Page 85 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to California

PEOPLE AROUND THE FOUNTAIN the Universal
Studios entrance., right; Rodeo Drive under a
shining sun, Beverly Hills, California, opposite.
The Great Outdoors
There's no better way to experience the
resilience of Angelenos than by diving into
the plethora of outdoor activities around
the county. The iconic Pacific Coast
Highway has reopened, albeit with limited
lanes, inviting essential travelers to cruise
along its scenic route. While some areas are
still under restoration, many of the county's
beaches are welcoming visitors. Consider a
visit to Santa Monica Beach, where you can
enjoy the sun, surf, and vibrant atmos-
phere. Remember to check local guidelines
and air quality reports before heading out,
as conditions can change.
For those seeking green spaces within
the city, Griffith Park remains a verdant
escape. While some trails have been
affected, many paths are open, offering
panoramic views of the city and the iconic
Hollywood Sign. It's a perfect spot for a
leisurely hike or a family picnic. As always,
it's wise to check the latest park advisories
before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoy-
able experience.
If you're in the mood for a coastal adven-
ture, Manhattan Beach provides a charming
seaside experience. Stroll along the pier,
explore local boutiques, or simply relax on
the sandy shores. The community's wel-
coming vibe and the soothing sounds of the
ocean make it an ideal spot to unwind.
Again, always stay updated on local condi-
tions and any potential closures to make
the most of your visit.
As Los Angeles County continues its
recovery, the dedication to preserving and
enjoying its natural beauty shines through.
By staying informed and supporting local
DRIVE TOUR
MULHOLLAND DRIVE
offers spectacular views of the
HOLLYWOOD BOWL,
the LA BASIN and
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY.
It’s about 24 miles from the
405 freeway to Highway 101 with overlooks all along the way. Or, drive in a
loop from HOLLYWOOD. Starting at the DOLBY THEATRE, home of the
Academy Awards, go west on HOLLYWOOD BLVD. in Los Angeles till it
ends. Turn right on LAUREL CANYON BLVD. and at the top, turn left on
Mulholland Drive. Stop at the NANCY HOOVER POHL OVERLOOK and
enjoy a great view of the “Valley.” Return to Mulholland Drive, going
eastbound, past Laurel Canyon Road until you see the HOLLYWOOD BOWL
OVERLOOK on your right. Park and walk up to see the panoramic views of
downtown LA, the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood
Bowl Amphitheater. Continue east until you reach the bottom of Mulholland
Drive. Turn right on Woodrow Wilson and make an immediate right onto
CAHUENGA BLVD., heading south back to Hollywood.
communities, you can partake in the reju-
venation of this vibrant region.
Family Fun
Check out fossils of saber-toothed cats and
mammoths that roamed the LA Basin during
the Ice Age at the Rancho La Brea Tar Pits. If
the kids are tired of trying to spot stars on
Hollywood Boulevard, take them to Griffith
Observatory. Featured in many movies
including Rebel Without a Cause (1955), the
observatory is set on the southern slope of
Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, with a
view of the Hollywood sign and greater LA
below. View exhibits and events on Tuesday
through Sunday at the Samuel Oschin Plan-
etarium and Leonard Nimoy Event Horizon
Theater, and attend free public star parties
monthly at the Observatory from 2 p.m. to
9:45 p.m. Budding astronomers and their
families are encouraged to try out different
telescopes and talk to amateur astronomers
about the sun, moon and planets.
Visit the California Science Center that
houses the Endeavour, which traveled 123
million miles, the final ship to be built in
NASA’s Space Shuttle program. View space
capsules from the Mercury, Gemini and
Apollo-Soyuz missions. Special exhibits
include Mission 26: The Big Endeavour,
which features photographs highlighting
some of the spectacular scenes witnessed
during space shuttle Endeavour’s flight over
California and the 12-mile, 68-hour journey
to its permanent home at the science center.
Enjoy the many touch-friendly exhibits
such as the Space Shuttle Endeavour Simu-
lator Ride which takes passengers on a
mission to fix the Hubble Telescope—
Endeavour's actual first mission.
2025-26 TRAVEL GUIDE TO CALIFORNIA 83