great food, great fun all in the beautiful and family friendly palm … · 2010-12-06 ·...

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jonrawlinson

Great food, great fun all in the beautiful andfamily friendly Palm Springs.

Palm Springs, Los Angeles, 3 Days

Table of contents:Guide Description 2

Itinerary Overview 3

Daily Itineraries 4

Palm Springs Snapshot 10

Los Angeles Snapshot 16

http://www.nileguide.com/destination/palm-springs/trips/great-food-great-fun-all-in-the-beautiful-and-family-friendly-palm-springs/3194645

http://www.nileguide.com/destination/palm-springs/trips/great-food-great-fun-all-in-the-beautiful-and-family-friendly-palm-springs/3194645

Guide Description

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AUTHOR NOTE: A beautiful weekend in Palm Springs, andthe kids can come? Palm Springs is not only the playground forthe stars, it can be the playground for you and your family. TheSands Hotel at Indian Wells is the perfect home away from homefor your weekend in Palm Springs, it offers large rooms, withkitchenettes in every unit so that you can bring your own luncheswhen you visit the mysterious and beautiful Indian Canyonsand plunge into Knotts Soak City saving your money for thearcades at Boomers. Now that you have had your fun in the sun,enjoy some of Palm Springs culture and enjoy the Olly-O-LandChildren's art gallery, created by local artist Ron Chespak.

Itinerary Overview things to do

restaurants

hotels

nightlife

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Day 1 - Palm SpringsDAY NOTE: Pack up your swim suits and make sure to wearcomfortable shoes and bring the sunscreen because it is off tothe the mysterious Indian Canyons, in hopes to find traces of pastIndian civilizations. Make sure to pack a lunch with you beforeyou head out, you do not want to pass on the opportunity topicnic in the beautiful desert of Palm Springs. Now that you are allpacked you can either pile into a cab or rent a car, probably bestto rent a nice spacious car or van, whatever your family needs.Once you have arrived at your destination, do not be in a hurry,take your time and enjoy the beauty of the desert, who knowswhat a careful eye might reveal. I'm sure you will have worked upquite a voracious appetite with your hike in the Indian Canyons,no problem, Simba's is there to fill you up right with their greatselection of barbequed soul food. While you are dining rememberthat you are in a Palm Springs landmark, you are in a bank.

Indian CanyonsA cool hidden oasis

Simba'sBarbecued soul food

Day 2 - Palm Springs, LosAngelesDAY NOTE: After your day in the desert it is time to escape toKnotts Soak City water parks, where you and your family can getaway from the sun for the day. Knotts has a variety of rides andattractions, from huge waterslides to relaxing rivers, they havesomething for everyone. When it comes to around noon and yourstomachs are rumbling you can either enjoy the foods Knottshas on premises or you can pull out the sandwiches you madeback at the hotel this morning. When the sun finally does beginto go down, have no fear the fun is not over, it is off to Boomersand their awesome arcades. Along with their arcade they offer avariety of foods for dinner. If parents feel comfortable, they cansneak off and enjoy themselves at a local bar The Nest is just foryou, do not feel guilty, the kids have their arcade. When everyonehas decided they have had enough fun for the day it is back tothe Sands Hotel at Indian Wells for a well deserved rest.

Knotts Soak CityFamiliy of waterparks

BoomersSuper fun arcade

Nest (The)Established favorite

Day 3 - Palm SpringsDAY NOTE: The fun does not stop here, after breakfast at theSands it is time to dive into the Olly-O-Land Childrens Art Gallery,where the exhibits are comprised only of paper. Make sure tostop at the gift shop before you leave, they offer inexpensivesouvenirs as well as copies of the book. Before you head to yournext stop, make sure to stop in at the Canyon Bistro and enjoyanything off of their delicious menu. Now it is off to the LivingDesert where you can try and keep count of the 400 differentspecies that live on the premises. Make sure you remember youare in Palm Springs and not Africa, because the animals makeit hard to think otherwise. If you can tear yourselves away fromthe Living Desert, you can find solace in tearing into a burgeror anything else you could want at Ruby's restaurant. If you stillhave energy after this memorable day why not make some morememories by playing miniature golf back at the Sands Hotel?

Olly-O-Land Children's Art GalleryPaper sculpture illustrations

Canyon BistroCool and calm canyon

Living DesertLive and up close

Ruby'sKid-friendly food

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Day 1 - Palm SpringsQUICK NOTE

DAY NOTE: Pack up your swim suits and make sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring the sunscreen because it is off to the themysterious Indian Canyons, in hopes to find traces of past Indian civilizations. Make sure to pack a lunch with you before you head out,you do not want to pass on the opportunity to picnic in the beautiful desert of Palm Springs. Now that you are all packed you can eitherpile into a cab or rent a car, probably best to rent a nice spacious car or van, whatever your family needs. Once you have arrived at yourdestination, do not be in a hurry, take your time and enjoy the beauty of the desert, who knows what a careful eye might reveal. I'm sureyou will have worked up quite a voracious appetite with your hike in the Indian Canyons, no problem, Simba's is there to fill you up rightwith their great selection of barbequed soul food. While you are dining remember that you are in a Palm Springs landmark, you are in abank.

contact:tel: 760 325 3400 / +1 800790 3398http://www.indian-canyons.com

location:South Palm Canyon DrPalm Springs CA 92262

hours:Daily 8a-5p

1 Indian Canyons

DESCRIPTION: The Indian Canyons are beautiful retreats from thesometimes-glitzy atmosphere of Palm Springs. When the streams arerunning, children enjoy splashing in the water and it's a popular areafor picnics. Visitors now have the chance to see the "Witch of TahquitzCanyon," an eerie shadow occasionally cast in the recently reopenedcanyon. © wcities.com

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Day 1 - continued...

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contact:tel: +1 760 778 7630fax: +1 760 320 1509

location:190 North Sunrise WayPalm Springs CA 92262-5202

hours:Lunch: Tu-F 11a-2p. Dinner:Tu-F 5p-10p, Sa-Su 3p-10p

2 Simba's

DESCRIPTION: Hunting for a place on an empty stomach can be quite uncomfortable, to say theleast. But then, searching for good food is pretty easy when you are in Palm Springs. The locationof this joint being in a former bank building makes it a kind of a landmark in its own right. Gatherup the kids and drop by for some live entertainment. Back it up with black eyed peas, corn bread,mashed potatoes and the like for grub. © wcities.com

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Day 2 - Palm Springs, Los AngelesQUICK NOTE

DAY NOTE: After your day in the desert it is time to escape to Knotts Soak City water parks, where you and your family can get awayfrom the sun for the day. Knotts has a variety of rides and attractions, from huge waterslides to relaxing rivers, they have something foreveryone. When it comes to around noon and your stomachs are rumbling you can either enjoy the foods Knotts has on premises or youcan pull out the sandwiches you made back at the hotel this morning. When the sun finally does begin to go down, have no fear the funis not over, it is off to Boomers and their awesome arcades. Along with their arcade they offer a variety of foods for dinner. If parents feelcomfortable, they can sneak off and enjoy themselves at a local bar The Nest is just for you, do not feel guilty, the kids have their arcade.When everyone has decided they have had enough fun for the day it is back to the Sands Hotel at Indian Wells for a well deserved rest.

contact:tel: 760 327-0499www.knotts.com/soakcity/ps/

location:1500 S. Gene Autry TrailPalm Springs CA 92264

hours:Call for Hours

1 Knotts Soak City

DESCRIPTION: The only waterpark in Palm Springs, Knott'sSoak City is a 21-acre oasis sporting a 1950s SouthernCalifornia beach theme. Knott's Soak City features 22 waterrides and attractions, including a wave pool and lazy river. Forthrill-seekers Dare Devil Tower features side-by-side speedslides that take park guests on a thrilling 7-story descent.Pacific Spin, the park's newest ride is a multi-person raft ridethat drops riders 75-feet into a six-story funnel. GremmieLagoon offers the park's youngest guests plenty to do with pint-sized water slides and splash pool. Twenty poolside cabanaswith wait service are available for rental.

Kathy McGraw


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contact:tel: 760 770-7522http://www.boomersparks.com/park/palmsprings/index.html

location:67-700 E. Palm Canyon Dr.Cathedral City CA 92234

hours:Monday - Thursday 3pm- 9pm Friday 3pm - 11pmSaturday 10am - 11pmSunday 10am - 9pm

2 Boomers

DESCRIPTION: Boomers! is perfect for birthday celebrationsand company outings, or just hangin' out, Boomers is a blast.Our staff can assist with everything from planning to invitationsto catering. So if there's an event in your future, give us a calland we'll supply the fun.

