It’s tempting to direct international travelers to LA’s version of their countries of origin. From Japan? We’ve got
Little Tokyo. From Mexico? We’ve got
Olvera Street. From China? There’s
Chinatown. Yes, America is the melting pot, and Los Angeles is certainly a good representation of America’s diversity.
But what if international visitors want a taste of all-American culture — sights and sounds that are undeniably woven into the fabric of America? Here’s an itinerary that features things they can’t find anywhere else, no matter where they’re from. Plus, they’re some of LA’s top attractions and highlights, guaranteed to give your clients an unforgettable experience.
Photo by Flickr/oxybricua
Walking the Walk: Only in Venice will visitors see America’s most zany (and amazing) street entertainers — chainsaw jugglers, swamis on rollerblades, street dancers...you name it. Start at Windward Avenue and walk north, stopping whenever you see a crowd gathered — there’s sure to be someone intriguing in the center. Out on the sand, follow the beat to the drum circle, a Sunday tradition with dozens of drummers playing for hours.
Get more information about the Venice Ocean Front Walk.
American Pop Culture Mania: Hollywood will always be one of the most recognizable sights to international travelers. Take them to
Hollywood & Highland Center for some “that’s so LA” shopping, and then escort them to major attractions such as the Hollywood Walk of Fame and
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. They are one-of-a-kind and undoubtedly a part of American pop culture.
Classic America: The Grove pedestrian shopping center harkens back to an idyllic era, featuring a shooting water fountain and old-time trolley. International visitors will get a chance to check out a number of high-end shops as well as
LA’s Original Farmers Market, where they can grab some pulled barbeque pork or an old-fashioned American ice cream cone.
Photo by Flickr/Fillmore Photography
Buildings Galore: One of the things that international visitors comment on the most is how modern America is. This goes for how iconic the architecture is, too. Frank Gehry’s
Walt Disney Concert Hall fits the bill on both counts. Whether it's the majesty of the architecture, the purity of sound or the beauty of its public garden, Walt Disney Concert Hall has become the cultural symbol of Los Angeles. Make sure to stop by other
cutting-edge architecture Downtown:
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Caltrans District 7 Headquarters and the U.S. Bank Tower.
America After Hours:
ESPN Zone is a two-floor restaurant and sports mecca that doubles as a sports fanatic’s fantasy. This LA favorite features giant screens to watch games across every sport, a screening room, studio grill sports arena and SportsCenter Super Store. A large game room on the second floor offers patrons of every age an active experience. Located right in Downtown’s
L.A. LIVE entertainment complex, it gives international visitors a good feel for part of LA’s draw. Meanwhile,
Yard House offers the world’s largest selection of draft beer (a superlative that any visitor will find impressive). The American cuisine delivers top-notch flavor, literally giving your guests a taste of Los Angeles.
Farmer’s Daughter: For more than 30 years, the Farmer’s Daughter has been an icon in the boutique hotel scene for its tongue-in-cheek take on the old “farmer’s daughter” tale.
Hollywood Roosevelt: You’d expect that a hotel on Hollywood Boulevard would garner some stardom. The Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel doesn’t disappoint: Will Rogers, Greta Garbo, Shirley Temple and Bruce Willis have all called the hotel home.
Millennium Biltmore: Most well-known for its richly appointed lobby, complete with frescoes and gold columns, the Millennium Biltmore is by far one of LA’s greatest testaments to history and luxury.
Sportsmen’s Lodge:
Olympic-size pool and spa, lush grounds with gardens and waterfalls, fitness center, free shuttle to Universal Studios Hollywood, not to mention its American hunting and outdoors theme.
Photo by Flickr/tiarescott
