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Los Angeles County
A Place for Reinvention and Big Dreams
by jacqueline yau
Los Angeles has always been a city of dreamers, and even after the worst wildfire disaster in recent history, that spirit hasn’t dimmed. From the beachside communities to the hills, Angelenos are coming together, showing resilience in every way possible. Neighbors are helping neighbors, local businesses are stepping up, and the creative energy that fuels this city is now driving a massive effort to rebuild. The skyline may have been scarred, but the heart of LA remains as vibrant as ever.
Rebuilding isn’t just about restoring what was lost—it’s about coming back even stronger. Architects and city planners are already working on sustainable designs, while volunteers and local heroes continue to lend a hand wherever needed. Restaurants, boutiques, and beloved landmarks are reopening with a renewed sense of purpose, proving that LA’s unstoppable energy can’t be extinguished.
The City of Angels is the land of reinvention. Los Angeles County continues to attract seekers, dreamers, hustlers and wannabe actors/screenwriters/directors. Most come from somewhere else and are looking for a better life. Persistent optimism and self-expressiveness permeate the air.
The Nation’s Largest County
By last count pre-wildfires, Los Angeles County was the most populous county in the nation. With nearly 10 million residents, Los Angeles County comprises 88 cities with around 200 languages spoken within its 4,751 square miles. Geographically, the county is larger than the states of Rhode Island and Delaware combined.
While LAX drowns in traffic, Long Beach Airport lets you glide through in minutes, all while being just five miles from the ocean. The stress-free experience has open-air walkways, palm trees, and an art deco terminal that feels more like a breezy resort than an airport.
The film industry is an integral part of the local economy, annually contributing $100 billion to the region. For decades, the name Hollywood has been synonymous with the movie business, but today most studios have moved into neighboring suburbs such as Burbank and Culver City.
Some of the better-known areas in LA County aren’t even cities but rather districts or neighborhoods within Los Angeles, such as Hollywood, Silver Lake and Venice. In contrast, Beverly Hills, home to the most expensive residences in the world, and West Hollywood, a welcoming oasis to a diverse community of gays, Russians and musicians, are cities but are completely surrounded by the city of Los Angeles.
Over seventy miles of beaches run along Los Angeles County’s southwest border. Malibu, an exclusive seaside community, has some of the most alluring stretches of sand in the area. To the north, hikers and mountain climbers can explore trails in the Santa Monica Mountains, but check for updates on potential trail closures. Download the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area app. To the east, the San Gabriel Mountains rise up to more than 10,000 feet above sea level.
City & Town
Los Angeles, the second most populated city in the nation at close to 4 million people, dominates the county. Writer Dorothy Parker once quipped, “Los Angeles is 72 suburbs in search of a city.” Now, LA’s several hundred neighborhoods form a rich cultural stew. Meander around Chinatown, Little Tokyo, the Art and Fashion Districts, the Latino enclaves around Echo Park, Hollywood’s Laurel Canyon, Little Armenia, Thai Town or Melrose District where hipsters shop.
When in LA, do as the celebs do. Go shopping at cool indie shops featuring local labels and fashionable imports along Venice’s Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Need an outfit for an awards show? Head over to Decades on Melrose Avenue, a vintage couture store where many stylists choose red-carpet gowns for their star clients.
Hungry? Eat at The Griddle Cafe, a Sunset Boulevard institution known for its gigantic pancakes. Or chow down on a creatively topped hot dog (some named for celebrities) at Pink’s famous corner stand at Melrose and La Brea avenues. Watch a Lakers pro basketball game, or an LA Kings NHL hockey game, at the Crypto.com Arena to see stars, both on the court and in the stands. End the day sipping a cocktail at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, where celebrities meet their agents and studio execs.
insider's tip
LA’S MURALS provide a keen sense of its UNDERGROUND ART SCENE as creativity covers once-blank walls through the city. LA Weekly calls Los Angeles a “city of 1,000 murals,” saying its “urban sprawl creates the perfect canvas.” The Weekly highlights 20 of the city’s most groundbreaking murals, which range from celebrations of Latino culture to interpretations of film heroes: laweekly.com/20-of-l-a-s-most-iconic-murals
Perhaps the best way to see some of the city’s most daring murals is with LA ART TOURS: laarttours.com
Hollywood
Conceived originally as an outdoor billboard promoting a housing development called Hollywoodland in 1923, the Hollywood sign sits on the south side of Mount Lee in Griffith Park—long a symbol that this is a place where dreams can come true.
The first movie studio, the Nestor Motion Picture Company, opened in 1911 in Hollywood on the northwest corner of Sunset Boulevard and Gower Street. It was absorbed by the Universal Film Manufacturing Company, which later became Universal Studios. By the 1920s, 80 percent of the world’s films were shot in California.
Learn more about Tinsel Town’s history, and experience its memorabilia at The Hollywood Museum. Or participate in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences events and get swept up in the pre-Oscar buzz.
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 atmosphere. 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 enjoyable experience.
If you’re in the mood for a coastal adventure, Manhattan Beach provides a charming seaside experience. Stroll along the pier, explore local boutiques, or simply relax on the sandy shores. The community’s welcoming vibe and the soothing sounds of the ocean make it an ideal spot to unwind. Again, always stay updated on local conditions 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 communities, you can partake in the rejuvenation 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 Planetarium 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 Simulator Ride which takes passengers on a mission to fix the Hubble Telescope—Endeavour’s actual first mission.
5 Must See, Do
HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME Launched on Hollywood Boulevard at Vine Street in 1958, this constellation of coral-pink terrazzo and brass sidewalk stars honors motion picture, TV, radio, recording, live theatre and sports entertainment legends. Among the first honorees were Burt Lancaster and Joanne Woodward; in 1994, Sophia Loren became the 2,000th star. Today there are more than 2,700 stars, with typically two added monthly to the 15-block stretch of the boulevard. Millions of visitors come every year to find their favorite actors, directors, musicians and other entertainment luminaries. walkoffame.com
SANTA MONICA PIER Savor a Will Rogers Hot Fudge Brownie Sundae, ride a vintage carousel, view the area from the Ferris wheel (a movie celebrity in its own right) and explore the amusement park on this century-old pier. Snap a selfie by the End of the Trail sign on the pier for the legendary Route 66, which ends its 2,450-mile journey here. santamonicapier.org
OLVERA STREET Known as the birthplace of Los Angeles, this section of LA was the town center during the colonial era under Spanish and Mexican rule through most of the 19th century. Some vendors are the descendants of the original merchants in this marketplace, established in 1930 to preserve and bring back “old Los Angeles” and its customs. Absorb the scent of tacos and sounds of mariachi music amid the street stalls and old structures. Browse lucha libre (Mexican wrestling) masks, Day of the Dead figurines, piñatas and other souvenirs in this block-long Mexican marketplace located in Los Angeles Plaza Historic District. olvera-street.com
VENICE BEACH BOARDWALK This 1.5-mile pathway parallels the Pacific Ocean and is a never-ending carnival of LA’s most outrageous characters. Stroll past vendors and street performers trying to impress you with their breakdancing or juggling. Others may dress up as if every day is Halloween. When you’re ready for a break, visit a restaurant or juice bar, or simply walk down to the beach and soak up some sun. And if you need souvenir T-shirts or trinkets, or an affordable painting or photograph, you’re bound to find it here. visitveniceca.com
SEE IMPROV, SKETCH OR STAND-UP COMEDY So many great comedians came out of the clubs of Los Angeles, and you can still catch rising stars honing their craft or legendary veterans trying out new material. Notable clubs and improv troupes include The Groundlings, Hollywood Improv Comedy Club, Laugh Factory, Upright Citizens Brigade and The Comedy Store. thecomedybureau.com discoverlosangeles.com/blog/comedy-clubs-los-angeles