Photo courtesy of Boomers

contact:tel: +1 760 346 2314http://www.thenestindianwells.com/

location:75-188 Hwy 111Indian Wells CA 92210

hours:See their website for seasonalhours

3 Nest (The)

DESCRIPTION: Cheerful and warm, with a dedicated staff thatrarely changes faces, this little bistro is a favorite eating anddrinking spot among local residents. A terrific piano bar offersentertainment and drinks, and the cuisine in the restaurantis a blend of Italian and French dishes. It is renowned for thelittle touches: the soups here are fabulous and the kitchen alsoprovides fresh-baked cookies and bread. See their website forfurther details. © wcities.com

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Day 3 - Palm SpringsQUICK NOTE

DAY NOTE: The fun does not stop here, after breakfast at the Sands it is time to dive into the Olly-O-Land Childrens Art Gallery, wherethe exhibits are comprised only of paper. Make sure to stop at the gift shop before you leave, they offer inexpensive souvenirs as wellas copies of the book. Before you head to your next stop, make sure to stop in at the Canyon Bistro and enjoy anything off of theirdelicious menu. Now it is off to the Living Desert where you can try and keep count of the 400 different species that live on the premises.Make sure you remember you are in Palm Springs and not Africa, because the animals make it hard to think otherwise. If you cantear yourselves away from the Living Desert, you can find solace in tearing into a burger or anything else you could want at Ruby'srestaurant. If you still have energy after this memorable day why not make some more memories by playing miniature golf back at theSands Hotel?

contact:tel: 760 416 0200

location:139 East Tamarisk RoadPalm Springs CA 92262

hours:Call for details

1 Olly-O-Land Children's Art Gallery

DESCRIPTION: Finding inspiration in the theme of the bookThe Whimsical Verse of Olly-O, by Molly James, Palm Springsartist Ron Chespak takes flight with unusual paper sculptures.These sculptures illustrate the characters in the book, withthe exception of the invisible Olly-O, of course. In addition tothe sculpture exhibits, a gift shop provides inexpensive Olly-Oitems and copies of the book. Part of the proceeds from booksales goes to support Easter Seals. © wcities.com

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contact:tel: +1 760 322 8664

location:415 North Palm Canyon DrivePalm Springs CA 92262

hours:11a-9p M-Su

2 Canyon Bistro

DESCRIPTION: Though it is located on busy Palm CanyonDrive, this restaurant's simple decor lends a feeling of spaceand coolness. The sister restaurant to the renowned (andmore expensive) Le Vallauris, the Canyon stands on its own,though a couple of key recipes have been borrowed from itshigh-end counterpart. Most of the foods are comforting: try theChef's Mom's Recipe Meatloaf, served in brown gravy. TheLinguini Porto Nuevo is all its own, however, blending shrimpand seafood in a creamless saffron sauce. The wine list offersmany by-the-glass selections. © wcities.com

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contact:tel: 760 346 5694fax: 760 568 9685http://www.livingdesert.org

location:47-900 Portola AvePalm Desert CA 92260

hours:Sep 1-Jun 15: Daily 9a-5p;Jun 16-Aug 31: Daily8a-1:30p

3 Living Desert

DESCRIPTION: This 1,200-acre desert reserve, museum,zoo, and educational center is designed to acquaint visitorswith the Southern California desert's unique habitats. You canwalk or take a tram tour through sectors that re-create life inseveral distinctive desert zones. See and learn about a dizzyingvariety of plants, insects, and wildlife, including bighorn sheep,mountain lions, rattlesnakes, lizards, owls, golden eagles, andthe ubiquitous roadrunner, plus new exhibits featuring frogsand butterflies. It's a nonstuffy learning experience for kids andgrown-ups alike. © Frommer's

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contact:tel: +1 760 406 7829fax: +1 760 406 7834http://www.rubys.com

location:155 S Palm Canyon DrPalm Springs CA 92262

hours:Su-W 7a-10p; Th-Sa 7a-11p

4 Ruby's

DESCRIPTION: This bright re-creation of a 1940s-style diner offerscheerful red and white decor; seating space is available at the counterand booths. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly. The food isinexpensive, with dinner specialties such as country fried steak, pot roastand even Alaskan halibut. The Rubyburgers are popular hamburgers;they are served with various toppings. Leave room for a huge candy-barflavored milk shake or a banana-pecan sundae. © wcities.com

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Palm Springs Snapshot

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Local InfoLocated just 100 miles southeast of LosAngeles, Palm Springs is a boomingcommunity boasting 83 square miles ofdesert land and a current population of45,000 people. Most visitors arrive bydriving from Los Angeles via the Interstate10, which runs along the north side ofCoachella Valley.

Drivers generally take either the IndianCanyon Drive/Palm Springs exit, whichgives an up-close view of the giantwindmills, or the earlier Tramway exit.Coming in via the Tramway exit, there isa startlingly abrupt transition from pastydesert to brilliant, emerald-green lawns.This transition marks your entrance into theRacquet Club area of Palm Springs, whichhas catered to Hollywood stars since themid-1930s.

Throughout all regions of Palm Springs andits surrounding desert cities, visitors enjoyan array of restaurants, shopping and top-notch attractions.

Downtown Palm Springs

Downtown Palm Springs, also called'TheLoop' and'The Village', is where nearlyevery visitor to Palm Springs will spenda considerable amount of time, enjoyingshopping, dining, as well as strolling andpeople-watching. The Plaza Theater,home of the Palm Springs Follies, is inthis district, along with the historic VillageGreen buildings and the Hyatt RegencyHotel. This district also hosts dozens ofrestaurants, including Muriel's Supper Cluband the Kaiser Grille, as well as several gaynightclubs, among them Hunter's, whichenjoys a worldwide reputation.

South Palm Springs

South Palm Springs is located along SouthPalm Canyon Drive and offers a mixtureof moderately priced hotels, restaurantsand residences. The Smoke Tree Ranchand Stables is located in this area, whichis adjacent to the main portion of theAgua Caliente band of Cahuilla IndianReservation, where the Indian Canyons, apopular hiking attraction, are located. TheCanyon Country Club is also in this area.

Palm Springs Residential Areas

One ritzy residential area is Little Tuscany,near the former Racquet Club, featuring

many deluxe homes built in an Italian style.If you are on the Palm Springs CelebrityTours, this area may be on your itinerary.Another stop for stargazing tours is theLas Palmas area, still the favorite hauntof many wealthy Palm Springs residents.Off-limits is the enclave of South Ridge,permanently patrolled and protected behinda locked gate. Comedian Bob Hope isthe best-known occupant. Meanwhile, theMovie Colony area, also once popular withthe Hollywood set, is now undergoing arenaissance of remodeling.

Desert Hot Springs

Like Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springsbegan with warm water bubbling up out ofthe earth. Several hotels take advantage ofthis great natural gift, including the MiracleSprings Hotel and Spa, the Desert HotSprings Spa Hotel and the Two BunchPalms Resort and Spa. This community islocated on the far side of Interstate 10, justnortheast of downtown Palm Springs.

Cathedral City

Though the individual Chambers ofCommerce do not like to admit it, the otherdesert cities surrounding Palm Springs tendto blend into each other along Highway111. Unless you keep a sharp eye on thedecorative markers, it may be difficult toknow when you have left Palm Springs forCathedral City.

The community of Cathedral City hasseveral golf courses and some shopping.Much of the everyday business of nearbyPalm Springs is transacted here. Thereare several good hotels, including theDoral Palm Springs Resort and some less-expensive options. The new IMAX Theateris located here as well.

Rancho Mirage

Proceeding along Highway 111, RanchoMirage blends into Cathedral City, offeringabundant dining choices on"RestaurantRow." You will find Stuart Anderson's BlackAngus, Chart House, Kobe JapaneseSteakhouse and many others in this area.In addition, the Mission Hills Country Club,Tamarisk Country Club and the Ritz Carltonare among the upscale offerings in thisarea.

Palm Desert& Indian Wells

Palm Desert features the deluxe shoppingregion of El Paseo, where fine stores offerart, clothing, crystal and more. In fact, thisstreet is often called'The Rodeo Drive of theDesert', named after the famous BeverlyHills shopping district. In addition, TheMcCallum Theatre is located in the PalmDesert community, along with The LivingDesert Wildlife and Botanical Park.

Just after Palm Desert, Indian Wellsoffers the Indian Wells Country Club, theMiramonte Resort and the Hyatt GrandChampions Resort. Exclusive residentialcommunities abound as well.

La Quinta

Farther along 111, golf Mecca La Quintahosts several private courses, includingthe PGA West Arnold Palmer Private GolfCourse, which is one of the locations for theBob Hope Chrysler Classic. There is theLa Quinta Resort and the La Quinta GolfCourse as well. Exclusive housing areascling to the edges of the golf courses.

Indio

Serving as a gateway into the moreagricultural portion of the Coachella Valley,Indio is the location for the annual DateFestival held at the Riverside CountyFairgrounds. Devane's, a restaurant ownedand operated by actor William Devane, islocated here, along with the Indio FashionMall, a popular mid-range shopping stop.In addition, The Landmark Golf Club hostsThe Skins Game annually.

Throughout Palm Springs and itssurrounding cities, visitors enjoy qualitydining, luxurious resorts and world-famousgolf courses. It's no wonder why thiscommunity consistently draws countlesstourists from around the globe.©

HistoryLuxury golf courses, hot springs and palmtrees draw countless tourists and seasonalresidents to the heavenly desert town ofPalm Springs, located 100 miles southeastof Los Angeles. With 350 sunny days peryear, according to Palm Springs' Chamberof Commerce, it's no surprise that bothearly and modern pioneers have flocked tothis desert community.

Palm Springs Snapshot continued

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Based on remains discovered in Morongobasin campsites, anthropologists estimatethat native peoples resided in the PalmSprings area ten thousand years ago.These early Native American inhabitantsmade baskets and pottery, as well asemploying a variety of plants for foodand medicinal purposes. Using bows andarrows, the early tribes hunted deer, rabbitsand other animals. The desert land offeredsurvival for these early people for 1,000years. A long period of inactivity on the landfollowed, but this desert haven would notstay unoccupied forever.

In the late 1700s, Spanish conqueststhroughout California allowed for theexpansion of Spain's empire into theColorado Desert lands. Yet, in spite of thevast growth of Spanish dominance, theCahuilla Indians remained in CoachellaValley, embarking upon new trades ofgrowing corn, squash and beans. However,by the mid-1800s, many Native Americansdied from a small pox epidemic, leaving adense population of Cahuilla Indians in thisterritory.

Meanwhile, the United States governmenttook an interest in Coachella Valley andsent a survey party, led by William P. Blakein 1853. Creating the first wagon routethrough the San Gorgonio Pass, Blake'sexpedition paved the way for additionalparties to travel through the Palm Springsarea. In fact, Palm Springs was added tothe Bradshaw Stage Coach Line in 1872,serving as the stop between Prescott,Arizona, and Los Angeles, California.Southern Pacific Railroad soon followed thestagecoach industry's lead, completing arailroad line through these desert lands in1877. At this time, land sections around therailroad were divided, with Southern Pacificgaining ownership over some territoriesand the Native American tribes holding theremaining lands.

