Day Trips From LA: Catalina Island
THE CULTURE OF LOS ANGELES
Culture of LA Overview
LA is considered one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. With close to 4 million inhabitants, residents of the city represent racial backgrounds from all over the world. With the Latino race being the predominant influence, the city is also has a strong Korean, Chinese and Russian population.
In addition to its ethnic diversity, the city of Los Angeles is home to dozens of world class museums, art galleries, an observatory, hiking and nature trails and ancient archealogical finds. A visit to LA alone can encompass taking ahike into the Santa Monica Mountains where you can hear the rattles of rattle snakes, see Coyotes and exotic birds to spending the afternoon looking at ancient art at the Getty Center and end the day at the Griffith Observatory seeing through powerful telescopes distant star systems thousands of light years away.
LA is home to one of the premier Gay and Lesbian communities-West Hollywood. Whether gay or straight, this community welcomes everyone with weekly hot dance floors, lively bars and the strip known around the world as Santa Monica Blvd.
It is along Venice Beach that visitors will find the art scene alive and well along the famous Ocean Front Walk. Along this path used by pediestrians, bikers, and roller bladers against a back drop of palm trees, the ocean is a string of kiosks housing a variety of art, designs and scuulptures. In addition there a variety of boutique shops along the walk specializing in a variety of merchandise from clothing accessories to pottery and trinkets.
For those into the outdoors, LA affords many hiking opportunities. From Runyon Canyon to Temescal Canyon, the hiking areas of the city provide fresh air, challenging climbs and interaction with local wildlife.
The Getty Center
Perched on the side of a cliff over looking all of LA, the Getty Center is home to rare art and sculptures from all over the world. Beautiful eye catching, lush gardens, waterfalls and streams slice through the vast grounds.
The Griffith Observatory
Perched on the edge of the Hollywood Hills next to the Hollywood sign, the recently rennovated Griffith Observatory gives visitors an in depth view into the secrets of the Universe, with views of LA and Hollywood as a backdrop and numerous hiking trails snaking around the grounds.
La Brea Tar Pits
Over 100,000 years ago LA was once a lush savannah where thousands of wild animals-many extinct, camels, saber tooth tigers and elephants roamed. Geologic forces pushed tar pits up to the surface where the animals would wonder into, become trapped and die, forever perfectly preserving their bones. Today archealogist continue to unearth these finds at the La Brea Tar Pits for the public to witness and learn.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
A world class museum on LA's museum row, "LACMA" as its known to Angelenos is home to a broad range of art from all over the world. There are both permanent exhibits and pieces that pass through for months at a time on tour.
Olvera Street
Located on the edge of Downtown Los Angeles, this quaint street from what was left of Mexico's ownership of Southern California gives visitors an education and feel of Mexican Culture.
West Hollywood LGBT Community
Home to LA's Gay and Lesbian community, the LGBT stretch of Santa Monica Blvd from Doheny to Fairfax is one of the cities most distinct and lively neighborhoods. From neighborhood bars to loud dance floors to quaint cafes, the strip is everything diversity, excitment and acceptance.
Fitness Hiking
A world class museum on LA's museum row, "LACMA" as its known to Angelenos is home to a broad range of art from all over the world. There are both permanent exhibits and pieces that pass through for months at a time on tour.
