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Exploring America » US Cities, Western USA » Los Angeles

Los Angeles

Los Angeles SkylineIf you are planning for your group to take a trip, you should consider visiting Los Angeles, California. You can shop, dine, explore museums, enjoy amusement attractions, or take in the sights on a tour of the area. This destination is a fun place to visit and offers visitors breathtaking views of the ocean and other areas.

 

Are you looking for entertainment? Los Angeles has several amusement attractions for the team to visit. You can enjoy locations such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Griffith Park, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disney California Adventure, and Pacific Park. Pacific Park is located on Santa Monica Pier. You and your group mates can enjoy a dozen rides, midway games, oceanfront specialty food outlets, and seaside shopping. Universal Studios Hollywood is known to be the entertainment capital of Los Angeles. Visitors can ride exhilarating rides, shop at the best shops, and see a real working movie studio during the visit.

 

Are there members in the group who enjoy fascinating museums? If so, Los Angeles has several locations for you to explore. Guests will find museums such as the Aquarium of the Pacific, Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum, the California Science Center, the California African American Museum, and the Paley Center for Media. The Aquarium of the Pacific has amazing animals and fascinating exhibits. The group can also take a behind-the-scenes tour of the facility. The Paley Center for Media contains an interesting collection of media from a variety of events. You and your group mates can also participate in educational programs as part of the experience.  The California Science Center is full of hands-on exhibits and has an IMAX Theater where group members can view interesting films on a huge screen.

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Sample Itineraries

3-Day Los Angeles Group Tour

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Experience the glamour of LA with all of the lights and action that you can pack into three days of touring.

    •  Two Museums
    •  Follow Stars’ Footprints
    •  Queen Mary Ship Tour

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Catalina Island Day Trip

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Beautiful Catalina Island, just an hour away from the hustle and bustle of L.A., is a popular year-round resort destination.

    • Zip Lining
    • Undersea Tour
    • Legendary Casino Tour

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The 4-Day California Dream Theme Park Tour

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This tour is jam packed with thrills and fun! Your group will go to five different California theme parks over the course of 4 days.

    •  Five Theme Parks
    •  Dine in the Park
    •  Three Nights Lodging

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Attractions

Dearly Departed

While your adult group is in Los Angeles, you should check out the Dearly Departed Tours Museum, which has memorabilia related to the deaths of famous celebrities. You will have the opportunity to explore the gallery and take one of the tours they offer during the visit. There are a variety of tour options for you to enjoy. Participants can take tours such as The Tragical History Tour, the Hollywood Movie Tour, the Horror Film Location Tour, the CarpenTour, and the Helter Skelter Tour. The Tragical History Tour is a multimedia bus tour. During the experience, visitors will travel to different homes and locations throughout Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Sunset Strip where your favorite celebrities have died. Participants will see death places of people such as Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Rebecca Schaeffer, and Dominique Dunne. The team will also learn about forgotten stars whose demise is nothing less than spectacular. During the Hollywood Movie Tour, the group will journey through the streets of Hollywood where you will discover some of the most memorable locations that have been featured on the silver screen. Participants will see film locations such as the Green Hornet, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?, Chinatown, Ed Wood, Get Shorty, The Italian Job, Sunset Boulevard, National Lampoon’s Vacation, L.A. Confidential, Charlie’s Angels, and Galaxy Quest. The Horror Film Tour takes place during the month of October. The guide will be decked out in Michael Myers gear. You will pose with them at various film locations as the films play on the company’s movie theater on wheels. Participants will see locations from films such as Halloween (1978 and 2007), Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Ed Wood (1994, A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984), and Zombieland.

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Hollywood and Highland

Once the site of the illustrious Hollywood Hotel, this popular shopping mall and entertainment complex is situated conveniently at the corners of busy Hollywood Boulevard and bustling Highland Avenue in the star-studded Hollywood district of Tinseltown along the celebrated Walk of Fame; it’s one of the most visited destinations in all of LA! The center boasts fantastic views of the fabled Hollywood Hills and iconic Hollywood Sign to the North, (don’t forget your cameras!) Santa Monica Mountains to the West and energetic downtown Los Angeles to the East; an enormous three-story movie-themed courtyard serves as the centerpiece to the center’s multifarious sampling of mainstream-to-magnificent shops, cafes, and restaurants. The 387,000 square foot mall is also home to the opulent and beloved first-run movie theater, the TCL Chinese (Formerly Grauman’s) and Dolby Theater, Hollywood and Highland’s crown jewel and permanent host of the Academy Awards. Just steps away from other sizzling attractions, a trip to The Big Orange won’t feel complete without an excursion into the vibrant heart of all that is Hollywood -grab your group and catch a flick or get your shop on, celebrity-style; put down some authentic Mexican and top-notch margaritas at Cabo Wabo Cantina then roll into upscale Lucky Strike Lanes or dance the night away–and dinner off-at new hotspot OHM!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Los Angeles Tours