The fist permanent Anglo settler, JudgeJohn Guthrie McCallum, bought land fromSouthern Pacific and built his home in thePalm Springs area in 1884. The McCallumAdobe still stands, now serving as theoldest remaining building in Palm Springs.Other settlers were not far behind and bythe early 1900s, Palm Springs boasted apost office, hotel and several buildings.Numerous important institutions followed,including the first schoolhouse in 1914,and the first newspaper, namedDesert

Sun, in 1927. In 1928, the El MiradorHotel opened as a gigantic facility, able tohost 300 guests. Ruddy's General Storeemerged in the 1930s, another buildingstanding today as a museum. The townalso developed its first golf course, aswell as tennis courts and a racquet club.Meanwhile, the adjacent town of CathedralCity became home to numerous gamblingestablishments.

The growth of Palm Springs led settlers toconsider incorporation, forming a 30-mancommittee to lead the effort. This endeavorreached success in 1938. Just one yearlater, the town census indicated a totalpopulation of 5,300 year-round settlers, with8,000 seasonal visitors.

World War II brought significant changesto Palm Springs, as the notable GeneralPatton traveled to the desert with his troopsfor training sessions. Patton administeredtraining drills in the Palm Springs area toprepare his troops for the North Africandesert invasions. During this time, theEl Mirador Hotel was transformed into ahospital, serving wounded soldiers. Anairfield was constructed as well, whichwould become the Palm Springs Airport.

The once-modest city of Palm Springsskyrocketed after World War II. SeveralHollywood stars began to build housesin the area, including Kirk Douglas andFrank Sinatra. The beloved Bob Hope wasappointed Honorary Mayor. In addition,Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy,Johnson and Ford all visited this flourishingtown.

Palm Springs continued to prosper,booming from one golf course in 1945 toover 85 golf courses in the present time.Some of these courses are internationallyfamous, such as the Tahquitz CreekResort Course(designed by Ted Robinson)and the Legend Course(managed byArnold Palmer). In addition to golfingestablishments, Palm Springs nowboasts sophisticated city life, with upscaleboutiques and extravagant restaurants.

From a little western town along thestagecoach line to a modern, cosmopolitancity, Palm Springs has achieved worldwidenotoriety, with scores of travelers trekkinglong distances for seasonal visits to thisdesert sanctuary. Combining sunshine andstyle, the city of Palm Springs has emergedas one of California's top spots to visit. Butdon't take our word for it. Pack your golf

clubs, tennis racquet and summer shorts,and get ready to bask in the Palm Springssun.©

Hotel InsightsPalm Springs has always catered to thosewanting a taste of luxury, a chance toswim or soak, and a view of the dramaticbare mountains. This city's hotel ownersare aware that most visitors want deluxeaccommodations, thus an establishmentcalled a'motel' here is mysteriouslydesignated a'hotel', even if it is just aneight-room courtyard wrapped around astreetside swimming pool. Meanwhile, smallmotels, which have not been renovatedsince they were built in the 1950s, arenow proudly celebrating their kitschydecor and advertising their'authenticretro' furnishings. True hotels are theninevitably called'resorts', so this term canmean anything from a self-contained,300-room, multi-pool paradise with aprivate golf course to a twenty-room, two-story hotel with a single Jacuzzi. Finally,numerous resorts, not to be outdone,advertise themselves as"spas," with themost luxurious ones offering state-of-the-art gyms, therapeutic specialists,aromatherapy, personal exercise coachingand much more.

The high season in Palm Springs begins inDecember and runs through March. Exactdates of high season prices vary amongaccommodations. Room rates drop to halfor less off these high season prices duringthe months of June, July and August,when the city's temperature soars into thelow hundreds Fahrenheit. Hotels at thesouthern end of town enjoy the greatestprotection from strong winds, which buffetthe north side—an area known as"Nature'sGreatest Wind Tunnel."

Downtown Palm Springs

Palm Springs is laid out in a patchworkof golf courses and resort complexes,with less-expensive lodgings sprinkledthroughout. Many small, inexpensiveaccommodations are near Palm CanyonDrive, which at its southern end becomesthe prime shopping and dining district of thecity known as'The Loop'. Early garden courtretreats, such as the Orchid Tree Inn, give aglimpse of the shady solitude Palm Springsoffered its first visitors.


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Many early establishments can legitimatelyclaim various legendary stars were clients.The classic Ingleside Inn states'Garbo SleptHere', as well as John Travolta, GoldieHawn and many other contemporary stars.

Right on Palm Canyon Drive, the HyattRegency boasts an ideal location in theheart of the downtown area, close todozens of restaurants, nightclubs andshops. Meanwhile, the Riviera Resort offersan 18-hole putting course and nine tenniscourts on twenty-four acres of palm-shadedgrounds.

Good value resort choices in Palm Springsinclude the 255-room Ramada ResortInn& Conference Center and the HolidayInn Palm Mountain Resort. Slightly moreexpensive choices include the WyndhamPalm Springs Hotel and the Hilton PalmSprings Resort. All of these hotels offersome spa facilities, meeting space, poolsand spacious rooms along with full hotelservices.

At the intersection of Tahquitz Canyon andIndian trails, the Agua Caliente band of theCahuilla Indians hosts a glitzy, Las Vegas-style hotel casino called the Spa HotelCasino. Just a block away from the PalmCanyon dining and shopping district, thiscentrally-located, 230-room hotel offerssomething for everyone, from excellent spaamenities to entertainment, dining and high-energy gambling at both tables and slotbanks.

In recent years, Palm Springs hasbecome a top destination for the local andinternational gay and lesbian traveler, anddozens of small hotels cater to either anall-male or all-female clientele. Camp PalmSprings is a legendary destination for gaymen, and the Bee Charmer Inn and CasitasLaquita are both women-only retreats.

The warm, dry climate also favors clothing-optional resorts, both gay and straight.Several of these are located in the heartof Palm Springs. One of the largest is theDesert Shadows Inn Resort and Villas,which operates year-round as a naturisthotel.

South Palm Springs

Past the shopping area on South PalmCanyon Drive, there is a cluster of low-range to moderate lodgings including theVagabond Inn, the Travelodge, RoyalSun and Best Western. All of these

establishments offer reasonable prices,pools and good views of the mountainsfrom many rooms.

Also, in South Palm Springs, talk hostcelebrity Merv Griffin has put his nameto the Grecian-style Merv Griffin Resortand Givenchy Spa, where guests receivea European spa experience under theGivenchy brand name. In a town filled withspas, this one is considered to be one ofthe most worthwhile.

Cathedral City

If staying in Palm Springs itself does notappeal to you, lodging prices drop by abouttwenty percent in nearby Cathedral City,where much of the everyday business ofPalm Springs is accomplished. The thriftytraveler will find budget chains such asSuper 8 and a small Travelodge.

Rancho Mirage

Farther along Highway 111, RanchoMirage is one of the fastest-growingcommunities in the desert. The deluxe RitzCarlton is an upscale traveler's paradise,providing European-style guest care in abeautiful environment, with all the comfortsand special attention that have becomesynonymous with the Ritz-Carlton name.

Wherever you choose to stay in the PalmSprings area, you will enjoy some of theNorthern hemisphere's finest autumn andwinter weather, with warm days, slightlycooler nights, and clear, sparkling skies.©

Restaurants InsightsPalm Springs began by appealing to thehigh-living Hollywood crowd, which madethis town Los Angeles' desert retreat. Formany years, the cuisine was predominatelymeat and potatoes or Italian, and whileboth of these cuisines still flourish, there isconsiderably more variety available today.

The Loop

Many of Palm Springs' best restaurants arefound on'The Loop', formed by North PalmCanyon Drive and Indian Canyon Drive.Everything from decades-old landmarkdining essentials to opened-last-week hotspots can be found within easy walkingdistance. Many places urge reservations,but it's also tempting to simply wanderbetween them until one strikes your fancy,fits your budget and has a table available

without an extensive wait. The Loop alsooffers many casual eateries, diners, icecream shops and coffeehouses, perfect forquick snacks or a reviving espresso.

The Kaiser Grille offers finely prepareddishes, some with an Italian flair. As withalmost all restaurants, outside dining isavailable and provides a great perch forpeople watching.

Mexican food is a favorite, with a number ofplaces thriving for years. One of the mostfun spots is Las Casuelas Terraza, offeringexcellent food and live music most of theday. The festivities begin in the morningwith table-strolling mariachis and carry onuntil late at night in the bar, which featuresa heated dance floor. Another Palm Springsinstitution is Del Rio's Taqueria, offeringoutdoor dining in a beautiful courtyardatmosphere at the corner of TahquitzCanyon and Indian Trails. The pavilion baris a quirky black-light marvel, specializing inagave-based tequila margaritas, very easyto drink and very hard to survive unscathed.Each table also sports a wine-bottle sizecontainer of the restaurant's proprietaryhot sauce, made mainly of scalding-hotHabanero peppers. Like the margaritas, thehot stuff is easy to taste, but much harder tosurvive as the heat develops on the tongue.

An excellent choice for casual Americandining is Hamburger Hamlet at the cornerof Palm Canyon and Tahquitz CanyonWay. Prices are low and the quality isoutstanding. The house Lobster Bisquecan hold its own against much moreillustrious competition. According to thehost, the Hamlet meets all requirements fora three-star restaurant rating, yet it's stilla place you can take your kids. Anothercheerful family dining choice is Ruby's, a1950s-style diner featuring hamburgers,sandwiches, Mom-style main dishes, icecream drinks and desserts.

Meanwhile, the five-star Le Vallaurisoffers'French-California' cuisine in aFrench country patio atmosphere or alush, chateau interior dining room, all justmoments away from the Palm Canyondistrict. The prestigiousZagat Guidenamed Le Vallauris the"Best Restaurant" inCoachella Valley.

Off The Loop

Searching for the spirit of famed PalmSprings resident Frank Sinatra? His oldhaunts include Riccio's and Melvyn's at


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the Ingleside Inn. If you hope to catch aglimpse of additional Hollywood stars,Melvyn's has also been named the'BestPlace to See Celebrities', offering anextensive photo collection of famous diners.

Cathedral City

Heading out of Palm Springs alongHighway 111, Cathedral City offers TheWilde Goose, which features continentalcuisine and wild game dishes includingvenison, quail and the occasional elk or wildboar.

Rancho Mirage

Restaurants are cluster along this stretchof highway coined"Restaurant Row" by theRancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce.Favorite spots along the row include KobeJapanese Steak House, housed in adramatic building re-creating a Japanese-style inn, and Stuart Anderson's BlackAngus.

Whether you choose to dine in downtownPalm Springs or at one of the surroundingdesert cities, you are likely to find adelightful atmosphere and delicious cuisine.Enjoy your dining adventures in PalmSprings, where vigorous competitionhelps assure excellent quality and valuethroughout the city.©

Nightlife InsightsWhile Palm Springs is still relatively youngin history, this desert community offers avast array of entertainment options. Mostnotably, Palm Springs is world-famous forits luxurious golf courses. Yet, this city alsofeatures cultural museums, dynamic theaterpresentations, upscale shopping districtsand a happening nightlife. Whether yourpreference is to visit a reserved museum orhip nightclub, you will not be disappointedwith the entertainment found in the deserthaven of Palm Springs.

Music& Theater

Since Palm Springs is located just a fewhours away from the action of Hollywood,this desert community is often privy totop-name attractions. In fact, numerousHollywood stars hold a second residence orretire in the Palm Springs area. First-classmusicians often perform at the McCallumTheater, a top-notch Palm Desert facilitythat hosts cultural and entertainment

events. Meanwhile, music and dance arecombined in an energetic annual showknown as the Palm Springs Follies, held atthe Plaza Theater. All Follies performersare at least 50 years old and many boastHollywood fame.

Another popular music venue is PalmDesert's Summer of Fun ConcertSeries. Each summer, guests relax in aluscious green park while listening to liveperformances of jazz, big band and bluesmusic.

Contemporary theater fanatics will enjoyJoey and Maria's Italian Wedding, ahumorous dinner theater show. This annualpresentation explores hysterical familydynamics as the headline characters plantheir over-the-top nuptials.

If you prefer ultra-modern theater, namelymovies, visit the new Desert IMAX Theater.Boasting a giant screen that spans sixstories in height, this popular establishmentshows cutting edge 3-D movies.

Museums

Palm Springs also abounds with countlessmuseums, each offering a captivatingpiece of Coachella Valley history. Visit thesculpture gardens at Palm Springs DesertMuseum. In addition, the Agua CalienteCultural Museum features basketry andphotographs of early settlers in CoachellaValley, while the Palm Springs Air Museumboasts an expansive collection of historicaircraft, often featuring air shows and otherspecial events. If you have little ones, visitthe Children's Discovery Museum, whichoffers fun, interactive exhibits of scienceand archaeology.

Shopping

Another favorite pastime for many touristsis shopping and Palm Springs doesnot disappoint with an abundance ofupscale shopping venues. The Gardenson El Paseo is an exquisite complex ofshops, hosting everything from pottery tosportswear. Meanwhile, El Paseo ShoppingAvenue has been dubbed'the Rodeo Driveof the desert'. This shopping district offersan enticing combination of high-fashionclothing with delightful eateries.

Outdoor Activities

In addition to theaters, museums andshopping, Palm Springs also hosts a vastselection of outdoor attractions. This city's

warm climate invites tourists to engage inactivities of the great outdoors. The PalmSprings Aerial Tramway takes visitorsfrom lowland desert terrain to the top ofMount Jacinto. Some guests simply ridethe cable car for the incredible view ofCoachella Valley, while others use thetramway as a route to outdoor activities atthe mountaintop, including hiking trails andmule rides.

Beyond the tramway, Coachella Valleyoffers scores of additional outdoor activities.The Living Desert highlights over 400wildlife species in a desert environmentof flora and fauna, while Oasis Waterparkoffers a break from the desert heat, withwater slides and inner tube activities.

Although the tramway and waterpark arefavorite attractions, there is no argumentabout the most frequented outdoorestablishments throughout CoachellaValley. Golf reigns supreme in Palm Springsand its surrounding desert cities. Visit theexclusive PGA West Arnold Palmer privategolf course in La Quinta, a course that hashosted the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic.Indio also sports a top-notch course, TheLandmark Golf Club, which hosts the world-famous annual Skins Game. In addition,do not forget the Tahquitz Creek ResortCourse, designed by Ted Robinson.

Featuring theater, museums, golf, shoppingand a happening nightlife, Palm Springsis a memorable town for any tourist. Fromtame, cultural experiences to upbeat, trendyspots, this town specializes in variety. So,bring your camera and your sunscreen, andget ready to enjoy the best sites of beautifulPalm Springs.©

Things to Do InsightsPalm Springs draws numerous touristsfrom around the globe year after year.What keeps these visitors coming backto this desert haven? Most guests praisethe world-championship golf courses,although others rave about the shopping,restaurants and shows offered in PalmSprings. Whatever your preference, youwill find a variety of pleasurable attractionsalong these tours of Coachella Valley.

Tour One: Downtown Palm Springs

Begin your tour on Highway 111, afterexiting from Interstate-10. Continue along


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Highway 111 until you reach North PalmCanyon Drive. Charming eateries are foundalong North Palm Canyon Drive. Considerstopping at Crosswalk Café, a casual venuewith fresh baked breads and goodies.Meanwhile, Hamburger Hamlet is an ideallunchtime spot for families.

Once you reach the intersection of NorthPalm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz CanyonWay, take a brief detour westward to findMuseum Drive. Along this strip, visit PalmSprings Desert Museum with its exquisitesculpture gardens, and Annenberg Theaterwhere traditional opera and ballet concertsare performed.

Back along Palm Canyon Drive(whichbecomes South Palm Canyon Drive afterthe Tahquitz Canyon Way intersection),visit the Plaza Theater, a 1930s moviehouse that has been transformed into amodern-day theater facility. The theaterhosts scores of popular attractions includingthe Palm Springs Follies, a wildly popularshow starring only folks over 50 years ofage. Near the theater, The Blue Guitardraws large nighttime crowds with bluesmusic and a hardwood dance floor.

Slightly further south, visitors will enjoy astretch of historical landmarks. The AguaCaliente Cultural Museum showcasesartifacts from early Native Americantribes. In addition, the McCallum Adobeand Ruddy's General Store, two of PalmSprings' earliest establishments, both nowserve as museums.

Palm Canyon Drive eventually turnseastbound, newly dubbed East PalmCanyon Drive. Merv Griffin's GivenchySpa& Resort is located along this stretchof land. One of the most exclusive andluxurious resorts in Coachella Valley, thisestablishment hosts Fashions at Merv'sPlace, a monthly show featuring the latesttrends of upscale Palm Springs boutiques.

When East Palm Canyon Drive meetsGene Autry Trail, turn north to find PalmSprings Air Museum, an incredible displayof historic planes, highlighting an extensivecollection of World War II aircraft.

Tour Two: Cathedral City, RanchoMirage, Palm Desert

While Palm Springs offers countlessattractions, its surrounding desert citiesalso feature notable tourist spots. Aftervisiting the sites along the Downtown PalmSprings tour, simply drive eastbound along

East Palm Canyon Drive into CathedralCity where you will find popular attractionsfor families. The Desert IMAX Theatershows 3-D movies on a screen that spanssix stories in height. Cathedral City alsofeatures top-notch public golf coursesincluding the Cimarron Golf Resort andCathedral Canyon Country Club.

Once you enter Rancho Mirage, visitthis community's popular museum foryoungsters. The Children's DiscoveryMuseum of the Desert offers dozens ofinteractive exhibits for kids including anarchaeological dig.

Nearby Palm Desert features the mostpopular attractions on this tour, found alongthe famed El Paseo Avenue, also called"theRodeo Drive of the desert." The Gardenson El Paseo is an elaborate shoppingcenter offering everything from clothingand luggage to pottery. Meanwhile, CodaGallery features contemporary works of artincluding paintings, sculptures and glassmasterpieces.

While El Paseo reigns supreme among thePalm Desert venues, the city hosts a fewother notable attractions. The Living Desertis a delightful display of flora and faunaaccompanied by a vast range of wild animalspecies. In addition, McCallum Theater islocated in Palm Desert, showcasing culturaland musical events.

Tour Three: Eastern Desert Cities

While Palm Springs and its surroundingdesert cities boast a variety of attractions,many tourists come simply to play golf.An abundance of golf courses dominateCoachella Valley. Some of the finestcourses are found along PGA Boulevardin La Quinta where the PGA West ResortCourses are located. Tee off on a coursedesigned by Jack Nicklaus or other top-name golfers. In addition, view world-famous golf tournaments such as the BobHope Chrysler Classic, which is hosted bythe Arnold Palmer Course.

Golfing action continues in the communityof Indio. While this town is significantly lessupscale than La Quinta, the community hasearned a favorable reputation for qualitypublic courses. In fact, Indio's LandmarkGolf Club hosted the prestigious 1999 SkinsGame, an annual professional tournamentbroadcast on network television. In additionto public golf courses, Indio also hosts the

annual Riverside County Fair and NationalDate Festival.

Whether you are looking to tee off ona world championship golf course orsimply browse through upscale shoppingboutiques, select a tour through PalmSprings and its surrounding cities. Eachtour offers different highlights, but you willalways find variety and sunshine alongthese tours of the Coachella Valley.©

Travel TipsGetting There

By Air

Palm Springs InternationalAirport(+1 760 318 3800;http://www.palmspringsairport.com) offerstransportation to destinations throughoutthe world. Its terminals house the followingairlines:

Alaska(+1 800 426 0333/http://www.alaskaair.com) American Airlines(+1800 433 7300/http://www.aa.com)Continental(+1 800 525 0280/http://www.continental.com) Delta(+1 800221 1212/http://www.delta.com)Harmony(+1 866 868 6789/http://www.harmonyairways.com) Horizon Air(+1800 547 9308/http://www.horizonair.com)Northwest(Seasonal)(+1 800 225 2525/http://www.nwa.com) Sun Country(+1 800359 6786/http://www.suncountry.com)United(+1 800 241 6522/http://www.ual.com) US Airways(+1 800428 4322/http://www.usairways.com)WestJet(+1 800 538 5696/http://www.westjet.com)

Palm Spring's airport navigators assiststhe traveling public with safe and reliabletransportation(+1 760 318 3830) for gettingto and from the airport. Hours are from6a-6p.

By Taxi

Taxis can be easily located outside eachterminal. You can also call+1 760 345 8398.

Rental Car Companies

Avis(+1 800 831 2847/http://www.avis.com)Budget(+1 800 527 0700/http://www.budget.com) Dollar(+1 800 800 4000/http://www.dollar.com) Eaglerider(+1 888900 9901/http://www.eaglerider.com)Enterprise(+1 800 325 8007/http://


15

www.enterprise.com) Hertz(+1 800654 3131/http://www.hertz.com) LuxuryRent a Car(+1 877 589 8799/http://www.luxuryrentacar.com) National(+1 800227 7368/http://www.nationalcar.com)

By Train

Amtrak Palm Springs platform is locatedat N. Indian Canyon Drive just south of1-10. There is a telephone for passengers'convenience. Call for schedule andreservations(+1 800 872 7245/http://www.amtrak.com)

By Bus Greyhound Palm Springs BusDepot(+1 760 325 9557) provides dailyservice with stops in Palm Springs, N.Indian Canyon and Amado and PalmDesert Town Center, Monterey and SanGorgonio. SunLine Transit Agency is thedesert's only public transit bus:(+1 760 3433456)

By Car Palm Springs Airport can be easilyaccessed by interstate 10, 105, 5, 605, 55and 111.

Getting Around

Palm Springs is serviced by Greyhoundbuses, taxis, rental cars and the Amtrak.

If traveling overseas, take the safetyprecaution of registering your trip athttps://travelregistration.state.gov and forhelpful, practical advice about travelingtechnicalities and safety standards checkouthttp://travel.state.gov/©

Fun FactsPalm Springs State: California Country:United States

Palm Springs by the Numbers:Population: 45,000 Elevation: 474 feetAverage Winter Temperature: 57 degrees

F Average Summer Temperature: 115degrees F

Quick Facts: Major Industries: hotsprings, desert, tourism, agriculture,natural resources Ethnic Mix: White 78.3%;Asian 8.86%; black 3.93%; other 8.91%Electricity: 120 volts, 60 cycles, AC TimeZone: PST Country Dialing Code: 1 AreaCode: 760

Did You Know? More than 2000 yearsago, Palm Springs' first residents were theancestors of today's Agua Caliente Band ofCahuilla Indians.

Orientation: Palm Springs is in theSouthern California desert, about 107 mileseast/southeast of Los Angeles and 135miles north east of San Diego. Protected bymountains on three sides, the scenic villageof Palm Springs is in the Coachella Valley,487 feet above sea level.©

Weather

Statistics Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature C

Average High 21 24 26 31 35 40 42 42 38 33 26 21

Average Mean 14 16 18 22 26 30 33 33 29 24 18 13

Average Low 7 8 10 13 17 21 24 24 21 16 10 6

Temperature F

Average High 70 75 80 87 95 104 108 107 101 91 78 70

Average Mean 57 61 65 71 79 87 92 91 86 76 64 56

Average Low 44 47 51 56 63 70 76 76 71 61 50 43

Rainy Days 2 2 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2

Rain Fall (cm) 3.2 2.9 1.6 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.5 1.0 1.0 0.3 0.7 1.6

Rain Fall (in) 1.3 1.2 0.6 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.1 0.3 0.6

© NileGuide

Los Angeles Snapshot

16

Local InfoPeople either love it, or they hate it--butno matter what, Los Angeles makes noexcuses and changes itself for no one.And you've got to admire that. Made upof dozens of communities, there is no onesingle experience that can sum up the lifeand the heartbeat of this city. But whatcan be noticed about Los Angeles by bothtourists and locals alike is the hustle-and-bustle lifestyle, the vibrant and uniqueneighborhoods, and the extreme diversitythat sets it apart from any other city. Fromthe eternal sunshine and Hollywood glitzto all the small communities with their owndistinct cultural personalities, this City ofAngels will forever be many things to manypeople.

Downtown

While not exactly in the center of towngeographically due to the sprawling natureof the city, Downtown Los Angeles is stillteeming with activity. There are culturalhotbeds like Olvera Street and Chinatownthat are just minutes away from LosAngeles landmarks such as the Bank ofAmerica Building and the Walt DisneyConcert Hall. And if you have a hankeringfor more art and culture while Downtown,the Museum of Contemporary Art(MOCA) isa definite must-see.

Hollywood

The big sign just about says it all--Hollywood is glitz, glamour, andunavoidable. While many people are criticalof Hollywood, they still can't help but satiatetheir curiosity by visiting this busy area.The center of things is, without a doubt,Hollywood Boulevard, location of world-famous tourist spots including Mann'sChinese Theater, the Hollywood Walk ofFame, and the Kodak Theatre where theOscars are now held annually.

The Miracle Mile/Hancock Park area isanother of L.A.'s historical neighborhoods.Here you will find Wilshire Boulevard'sMuseum Row. The museums are containedwithin Hancock Park, a small but peacefuloasis in the center of hectic urban activity.To venture into the far distant past, stopby the Brea Tar Pits, La, and to immerseyourself in a famous museum, the LACMA:Los Angeles County Museum of Art is apopular attraction on Miracle Mile.

Ritzy West Hollywood is home to one of thecity's most famous(or infamous) attractions:the Sunset Strip. Here you'll find mostof the city's hippest clubs frequented byup-and-coming actors and socialites, aswell as some of the city's finest hotels andshopping, including the upscale MelroseAvenue Shopping District. West Hollywoodis also the center of the city's gay andlesbian community, and it puts on one ofthe flashiest and most exhilarating annualHalloween parades in the state.

Beverly Hills and the Westside

This world-famous city with its world-famous zip code is synonymous withwealth, status, and celebrity. Theunderstated elegance and grace of theresidential neighborhoods are balanced outby Rodeo Drive, which offers some of thefinest(and most expensive) shopping in theworld.

Santa Monica and Beach Cities

Back in the heyday of Route 66, SantaMonica was the end of the line. Today, thisbeachfront community offers the best inentertainment for all ages on its famousSanta Monica Pier. You can enjoy somecarnival-style food and games or take aride on the ferris wheel for a breathtakingview of the city and shoreline. When you'reready for some shopping, the active ThirdStreet Promenade has a diverse directoryof stores and eateries.

The motto of the coastal community ofMalibu is"27 miles of scenic beauty," andthat about describes it best. The mainattraction here is the drive along the PacificCoast Highway, which takes you past beachafter beach on one side of the road andmillion-dollar hilltop estates on the other.Make sure you have plenty of film andsunscreen. Even at night, the stars justseem brighter.

Venice, just south of Santa Monica, isthe city's home to all things eclectic andmany things downright bizarre. Thissmall, artsy beach town offers one of thegreatest collections of cafes, bars, galleries,antiques and one-of-a-kind shops around.Weekend afternoons on the boardwalk aredefinitely a memorable experience for anyvisitor to the city.

San Fernando Valley

On the other side of the Hollywood Hillssits"The Valley," as known by locals.It features a seemingly endless sea ofsuburban cul-de-sacs, strip malls, funkyshops and restaurants. Hollywood makesits presence known in the cities of Burbankand Universal City, which are home toWarner Bros. Studio and Universal Studios.There are two things you can always counton in the Valley: the earthquakes alwaysfeel stronger, and the temperature is always10 degrees hotter.

South Central and Compton

Although the South Central neighborhoodof Crenshaw gained worldwide publicityas the center of the infamous 1992 riots,this area is rich in history and culture.South Central also is home to famous LosAngeles landmarks such as the WattsTowers, the historic Shrine Auditorium,and Exposition Park. Within the famedExposition Park is the Los AngelesMemorial Coliseum, the Natural HistoryMuseum of Los Angeles County, theCalifornia Science Center, and the IMAXCalifornia Science Center. It has also longbeen a place of culture and diversity, asevidenced by the African American CulturalCenter.

Long Beach and the South Bay

Long Beach is a fairly large city in its ownright and is a neighbor to the well knowndistrict of Orange County. Aside from aplethora of shopping and dining options,this beach community is perhaps bestknown for the Queen Mary, a Titanic-esque ocean liner now permanently dockedhere and open for tours. They also havemany outdoor activities for tourists to takeadvantage of, as well as museums andbeaches that all can enjoy.

The South Bay is made up of smallerbeach towns and quiet neighborhoodssuch asHermosa Beach,RedondoBeach,Manhattan Beach and Palos VerdesEstates.

Pasadena and Points East

Pasadena is one of the most prominentcommunities in the entire state of California.Old Town Pasadena provides one of thegreatest clusters of bars, shops, cafes andrestaurants in the entire L.A. area. Thecity is also known for the Norton SimonMuseum, which is the largest collection

Los Angeles Snapshot continued

17

of art owned by one man, and the RoseBowl. And every New Years' Day, this not-so-sleepy town becomes the focus of theentire world for the annual Tournament ofRoses Parade.

