Things to Do near San Fernando, California
Without a doubt, the San Fernando Valley and nearby Los Angeles area is a veritable hotbed of things to do. Check out how movies are made at Universal Studios Hollywood. Soak up amazing artwork at the J. Paul Getty Museum at the Getty Center. Spend a day swimming and sunning at one of many marvelous beaches in Malibu. Get the 4-1-1 on these and other top-rated Southern California attractions by perusing the list below.
Universal Studios Hollywood.
Go behind the scenes of major motion pictures at Universal Studios Hollywood. Take the renowned Studio Tour and see the actual sets of such blockbuster movies as “War of the Worlds,” “Jurassic Park,” and “The Mummy.” Uncover the tricks of the trade when you visit the Special Effects Stages. Cool shows include Shrek 4-D and Terminator 2: 3-D. For more information, visit http://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/.
Getty Center.
Prepare to spend a good part of the day at the Getty Center. This magnificent site is comprised of the Central Garden, the Research Library at the Getty Research Institute, and the J. Paul Getty Museum. Impressive artwork ranges from European paintings and sculpture to 19th-century American photographs. Admission is free and you don’t need to make a reservation. For more information, visit http://www.getty.edu/.
[Top] Six Flags Magic Mountain.
Discover a mountain of fun at Six Flags Magic Mountain. This 260-acre theme park is home to more than a dozen wild roller coasters, including “Terminator Salvation: The Ride.” In total, there are more than 100 rides, games, and family-friendly destinations, such as Bugs Bunny World, which features Loony Tunes-themed rides. For more information, visit http://www.sixflags.com/magicMountain/index.aspx.
Warner Center.
Warner Center has something for everyone. There is the business aspect, which features the high-rise offices of large corporations. Plus, there is the retail end of things. Figuring prominently is Westfield Promenade, a first-rate shopping mall. And finally, there is Warner Center Park where you’ll discover picnic tables and free summer concerts on Sundays at the Lou Bredlow Pavilion.
[Top] Beverly Hills.
This high-end section of Los Angeles is definitely worth the trip. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to spot some TV and movie stars shopping on Rodeo Drive or dining in one of the many world-class restaurants. Take a driving tour of the area and you can expect your jaw to drop on every block as the homes are not only gorgeous but massive. For more information, visit http://www.beverlyhills.org/.
Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
Enjoy a wide variety of animals at the Los Angeles Zoo. Encounter everything from yellow-billed magpies, bat-eared foxes, and African hedgehogs to Chinese alligators, leopard geckos, and pink-toed tarantulas. Don’t miss the stunning botanical gardens that feature a fantastic collection of plants, including Hong Kong orchid trees and Mexican fan palms. For more information, visit http://www.lazoo.org/.
[Top] Hollywood Walk of Fame.
A truly must-see Hollywood attraction is the Walk of Fame. Each of the more than 2,000 stars on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard (from Gower to La Brea) and on both sides of Vine Street (from Yucca to Sunset) are a tribute to artists in the world of film, radio, television, theater, and the music business. Actress Joanne Woodward received the first star on February 9, 1960. For more information, visit http://www.hollywoodusa.co.uk/walkoffame.htm.
Malibu Beaches.
Malibu boasts more than 20 miles of coastline and features several incredible beaches. Malibu Lagoon State Beach can be found just west of the Malibu Pier where Malibu Surfrider Beach is located. Dan Blocker Beach is nestled between Puerco Canyon and Corral Canyon along the Pacific Coast Highway. State beaches include Big Dume and Point Dume. For more information, visit http://www.ci.malibu.ca.us/index.cfm/fuseaction/detail/navid/12/cid/432/.
[Top] Griffith Park & Griffith Observatory.
There are endless activities available in Griffith Park. They range from golfing, hiking, and horseback riding to swimming, tennis, and jogging. You can even camp out under the stars. And speaking of stars, you’ll want to check out the world-famous Griffith Observatory. Learn all about astronomy via the many in-depth exhibits as well as the stellar planetarium. For more information, visit http://www.lacity.org/RAP/dos/parks/griffithPK/gp_info.htm.
Burbank Airport.
Burbank Airport, which was renamed Bob Hope Airport, is located in the San Fernando Valley. It’s the closest airport to the attractions of Los Angeles and Hollywood, such as Universal Studios, Dodger Stadium, Griffith Park, Los Angeles Zoo, and Six Flags Magic Mountain. Major airlines include American, JetBlue, Southwest and US Airways. For more information, visit http://www.burbankairport.com/.
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