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Downtown Disney

A whomping, big-boy kick into Magic-Kingdom overdrive awaits the Disneyland enthusiasts in your travel group at this out-of-this-world, over-the-top leisure and entertainment complex in sunny Anaheim, California! Pop on your mouse ears or pull on your Peter Pan suit and experience all the fantastic fun and familiar branding of the beloved Disneyland Parks in a conveniently located, bustling hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment options sure to fix the crave of the most die-hard Disney fans! Whether you’re looking to extend the magic of an inaugural all-day Disneyland Adventure or your fellow adventurers just aren’t down for the full “park experience,” a wander through this dazzling district offers everyone a fantastic compromise in the shape of a fabulous diversion from the standard tourist snares  with  its tantalizing offering of action and attractions, all themed accordingly, of course! Park for free the first three hours or first five with validation at participating businesses-a visitor’s perk of notable consideration when executing your Downtown adventure plans as this waterfront Mickey Mouse Mecca is popular with visitors and locals, alike! Stroll along the lively promenade jam-packed with fantastic eateries, boutiques and shops in a fabulously immersive Disneyland environment: dine at a colorful café where all the sights and sounds of an Amazon rainforest come to life around you, catch a cool live performance by the latest musical sensation, or stop into dockside Cap’n Jack’s just before sunset for a frosty batch of their specialty margaritas and wait for the legendary magic of nearby Disneyland’s fireworks to begin! This *shopertainment center* definitely delivers everyone in your group a perfect dose of the “Happiest Place on Earth!”

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Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

When your adult group travels to Los Angeles, you may want to consider visiting the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum. Reagan’s career expanded more than five decades and inspired Americans to achieve more than they could imagine. The events and exhibits at the museum focus on his values, actions, and spirit of determination. Your group can take a tour of the facility as part of the visit. The exhibits at the Ronald Reagan Library and Museum are informative and entertaining. Visitors can check out exhibits which include Secret Service, the Oval Office, and the Ronald Reagan Library. The Air Force One Aircraft is also located in the museum. The Oval Office gallery is a full-sized reproduction of the office as it looked during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. The library also has archives with items such as photographs, speeches, personal papers, and audiovisual collections. The Audiovisual collections consist of the Whitehouse Photograph Collection, the Whitehouse Television Collection, and a collection of Whitehouse Communication Agency videotapes. The Air Force One pavilion at the museum is a must-see while your group is visiting. Guests will have the opportunity to walk on board the famous aircraft that flew President Reagan 660,000 miles – to 26 different countries around the globe. The plane was the flying Whitehouse for seven U.S. presidents from 1973 until 2001. Group members will also have the opportunity to view one of Reagan’s presidential limousines and secret service suburbans as part of an exhibit on presidential motorcades. Visitors can also walk around an actual Marine One helicopter that flew President Johnson.

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Grauman’s Chinese Theater

Grauman's Chinese Theatre

Credit Carol Highsmith

Grauman Theater’s awe-inspiring, palatial presence and flamboyant history has been a cornerstone of the Hollywood experience since its grand opening in May of 1927-the most spectacular new theater debut in motion picture history! The most sought-after venue in all of Tinseltown for studio premieres, the magnificent Chinese is also a beloved local and star tourist attraction: declared a cultural-historic landmark in 1968, more than four million visitors per year flock to the ornate movie palace’s events, hoping to catch a glimpse of arriving stars flanked by the ubiquitous entourage of big-gun glitterati gliding up the red carpet and into the theater. The magnificent coral-columned, bronze-roofed, jade dragon-and-Heaven dog-guarded theater is adorned with all manner of lavish and authentic Chinese artifacts and statuary. The elaborate forecourt of the stars, surrounded by 40 foot walls and copper-topped turrets, a fabulous tribute to the Golden Age of Hollywood and icons of today, and days gone by-replete with glamorous ten foot fountains and intricate traditional Chinese artistry bordering concrete blocks of celebrity handprints, footprints and signatures welcomes star-struck guests of the opulent theater inside the wonderful world of Hollywood romance, fantasy and magic. The Chinese is not only a grand stage for glamorous affairs but an actual working theater with regular shows scheduled daily, a fabulous old-school concession with the best popcorn in town and an interior rivalling the outside in grandeur. You know, it’s been said: “To visit Los Angeles and not see the Chinese is like visiting China and not seeing the Great Wall;” be sure and pencil in a stop at this venerable La La Landmark-grap a few photos and treat yourself to some decadent silver-screen time!

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Santa Monica Pier

Telephoto view of Santa Monica Pier

Credit: Discover Los Angeles

The original 1600 foot Southern California attraction was first completed in 1909- to hide a monstrous sewage pipeline. The Pier became an instant favorite with the local fishing community, men, women and children of all ages from all walks, who found plenty of elbow room and an ample catch; the local waters were full of giant Black Sea Bass and the stories flew. Eventually a small menagerie of amusements including a hand-carved 44 horse carousel found home on a second, wider pier, adjacent to Santa Monica; Looff Pleasure Pier was born, and soon became a top attraction to the area. In 1909, the original pier collapsed! The insidious culprit? Rust! Reconstruction, changes of hands…tides in, tides out-1924 saw the grand opening of the magnificent La Monica Ballroom, headlined as “A Castle Floating over the Ocean;” for a short while, it was the place to see and be seen-the hottest ticket in town. With the advent of the Great Depression, the ballroom saw its ultimate decline, and it, too, was repurposed several times-at one point used as a county jail! Today, Pacific Park amusements and Playland Arcade, hidden gem Santa Monica Pier Aquarium, fun, fresh seafood eateries, snack shacks and soda fountains like Bubba Gumps Shrimp Co., Ristorante el Mare, Soda Jerks and Pier Burger, and a boatload of wonderful shopping opportunities including a first-rate bait and tackle shop, make the Pier a top-notch attraction, affording locals and travelers alike a fine time at the Santa Monica shore. After sundown, slide by Rusty’s Surf Ranch for ocean-fresh crab cakes and calamari, all-American live rock, drink specials and dancing! Modern-day Santa Monica Pier, with its colorful history amidst constant change and the inevitable ravages of time and the elements stands revitalized and proud, a constant reminder of a resilient community spirit. The original carousel is back in action, and the fishing’s fine as it was in 1909!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Los Angeles Tours

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Catalina Island

This rocky little Shangri-la with a manifestly Mediterranean charm and star-studded past lies just off the sunny southern California Coast. Originally settled by indigenous peoples, across the years the island saw use as a smuggling center, a trading post, prime ranch land, gold mining destination and hunting ground before successful development into a popular tourist destination by chewing gum tycoon William Wrigley. Catalina’s population barely exceeds 4000, most of whom occupy the only incorporated city, Avalon, with the rest living in Two Harbors;  almost everyone tools around via golf cart as the use of motor vehicles is restricted. Conservation is a way of life here, and beautiful Catalina is home to dozens of protected endemic species; a small herd of American bison – descendants of a handful brought over from the mainland for film production – roams the island, mingling with the native wildlife. The deep, blue waters surrounding this tropical sanctuary are a fisherman’s dream; a thrilling diversity of watersports, outdoor activities and tours by land, sea and air keep guests jammin’ from dawn ‘til dusk. A range of fantastic accommodations – from beach-front hotels and charming huts to luxurious condos and a four-star country inn –  promise a comfortable stay year-round, and an excellent menu of dining options starring fresh, local seafood ensures something for every palate. By day, Catalina caters to even the wildest sense of adventure; come sundown, a vibrant nightlife beckons.  Come for the day, stay for a week; who knew paradise was so close to L.A.?

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Los Angeles Tours

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Belmont Park

This historic seaside amusement park with a nostalgic beach boardwalk/midway vibe located in the Mission Bay area of sunny San Diego saw its debut in 1925; two of its original rides continue to operate: the Giant Dipper, a classic wooden roller coaster and “The Plunge,” Southern California’s largest indoor swimming pool that actually contained salt water back in the day! Modern attractions Flow Rider and Flow Barrel recreate totally awesome surfing conditions; Sky Climb, a 30 foot rock wall course encourages climbers of all abilities to stretch their limbs and test their skills. Take the Vertical Plunge, conquer the Control Freak and customize your own dizzying “spin” on Octotron; classic amusements like the Libery Carousel, Tilt-a-Whirl and Speedway Bumper Cars tickle your taste for retro fun! Tiki Town Adventure Golf invites the pros among you to hone their skills; Sky Ropes – a swinging obstacle course challenge through the tops of towering palm trees is definitely not for the shrinking violet. The better-than-ever arcade invites you to get your game on while familiar midway challenges with all the traditional trappings taunt you to step right up and test your skills. Plenty of good ol’ amusement park fare-fresh-squeezed lemonade and killer corndogs, the best funnel cakes around, hand-dipped caramel apples and homemade fudge, succulent rooftop sushi and quintessentially classic café and grill menus ensure your gregarious group on Southern California excursion a well-fueled Belmont Park playdate!