East L.A., as evidenced by its name, formsthe eastern edge of the city and is a greatexample of a neighborhood rich in culturalexpression.

LAX and Inglewood

LAX is one of the largest airports inthe United States, when it comes tothe sheer number of people passingthrough its hallways. The airport is themain feature of the otherwise-sleepy,suburban neighborhood of Westchester.This pocket of quiet, tree-lined streets andneighborhood schools and churches is arefreshing oasis in an often-frenetic city.

Inglewood features a wide variety ofrestaurants, music and sports venues. Hereyou will find Hollywood Park Racetrack andthe The Forum arena, an entertainmenthotspot. Inglewood also hosts the annualHollywood Black Film Festival, which payshomage to African-American filmmakers ofpast, present and future.©

HistoryCalifornia's earliest residents were NativeAmericans. Prior to the mid-18th century,several native peoples dominated the area,most notably those from the Tongva nation.

The earliest key date in the developmentof Los Angeles is August 2, 1769. It wason that afternoon that a group of Spanishexplorers from the east, led by Juan Crespiand Captain Gaspar de Portola, enteredwhat came to be known as Los Angeles, inthe area around Elysian Park. It was thenthat Crespi realized the potential the areahad to become a sizable settlement. Thenin 1771, Junipero Serra created the MissionSan Gabriel Archangel in the present daySan Gabriel Valley. It wasn't until 1781that the town was founded and named"ElPueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina delos Ángeles del Río de Porciúncula"--quite a mouthful to say and subsequentlyshortened to Los Angeles.

Throughout the late 18th and early19th centuries, was only a small farmtown that remained part of Mexico, untilthe Mexican-American War. On March

9th, 1842, Francisco Lopez discoveredgold in the Santa Clarita Valley and by1845, U.S. troops began battling forcontrol of California. On January 9, 1847,Commodore Stockton recaptured LosAngeles for the third and final time, andjust days later Mexican general AndresPico surrendered California to U.S. GeneralJohn Fremont. A subsequent boundarydispute ensued as to where the bordersof the city and county should be, but onApril 4, 1850, the city of Los Angeleswas incorporated, with California officiallyentering the union five months later.

The late 1800s and early 1900s saw LosAngeles grow exponentially. One reasonfor this was the railroads, which finallyreached Los Angeles from the East. Therailroads resulted in a major expansion ofeconomy and population, as evidenced bythe fact that L.A.'s population doubled inthe last decade of the 1800s and tripledin the first decade of the 1900s. In 1913,William Mulholland built an aqueduct, whichallowed water to be brought to Los Angelesfrom 200 miles north. This important event,coupled with the earlier railroad boom, isconsidered to be largely responsible forL.A.'s growth into a major population center.

By the 1920s, many industries werebeginning to stake their claim in the city.The most popular of these industries wasthe budding film industry. Filmmakers fromthe East came to Southern California forits eternal sunshine and varied landscape.Where else in America could they findperfect weather and largely emptysurrounding land, as well as mountains,lakes, forests and beaches all within anhour's drive? As movies and movie-makingbecame more ingrained in American cultureduring the 1940s and 50s, millions beganflocking to L.A. in hopes of becoming a starand striking it rich. By the mid-to-late 1950s,the population of L.A. had reached twomillion and appeared to be going nowherebut up.

As the city grew, more people meant moreproblems. In 1943, a clash between sailors,marines and local Hispanic gangs brokeout, known as the Zoot Suit Riots. Forseveral days and nights, downtown LosAngeles was transformed into a battle-zone. Although the riots were finally quelledby police, this would not be the last timethe city witnessed large-scale urbanunrest. Devastating race riots erupted in1965 and again in 1992, after the Rodney

King verdict, giving the city its reputationfor being a hotbed of racial tensions.Riots, however, weren't the only problemsthat affected the history of Los Angeles.Runaway air pollution and the damagecaused by several earthquakes —thelargest and most memorable of which wasthe Northridge earthquake in 1994, with atotal magnitude of 6.7- have also given thecity its fair share of crises to deal with overthe years. But with the 21st century hascome an increase in the improvement andgentrification in many parts of the city.

Certain things can always be counted onto thrive in L.A.: cultural diversity, beautifulweather, the well-known traffic on the 405Freeway, and eager souls arriving each dayto the City of Angels in search of their ownpiece of heaven.©

Hotel InsightsAccording to the tired but true axiom, thethree most important things in real estateare location, location and location. In theuniverse of Los Angeles, that cannot bestressed enough, and where you stay willhave a tremendous impact on your L.A.experience. The following are some of themost-recommended areas to lodge.

Downtown

Downtown Los Angeles contains the heartof the financial and business districtsof the city, and is perfect for corporatetravelers. All of the best amenities canbe found at the swanky The StandardHotel which truly gives a new meaningto the word"standard," or at the luxuriousMillenium Biltmore. Formerly the Regaland famous since 1923, it was home tothe Academy Awards during the GoldenAge of Hollywood. Those wanting to staywithin a budget but who still want singularand eclectic accommodations, might try thecharming Best Western Dragon Gate Innlocated right in the heart of Chinatown, theHotel Figueroa with its funky Southwesternmotif, or the elegant Miyako Inn and Spawhere you can either gratify yourself with arelaxing massage or have a little late nightfun at their karaoke bar.

Beverly Hills

For those with means, there is simplyno other place to stay in town. World-class luxury and service can be found


18

at the Beverly Hills Hotel, the BeverlyHilton or the Beverly Wilshire Beverly Hills.The world-famous Peninsula is also ahigh-class, luxurious choice for anyonewanting the best amenities and service.Wherever you choose to stay in this high-end neighborhood, you will be close tosome of the very best shopping and diningin the world.

Hollywood

Considering Hollywood's status as a touristmecca, it should come as no surprise that itoffers many places to lodge, especially forthose on a budget. The Hollywood CelebrityHotel and the Best Western HollywoodHills Hotel offer decent rooms for thosewho want to keep their costs down. All areclose to every famous Hollywood attraction,as well as Universal Studios. You'll be inthe thick of the action here, although youmay not want to walk alone at night in thedarkest parts of Hollywood.

Pasadena

Nestled at the base of the San GabrielMountains, Pasadena offers some of thegreatest lodging options for those who wantto get away from the urban energy of therest of L.A. If you want only the best, stay inelegant style at the Ritz-Carlton HuntingtonHotel. The Pasadena Hilton also offerstop-notch amenities and great service. Forthose looking for something other than alarge hotel, try the beautiful and charmingArtist's Inn and the Bissell House, bothoffering personalized luxury and service ina bed-and-breakfast setting.

Santa Monica

Maybe it's the sound of ocean waves thathelp you sleep easier, or maybe it's beingnear both shopping and recreation, buteither way Santa Monica has proven tobe the way to go for many visitors to thearea. For those with pockets deeper thanthe sea, consider the Loews Santa MonicaBeach Hotel, the Fairmont Miramar or theultra-luxurious Shutters on the Beach. Allthree are located within walking distanceof all of Santa Monica's wonders, bothnatural and man-made, and offer the fullroyal treatment. For those on more of abudget, the Ocean View Hotel and theclassic Art Deco Cadillac Hotel(locatedin nearby Venice) offer more affordableaccommodation while sacrificing very littlein the way of amenities or location.

West Hollywood

There's always something to be said forbeing close to the action. For those wholong to be in the center of L.A.'s star-studded nightlife, you can't get much closerthan a hotel room in West Hollywood. TheChateau Marmont, the Mondrian and theSunset Tower Hotel offer accommodationsfit for a king(with a bill to match). Meanwhilethe Hyatt and the rock'n' roll atmosphere ofthe Standard Hotel offer great rooms at afraction of the cost of their neighbors. Justabout every hotel in the area is located onSunset and lies within walking distance ofthe hottest clubs.

Westwood

This high-end neighborhood not onlyboasts UCLA, but also offers manybars, restaurants and entertainmentoptions. It also features some of the bestaccommodations at reasonable prices.The Hilgard House offers wonderfulaccommodations that isn't exactly cheap,but certainly won't cause you to break thebank. The upscale W Los Angeles is apopular choice featuring world-class serviceand comfort.©

Restaurants InsightsWhen it comes to dining and drinking,anything that one can possibly dream upcan be found in Los Angeles. Celebrity-only seating on the West Side is counteredby family-style seating in Silverlake, andcuisines from Ethiopian to Polish are allhere somewhere. With so many choicesand a limited time frame, here are somehighlights that should not be missed.

Downtown

After a prolonged period of economichardship, downtown L.A. went in for afacelift, replacing the old shabby buildingswith new businesses and recreationcenters. One of the establishments thathelped the downtown comeback is R-23,which quickly gained a reputation forserving unbelievable sushi. Anotherdowntown hot spot is the Water Grill, whichoffers upscale seafood for the internationaldining set. If you're looking for a unique andentertaining experience without the sky-high prices, enjoy a meal at Shabu ShabuHouse Restaurant--a form of Japanesecooking where servers bring you platesof fresh meat, and the customers cook it

themselves in hot pots. And for a morecasual but earth-shaking good time, checkout Epicentre, which is designed to look likea cafe, post-earthquake.

La Cienega and Beverly Hills

When dining in this celebrity"hot zone," besure to bring your high-limit credit cardsand your best evening attire. Some greatoptions include Chaya Brasserie for alegendary mix of Californian, French andItalian, and of course, the world-famousSpago Beverly Hills headed by WolfgangPuck. La Cienega Boulevard offers L.A.'sfamed"Restaurant Row," which featuresThe Stinking Rose for all your garlicdesires, Tokyo Table for delicious but moreaffordable Japanese cuisine, and the highlyfavored Fogo de Chao Churrascaria forsome Brazilian fare, and many other localfavorites.

