get out of your apartment home at Palazzo Westwood Village, plenty of events lie in store for you! Our area has celebrations including anything from the expected fireworks spectaculars to cemetery celebrations!

Hollywood Bowl 
"King of Motown" Smokey Robinson and the Los Angeles Philharmonic will serenade audiences Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 PM. Performances will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display. Tickets are available online, and children 12 and under are half price.

If you don't want to see the concerts beforehand, but would like to view the fireworks, the Hollywood Bowl Overlook in the Santa Monica Mountains. Be sure to get there early to snag a good parking spot!

Hollywood Forever Cemetery
If watching a screening of "Top Gun" outdoors at a Hollywood cemetery sounds like your ideal Fourth of July celebration, head over to Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Watching a film in the cemetery may sound strange on the surface, but it is one of the city's most popular summer events. Make sure you get there early!

The Queen Mary
If you have friends or family in Long Beach, the July 4th celebration on The Queen Mary is the perfect excuse to go and visit! Watch the fireworks from aboard a harbor cruise, enjoy a vintage family circus, dine on some barbecue at The Aquarium of the Pacific, and more! Haute Living calls Long Beach's fireworks display one of the best in Southern California.

Grand Park
Pack a picnic, gather your pets and head downtown for a huge summer block party! The event features food trucks, live music, and more. Best of all, this event is free to attend! 

What does your holiday weekend have in store for you? Whether you're hosting a cookout, lounging by the Palazzo Westwood Village pool with friends, or are attending one of these events, we want to know! Share you plans on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

LA Pride 2015

June is National LGBT Pride Month, and this weekend Los Angeles is ready to celebrate! The 45th annual LA Pride begins today and lasts through Sunday, June 14! Get ready for three days parades and festivals in West Hollywood!

Pride Festival
The main events of the Pride Festival takes place Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 at West Hollywood Park. Hours on Saturday are noon to 1 AM, and 11 AM to 11 PM on Sunday. Both days of the festival include performances from some of music's most popular artists. While most of the pride fest activities are Saturday and Sunday, there is a festival tonight from 5 PM through midnight.

Festival experiences include the Main Stage, Art & Culture Exhibit, Country Pavilion, Erotic City, Hop-Hop Stage, Latino Carnivale, Sizzle, TranStation and Youth Space. There are also an area for food and beverages. Main Stage performers include headliners Ke$ha, Wilson Phillips (on Saturday) and Fifth Harmony (on Sunday).

Pride Parade
The Pride Parade takes place Sunday at 11 AM at the intersection of Crescent Heights and Santa Monica Boulevards. Activitsts the Rev. Troy Perry and Zoey are the parade's grand marshals, and the cast and crew of Amazon's Transparent are the community grand marshals. 

If you are interested in seeing the festivities in person, tickets can be purchased online. Ticket options range from $20 for a General Admission ticket to $115 for a Festival Door Multi-Day pass.

If you driving to the event, parking is available at the Kings Road Parking Structure, Hancock Parking Structure, La Jolla/Havenhurst Lot, La Peer Lot, Orange Grove Lot, Spaulding Lot and Pacific Design Center. If you park on the street, you do need to observe the parking regulations. "Pride Ride" will offer a continuous shuttle loop along Santa Monica Boulevard with shuttles scheduled to arrive every 15 minutes. 

Getting to LA Pride from your apartment home at Palazzo Westwood Village by car will take about 20 minutes.

Have you attended any of the previous Pride festivals? What are you looking forward to seeing this year? Share your thoughts on Palazzo's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
Los Angeles Daily News

National Running Day

Today, June 3, is National Running Day! Whether you regularly get in a run in the mornings before work or if you run on the treadmill at the gym, today is the perfect excuse to get running and get healthy! National Running Day, as the name implies, is a nationwide celebration of running and its benefits. It takes place annually on the first Wednesday in June, and many cities throughout the United States get in on the holiday by organizing runs.

If you would like to celebrate National Running Day today, or any other day, there are many area locations where you can go to get in a run. Palazzo Westwood Village offers residents access to our state-of-the-art fitness center, which includes treadmills, ellipticals and much more, for our residents who live a busy lifestyle and need to go for a run close to home. If you would prefer to get out of the building and run outdoors, nearby locations for a good run include UCLA's campus or around the perimeter of Los Angeles National Cemetery. 

If you prefer to run as part of a larger group, consider joining a local organization like the Los Angeles Running Club or LA Road Runners. Organizations like these typically have different pace groups, depending on your experience and skill level. Also, if you are training for a long-distance race, these groups are a great resource for new training tips, and can also serve as an indicator of where you are in your personal training.

If you're still not feeling very motivated to go running, this should do the trick - 92 year-old runner Harriette Thompson of North Carolina completed her 16th marathon when she finished San Diego's Rock n Roll Marathon last weekend! Pretty inspirational, right?

If you consider yourself an expert runner, what advice do you have to offer those who are just beginning? What are your favorite locations in our area to go for a good run? Share you thoughts with us on Palazzo Westwood Village's Facebook and Twitter pages! Now lace up your shoes and hit the pavement! Who's with us?

Memorial Day Weekend Events

As our country pauses on Monday to take time to honor the soldiers who lost their lives in defense of our country, we also have the opportunity to celebrate and enjoy the freedoms obtained in those battles. If you are without plans over the long weekend, there are many ways to enjoy your time with friends and family throughout our area. 

Friday Night Wine Tastings
Barnsdall Park's Friday Wine Tastings are an annual hit in Los Feliz. At $30/person, tickets will earn guests a selection of four wines from Silverlake Wine. Bring a blanket to lay down on the grass and sip your samples among friends! The first tasting of the 2015 season is tonight! The drive from your home at Palazzo Westwood Village to Barnsdall Park is about 45 minutes.

Disneyland's 60th Anniversary
Starting tonight, Disneyland will celebrate its "diamond year" 60th anniversary with three new shows, and structures be adorned in diamond everything! One million lights will make the Disney Paint the Night Parade one of the brightest in Disney's history! It takes about 90 minutes to get to Disneyland from Palazzo Westwood Village.

Main Street Memorial Day Weekend Block Party
Located in Santa Monica's Circle Bar, the block party includes food and drink specials, live DJs and more! Tickets start at $10. The festivities run from 3PM through 2 AM on Sunday, May 24. For more information, please visit their official website. Circle Bar is a little under 30 minutes away from Westwood.

Fiesta Hermosa
Fiesta Hermosa, the largest arts and crafts fair in Southern California, lasts May 23-25 from 10 AM through 6 PM. There are many reasons why this fiesta has been an annual event in Hermosa Beach since 1972 - aside from the arts and crafts, music, play areas for children, the wine and beer garden and more keep residents and visitors coming back! Hermosa Beach is about one hour away from Westwood.

Other Ideas
If none of these events appeal to you, there are many, many more going on this weekend. You could also get creative and take a drive up and down the coast or head to the beach! If staying closer to home suits you, take the time to walk around Westwood Village with friends or visiting family members!

Regardless of your plans, we wish you a safe and happy holiday weekend! Thank you to all of our servicemen and women!

Additional sources consulted: 
Time Out Los Angeles
CBS Los Angeles

Bike Week LA

Westwood Village has been making strides to become a more bicycle-friendly community throughout the past year with the addition of new bike lanes, and this week you may have noticed an increase in bicycle traffic in Westwood. The reason behind this increase is the celebration of National Bike Week in Los Angeles County. You may have had colleagues, friends, or even yourself, who participated in Bike to Work Day today. If you did not realize that today was Bike to Work Day, don't despair. There is one final opportunity to get in on the National Bike Week festivities in Los Angeles tomorrow evening at the Bike Night at Union Station.

Metro's Bike Night at Union Station begins tomorrow at 5:30 PM and lasts until 8:30 PM. Celebrate and network with other Los Angeles-area cyclists, and take advantage of the food, music, crafts, contests and more! Music will be provided by local band The Lions, and giveaways include bike reflectors, t-shirts, patch kits and tap cards. The party will take place in the Old Ticketing Room at the station.

After the party at Union Station ends, there will be an after party at Angel City Brewery. Entry into the brewery is guaranteed with a Bike Night wristband, as long as you head over between 8:30 and 9. However, once you're in, you can enjoy specials the rest of the evening, as you socialize with fellow bike enthusiasts!

From your apartment home at Palazzo Westwood Village, it is about a 34 minute commute to Union Station, without traffic. However, if you work downtown, head over to the party after the workday is over! 

In other Metro news, more information about a new bike-sharing program is reported to be released next month! According to Los Angeles Daily News, this program will make 1,090 bikes available throughout 65 stations. The project aims to launch next spring. There are also plans to expand the number of bike hubs, which act as parking lots for bikes.

Do you regularly commute to work on your bicycle? How do you think Westwood can become more bike-friendly in the future? Share you thoughts with us on the Palazzo Westwood Village Facebook and Twitter pages! 

Additional sources consulted:
Metro
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition

Vegan Beer & Food Festival

Vegan diets have spread across the country, but many consider California the capital of the diet. For those of you who do not consume animal products, and even for those who do, there is an exciting festival coming up to celebrate vegans - the Vegan Beer & Food Festival! 2015 will be the sixth year for this event, which offers some of the best vegan bites and brews! 

This year's festival will be held on May 16 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Guests of the festival will have a selection of more than 100 beers from 50 breweries, and food from more than 40 food trucks, restaurants and vendors at their fingertips! Brewers include Ace Cider, Beach City Bell's, Dr. Jekyll's, Lagunitas, New Belgium and many, many more. Food that will be on site includes Anthem Vegan, Grilled Cheese Truck, Life is Sweet Bakeshop, The Rabbit Hole Cafe and more! To view the full list of food and beer that will be available, click here.

If the food and beer selection is not enough to convince you, there is also a stellar live music lineup. Participating artists include Jamestown Revival, The White Buffalo, The Drowning Men, Petty Cash, Joel Jerome and Lucy & La Mer! 

What are some things you should try at the event? LAist recommends Real Food Daily's "fauxnut," comparable to the cronut; Suncafe's chili fries; and Clean South's fried "chicken." To view all of their recommendations, click here. 

If you are interested in attending the event, tickets can be purchased online or the day of the event. Tickets are between $50 and $80. Please note, food is not included in the ticket price. If you are interested in buying tickets online, click here.

From Palazzo Westwood Village apartment homes to Rose Bowl Stadium, it is approximately a 45-minute drive, via the 405 and Hwy. 134 E. If you love vegan food and beer, it would make a fun day trip to take with friends!

Have you ever attended a vegan beer or food festival? What vendors do you look forward to trying at this festival? Share your thoughts on Palazzo Westwood Village's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Brokechella 2015

You've probably been seeing a ton of posts on social media and stories in the news about Coachella, but every year on the second weekend of the music festival, something happens a little closer to home  - Brokechella! 

Brokechella began as a community arts and culture event from cARTel, which at one point in time was held in a black box theater right here in Westwood. The festival of comedians, bands, and artists kept growing each year. When organizers realized that it kept falling on the second weekend of Coachella, they changed the name to Brokechella, as tickets were only $5! 

Brokechella 2015 takes place this Saturday, April 18, at Sante Fe Studios in downtown Los Angeles. Also known as "a music fest for the rest of us," this is the 5th year for the event. While tickets are no longer $5, it's still a very affordable event, with this year's tickets ranging between $15 and $25. Online tickets are already sold out.

Who can you look forward to seeing at one of the event's four stages? Musical acts include: OYLS, Smoke Season, Hex Cougar, Anabot, and more. Stand-up comedians performing at the festival include Even Cassidy, Kyle Shire and Myke Wright, among others. To view the full line-up of performers, click here.

You can even bring your pooch along to certain areas of the festival. Yes, that's right, Puppychella is an event! Please note, there are rules and regulations to bringing along Fido to Puppychella, including registering them with the festival. For full rules, click here.

Are you interested in volunteering at the event? People are needed to assist with set-up, event execution and clean-up throughout the weekend. If you are able to donate your time, you can sign up through the Volunteer Form.

The festival is easily accessible from Palazzo Westwood Village apartment homes by taking I-10 for about 15 miles.

Will you be among the crowd at Coachella or Brokechella this weekend? Either way, both are a great way to check out live music!

Sources consulted:
Time Out Los Angeles
Brokechella

5 Can’t-Miss Upcoming Events

The upcoming weeks are filled with exciting things to do around LA. For UCLA students who need a study break or if you just need to get out of the house, all of these events, ranging from celebrity appearances to yummy food and musical performances, will entice you. There is something here for everyone happening in Los Angeles in the next few weeks. All of these events and festivals are within 30 minutes drive of the Palazzo Westwood Village apartment homes.

Kinfolks Soulfood Festival

The Kinfolks Soul Food Festival has has only grown since its inception in 2007. Bobby Brown, Salt and Pepa, Stephanie Mills and El Debarge will be making appearances at the festival. This year they will be holding competitions for the best soul food recipes, as well as appearances by award winning chefs, Chef Auntie Fee, Chef Robert Roberts and Chef Amadeus. Don’t miss out on this mouthwatering experience! April 11th at Exposition Park.

Mental Head Circus

Take in the modern-day Vaudeville circus show from small tables while contortionists twist themselves and aerialists perform feats so amazing that you won’t believe your own eyes. April 11th and 12th at King King in Hollywood.

Great Horror Campout Movie Night

If you didn’t have the opportunity to see this horror classic when it was in theaters, now is your chance! This screening of the Exorcist under the stars will include, prizes and giveaways, monsters, photo opportunities and merchandise available for purchase. Don’t miss out on the chance to see this classic horror flick at an old, abandoned zoo. This movie may not be suitable for children. Friday April 17th at Griffith Park Old Zoo.

Brokechella

For the 5th anniversary of Brokechella, they aren’t skimping out on the fun. With 4 stages worth of musical performances plus a comedy stage, giant Jenga, art galleries and ‘puppychella’, this is not something you want to miss. If you’re too broke for that other music festival, this is most certainly the place for you. Saturday April 18 at 590 Santa Fe Avenue.

LA Times Festival of Books

Bibliophiles rejoice! The Festival of Books has returned this year and is bigger than ever. Appearances from Billy Idol, Keegan Allen, Kate Mulgrew and musical performances by The Trojan Men, Trio Ellas and Ren Martinez. And stick around after hours for some extra events that you won’t want to miss! April 18th and 19th on the University of Southern California’s campus.

