Things to do at Valley Inn
Mission Hills Hollywood
Just east of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood, and south of Mulholland Drive, visitors will discover Hollywood, California, the historic hub of the United States film and entertainment industry. With the establishment of major film companies like Warner Bros. and Paramount in the late 1910s, Hollywood soared into what would be known as the Hollywood Golden Age between the 1920s and 1950s. Hollywood slowly began adding commercial and retail to the area, turning this famed movie mecca into what tourists and locals alike would know as today. com to celebrate one of America's culturally identifiable symbols.
Hollywood Boulevard
From the impressive mega-mansions of Hollywood celebrities to the wavy white letters of the iconic Hollywood sign, a tour of Tinseltown would not be complete without a visit to bustling Hollywood Boulevard. Explore the bright lights and bustling energy on this famous street lined with historic theaters, night clubs, restaurants and shops. At the Kodak Theatre, imagine walking down the red carpet at the Academy Awards. Madame Tussauds wax museum is filled with life-size replicas of your favorite celebrities. Don't miss the historic Grauman's Chinese Theatre, the 1956 Capitol Records Building or Hollywood's Roosevelt Hotel.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame
Take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street and discover a Los Angeles, California symbol. Founded in 1958 by E. M. Stuart, the Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches 3.5 miles and features over 2,400 names of the actors, musicians, comedians and the like who have made their mark in the Hollywood entertainment business. Search the website database to find the exact location of your favorite star or be lucky enough to catch one of the average 24 dedication ceremonies held each year. Go to http://hwof.com for more information.
Valley Hotel near Hollywood, CA
Valley Hotel near Hollywood, CA
The Los Angeles Zoo
Located in Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Zoo offers a wild time out. Founded in 1966, the Los Angeles Zoo features 133-acres teeming with wildlife. Get up close to the zoo's 1,100 mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles representing more than 250 species. Run by the City of Los Angeles, the zoo receives roughly 1.5 million visitors each year. Access the Los Angeles Zoo at the intersection of the Interstate 5 and the Ventura freeway.
The Getty Center
Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center is a stunning museum and architectural marvel. Designed by Richard Meier, his modernist, beige travertine stone building houses some of the best Western art from the Middle Ages to the present. Take a stroll along the Getty Center grounds and enjoy breathtaking panorama views of the Pacific Ocean, the San Gabriel Mountains and the Los Angeles city streets. Visit the beautiful Central Garden featuring a floating maze of azaleas.
The Getty Center Exhibits
At the Getty Center, visitors are treated to a comprehensive showcase of historic drawings, paintings, sculptures and decorative arts. Highlights include Italian Renaissance drawings, Greek vases, 9th to 16th century illuminated manuscripts, as well as 18th century French ceramics, clocks and furniture. Artists featured include Degas, van Gogh and Seurat. The Getty Center also features plenty of rotating exhibits as well as educational programs geared to engage visitors with the museum's collection.
Los Angeles Zoo Exhibits
Explore the Campos Gorilla Reserve and get to know the zoo's seven western lowland gorillas, or the Australia exhibit featuring cute cuddly Koalas resting in the eucalyptus. Discover gigantic komodo dragons, playful harbor seals, and the soaring Andean condor, one of the largest birds in the world. Don't miss the lush botanical gardens that are filled with native Los Angeles area plants, succulents and cactus as well as plant species in existence during the age of the dinosaur.
For information on the Getty Center, visit www.getty.edu. Go to www.lazoo.org for more information on the Los Angeles Zoo.
Mission Hills Area Parks & Beaches
The sun always seems to shine in Southern California. Known for it's picturesque coastlines, vibrant summer sunsets and laid back beach life, no trip to the Los Angeles area would be complete without a visit to one of its beautiful parks and beaches. From gorgeous panorama views of the Los Angeles basin to seaside shopping, dining and entertainment, come see why laid-back beach-goers, surfers, and outdoor adventure seekers are drawn to this Southern California playground.
Griffith Park
Situated in the Santa Monica Mountain range, Griffith Park is the largest municipal park with urban wilderness in the United States. Visitors will discover beautiful landscaped parkland and plenty of opportunities to swim, hike, bike, horseback ride, and play tennis or golf. Lay out on the sprawling grass and enjoy a leisure weekend afternoon picnic. Get up close with your favorite wildlife at the Los Angeles Zoo. Enjoy an outdoor concert at the Greek Theater, or visit the Griffith Observatory for stellar views of the Hollywood sign and the Los Angeles basin. For more information, visit www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithpk.
Santa Monica Pier
The historic Carousel marks the spot of the popular Santa Monica Pier. Stunning ocean beaches and amusement park action collide, creating an exciting recreational playground for visitors and locals alike. Discover tasty seafood restaurants, shops, and artisanal craft stalls. At the Santa Monica Aquarium, discover aquatic exhibits like the interactive touch tank, or more observational exhibits like the Shark & Ray tank or the Rocky Reef tank. Go to www.santamonicapier.org for more information.
Redondo Beach
Redondo Beach is one of the three Los Angeles Beach Cities, along with Hermosa Beach and Manhattan Beach. Sun bathe on a stretch of white sandy shoreline or put your game face on and participate in a beach volleyball match. Don't miss the Redondo Beach Pier for great oceanside shopping, dining and entertainment, plus unbelievable sunset views. Visit www.redondopier.com for more information.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is renowned for its skateboarding history, vibrant artistic community and relaxed beachfront living. Take a stroll down the always crowded Boardwalk promenade, an eclectic mix of art galleries, souvenir shops, outdoor street performers and roller bladers. Be sure to check out Muscle Beach, the Skate Dancing Plaza and the streetball basketball courts. Got to www.venicebeach.com for more information.