Hollywood/Melrose

A small step away from the big moneyof Beverly Hills, these hot spots offer awarmer and hipper version of the samescene. Musso and Frank's Grill offersAmerican cuisine with an old Hollywoodstyle. Joachim Splichal serves the highestof haute cuisine at Patina, and WestHollywood's Asia de Cuba features Asian-Cuban fusion in a dining room decoratedall in white. Also in West Hollywood isperhaps the one of the finest Moroccanrestaurants in all of Los Angeles, DarMaghreb, which is more than just dining-it's an unforgettable experience. Finally, forlowbrow gastronomic pleasure that shouldnot be missed, wait in line for the oldestHollywood tradition, a Chili Cheese Dogfrom Pink's.

Santa Monica/Venice/Malibu

These beachfront neighborhoods of SantaMonica, Venice and Malibu offer the fullrange of dining options from earthy-hippiecuisine in Venice to star-studded glamourin Malibu. When not gazing into the deepblue Pacific, be sure to focus your attentionon Babalu for down-to-earth Caribbeancuisine, Chez Mimi for one of the mostromantic French experiences you will havethis side of Paris and Geoffrey's for freshcuisine with a heart-stopping view of theCalifornia coast. Wolfgang Puck's ChinoisOn Main is a wonderful choice, as well as


19

The Lobster for some delightfully simple butsophisticated seafood dishes.©

Nightlife InsightsAs the entertainment capital of the world,Los Angeles is overflowing with theater, art,dance, film and television. The city has avariety of options for every entertainmenttaste.

Theaters

The creative activity in the theaters of LosAngeles proves the naysayers wrong: justbecause the city's more frivolous side is themost publicized, Los Angeles does indeedhave a rich history of culture and soul. ThePerforming Arts Center of Los AngelesCounty complex in downtown Los Angeleshouses many of the city's major theatrevenues, including the Dorothy ChandlerPavilion, the Mark Taper Forum, PantagesTheatre, and the Ahmanson Theatre.

Museums

Los Angeles is indeed multi-faceted: withbeautiful beaches on one end, trendy clubson another, and amazing museums spreadthroughout, it is no wonder people flockhere to get a taste of everything it has tooffer. The Getty Center is a breathtakingarchitectural work before you even seethe collections inside. The Los AngelesCounty Museum of Art has impressivepermanent collections as well as top-billed shows. If contemporary art is moreyour cup of tea, then pay a visit to theMuseum of Contemporary Art(MOCA)which has featured extremely innovativeart exhibitions. L.A. is also home to manysmaller, private galleries, concentratedespecially in Venice and the Melrosearea of Hollywood. If nature and scienceexcite you more than a rare Van Gogh,the California Science Center is a hands-on educational facility that takes scienceto the extreme while the Natural HistoryMuseum has 35 galleries of environmentalscience displays to explore. For a moreserious-minded museum visit, the LosAngeles Museum of Tolerance is a stopfor the humanitarian-minded tourist. Themuseum offers classes in racial diversityand acceptance, and offers tours for schoolchildren and interested adults. It is apowerful, moving and informative institution.

For those who have eclectic or morespecialized tastes, be sure to check out theMuseum of Neon Art, the Vintage AnimationGallery and the Museum In Black.

Cinema

Mann's Chinese Theater on HollywoodBoulevard stands out as one of the mostfamous cinema houses ever built. Crowdsdescend upon the faux-Asian theater everyday to measure the famous feet and handsimprinted on the sidewalk outside. Acrossthe street from the Mann's Chinese, theEgyptian Theater stands in its Vegas-styleglory.

Comedy

With countless small theaters and clubs inLos Angeles,open mic nights for strugglingcomedians are everywhere. For a morepolished performance check out the famousGroundlings. This well-known"trainingcamp" for television shows likeSaturdayNight Live has an ever-changing lineupof up-and-comers with an occasional starheadliner. The Improv and the ComedyStore consistently feature well-known,professional headliners as well as buddingnew talent.

Music

When they are not out partying on theSunset Strip, rock and roll musicianscan be found performing at several LosAngeles venues. The El Rey Theatre andthe Palladium are great for watching showswhile in the city. The Forum, the GibsonAmphitheatre and the Staples Center arethe location of choice for larger rock shows.Classical and jazz concerts are usuallyfound at the Hollywood Bowl and TheGreek Theatre.

Sporting Events

L.A. sports fans have plenty to keepthem busy with the Los Angeles Lakers,the Clippers, the WNBA's Sparks, theDodgers and the Kings. If those sportsaren't your bag, check out the HollywoodPark Racetrack for some fast-paced bettingfun.

Amusement and Theme Parks

Los Angeles and its surrounding areasare home to many world-famous andexciting amusement parks. The mostwell-known the world over is Disneyland,America's Magic Kingdom and Disney's

California Adventure. Experience themagic of moviemaking at Universal Studiosand check out the good-time rides andattractions of Knott's Berry Farm. Forroller-coaster thrills go to Six Flags MagicMountain, and for watersliding chills, don'tmiss Raging Waters. Nightclubs

What's hot in this city changes almostovernight, and word of mouth is everything.However, for a good sampling of what L.A.has to offer, be sure to check out: Area, TheKnitting Factory, LAX, and Beauty Bar.

Shopping and Hanging Out

People-watching in Los Angeles candefinitely be considered a spectator sport.Although it bears no resemblance to theformer hit television show, Melrose is thebest sidewalk spectacle. Crammed full ofsidewalk cafes, bars, coffeehouses andboutiques, the street is always full of activityand unusual characters.

If true Hollywood stars and Ubër-Glamshopping are what you are looking for,Rodeo Drive is the ultimate destination. Theworld-renowned street is always bustlingwith film stars in baseball caps trying toblend in and Hollywood wives in diamondstrying to stand out. Gucci, Prada andTiffany& Co. are all represented here, so ifyou have buying in mind be sure to bring allof your credit cards.

If the ultra-chic shops and thousand-dollarprice tags aren't exactly what you seek,Santa Monica's Third Street Promenadeoffers shoppers a wide variety of upscaleboutiques and well-known chains, allunder the shining sun of this beach town.Universal City Walk is the Valley's answerto great shopping and entertainment alonga stretch of pedestrian walkways. And ifyou're looking for something downrightbizarre or unique, don't leave town withoutchecking out Necromance for all of yourGothic, bone jewelry and dead animalspecimen needs or the Wound& Wound ToyCompany specializing in amazing wind-uptoys from past and present.©

Things to Do InsightsWalking around Los Angeles is not an easytask. As the world's largest metropolis, LosAngeles has become as famous for carsand traffic as it is for its film industry. So


20

grab a rental, and make your way out tothese tourist hot spots.

Downtown

Located in the heart of downtown, themodest Pueblo de Los Angeles remainsthe city's oldest structure. Built in 1818,it serves as a historical monument tothe mission era of California, and alsoprovides tourists with the perfect reasonto visit downtown and not miss one ofthe city's best-kept sightseeing secrets.Located in the middle of the historic pueblois Olvera Street, an L.A. landmark sincethe early 1930s. Any day of the year thecobblestone street is alive with inexpensiveMexican delicacies, kitschy shoppingand several wandering mariachi bands.If too many hours on Beverly Hills/RodeoDrive Shopping District have strained themagnetic strip(or the limit) of your creditcard, the Garment District offers a greatlow-cost shopping alternative. The CooperBuilding and Santee Alley house designeroutlet stores and clothing in all styles, labelsand sizes.

Hollywood

The Griffith Observatory is one of thelargest in the country. At night you canstargaze from balconies on the outsideof the building, as well as from on theroof. Face north in the parking lot andyou will get a spectacular view of theHollywood Sign. Take Hollywood Boulevardapproximately three blocks to Vine. At thisfamous intersection begins the HollywoodWalk of Fame, so named for the bronzedstars placed into the pavement that bearthe name of a legendary entertainer inmusic, movies and television. L'Orangerieis a classy French restaurant near here.Continuing up Hollywood Boulevard youwill come to Mann's Chinese Theater, morefamous for the front courtyard than for anyfilm ever shown there. The footprints andhandprints outside include so many stars,and create such a stir, it's sometimes hardto squeeze your way in.

Malibu and Santa Monica

The beach community of Santa Monicaoffers great shopping and dining. The ThirdStreet Promenade and The Pier are majorcenters of activity. Here you can ride rollercoasters, shop, eat, fish or just take inthe ocean air. Beaurivage is a fantasticrestaurant with ocean views. When you'reready to hit the coast, head north on the

beautiful Pacific Coast Highway. A fewmiles north of Malibu is Leo Carillo StateBeach. This unique inlet features rockformations and tide pools overflowing withsome of the most unusual aquatic life inthe world. If you are lucky, you will also beable to see dolphins frolicking just offshore.When you are done here, head south toVenice City Beach.

Mount Wilson

The 110 freeway north ends at ColoradoBoulevard, where you will turn right andhead into Old Town. In addition to being aquaint historical city, Old Town PasadenaShopping District is known for world-classrestaurants, thriving theater and manyantique shops. One of the best features ofOld Town is the architecture. An elegantdining option nearby is Bistro 45, which hascontemporary French options on its menu.For those who feel confined by gravityand want to get a different perspectiveof Pasadena, simply follow signs to theAngeles Crest Highway and head up--straight up! This winding(and at timestreacherous) mountain road takes youthrough the Angeles National Forest enroute to the Mount Wilson Observatory,some 5000 feet above sea level.

Museum Row

This stretch of Wilshire Boulevard is alsoknown as Museum Row, and with goodreason. Most of the city's main museumsare located here, as well as several smallbut influential, art galleries, such as theVintage Animation Gallery and the LosAngeles Contemporary Exhibitions. Afterchecking them out, take a quick drive upFairfax to another Los Angeles historicalmonument, Canter's Deli. This Jewish-American diner has been a long Hollywoodtradition. After your first bite of a Canter'sDeli sandwich you will know why stars,locals and tourists have made this eaterya Los Angeles must-see location. Afterindulging in all the best that Canter's has tooffer, finish the day off with the astoundingglamour of the mansions in Hancock Park,a neighborhood dotted with homes built inthe golden years of Hollywood. If you'd liketo do something more adventurous, the LaBrea Tar Pits are just a short drive away.