Get Melt: Celebrate Grilled Cheese Month in LA

Did you know that April is National Grilled Cheese Month? As if you needed yet another excuse to indulge in one of America's favorite nostalgia foods, you're certainly in the right city to celebrate the occasion. 

Whether grilled cheese sandwiches bring you back to your childhood or you need an excuse to check out that restaurant you've been pining to try, we thought we'd share some of the top grilled cheese spots with our residents. In fact, CBS - Los Angeles compiled a great list of some of the best grilled cheese sandwiches in the area, which we thought we'd pass along:

Food+Lab
7253 Santa Monica Blvd
West Hollywood, CA 90046
(323) 851-7120
www.foodlab-la.com

Known for their three-cheese blend, Food+Lab in West Hollywood features a grilled cheese sandwich with raclette, tallegio and case gruyere.

The Melt
Various Locations
themelt.com

With two locations in LA, The Melt is perhaps the best known grilled cheese chain in the area. You can even use their website to order online. Their expansive menu features breakfast options, kids' selections, and its signature sandwich: Pepper jack and jalapeño cheeses on sourdough bread. 

Grilled Cheese Truck
(323) 522-3418
www.thegrilledcheesetruck.com

If you're looking for a down and dirty grilled cheese experience, follow mobile food truck, the Grilled Cheese Truck. However, you'll have to keep tabs on their whereabouts on social media if you want to find them! Their menu features simple grilled cheeses or more adventures combinations like the Buffalo Chicken Melt and the Cheesy Mac and Rib. And of course, don't forget your side of tater tots!

Of course, you don't necessarily need to leave your great apartment in Westwood in order to celebrate grilled cheese month. Here's a recipe for a bleu cheese and pear sandwich that our staff found -- it sounded so good, we couldn't help but share it.

From the LA Times: 

Grilled Blue Cheese and Pear Sandwich:

Love blue cheese? For a slight twist on the comforting classic, put crumbled blue cheese between slices of raisin brioche, along with thinly sliced pear. Cook until the bread is golden brown and the cheese is soft and oozing, 3 to 4 minutes on each side. If you have enough self-restraint to keep from eating the sandwich over the stove (I totally understand if you don't), plate your creation, drizzled with a little chestnut honey. Grilled cheese never looked so good.

Could you think of a better way to put your gourmet kitchen to good use?

Can't Miss Spring Events in LA

As of today, spring is officially here! While we get to enjoy milder weather year round, this may not be that big of a deal, but there is still a lot to look forward to - from UCLA commencement to plenty of area events! If you're not staying in to watch the #MarchMadness this weekend, make some plans to attend these must-attend spring events, courtesy of Thrillist: 

MARCH 22
LACMA
Nowruz Festival
This free (FREE!) Persian New Year fest will have great food & an outdoor concert from a "groundbreaking Iranian rock band." Also, not sure if we mentioned this but... FREE!!!!!!

MARCH 25
Colony Palms
Micah Wexler @ Colony Palms
The crazy-lauded chef behind Wexler's Deli is popping up at one of Palm Springs' best hotels for a gin-paired dinner. Epic road trip, anyone?

MAR 28-29
Santa Anita
Ramen Championship
Noodlers from all over the place have a competition. No matter what, you win.

MARCH 29
5919 Franklin Ave.
UCB Search History
People combing through your search history? Total nightmare. The Upright Citizens Brigade basing an improv show off of strangers’ search histories? A damn funny Sunday, plus a rotating A-list cast member or two.

APRIL 1
Ace Hotel
The Music of David Lynch
Your favorite ultra-weirdo collabs with other weirdos like The Flaming Lips on a one-off performance of music from his movies/TV (including the Twin Peaks theme song, the Angelo Badalamenti score to Blue Velvet, andMulholland Drive's "Llorando").

APRIL 4
LA Center Studios
LA Beerfest
Unlimited pours. $40. You need no more info than this.

APRIL 6
Dodgers Stadium
Dodgers opening day
You're my boys, Blue!

APR 11-13
Empire Polo Field
Coachella Weekend 1
At this point, you're either going, or you're pissed you're not.

APRIL 18
Santa Fe Studios
Brokechella
50 bands, $15.

Park Plaza
LA Cocktail Classic
AYCD hooch from some classy cocktailers, for $65. Yup.

MAY 2
Literally everywhere
Pacquiao vs. Mayweather
You're watching this, somewhere -- a friend's house, a bar, a betting hall. You're watching this.

MAY 16
4900 Alhambra Ave.
Derby Dolls' first bout in their new venue
LA's premiere ladies on skates found a new spot. Help them devirginize it.

MAY 22-24
All over Las Vegas
Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival
Rancid. Bosstones. Bowling. Vegas. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

MAY 23
Regent Theater
Bootie Prom
The annual dress-up-and-dance-to-mash-ups-and-be-super-fun event returns.