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Warner Bros. Studio

Big Banner for Warner Brothers V.I.P. Studio Tour

Credit: Discover Los Angeles

While your adult group is in Los Angeles, you should check out the world-renowned Warner Bros. Studio. Visitors can take a tour of the location as part of the experience. You can also see fascinating exhibits on display. The company is a global leader in the creation, production, distribution, licensing and marketing of all forms of creative content. You and your group mates can enjoy the Deluxe Tour which is popular and entertaining. In the course of the tour, visitors will check out the museum which has Batman’s original costume, as well as props and artwork. You will also have the opportunity to venture into the craft shops which is where artisans design sets, props, and costumes. Guests will visit real working productions where you can talk to individuals in the crew and get an up close and personal look at how movies are made. The tour is five hours long. The Deluxe Tour also includes a lunch in the Studio Commissary with some of the stars. The Studio History Tour is informative and a fun experience for the adult group to enjoy. Group members will learn about some of the memorable moments that have happened in Warner Bros. history. You will have the chance to see various areas of the studio which include the Warner Bros. lot, stage 16, and the Warner Bros. Studio facilities. Stage 16 is known to be the tallest stage in the world. The studio has the largest collection of period and contemporary costumes. The lot is 110 acres and it has been transformed into a jungle or a bustling metropolitan area.

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Paley Center for Media

When your adult group takes a trip to Los Angeles, you should consider visiting the Paley Center for Media which was formerly known as the Museum of Television and Radio. Group members will see a fascinating collection of artifacts related to television and other media. They also offer educational programs for the team to experience. Visitors of all ages will enjoy visiting this popular attraction. There are several exhibits at the Paley Center for Media for the group to examine. You will find exhibitions which include Television Out of the Box, JFK Assassination and TV: Lesser-Known Facts and Thoughts, The 9/11 Special Collection, The Live Coverage of the March on Washington, and Nick ‘90s: All That, and More, for the Children of the Nineties. The 9/11 Special Collection contains 1000 hours of coverage from broadcasters all over the world. There are 50 countries represented by this collection which includes locations such as Cuba, China, Iran, Australia and the only HD report of the event that was captured on Japanese Television. Television Out of the Box is an entertaining multi-media exhibit at the museum. At the exhibit, group members can check out highlights from various shows such as the Bugs Bunny Show, The Big Bang Theory, The Closer, and the Mentalist. Guests will find costumes, props, photos, set pieces, and video clips that are part of the exhibition. The museum has a research room where your group can listen to television and radio shows for research and entertainment. There are staff members available to assist the adult group as needed. Group members will also have access to the museum’s extensive library database.

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La Brea Tar Pits

Situated within what was once the Mexican Land Grant of Rancho La Brea, and now part of Urban Los Angeles in the Miracle Mile District, the La Brea Tar Pits and C. George Page Museum in Hancock Park are a fascinating detour from the standard tourist fare and fascinating attractions that should find their way to every closet Paleontologist’s must-see agenda. Surely you’ve heard of them somewhere in your studies, years ago perhaps…3rd grade, maybe? In all likelihood you’ve stepped in viscous, hot tar on a scorching Summer’s day and been frustrated by its persistence on your shoe. Imagine, if you will, a hungry pack of fearless Dire Wolves tearing through the grasslands, hot on the trail of a single, startled young deer…racing to flank their intended prey, a favorite feast on the night’s menu. Now…they pull up short, when the Alpha male nearly vanishes from view; a second wolf stumbles face first into the muck and flailing, starts to sink; fierce growls and blood-chilling howls turned to panicked staccato barks and a few terrified screams as the wolves struggle and slip rather quickly beneath the surface of the stick and leaf covered dark pool. The intended prey escapes; the rest of the pack backs slowly away from the bubbling pit ahead but quickly meet the same demise a few yards away from the mysterious blackness that devoured the first two hunters. And so it went. Today, as the ever-changing La Brea Tar Pits are excavated, similar stories are imagined in the minds of Paleontologists and their fervent volunteers mining the asphalt pits of their victims, and retold time and again through careful reconstructions of these fine specimens displayed at Page Museum.