If you are planning on checking out a fewcentrally-located things, going on foot isfine. However, if you want to explore theparts of this sprawling city that are hard to

get to, planning a day with a tour companyis recommended.

Walking Tours Los AngelesConservancy(+1 213 623 2489/http://www.laconservancy.org/) Off'NRunning Tours(+1 310 246 1418/http://offnrunningtours.com) Red LineTours(+1 323 402 1074 x31/ http://www.redlinetours.com/)

Trolley Tours Beverly Hills Trolley Tour(+1310 285 2438/ http://www.beverlyhills.org/presence/connect/CoBH/Homepage/For+Visitors/What+to+Do/Cultural+Events,+Activities+and+Tours/LG-CM-Trolley_Tours)

Studio Tours UniversalStudios(+1 800 8 6483 7725/ http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com)Warner Bros. Studio Tour(+1 818 972 8687/http://www2.warnerbros.com/vipstudiotour/)Paramount Studio Tour(+1 323 956 1777/http://www.paramount.com/studio/) SonyPictures Studio Tour(+1 323 520 8687/http://www.sonypicturesstudios.com/)

Bus Tours Starline Tours(+1 800 9593131/ http://www.starlinetours.com/)Columbia Tour Shuttle(+1 213 739 5757)Guideline Tours(+1 800 604 8433/ http://www.guidelinetours.com/)

Adventure Tours Catalina AdventureTours(+1 310 510 2888/ +1 562 432 8828/http://www.catalinaadventuretours.com/)Descanso Beach Ocean Sports(+1310 510 1226/ +1 310 510 1588/ http://www.kayakcatalinaisland.com/)

Fishing Tours Discovery Tours--FlyingFish Boat Trip(+1 310 510 2000)

Boat Tours Los Angeles Harbor Cruise(+1310 831 0996) Star Party Cruises(+1 562799 7000/ http://www.reggae-boat.com/)Crystal Cruises(+1 866 446 6625/ http://www.crystalcruises.com/)

Air Tours Helitac Aviation(+1 213483 6898/ http://www.helitac.com)Hollywood Aviators(+1 818 994 2004/ http://www.hollywoodaviators.com/)

Sports Tours Big League Tours(+1866 619 1748/ +1 317 534 2475/ http://bigleaguetours.com/)


21

Segway Tours Segway Los Angeles(+1310 395 1395/ http://www.segway.la/rental.php)©

Travel TipsGetting There

Air

Los Angeles International Airport(LAX)+1310 646 5252http://www.lawa.org/lax/

LAX is located 16 miles from downtown.

Bob Hope Airport(BUR)+1 818 8408840http://www.burbankairport.com/

BUR is located three miles from downtown.

LAX provides service to the followingairlines:

Aeromexico( +1 800 237 6639/http://www.aeromexico.com/) Air NewZealand( +1 800 262 1234/http://www.airnewzealand.com/usa/) AirtranAirways( +1 800 247 8726/http://www.airtran.com/) American( +1800 433 7300/http://www.aa.com/)Alaska Airlines( +1 800 252 7522/http://www.alaskaair.com/) BritishAirways( +1 800 247 9297/http://www.britishairways.com/) ChinaAirlines( +1 800 227 5118/http://www.china-airlines.com/) Continental( +1 800 5250280/http://www.continental.com/) Delta( +1800 221 1212/http://www.delta.com/)Frontier( +1 800 265 5505/http://www.frontierairlines.com/) HawaiianAirlines( +1 800 367 5320/http://www.hawaiianair.com/) Japan Airways( +1800 525 3663/http://www.jal.co.jp/)Korean Airlines( +1 800 438 5000/http://www.koreanair.com/) Lufthansa( +1800 241 6522/http://www.lufthansa-usa.com/) Northwest( +1 800 225 2525/http://www.nwa.com/) QANTAS( +1 800227 4500/http://www.qantas.com.au/)Singapore Airlines( +1 800 742 3333/http://www.singaporeair.com/) Southwest( +1800 435 9792/http://www.southwest.com/)Sun Country( +1 800 359 6786/http://www.suncountry.com/) United( +1 800 2416522/http://www.ual.com/) US Airways( +1800 428 4322/http://www.usairways.com/)

BUR provides service to the followingairlines:

Alaska Airlines( +1 800 252 7522/http://www.alaskaair.com/) Aloha

Airlines( +1 800 367 5250/http://www.alohaairlines.com/) American( +1800 433 7300/http://www.aa.com/)Southwest( +1 800 435 9792/http://www.southwest.com/) United( +1 800 2416522/http://www.ual.com/) US Airways:( +1800 428 4322/http://www.usairways.com/)

Airport Parking Service: Park'N Flyat Park One( +1 800 763 6895/http://www.pnfnetwork.com/)

Shuttle: A free shuttle bus serviceprovides transportation from the airportto the Los Angeles County MetropolitanTransportation Authority Bus Center( +1800 266 6883/http://www.mta.net/). Fromthere, city buses are available to servethe Los Angeles area. Other Publicbus companies include Culver City BusLines(+1 310 253 6500), Santa Monica BigBlue Bus( +1 800 266 6883) and TorranceTransit( +1 800 266 6883). The shuttle canbe picked up under the LAX Shuttle& AirlineConnections sign on the Lower/ArrivalLevel in front of each terminal.

Metropolitan Express( +1 800 338 3898) isa bus service that provides transportationfrom LAX to downtown Los Angeles. UnionStation/LAX FlyAway(+1 866 435 9529)is a 24 hour service that provides airportshuttle service from Union Station to LAXfor a small fare.

Taxi: The following companies provide taxisthat can easily be located at the Lower/Arrival Level in front of each terminal:

Authorized Taxicab Supervision(ATS)( +1 323 776 5324) Beverly Hills CabCompany( +1 310 273 6611) IndependentTaxi Owners Association( +1 213 666 0045)L.A. Taxi/United Checker Cab( +1 213 6277000;+1 310 715 1968)

Car Rental: Alamo( +1 800 327 9633/http://www.goalamo.com/) Avis( +1800 331 1212/http://www.avis.com/)Budget( +1 800 527 0700/http://www.budget.com/) Dollar( +1 800800 4000/http://www.dollar.com/)Enterprise( +1 800 736 8222/http://www.enterprise.com/) Hertz( +1 800 6543131/http://www.hertz.com/) National( +1800 227 7368/http://www.nationalcar.com/)

Car-Share

Another attractive ground transportationoption is Zipcar, which operates in certainU.S. cities. This new breed of rental carallows you to rent on an hourly basis rather

than a daily basis. Be sure to register onlinebefore your trip. Zipcar(+1 877 353 9227/http://www.zipcar.com/)

Train

Amtrak(+1 800 872 7245/http://www.amtrak.com), located at 800 NAlameda Street, provides service toLos Angeles via several national routesincluding Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner,Southwest Chief and Sunset Limited.

Bus

Greyhound( +1 800 231 2222/http://www.greyhound.com/) accesses LosAngeles from major cities around thecountry. The downtown bus station( +1 213629 8401), located at 1716 E 7th Street, isopen 24 hours daily.

Car

Approach Los Angeles from the eastby Interstate 10, from the northeast andsouthwest by Interstate 5 and south viaInterstate 5 and take Interstate 110 from thesouth.

Getting Around

Public Transit

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority(+1 800 266 6883/http://www.metro.net)provides local and express bus servicethroughout Los Angeles and to majorsurrounding attractions includingDisneyland and Universal StudiosHollywood. Other services include theGreen Line light rail and the Metro Red Linesubway.

If rollin' like a celebrity is your wish, call onNew Century Limo(+1 800 250 9434/ http://www.newcenturylimo.com).

Traffic Information

To find out city traffic information go tohttp://www.traffic.com/

If traveling overseas, take the safetyprecaution of registering your trip athttps://travelregistration.state.gov and forhelpful, practical advice about travelingtechnicalities and safety standards checkouthttp://travel.state.gov/.©

Fun FactsLos Angeles State: California Country:United States


22

Los Angeles By The Numbers:

Population: 3,849,368(city);13,000,000(Metropolitan) Elevation: 256 ft/78 m Average Annual Rainfall: 14 in/ 36 cmAverage January Temperature: 57°F/ 14°CAverage July Temperature: 72°F/ 22°C

Quick Facts:

Major Industries: tourism,entertainment,communications, shipping, manufacturing,finance,oil Electricity: 110 volts, 60Hz,standard two pin plugs Time Zone:GMT-8(GMT-7 daylight saving time); PacificStandard Time(PST) Country Dialing Code:1 Area Codes: 213, 310, 323, 626, 818( 1and the area code must be dialed even forlocal calls)

Did You Know?

Los Angeles allows visitors to glimpsemillions of years of geologic history. AttheLa Brea Tar Pits you can see residue ofthe days when dinosaurs walked the Earth,and the tar is still oozing in some places.©

Weather

Statistics Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Temperature C

Average High 19 20 20 22 23 25 28 29 28 26 22 19

Average Mean 14 15 15 17 18 20 23 23 23 20 17 14

Average Low 9 10 11 12 14 16 18 18 18 15 11 9

Temperature F

Average High 95 94 98 106 102 112 107 105 110 108 100 91

Average Mean 58 60 60 63 65 69 74 75 73 69 63 58

Average Low 28 34 35 39 46 50 54 53 51 41 38 30

Rainy Days 6 6 6 3 1 0 1 0 1 2 3 5

Rain Fall (cm) 0.7 0.8 0.7 0.3 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.5

Rain Fall (in) 2.9 3.1 2.6 1.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.1 0.4 0.3 2.0 2.0

© NileGuide

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