JUNE 6-7
The Reef LA
CatCon
"It's like ComicCon -- for cat people." Seriously! That's how they describe it!

JUN 12-14
Ink N Iron
Queen Mary
"It's like ComicCon! For tattooed people!" Seriously. That's how we describe it.

JUNE 20
Hollywood Bowl
Opening Night at the Hollywood Bowl
Journey is playing with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra. And fireworks. Yep. Happening.

JUN 20-28
All over the city
LA Beer Week
It's June instead of September this year. Mark your calendars.

Los Angeles Marathon

Runners to the start line! One of Los Angeles' biggest races, the Asics LA Marathon, is just a little more than one week away! While the deadline to register has passed, there are plenty of other ways to get involved in March 15's marathon events, whether it's attending the health and fitness expo or being a spectator on race day! Here are more details on the best places to watch, including Westwood, from the marathon website:

Find out more about the unique neighborhoods that participants in the ASICS LA Marathon pass through on their way to the Finish Line in Santa Monica!

ELYSIAN PARK
The community of Elysian Park includes the actual park, which is the second largest park in LA as well as Dodger Stadium, the third oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and largest by seating capacity. Dodger Stadium has been home to the Los Angeles Dodgers since its opening in 1962 and has been host to games of eight World Series, the 1980 MLB All-Star Game, and the finals of the 2009 World Baseball Classic.

CHINATOWN
Built in 1938, Chinatown serves many different ethnic groups in Los Angeles. Although originally inhabited primarily by Chinese immigrants, the area has grown to include many Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Thai immigrants who began coming to the area after the Vietnam War. Chinatown remains a popular tourist destination with its stylized, modern Chinese architecture and countless curiosity shops, but mainly serves the local immigrant community.

OLVERA STREET 
Located in the oldest section of Downtown Los Angeles and a part of El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument, Olvera Street is a colorful marketplace reminiscent of old Mexico. Home of the Avila Adobe, the oldest structure in Los Angeles, Olvera Street was the heart of Mexican community life until 1848. A campaign in the 1920s sought to capitalize on a resurgence of Mexican culture and rebuild Olvera Street into a cultural center. In its present form, Olvera Street draws millions of visitors a year to its quaint, romantic vision of old Mexico.

LITTLE TOKYO
As the cultural center for Japanese Americans in Southern California and one of only 3 official Japantowns in the United States, Little Tokyo plays a large role in Japanese-American relations. Although it is no longer an ethnic enclave for local Japanese, the area is still a focal point for Japanese celebrations and culture. Visitors flock to the area to take advantage of the traditional Japanese restaurants, shopping, and arts.

BUNKER HILL
An affluent residential enclave in the early 20th century, Bunker Hill once housed lavish Victorian-style houses that became home to upper class residents of Los Angeles. In 1955, Bunker Hill was redeveloped into an area with modern plazas and buildings. It currently is home to several skyscrapers as well as the Los Angeles Music Center. Home to the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum, and Walt Disney Concert Hall, over a million people visit the Music Center each year to watch performances by its four internationally renowned performing arts companies.

ANGELENO HEIGHTS
The second oldest community in Los Angeles, Angeleno (Angelino) Heights is known for its concentration of Victorian style homes that has made it a popular backdrop for Hollywood. Although a large area of Angeleno Heights was destroyed to make way for the Hollywood Freeway, it is now recognized as a historic district, and any new construction has to resemble original architecture in scale and materials.

ECHO PARK
Once the home of the Los Angeles film industry, Echo Park has always attracted the creative, underground, and independent elements of society. Echo Park has been to home to many luminaries, among them, Ayn Rand, Steve McQueen, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Jackson Pollock. The dynamic community is known for its historic architecture (craftsman-style homes), diversity, and commitment to preserving the vibrant community.

SILVER LAKE
A neighborhood known for its eclectic gathering of hipsters and creative types, Silver Lake is home to a wide variety of ethnic and socioeconomic groups. Silver Lake has become the center of alternative and indie rock in Los Angeles annually hosting two large street festivals that feature local musicians as well as national musicians, many of whom got their start in the area.

LOS FELIZ
Named after Rancho Los Feliz, one of the first land grants in California, Los Feliz was part of the rancho and was developed into a bustling community. Bordering Griffith Park, Los Feliz is an affluent community that was home to many early movie studios including Walt Disney's first and second studios. Mickey Mouse was “born" in Los Feliz as Disney drew the first image of the character in his uncle's garage in Los Feliz.

LITTLE ARMENIA
Little Armenia was “born" when Los Angeles bestowed the name on the East Hollywood neighborhood in 2000. However, Little Armenia had been thriving with Armenian businesses and restaurants since the 1970s. Although no longer the major neighborhood for Armenians in Los Angeles, the community still features culturally based celebrations and traditions.

THAI TOWN
With the largest Thai population outside of Thailand, Los Angeles is home to the only Thai Town in the world. Thai Town began in the 1960s and further grew in the 80s and is home to many Thai restaurants, markets, and stores. Songkran, the Thai New Year, is the biggest celebration each year as Hollywood Blvd is closed down for a parade and entertainment.

HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood became famous in the early 1900s due to an influx of entertainment-related businesses. Quickly becoming synonymous with dreams of stardom, Hollywood began attracting tourists to the spots that were populated by film stars. Although most entertainment studios and broadcasters have moved from their original locations, Hollywood Blvd is still one of the biggest tourist destinations in all of Los Angeles. Hollywood & Highland Center is home to the Dolby Theatre, which annually hosts the Academy Awards. Also featured in Hollywood is the world famous TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman's), the Pantages Theatre and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

SUNSET STRIP
The best-known portion of Sunset Blvd, the Sunset Strip is the name given to the stretch of the street that passes through West Hollywood. The Strip is known for its collection of boutiques, restaurants, rock clubs, and nightclubs. Since the 1960s, the area has transformed into a haven for music groups who perform at clubs including Whisky a Go Go, Pandora's Box, the London Fog, and Viper Room.

WEST HOLLYWOOD
As part of “Route 66", the stretch of Santa Monica Blvd that runs through West Hollywood is home to the most popular gay and lesbian scene in Los Angeles. Home to gay nightclubs, bookstores, and cafes, Santa Monica Blvd represents civic and community pride for residents of the area. West Hollywood annually hosts “the largest street party in the world" every Halloween when the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval takes over Santa Monica Blvd.

BEVERLY HILLS
Beverly Hills is home to one of the most affluent neighborhoods in all of California and anchors the area's “Platinum Triangle" with Bel Air and Holmby Hills. With the world-famous zip code of 90210 and destinations such as Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills is known around the world as one of the most glamorous places to shop and visit. Because of its desirable location, Beverly Hills has long been residence to Hollywood elite who seek respite from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles.

CENTURY CITY
Century City is a small, but important business center as many law firms and executives with ties to the entertainment industry have offices there. Formerly a backlot for 20th Century Fox, the area has always had a strong connection to the entertainment industry with ABC Entertainment, MGM Studios, Univision Communications, and Creative Artists Agency all currently or formerly headquartered in Century City.

WESTWOOD
Home to UCLA, Westwood is an affluent community in West LA centered around the mixed residential and business high-rises on Wilshire Blvd. Westwood Village, a shopping district with a small-village atmosphere, is home to many upscale shops, restaurants, and the historic Fox and Bruin Theaters. Also located in Westwood is the Los Angeles California Temple, the second-largest temple operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, home to the Church's missionary efforts in Los Angeles.

VETERANS' ADMINISTRATION
The largest of the VA's health care campuses, the Los Angeles VA serves thousands of veterans every year. The sprawling campus features the Wadsworth Chapel, a Victorian style building built in 1900 as a Catholic-Protestant dual chapel that allowed both Catholic and Protestant soldiers to worship at the same time, on either side of a double brick wall. The Chapel has been closed since the 1971 Sylmar earthquake, but was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

BRENTWOOD
Originally planted with soybeans and avocados, Bentwood is now one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in all of LA. Home to the Brentwood Country Mart, the Mart grew to fame as celebrities were used to grow its cachet. Because of the cozy, one-stop-shopping experience, celebrities helped popularize the location as it became a local, Hollywood haunt. Even today, celebrities are spotted frequently taking in the atmosphere and shopping at the Brentwood Country Mart.

SANTA MONICA
Santa Monica is a beachfront city situated on Santa Monica Bay. The wide beaches, upscale shopping, and tourist hotels make Santa Monica a destination for millions every year. Among its many landmarks include the world-famous Santa Monica Pier, which has stood for over 100 years and has been popularized through television and movies. The Pier and its famous Ferris Wheel are an iconic scene that represents the “fun in the sun" culture of Los Angeles.

Best Parks in LA

Happy Friday! If you've had a long work-week and are ready to spend some time outdoors after being cooped up in the office, get outside and enjoy one of Los Angeles' many area parks! We're lucky to have such beautiful outdoor spaces in Westwood, but if you want to try someplace different, consider one of these parks, as rated by Time Out Los Angeles:


Griffith Park
It's easy to forget you're still in the city as you trek through the mix of native chaparral and landscaped paths that covers this rugged park. But take one look out from the iconic Griffith Observatory and you'll find yourself face-to-face with the LA Basin as it stretches out to the ocean. Griffith's myriad attractions and wilderness caters to all LA types: intrepid hikers can explore the Bronson Caves and visit Amir's Garden; easygoing weekenders can relax in the shaded, verdant passage through Fern Dell or the picnic tables at Crystal Springs; kid-toting visitors can board the steamers at Travel Town or explore the archaic cages at the Old Zoo; and pop culture lovers can catch a show at the Greek Theatre or visit Walt's Barn (a transplanted shed where Disney himself would tinker away with model trains).

