Because of the spread out nature of Los Angeles, many of LA's top tourist attractions are outside the central areas of downtown and Hollywood. While there is no shortage of attractions in these central districts, it is important that tourists in Los Angeles don't confine themselves to just these areas, therefore missing some of LA's top attractions and sightseeing opportunities.That said, central Los Angeles makes the perfect starting point for any tour of the county and you will find many of the tourist attractions here are movie related, such as LA's studios of Paramount and CBS, while Hollywood Forever Cemetery and Mann's Chinese Theater commemorate some of Hollywood's favorite stars.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Address: Music Center / Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles County, 135 North Grand Avenue. Los Angeles, California (CA), 90012, USA
Tel: +1 213 972 7211
LA's extravagant and eye-catching Walt Disney Concert Hall is not only a major attraction for tourists in Los Angeles, but it is also one of the city's most unusual buildings. Opened in 2003, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is home to many musical events, including regular performances by large orchestras and theatrical groups.
Open: daily
Admission: charge for events
CBS Television City
Address: 7800 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, California (CA), 90036-2112, USA
Tel: +1 323 575 2345
This is where many of CBS' television productions are filmed and visitors can come and watch popular shows such as 'The Price is Right' and 'The Late, Late Show' for free, as long as they acquire tickets in advance.
Open: box office, Monday to Thursday - 07:30 to 17:00, Friday - 09:00 to 13:00
Admission: free
Dodger StadiumAddress: 1000 Elysian Park Avenue, Los Angeles, California (CA), 90012-1112, USA
Tel: +1 323 224 1500
Sports fans needn't be disappointed in Los Angeles and a trip to LA's Dodger Stadium for an authentic game of baseball should satiate anyone looking for some sport action. With a capacity for 56,000 spectators and a playing field famous as one of the best in the country, the stadium is also host to other large events and attractions throughout the year.
Open: hours vary
Admission: charge for events
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Address: 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, California (CA), 90038-1864, USA
Tel: +1 323 469 1181
Visiting cemeteries may not be number one on everyone's holiday itinerary, but if you're a fan of one of the many famous people buried in Los Angeles' Hollywood Forever Cemetery, then you may be intrigued to make a visit and pay your respects. Among those who have been laid to rest here are Rudolph Valentino, Douglas Fairbanks, Cecil B. DeMille, Tyrone Power and Peter Lorre.
Open: daily - 07:00 to 18:00
Admission: free
Los Angeles ZooAddress: 5333 Zoo Drive, (Griffith Park), Los Angeles, California (CA), 90027-1451, USA
Tel: +1 323 644 4200
Located in Griffith Park, Los Angeles Zoo spans 113 acres / 45 hectares and is home to thousands of animals, ranging from leopards and orangutans to parrots and sea otters. Other attractions at the zoo include landscaped grounds and botanical gardens, perfect for a peaceful break from the sometimes crowded animal-viewing.
Open: Monday to Sunday - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge, discount for seniors and children, children under two free
Mann's (Grauman's) Chinese Theater
Address: Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California (CA), USA
Tel: +1 323 461 3331
Functioning as a cinema, this impressive Los Angeles theater was designed as a replica of a Chinese temple and has been host to numerous movie premieres in LA over the years. Its attraction for Los Angeles tourists is the courtyard, which boasts hand and feet imprints, as well as the signatures of countless Hollywood stars including the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Frank Sinatra, while in front of the theater is the Walk of Fame. This mile-long stretch honors more than 2,500 stars among which are Elvis and Marilyn Monroe, and their names can be seen inscribed in pink granite.
Open: forecourt open 24 hours, theater open daily
Admission: charge for cinema or tour
Paramount PicturesAddress: 5555 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, California (CA), 90038-3112, USA
Tel: +1 323 956 5000
The longest continuously operating film studios in Hollywood and one of the few that hasn't relocated, attractions at Los Angeles' Paramount Pictures include walking tours around the beautiful studios and sets. Paramount boasted numerous big stars during Hollywood's Golden Age, including Marlene Dietrich, Bing Crosby and Gloria Swanston, while in more recent years the studio has produced some of TV's most popular series, such as 'Star Trek', 'The Brady Bunch', 'Cheers' and 'Happy Days'.
Open: Monday to Friday - 09:00 to 14:00
Admission: charge
