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Los Angeles County
Neighborhoods, Icons, and Everyday Stardom
by jacqueline yau
Los Angeles has always been a city of dreamers, and 2026 proves it anew. From sun-drenched beaches to the Hollywood Hills, Angelenos are rolling out the red carpet—not just for visitors, but for history in the making: the FIFA World Cup kickoff, the 100th anniversary of Route 66, and the city’s countdown to the 2028 Summer Olympics. Creative energy pulses through rebuilt neighborhoods, bustling eateries, and vibrant arts districts. The skyline may bear reminders of past wildfires, but LA’s spirit is irresistibly magnetic.
Los Angeles pulses with eclectic neighborhoods, iconic attractions, and a touch of movie magic around every corner. From Venice Beach’s sun-soaked boardwalks to Burbank studio tours and Hollywood’s red-carpet glamour, the city offers experiences as bold, vibrant, and unforgettable as its skyline.
After all, 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. Beverly Hills is home to expensive residences, and West Hollywood is a welcoming oasis to diverse communities.
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.
End the day sipping a cocktail at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, where celebrities meet their agents and studio execs.
insider's tip
GRAND CENTRAL MARKET’S SECRET STOPS reward culinary explorers. Beyond the famous egg sandwiches and tacos, hunt for gourmet finds tucked between the stalls: handmade pickles, artisanal falafel, and craft coffee hidden gems. A lunchtime stroll here immerses you in LA’s multicultural food scene. grandcentralmarket.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.
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
For those seeking green spaces within the city, Griffith Park remains a verdant escape offering panoramic views of the city and the iconic Hollywood Sign. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely hike or a family picnic.
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.
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
If the kids are tired of trying to spot stars on Hollywood Boulevard, take them to Griffith Observatory. 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.
The California Science Center is a wonder-factory where curiosity grabs you by the shoulders and delights you at every turn. Step into Ecosystems, and you’re immediately immersed in an undersea adventure: walk through a 188,000-gallon kelp tank tunnel surrounded by wriggling fish and bobbing marine plants, then journey from desert flash floods to polar chill zones, island tropics to urban LA habitats—all through interactive stations that explain how nature’s building blocks connect. It’s not just a walk-through aquarium; it’s a slam dunk in tactile ecology that gets kids asking, “Can we stay longer?”
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. 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
THE BROAD This contemporary art museum has become a cultural anchor of downtown LA, showcasing works by Jean-Michel Basquiat, Yayoi Kusama, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, and more. The honeycomb-style building itself is an architectural statement, and timed entry keeps the experience accessible and crowd-controlled. thebroad.org
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. 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. visitveniceca.com
MULHOLLAND DRIVE SCENIC OVERLOOKS Few experiences capture Los Angeles like driving or stopping along Mulholland Drive. These pull-outs offer panoramic views of the LA Basin, Hollywood Sign, and San Fernando Valley. Sunset and evening visits deliver cinematic cityscapes worthy of a film close-up. discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/mulholland-drives
