This Southern California destination is best known as the capital of the entertainment industry. Here, movie stars really do work in Hollywood, play in the surf at Malibu, and shop in Beverly Hills. Looping freeways make the car king, but the region also has a surprisingly good network of buses and light rail — a hassle-free way to explore.
MAJOR TAKEAWAYS
Los Angeles County is home to the iconic Sunset Strip, nearly two miles of rock ‘n’ roll history and nightlife.
Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve is a Mojave Desert Grassland west of Lancaster that transforms into endless fields of vibrant yellows and oranges each spring with the bloom of California poppies, the state’s official flower.
Lancaster’s Civic Musical Road is the only “musical” or “singing” road in the United States.
Just 22 miles off the coast of Los Angeles County, Catalina Island is perfect for relaxing under swaying palms, walking along white-sand beaches and experiencing unforgettable sunsets.
Counties, Major Cities and Attractions
Counties
There is only one county in the Los Angeles region of California:
Los Angeles County
Major Cities
This sunny region along the state’s southern coast is California’s most populated region. The population of the city of Los Angeles is estimated at over 4 million people.
Beverly Hills
Burbank
Lancaster
Long Beach
Los Angeles
Malibu
Marina del Rey
Pasadena
Redondo Beach
Santa Monica
Torrance
West Hollywood
Major Attractions
Los Angeles County is the entertainment capital of America, with megastar wattage and nonstop activities for visitors to enjoy.
Angeles National Forest: In the San Gabriel and Sierra Pelona Mountains, this forest offers visitors endless hiking and biking trails along with numerous campgrounds
Griffith Park: Encompassing 4,210 acres, this is the largest municipal park in Los Angeles, featuring 50 miles of trails along with incredible vantage points at Mount Hollywood, Sunset Ranch and the landmark Art Deco-era Griffith Park Observatory
Hollywood: Also known as Tinseltown, here visitors can fulfill their movie star dreams by visiting the Walk of Fame, exploring Sunset Boulevard or taking a selfie with the famous Hollywood Sign
La Brea Tar Pits: Enjoy an educational and fun day with the family at this prehistoric excavation site, where more than 3.5 million fossils have been discovered
Rose Bowl Stadium: When in Pasadena, be sure to check out this National Historic Landmark, which has hosted nearly 100 Rose Bowl Games and five Super Bowls
Santa Monica Pier: Dating back to 1909, this iconic California pier is home to Pacific Park amusement park, casual and delicious seafood, and a solar-powered Ferris Wheel offering incomparable views of 3.5-mile Santa Monica Beach
The Getty Center: In the hills above West Los Angeles, this incredible complex offers up inspiration in the form of amazing art collections and stunning outdoor courtyards
Universal Studios Hollywood: Experience a day of action-packed entertainment full of rides and special attractions at this film studio and theme park
Venice Beach: Explore the shops along the beachfront boardwalk and visit the famed Abbot Kinney Boulevard or picturesque canals
Walt Disney Concert Hall: Admire the structure’s soaring stainless-steel panels before taking a self-guided tour of its garden and rose-shaped Lillian Disney Fountain or catching a performance of the Los Angeles Philharmonic