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Los Angeles Tours

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California Science Center

California Science Center building

Credit: Discover Los Angeles

While your adult group is in Los Angeles, you should spend some time at the California Science Center. The team can see interesting exhibits, participate in educational programs, and watch a film in the IMAX Theater. The location is a fun attraction for you to learn about science. The exhibitions at the California Science Center are informative and interactive. You will have hands-on experiences at the different galleries. Participants will find galleries such as the Ecosystems Gallery, the Creative World Gallery, the World of Life Gallery, and Air and Space Exhibits. The Ecosystems Gallery consists of eight zones that represent different environments. Guests will find zones such as the Extreme Exhibits Zone, the Forest Zone, the River Zone, and the Island Zone. In the Forest Zone, group members can explore the kelp forest and also learn about the various life forms in an ecosystem. In the World of Life Gallery, members of the group will have the opportunity to examine how people, plants, animals, and the tiniest cells all perform the same processes in order to survive. The group can enjoy live shows and presentations as part of the experience. There is a series of shows known as Science Spectacular. The presentations are 15-20 minutes long. They cover various scientific topics. Visitors will learn about topics such as chemical reactions, kelp forest biology, and nanoscience. There are programs and activities that can be customized to fit your group’s specific scientific desire. Visitors of all ages will enjoy this fun scientific museum.

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Malibu Pier

Beautiful white house on Malibu Pier

Credit: Robert Landau

As you plan for your adult group to visit the Los Angeles area, you should stop by and check out the magnificent Malibu Pier which is a Southern California icon. The area was formerly known as the Riviera of America. There are a variety of restaurants that serve delectable seaside dishes. Group members can also participate in entertaining activities as part of the experience. Visitors of all ages are sure to enjoy having fun in the sun and eating quality cuisine. There are a variety of activities offered at the pier. Your adult group can enjoy the breathtaking views of the coast on a Coastal Harbor Boat Tour. If you like to fish, you can go deep sea fishing or Sport Fishing. Visitors can also enjoy Whale Watching or spend some time on the beach riding the waves. The Malibu Pier Whale Watching Company offers ocean adventures to groups of all sizes. Whale migration takes place from December until the end of March. During the experience, Group members will have the opportunity to see interesting wildlife such as grey whales, dolphins, California sea lions, cormorants, California brown pelicans, and other marine wildlife. The tours are led by California State Park Rangers. Your adult group may want to take a Coastal Boat Tour during the visit. You will climb aboard the Malibu Surfrider and leave from Malibu Pier. The tour is 90 minutes long. During the excursion, guests will view sights such as Surfrider Beach, the Historic Adamson House, Malibu State Lagoon Beach, and the Exclusive Malibu Colony. The group will enjoy the fresh air and magnificent view of the ocean during the tour.

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Knott’s Berry Farm Theme Park


Credit: Travis Conklin
Credit: Travis Conklin

Sprawled over the site of a sunny Buena Park berry farm once owned by founder Walter Knott and his family, this 160 acre entertainment destination with a patently Wild-Western flavor is now one of America’s most popular theme parks! What began in the 20′s as a roadside farmstand plying travelers to the area with wonderful wares-homemade jams, preserves and boysenberry pies-soon grew to include a down-home fried chicken and biscuit dinner served in a small tea house. As the Knotts flexed a healthy entrepreneurial spirit and expanded their horizons, new shops and attractions sprang up all over the property-a classic replica ghost town among them. By 1968 the family began charging eager comers admission to “Knott’s Berry Farm”-and America’s first family theme park was born! Open year-round and featuring scores of attractions including vibrantly colorful live entertainment like The Calico Saloon Show at Ghost Town, good time bluegrass with Crazy Kirk and the Hillbillies at the Birdcage Theater,  flamboyant Native American Dancers on Indian Trails, and Fool’s Gold Stunt Show at Wagon Camp, and a total of 40 mild-to-wild rides- ten roller coasters among them-a visit to Knott’s Berry Farm promises and delivers a great time for all ages and inclinations-even John Wayne, who took the inaugural seat on the Timber Mountain Log Ride’s opening day in 1969! (To this day it remains one of the most elaborate log flume attractions in the Country!) Hop aboard the Silver Bullet, brave The Ghostrider, grab your seat on The Sierra Sidewinder, scare yourselves silly on Supreme Scream or try your luck on the Timberline Twister! History buffs in your group-there are always a few-will want to travel back in time to witness the signing of the Declaration of Independence at Knott’s own Independence Hall, an indistingishable replica of the iconic historic landmark, right down to its perfectly-cracked, full-sized Liberty Bell, or watch a skilled Ghost Town wood artist painstakingly restoring the park’s unbelievable hand-carved model display of the 21 Historic California Missions. Your travel group is sure to delight in the dozens of exciting Camp, Marketplace, Village and Boardwalk dining and shopping opportunities –a veritable piñata of pleasurable possibility- in this “First American Theme Park!” An afternoon’s prospecting and playing  is sure to work up a hearty appetite; grab a killer burger at the largest Johnny Rocket’s in North America, enjoy hot, fresh pizza and ice cold beer at Hollywood Hits or dig into Mrs. Knott’s homestyle fried chicken and biscuit dinner-be sure to save room for a slab of that famous home-baked boysenberry pie!

