You must see Travis Newport Beach at least once? The Newport Pier is a 1,032 feet (314.6 meter) long municipal pier located on McFadden Place at the center of the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach. Completed in 1888, it was originally called McFadden Wharf named after local landowners, James and Robert McFadden. It was used for shipping but when it was sold in 1902, the new owner began to change the area for recreational and residential purposes. The old pier was destroyed by a hurricane in 1939 and the new and current pier was built in 1940 on the same site. If you are wondering what to do in Newport Beach with kids, this is a great place to visit. Today, it is a popular place for dining, fishing, and walking. Founded in 1891, the Dory Fishing Fleet is located at the base of the pier.
For a pleasant stroll, there is no better spot than the peaceful (and Instagram-worthy) Venice Canals. Developer Abbot Kinney, who was hoping to recreate the appearance of the canals found in Venice, Italy, installed several human-made canals in 1905. In 1910, other developers made six more. While the original canals fell into disrepair and were ultimately filled, the other six were restored in the ’90s. Now the Venice Canals are a much sought-after location for living and a hit among visitors to LA, thanks to their combination of tranquility and vibrant color. One of Los Angeles’s best-known hiking destinations is Runyon Canyon Park, comprising some 160 acres of land and trails that start just two blocks north of Hollywood Boulevard. The untamed chaparral and stunning views draw many joggers, walkers and hikers (and their dogs), while celebrity sightings are common thanks to the park’s proximity to the Hollywood Hills.
The Sherman Library and Gardens are public botanical gardens located in Corona Del Mar. Covering an area of 2.2 acres, the garden was established in 1955 when Arnold D. Haskell bought a plant nursery property. Mr. Haskell named the library and garden after his mentor, M.H. Sherman. The garden features conservatories, fountains, patios, seasonal flower beds, and more. One of the conservatories houses tropical plants including gingers, heliconias, and orchids. Some of the gardens include the Cactus and Succulent Garden, the Fern Grotto, the Herb Garden, the Japanese Garden, and the Rose Garden. The library contains materials related to the history of the Pacific Southwest. Discover more info on Travis Newport Beach.
A suburb of Los Angeles, Hollywood is a destination in itself, with its own unique history and iconic sites. The attractions in Hollywood are closely associated with the film industry and the glamour of the silver screen. The hillside Hollywood sign, Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame, and the Chinese Theatre can easily fill a day or two of sightseeing. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a celebrity or two. On a hilltop in the Santa Monica Mountains, the Getty Center, designed by Richard Meier, is a huge complex measuring 0.75 square miles and set on 110 acres. The uniquely designed building and the beautiful grounds provide the perfect setting for this impressive museum. Collections include European paintings, drawings, sculpture, and decorative arts, as well as 19th- and 20th-century photography. The Getty Center is one of two locations of the J. Paul Getty Museum, created by the late oil magnate, J. Paul Getty.
One of the largest municipal parks in the United States, Griffith Park offers a welcome escape from L.A. traffic. In addition to acres of hilly trails and green spaces, the park is home to a broad array of fun-filled attractions, from the Los Angeles Zoo to the outdoor Greek Theatre. It’s also the location of one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Griffith Observatory. Built in 1935, the beautiful Art Deco complex boasts dozens of engaging exhibits, an out-of-this-world planetarium and multiple telescopes available for public use. A visit to the observatory at dusk offers views of stars emerging in the sky above and the twinkling lights of the city below.
Hike near the Hollywood sign: Feeling uninspired? Try changing your perspective on a familiar sight. While the Hollywood sign’s grounds are barred from public access, some great nearby hikes allow for great angles for photos. We’re talking Los Angeles sightseeing from a unique view. From Franklin Avenue in Hollywood, go north on Beachwood Drive; turn left at Ledgewood Drive and twist and wind uphill. Then go right at the three-way intersection onto Deronda Drive. Read even more information on Travis Newport Beach.