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Griffith may get all of the attention, but Kenneth Hahn is impressive in both size and topography for a park in the middle of the Westside. On top of the usual list of amenities, the Culver City park contains a lotus pond, fishing lake and sand volleyball court. But the urban oasis really establishes itself with over seven miles of walking and hiking trails through the Baldwin Hills, with views of almost every corner of the LA Basin—from the South Bay and the Pacific Ocean to Downtown and the San Gabriel Mountains.

Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House
After oil heiress and philanthropist Aline Barnsdall bought this cute little hill after the end of World War I, she enlisted Frank Lloyd Wright to build a group of buildings at its summit. Though the complex was never finished, Barnsdall went on to donate the house, guest house and 11 acres of the land to the city on the premise that they be used as a public art park. More than eight decades later, the site still fulfills that role, with exhibitions in a variety of gallery spaces, as well as tours of the historic Hollyhock House (currently closed for restoration). In the summer, the park hosts al fresco cinema nights, wine tastings and cultural events that bring out a nice mix of singles, couples and young families.

Tongva Park
Parking lots turned into parks—it's the latest green trend in LA, and who could complain after setting eyes on Santa Monica's Tongva Park? This idyllic and well designed ocean-adjacent oasis harbors a playground, meadows, waterfalls, walking paths and a conch-like wireframe lookout to the Pacific. Artist Iñigo Manglano-Ovalle's kinetic sculpture Weather Field anchors the park as a minimal, serene and instantly memorable landmark. Most that come to Santa Monica will flock to Palisades Park—for good reason, as the ocean views from the palm and eucalyptus-lined paths are breathtaking—but our allegiances lie with this low-key newcomer.

Grand Park
The slow, lumbering mission to turn Downtown LA into a vibrant cultural hub got a lift when a portion of Grand Park's 12 acres officially opened to the public in July 2012. Dotted with fountains, picnic lawns, bright pink benches and plenty of nooks from which to sit and people-watch, Grand Park is a bright urban oasis that proves the city has a sense of romance. The park plays host to performances, gatherings and other community events.

Echo Park Lake
After a two-year makeover, the Eastside's historic Echo Park Lake has finally become a family-friendly destination worthy of its bold backdrop: the Downtown skyline amid the lotus flower blooms and fountains. The lake has been around since 1860—it was once used as a drinking water reservoir, and later as a recreational park with canoes and fishing. Today, you can push your way through the lake in a pedal boat or stroll around the path that hugs its borders. Either way, make sure to stop at the revived boathouse (and its breakfast pit stop Square One at the Boathouse) and the Lady of the Lake statue.

Palisades Park
Walk along the palm and eucalyptus-lined paths here and it becomes obvious why tourists flock to this oceanside park in Santa Monica. Nestled between the beach and Ocean Avenue, this bluff-top trail has stunning views of the ocean and Santa Monica Mountains—this is the postcard picture of LA's coastline that lives in most people's heads. Steer clear of the tourist and homeless-ridden section by the pier—though don't pass up a stop at the Camera Obscura—and instead head north past the stately concrete sculpture at Wilshire to the colorful totem pole at San Vicente.

Korean Bell of Friendship (and Point Fermin Park)
There's a quiet history that pervades the San Pedro coastline through the Point Fermin Lighthouse, Sunken City and the last vestiges of Fort MacArthur, with its decommissioned battery of heavy artillery that once protected the port. But just up the hill, perched over the Pacific, sits one of the most idyllic spots in all of LA: the Korean Bell of Friendship. The mighty metallic bell's rusty green finish complements the ornately painted hipped roof—its paint job has seen better days, but that doesn't detract from the beauty of the 1976 goodwill gift from South Korea. The exposed, grassy bluff is an ideal spot to fly a kite or just lounge in the grass of Angels Gate Park. If you've resisted romance with the South Bay, let this be your first date.

Lake Balboa
Balboa is a large family-friendly park known for its beautiful lake and serene picnic spots. Springtime visitors are treated to the cherry blossom bloom around the lake's perimeter, though the sight doesn't come without crowds. Those simply in search of a workout will find a section that's fitness-centered and removed from the lake, avoiding the crowds entirely. Meanwhile, those more in the mood for grassy wilderness or cultivated gardens can venture next door to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve and the Japanese Garden.

Brookside Park
Just south of the Arroyo Seco's most famous tenant—the Rose Bowl—this 62-acre park provides a scenic green space for locals and out-of-towners alike. Set against the stunning San Gabriel Mountains, you'll find plenty of open space to run and play among the multipurpose sports fields, along with some shade near Reese's Retreat, the pirate ship-themed playground. There's a proper fitness trail around the park, but you'll find many active visitors running and biking along a path that flanks the entire east side of the park, all the way north past the adjoining golf course. If you're willing to shell out a few bucks, stop by the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center's dual pools or the hands-on Kidspace Children's Museum. Parking isn't an issue, thanks to that 90,000-seat stadium, but note that the Rose Bowl Flea Market sets up shop the second Sunday of each month, while UCLA plays home games on Saturdays during the fall.

Exposition Park
Much of the majesty of past Olympics has faded, as has much of the polish on the Memorial Coliseum—sorry, Trojans fans—but Exposition Park still stands as one of LA's most significant institutions. You'll find green spaces scattered around the USC-adjacent property, but the most charming section resides in the fragrant Rose Garden. Rest in one of the gazebos or take a stroll around the central fountain, all the while admiring its beautiful brick neighbors. If you're up for the museum shuffle, take advantage of the free California African American Museum and California Science Center as well as the incredibly underpriced Natural History Museum, which harbors a handsome nature walk and a seasonal butterfly garden. With the introduction of light rail service on the Expo Line, the park has all the building blocks of a traditional urban museum campus.

Hancock Park La Brea
Hancock Park—not to be confused with the affluent neighborhood of the same name—sits atop a literal mine of goo-soaked prehistoric bones. You probably know this oily animal trap better as the La Brea Tar Pits, where archaeologists have unearthed fossils from saber-toothed cats to mammoths for more than 100 years. You don't need to pay for admission to the Page Museum to walk around the Pits, and the same goes for the opposite end of the park, where you can pose in the Instragrammable Urban Light sculpture without a ticket to LACMA. The green expanse between the two institutions is picnic and dog-friendly, and overall a wonderful place to enjoy the outdoors within a stone's throw of LA cultural icons (not to mention the row of museums on the opposite side of Wilshire).

Lake Hollywood Park
Carved into the hills above the Hollywood Reservoir's walking paths but below a turnout of sightseeing vans, this grassy field feels like a dog-friendly Shangri-La. You don't have to have four legs to enjoy the scenery, thanks to a small playground, shaded picnic benches and one of the most fantastic views of the Hollywood Sign. But for dog owners, this verdant retreat is the perfect place to mingle with hills-dwelling pooches—just make sure your dog is leashed when you hear the park rangers coming.

Silver Lake Reservoir
Silver Lake's twin reservoirs have two dog parks (one big, one small), along with a slew of human-centric facilities: a basketball court, playground and field for the kiddies, and a 2.2 mile trail around its entirety. It's a great place to bring kids, dogs, a picnic or a running club. The Reservoir is also home to the Meadow (note: no pups allowed here), a soft, grassy knoll overlooking the water where visitors can lounge, picnic, or throw a Frisbee or play bocce.

Garfield Park
As if South Pasadena wasn't already charming enough, Garfield Park practically defines what it means to be a wholesome neighborhood park. You're likely to encounter families celebrating birthdays or kids climbing around the playground, but the modest sized park never feels swallowed by crowds—with the allowable exception of its summer concert series. Enter through the Mission Street side and you'll first walk through a compact but lovely rose garden. Elsewhere, mature trees and cobblestone details lend a distinctly South Pas feel to the park—that is to say, small town warmth with decidedly LA style.

Rustic Canyon Park
There's nothing notable about Rustic Canyon on paper: The park has your typical assortment of tennis, basketball and baseball facilities, along with a list of rules that can sound a bit stuffy—group picnics require a permit. But this humble Pacific Palisades park exudes an air of quiet elegance that you thought only existed on Pinterest. Surrounded by an upscale (but not ostentatious) neighborhood, this leafy, shaded park and its villa-style rec center feels like the backyard you always wished you had.

Elysian Park
LA's oldest park, founded in 1886, is big and beautiful but tends to get a bad rap. Admittedly, some things here have fallen by the wayside, but among the palm tree groves and hilly hikes, you'll find great views of the Valley, Downtown, Dodger Stadium and the Hollywood Hills. On weekends, expect a buzz of activities around bouncy castles and “dog hill,” a spot where locals convene to throw balls, sticks, and compliments for each other’s canine companions. If you’re here in the early AM, you may hear volleys of gunshots. Don’t worry, it’s not gang warfare—the Police Academy is next door, and you can hear officers practicing at the firing range. It’s actually a comfort, as it means patrols are aplenty here.

MacArthur Park
We'll be blunt: MacArthur Park can look like a scary place. The Westlake park has found itself in the middle of turf wars for decades now—a temporary drain of its lake in the '70s famously unearthed a trove of discarded knives and guns. Conditions have improved in recent years, as the renamed Levitt Pavilion now hosts summertime concerts while areas to the east have rapidly gentrified. It's the kind of place that every Angeleno should visit at least once—maybe not at night—to appreciate a sense of history so rarely found in LA. A haunting beauty pervades the park; the prominent Westlake Theatre marquee across the street stands as a ghost of the neighborhood's glamorous past, when it was home to Art Deco mansions, luxury high rises and a Manhattan-esque atmosphere. At the very least, make a stop across the street at Langer's and take in the park's surroundings from the Wilshire Boulevard overpass that cuts it in half.