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Hollywood Wax Museum


Credit: Knott's Berry Farm
Credit: Knott’s Berry Farm

Established on illustrious Hollywood Boulevard, in the shadow of the iconic Hollywood sign and along the legendary Walk of Fame, this longest-running wax museum in the United States debuted on busy Hollywood Boulevard February 6, 1965 in a historic building that once housed the fabled Embassy Club, host to ultra-exclusive, star-studded gatherings of Old Hollywood’s top 300 celebrities and industry executives.  Launched with entrepreneur Spoony Singh’s vision of bringing doting fans closer to their big-screen idols, the Hollywood Wax Museum, the only wax menagerie in the country to feature VIPS exclusively, has been treating star-struck travelers to dazzling Tinseltown to an extraordinary meet and mingle with their favorite heros and heroines  for the past 45 years. A visit to this renowned Hollywood attraction gets you face time with venerated icons of the silver screen, contemporary A-listers and all your television favorites–so painstakingly, glamorously and faithfully recreated you’d almost swear they were living, breathing movie stars! When you’ve gawked, posed  and snapped ‘til you can pose no more, step outside the museum for a little “real people of Hollywood” espial, then grab a legendary burger and frosty shake at neighborhood favorite Mel’s Diner or duck into Musso and Frank’s–the oldest eatery in Hollywood-for tried-and-true American/Continental fare and a classic cocktail or two! Your quintessential *Heart of Hollywood* experience is now complete!

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Griffith Park

During your group tour to Los Angeles, you should consider stopping by Griffith Park. They offer several outdoor activities. Visitors can also enjoy a few attractions as part of the experience. During your visit, the team can participate in entertaining outdoor activities. You and your group mates can do things such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, swimming, golf, and tennis. If your group decides to take a hike, one of the most rewarding trails is the one that goes from the Observatory Parking Lot to the summit of Mount Hollywood. Mount Hollywood is known to be the tallest peak in the park. Visitors will enjoy breathtaking views of the entire Los Angeles Basin. The park also contains marked trails, fire and patrol roads for those who enjoy horseback riding. Group members can walk, trot, or canter the horses. Griffith Park has other entertaining attractions for guests to enjoy. You will find places such as the Autry National Center, the Greek Theater, Griffith Park Southern Railroad, the Griffith Observatory, and the Los Angeles Zoo. The Autry National Center is a museum which is dedicated to the exploration and sharing of the stories, experiences, and perceptions of the diverse peoples of the American West. The museum has various exhibits and presents public programs in areas such as film, theater, lectures, and other special events. When group members visit the Griffith Park Observatory, you will have the opportunity to observe interesting exhibits, look through telescopes, watch live shows, and enjoy fantastic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.

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Los Angeles Zoo

Ever rocked out with a Rock Hyrax or chilled with a Crested Oropendula? Surely, now, you’ve encountered a Lowland Anoa in your travels! Behold the formidable Fossa; what does he eat, and where does he hail from? The almost-eternally sunny climate of the Big Orange affords the 133 acre Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens the opportunity to grow much of the shelter and browse (“salad,” in guest-speak!) that the contented, healthy and well-fed zoo inhabitants enjoy and thrive on; the “plant rescue center” salvages and rehabilitates  rare and endangered kidnapped species confiscated from lawless individuals engaged in their illegal import. A fun fact that will appeal to the young at heart: the Los Angeles Zoo’s enchanting “Conservation Carousel” is the third best in the nation- where else can you sit astride a hand carved and painted armadillo or perch upon a komodo dragon and twirl to your heart’s content to retro-cool Cali tunes in the heart of “wild domain?” Lovers of lizards and friends of frogs will want to step inside *The Lair* and meet some of the world’s rarest, most brilliantly colorful reptiles and amphibians showcased in painstakingly-recreated “natural” environments; dare you enter Betty’s Bite and Squeeze Room? Trek the lush Red Ape Rain Forest; encounter the enchanting Elephants of Asia; visit dozens of endangered-to-critically endangered residents, each precious species on the brink of survival, now perfectly content to call the Zoo home! The philanthropists among you may wish to consider the mutual benefits of adopting a zoo resident-proceeds aid the ongoing participation in global conservation efforts; naming an animal allows you to contribute to the “animal acquisition fund” which promotes vital wildlife preservation and breeding projects here and around the world! Located at the junction of the I-5 (Golden Gate) and the 134 freeways, this magnificent menagerie is directly across from The Autry Museum of Western Heritage and is open Sun-Mon, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Psssst: don’t forget to say hello to the hissing Madegascar cockroach!

