Page 100 - 2014 Travel Guide to California

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD
is fun for the whole family, below.
INSIDER’S
»
TIP
Near Santa Monica Pier is a
local favorite. Beefy firemen,
celebrities, moms, seniors and
more run up and down two
different sets of stairs (one con-
crete—narrower with more
switchbacks—and one wooden)
that are called the SANTA
MONICA STAIRS. Descending
provides for a gorgeous view of
the ocean and ascending allows
for window-shopping for expen-
sive homes on the hills. These
steep stairs provide a great cardio
workout in less than 200 steps.
The stairs are located just east of
4th Street on Adelaide Drive.
facebook.com/santamonicastairs
98 2014 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A
SPECIAL
»
EVENTS 2014
THE HOLLYWOOD REEL INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL Screens new feature
films, documentaries, shorts and videos by emerging filmmakers who possess an inde-
pendent spirit and create innovative work outside the studio system. Feb 1-12 at New
Beverly Cinema in Hollywood. hollywoodreelindependentfilmfestival.com
FESTIVAL OF BOOKS Meet hundreds of literary lights and browse the booths at one
of the largest book festivals in the country. The Los Angeles Times Festival of Books
celebrates its 18th year. April 12-13 at USC events.latimes.com/festivalofbooks
HERO COMPLEX FILM FESTIVAL The Hero Complex Film Festival brings together sci-
fi, comic book and fantasy film fans to watch their favorites on the silver screen and hear
from those behind some of the biggest hits. In May at TCL Chinese Theatres at Hollywood
& Highland in Hollywood. events.latimes.com/herocomplex/film-festival
LA STREET FOOD FESTIVAL Follow your nose to the fifth annual fest celebrating
food trucks and their delicious fare, from tacos to beignets to gumbo. Whether you’re
looking for a gourmet treat or a simple repast, you’ll find something that satisfies. In the
summer at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Check website for details. lastreetfoodfest.com
626 NIGHT MARKET Inspired by the bustling Asian night markets, this evening bazaar
will spice up your senses with more than 150 food vendors (tempting your taste buds with
skewers of beef, spiraled fried potatoes, stinky tofu and mango shave ice), performers
and retail booths. Entering its third year, this Asian-food-themed festival is held in the
summer in Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. Check website for details. 626nightmarket.com
SUNSET STRIP MUSIC FESTIVAL In its seventh year, this three-day rock music club
crawl and street fest pays homage to the Strip’s musical heritage in West Hollywood.
Music lovers of every stripe from metal, punk, indie, pop to hip-hop will find something
that appeals. In August in West Hollywood. sunsetstripmusicfestival.com
THE ABBOT KINNEY FESTIVAL Founded in 1984, this eco-conscious artisan and
food festival attracts many to this bohemian-chic area in Venice. Located on a one-mile
stretch on Abbot Kinney Blvd., from Venice Blvd. to Main Street. Sep. 28 in Venice.
abbotkinney.org
Malibu Lagoon State Beach and explore
tide pools and caves at Leo Carrillo State
Park. Perhaps watch filming in progress at
Malibu’s Point Dume State Beach, often
featured in movies such as the Iron Man
series (2008-2013), and it appeared in the
last scene of Planet of the Apes (1968). Or
look out for California gray whales during
their migration from December to mid-
April. Next, wind your way down through
Topanga Beach and stop over for a volley-
ball game at Will Rogers State Beach in
Pacific Palisades. Then hop over to Venice
and the Strand on Manhattan Beach to
people-watch.
Family Fun
Check out fossils of saber-toothed cats and
mammoths that roamed the LA Basin
during the Ice Age at the Page Museum at
the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. Or if the kids
are tired of trying to spot stars on the
ground, take them to the Griffith Observa-
tory. Featured in many movies including
Rebel Without a Cause (1955), the observa-
tory is set on the southern slope of Mount
Hollywood in Griffith Park, with a view of
the Hollywood sign and greater LA below.
In addition to visiting the exhibits and
events held Tuesday through Sunday at the
Samuel Oschin Planetarium and Leonard
Nimoy Event Horizon Theater, go enjoy the
monthly, free public star parties held at the
Observatory from 2:00 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Budding astronomers and their families
are encouraged to try out different tele-
scopes and talk to amateur astronomers
about the sun, moon and planets.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS