_{Venice Beach offers wide, white sand beaches within walking distance from Marina del Rey.}

VENICE
Considered one of the most famous places in Los Angeles and listed as one of the top attractions in Southern California, the amusing and memorable Venice Beach is a magnet for locals and tourists. Its glorious two-mile stretch of wide, white sand beach lies within walking distance of Marina del Rey. The “constant carnival” of colorful vendors, musicians and artists along Ocean Front Walk which parallels the beach draws skaters, bikers, surfers and bodybuilders to one of the funkiest towns in America. The bohemian feel extends to Abbott Kinney Boulevard, home to an eclectic array of fine art galleries, antique shops, one-of-a-kind clothing boutiques, hip cafes and well-known restaurants. Info

SANTA MONICA
Three miles north of Marina del Rey lies trend-setting Santa Monica, a city full of diversions, and a great place to spend the day. The landmark Santa Monica Pier and Santa Monica Beach have been featured in movies, television shows and commercials, and the palm-and cypress-tree lined Palisades Park overlooking the ocean is a beautiful place to stroll. Visitors flock to the famous Third Street Promenade, chic Montana Avenue and Main Street for unique shopping opportunities, and the whole town is dotted with lively pubs, cafes, and world-class restaurants. Santa Monica Place Shopping Center offers 165 shops. Info

THE GETTY CENTER
Some of the most remarkable architecture in recent LA history stands on the top of a hilltop at the Getty Center, an international cultural and philanthropic institution devoted to the visuals arts. Dominating 110 acres of the Santa Monica Mountains to 10 miles north of Marina del Rey, the Museum consists of five sequential pavilions entered from a central courtyard. The collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum on display in the galleries includes pre-20-th century European paintings, drawings, illuminated manuscripts, sculpture and decorative arts; and 19th-and 20th century American and European photographs. The 134,000-square foot Central Garden leads visitors through an extraordinary experience of sights, sounds, and scents. Admission to the Getty Center is free. Info

BEVERLY HILLS
Throughout the world, the mere mention of “Beverly Hills” conjures an image of fame and wealth, and for over 50 years TV and film have done their part in reinforcing this image. Rent a convertible and head to Beverly Hills for shopping, dining and strolling. Glitzy Rodeo Drive is a great place to center your visit, and the surrounding streets are jammed with designer houses, unique boutiques and one-of-a-kind fashions and gifts. You’ll recognize the frequently filmed palm-lined streets, top brand stores, and probably a celebrity or two in the mix. Info

WEST HOLLYWOOD
One of Los Angeles’ hippest areas, teaming with innovative restaurants and unparalleled nightlife, West Hollywood is cutting edge and a favorite spot for fashion fanatics. The tiny city is brimming with 200 + design showrooms in the Pacific Design Center, 30 art galleries, upscale eateries and trendy shops. West Hollywood is also the heart of LA’s gay community which boasts energy-filled dance clubs and trendy night spots -- some of the hottest in town. Home to world-famous icons like the Sunset Strip and Melrose Avenue, the city entices Hollywood’s elite, the young at heart and visitors from around the globe in search of the center for trends that define Los Angeles. Annual events include the June Gay Pride Parade and the outrageous Halloween Carnival. Info

MUSEUM OF TOLERANCE
The Museum of Tolerance allows guests to confront closely held beliefs while learning about racism and bigotry. Two main sections include the Tolerance Center which focuses on racism and prejudice in America, and the Holocaust section which chronicles the history of the Holocaust. In addition, the museum houses a multimedia learning center, artifacts and documents of the Holocaust, survivor testimonies and special exhibits. An educational arm of the Simon Wiesenthal Center founded by the famous Nazi-hunter, the museum was created to challenge visitors to address bigotry and racism and to understand the Holocaust in both historic and contemporary contexts. Info

HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood is the birthplace of the business and a prime tourist attraction, epitomizing LA’s dream of glamour and wealth. Today a multitude of historic landmarks, movie palaces and museums pay homage to the magic of it all. Visitors love the sidewalk in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theater, which displays celebrity signatures, hands and footprints. The Hollywood Walk of Fame, with embedded stars of Hollywood icons, adorns both sides of Hollywood Boulevard,. Don’t forget to stop by the Hollywood Wax Museum, Hollywood Entertainment Museum, Hollywood Guinness World of Records, and the new Hollywood and Highland entertainment complex which now houses the home of the Academy Awards. Info

CATALINA ISLAND
Catalina is a favorite playground for Southern Californians and visitors to the area, and is a fun day trip. Tourists became attracted to the island when it was purchased by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Jr. who built a mansion and casino there in the 1890s. The destination is home to a host of restaurants and shops in the quaint village of Avalon, and there are opportunities for exploring the island's emerald waters with glass bottom boat rides, a semi-submersible undersea tour, flying fish boat trip or a coastal cruise. The adventuresome can venture to the island’s interior and see buffalo. Brought over as movie extras, the herd has grown from 14 to 400. Getting to Catalina is easy with public ferries and private charters from Marina del Rey, Long Beach and San Pedro, arriving in less about two hours. Info

OTHER AREA ATTRACTIONS IN LOS ANGELES
To truly appreciate Los Angeles and all it has to offer takes more than one visit to the area. We hope you will come back again and again to explore our community and discover it special treasures. For additional information on the Los Angeles area, contact LA Inc, The Convention & Visitors Bureau. Info