Exploring America > U.S. Cities > Los Angeles Tours

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Pacific Park

While your adult group is in Los Angeles, you should consider spending a day at Pacific Park. Group members can ride fun rides, play games, enjoy quality cuisine and beverages, and shop for a gift or souvenir. Visitors of all ages will have a fantastic time at this popular attraction. There are several fun rides for the team to enjoy. You and your group mates will find rides such as the Pacific Wheel, Inkie’s Pirate Ship, Sea Planes, Inkie’s Air Lift, Pacific Plunge, the West Coaster, and the Sea Dragon. The West Coaster is the “only West Coast, oceanfront, steel roller coaster located on a pier over the Pacific Coastline.” During the ride, visitors will see spectacular views of Santa Monica Bay and the Pacific Ocean. You will be sprayed by the ocean as you escalate to a height of 55 feet. The Pacific Plunge ride is a 9-story, breathtaking tower ride where group members will be taken 150 feet high. During the ride, your group can take in the view of the Pacific Ocean. If you and your group mates enjoy playing games, Pacific Park has several for you to play. There are games such as Top Glow, Whack-A-Mole, Tub Toss, Coastline Cat Rack, Riptide Ring Toss, and Roller Derby. The Coastline Cat Rack game is fun for visitors of all ages. Players will be given three chances to knock down props off of the cats paws. If group members knock down two cats, you will get a small prize However; if you knock down all three, guests will get a large prize. When visitors play the Rip Tide Ring Toss, you will try to land one of the plastic rings on one of 187 bottles to receive a jumbo prize.

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Dolby Theatre

While you are visiting Los Angeles, your adult group should check out the Dolby Theatre. Its name was changed in 2012. The venue is the permanent home of the famous Academy Awards. They offer guided tours as part of the experience. Visitors of all ages will enjoy visiting this popular destination. The group members will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Dolby Theatre. Visitors will see an Oscar Statuette; visit the Dolby Lounge and other exclusive celebrity hotspots, and view images from previous Academy Awards Ceremonies. The theatre also hosts well-known events which include the Daytime Emmy Awards, the ESPY Awards, the BET Awards, the American Idol Finals, and the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. The theatre is a live entertainment venue where top performers take the stage. The Ballet Theater performs at the location as well as touring Broadway Productions. There have been concerts that were performed by famous music artists such as Alicia Keys, Celine Dion, Prince, Barry Manilow, and Stevie Wonder. The adult group can purchase snacks and beverages in the lobby area of the venue. You will find items such as soft drinks, popcorn, candy, sandwiches, and cheese and crackers. Wolfgang Puck Catering provides the food and beverages at the location. There are men’s and women’s restrooms on every lobby level of the theater.

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Aquarium of the Pacific

aquarium of pacific

Happy wanderers on sunny Southern California holiday won’t want to miss this fantastic celebration of glorious Pacific Ocean wonders tucked neatly under ever-popular historic landmark and attraction Santa Monica Pier-a fabulous, conservation-minded, world-class aquarium featuring 19 habitats and 32 focus exhibits, representing nearly 500 marine species. Home to nearly 11,000 sea animals, this wonderful institution offers visitors a first-rate peek into their lives beneath the deep blue. The entertaining June Keys Penguin Habitat treats visitors to the antics of over a dozen animated Magellanic Penguins above and below the water, and features a crawl-in space allowing you to “be” part of the exhibit. Journey through the northernmost region of the Pacific Ocean into frigid habitats in and around the Bering Sea or embark on a 16-exhibit tropical escape into the warm waters off the coast of Palau that gets you up close and personal with seahorses and  weedy sea dragons, sea turtles, energetic black tipped sharks, colorful clownfish, sturdy, slow-cruising groupers and a host of beautiful, venomous creatures. Wander amongst the chattering winged rainbows of Lorikeet Forest; enjoy the immersive experience of the Ocean Science Center featuring NOAA’s fascinating “Science on a Sphere” presentations and explore the magical, sound-based world of “Whales, Voices in the Sea.” Expansive outdoor exhibit, “Shark Lagoon” features large-shark touch pools, interactive displays, an amphitheater, cool Shark Shack gift store, and the Bamboo Bistro café; meet and greet more than 150 sharks-some you can touch, and some you can’t. “Boat Adventures” get intrepid types onto the open water year-round for a variety of outstanding narrated tours and cruises.

