California Museum of Science and Industry
700 State Dr
Los Angeles CA 90037
213-744-7400
Contemporary science and technology museum features exhibits on aerospace, science, earthquakes, mathematics, energy, health and economics. IMAX Theater.
HOLLYWOOD Sign
With letters 50 ft tall, Hollywood's trademark sign can be spotted from miles away and is recognized around the world. The sign, which originally spelled out "Hollywoodland," was erected in the Hollywood Hills in 1923 to promote a real-estate development.
California Science Center
700 State Dr., Exposition Park
213-744-7400
Exhibits focus around the science that we encounter in our to everyday life. Tess, the animatronic star of "BodyWorks," demonstrates how the body's organs work together to maintain balance. The Imax Theater, with 3-D capabilities and a seven-story movie screen, shows science-related films.
Capitol Records Tower
1750 N. Vine St
On its south wall, L.A. artist Richard Wyatt's mural Hollywood Jazz, 1945-1972, immortalizes musical greats Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Miles Davis. The blinking light at the top of the tower spells out "Hollywood" in Morse code.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
All along this mile-long stretch of Hollywood Boulevard sidewalk, the names of more than 2,000 entertainment legends are embossed in brass, each at the center of a pink star embedded in dark-gray terrazzo.
Kidspace
390 S. El Molino Ave
626-449-9143
This children's museum is housed in the gymnasium of an elementary school. There are plenty activities for the children to get involved with. Kids can direct a television or radio station; dress up in the real uniforms of a firefighter, astronaut, or football player; or play in tunnels for exploring insect life.
La Brea Tar Pits
In the early 20th century, geologists discovered that the sticky tar found in these pits contained the largest collection of Pleistocene, or Ice Age, fossils ever found at one location.
Los Angeles Children's Museum
310 N. Main St
213-687-8800
Hands-on exhibits allow kids to record a song, make a TV show, learn about recycling, create arts and crafts, build a city out of pillows, and practice being a firefighter.
Mann's Chinese Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd
323-464-8111
You will have to attend a theatre production in order to view the interior trappings of the former "Grauman's Chinese," a fantasy of Chinese pagodas and temples, but the courtyard is open for browsing.
Santa Monica Pier
Colorado Ave. and the ocean
310-458-8900
Eateries, souvenir shops, a psychic adviser, arcades, and the Pacific Park amusement facilities are all part of this truncated pier at the foot of Colorado Boulevard below Palisades Park.
Universal Studios
100 Universal City Place
818-508-9600
Visiting the theme park is a sensational introduction to the principles of special effects. Seated aboard a comfortable tram you can experience the parting of the Red Sea, meet a 30-ft-tall version of King Kong, be attacked by the ravenous killer shark, and endure a confrontation by aliens armed with death rays.