 

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Six Flags Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain Drop of Doom

Courtesy of Six Flags Magic Mountain, Valencia, CA

When your adult group travels to Los Angeles, you should stop by Six Flags Magic Mountain. The team can experience exhilarating rides, dine, shop, and enjoy live entertainment. The park also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year. Visitors of all ages are sure to have a great time at the park. There are various thrill rides for your group to enjoy. You will find rides such as Batman, Canyon Blaster, Dive Devil, Full Throttle, Goliath, Jet Stream, and Revolution. The ride known as Goliath, is an exhilarating roller coaster where guests will endure high-speed moves which includes a 255 foot drop at 85 MPH. The Full Throttle ride offers visitors a thrilling experience. During the ride, you will loop to 160 feet, shoot through tunnels, and finally explode from three launches. During your visit to Six Flags Magic Mountain, your group should check out the souvenirs and other items available for you to purchase. Group members can explore the Extreme Zone, Flags, Full Throttle, Hero Haven, and Glass Crafts. The Full Throttle store has gifts and apparel. At the Glass Crafts store, you will find hand-blown glass figurines. During your visit to the park, the group may want to grab a bite at one of the restaurants. Visitors can enjoy baked goods at Suzette’s Bakery, get a snack from the Snack N’Shack, or indulge in Chinese food at Panda Express. If you and your group mates are looking for a variety of food choices, the Waterfront restaurant has plenty to offer. You can have pizza, pie, cheeseburgers, and salads at the location.

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Universal Studios Hollywood

universal_studios_hollywood_astGregarious groups on sunny Southern California getaway won’t want to miss this self-proclaimed entertainment capital of LA! One of the oldest and most famous Hollywood sets still in use, it was initially created to offer tours of the real Universal sound stages and sets and was the first of a series of Universal theme parks launched across the world. Visitors to this ever-popular, ultra-cool LA attraction will find nothing short of engaging, action packed entertainment here- the world’s largest working studio offering legendary backlot tours, thrillingly over-the-top 3D rides that take you right inside your favorite movies, fabulous themed shows, an awesome special effects stage and the NBC Universal Experience-an interactive extravaganza featuring fascinating authentic props, wardrobe and artifacts!  See Tinseltown’s remarkably talented animal actors strut their stuff and catch entertainment news TV show “EXTRA” filmed live from its new home at Universal Studios-here’s your shot to ogle celebrities stopping by!  Plenty of notable Hollywood snackshops and eateries tender everyone’s favorites and boatloads of thematic shopping opportunities let you take that movie memento or killer collectable home for a forever-reminder of your magical Universal Studios adventure!

 

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California Adventure

When your group is in Los Angeles, you should consider visiting California Adventure Park. Visitors can check out fun attractions, dine, or take a tour as part of the experience. The park is located near Disney Land and is a popular destination for guests of all ages. California Adventure Park has a variety of exhilarating attractions for participants to explore. You will find attractions such as California Screamin, Games of the Boardwalk, Grizzly River Run, Jumpin’ Jellyfish, Toy Story Midway Mania, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, and the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. California Screamin is a roller coaster that goes from zero to 60 MPH in 4.5 seconds. Games of the Boardwalk are located in an arcade that is modeled after boardwalk games. World of Color is a water fountain show that is presented during the evening. The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is a ride where guests will drop 13 stories down and it is based on a 1950s TV Series. The attractions are located in different themed lands in the park. There are areas such as Paradise Pier, Hollywood Land, Pacific Warf, Golden Vine Winery, and Golden State. The Golden Vine Winery is an area where adults can taste a variety of wines from around the world. The group can explore a variety of tour options as part of the visit. One of the options is known as the Disney California Story Guided Tour. During the experience, participants will have the opportunity to get an exclusive look into the members-only 1901 lounge. The tour also includes access to two Disney California Adventure attractions, a special experience at Animation Academy, and a private lunch. At the conclusion, the team will receive a collectible pin.

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  • About Us

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