It’s Not Just Sunshine and Celebrities in the Land of Angels

Los Angeles is so much more than red carpets and palm trees—it’s a city of contrasts, creativity, and non-stop wow moments. In LA, you can flow through a private beachfront yoga session at sunrise, step behind the scenes of Hollywood’s most iconic studios by afternoon, and toast the day with a five-star rooftop dinner overlooking a glittering skyline. All in one unforgettable day.

At Destination Los Angeles, we don’t do cookie-cutter. We design bespoke, VIP experiences that unlock the very best of a destination—and few cities deliver VIP energy quite like the City of Dreams.

From neighborhood to neighborhood, Los Angeles shifts its vibe effortlessly, offering something new, bold, and unforgettable at every turn.

Downtown Los Angeles: Bold, Urban, Electric

Downtown LA is where culture, cuisine, and nightlife collide. Think award-winning restaurants, globally inspired flavors, and an after-dark scene that never disappoints. Add a performance at the architectural masterpiece Walt Disney Concert Hall or courtside excitement at a Lakers game, and you’ve got downtown at its finest.

Hollywood: Iconic, Legendary, Unforgettable

Hollywood is pure star power. Walk the legendary streets, explore Paramount Pictures Studios, and soak up decades of cinematic history at the timeless Hotel Roosevelt. This is where stories are made—and where your guests feel like stars.

Beverly Hills: Luxury Without Limits

Elegant, polished, and unapologetically glamorous, Beverly Hills defines indulgence. Rodeo Drive sets the stage for world-class shopping, iconic brands, and luxury at every corner. Even window-shopping feels exclusive here.

Santa Monica & Venice Beach: Laid-Back with an Edge

This is California cool at its best. Surf lessons, bike rides along the coast, beachfront BBQs, sunrise yoga, sunset cocktails—the vibe is effortless, energetic, and endlessly cool. Whether your group wants Zen or celebration, the coast delivers both.

The Bottom Line

Los Angeles isn’t just a destination—it’s a choose-your-own adventure, perfectly tailored to inspire, reward, and impress. With the right vision and the right partner, LA becomes more than a trip—it becomes a standout experience your guests will talk about long after the final toast.

Destination Los Angeles turns LA’s endless possibilities into unforgettable moments. Ready to make your next program shine?

COVID-19: We Are Here for You

As the global community grapples with the personal and business implications of the Coronavirus, we at the Maxxus Group of Companies want our loyal clients and suppliers to know that we understand the enormous challenges we are collectively facing during these trying times. We are here for you to talk, to answer questions or to search for solutions. We view our partnership with our clients and vendors as a long-term commitment to their personal and business wellbeing.

While our industry’s business paradigm is under strain, our focus remains on the safety of our clients and associates. We are confident that once the challenges we all face with COVID-19 are passed—and they will pass—we will be ready to once again support your business and meeting goals. In the meantime, you can count on us to remain steadfastly committed to your personal safety and business success. Here are some of the proactive measures we have put in place: 

Fact-Based Practices: We have always been a group of companies that are driven by facts. During these unsettled times, we continue to only rely on credible information from respectable nonpartisan scientific organizations in making decisions—or pronouncements—that affect our clients, suppliers and our team members.

Open for Business: While we will never put our employees at any risk, we believe in continuity of service—albeit in different format. Acknowledging our governmental agencies’ guidelines regarding social distancing, we remain committed to carrying on with business using technology as our support. Our associates are all fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to fully carry out their duties remotely without adversely affecting our operations in any way.

Deferred Programs: we are encouraging all our clients whose programs are affected by Coronavirus to postpone their events instead of canceling them. We will continue to work diligently to provide flexible terms and proactive communication regarding dates and availability for postponed programs at any of our group of companies.

Virtual Events: Should you wish to consider an alternate format for your planned meeting, we welcome the opportunity to support any virtual events with our creative solutions including engaging digital formats for effective group experiences in a virtual setting.

Financial Health: We consider ourselves fortunate in having a sound financial health to weather these volatile times without adversely affecting our operations or impacting on our commitments to our clients. 

We consider ourselves blessed in having the most compassionate clients, dependable suppliers and dedicated team members. We thank our clients for their loyalty and wish everyone in our community good health and safety in these difficult times. We will be here for you when this volatile storm is behind us.

The Endless Los Angeles: An Incentive Program Like no other

Unless you are from a far-away land and have never been there, you probably still have some notions about Los Angeles.  There is, of course, Hollywood and all that it stands for. LA is also known for less flattering attributes: smog, traffic and the fame-seeking ethos of Hollywood. Even if you are a repeat visitor, there’s always something more/new to learn about the City of Angels. It’s impossible to make an LA itinerary for everyone, but for an incentive program, there is no shortage of new and unique things to do. So, we rolled the proverbial red carpet when we were asked to organize an incentive trip for a 17-member board of directors of a multinational. Here’s a synopsis. 

By way of a quick background, Los Angeles County is made up of over 4,000 square miles and 10 million people with the largest Mexican and Asian immigrant communities in the US.  The County’s GDP stands at $700 billion—larger than many nations’.  The City of Los Angeles itself was established by the Spanish in 1781 as El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Ángeles. The population of the city stands at just over 4 million. The diversity of the city has given rise to many cultural and culinary scenes that make this city very special indeed. 

If you are from anywhere else, when you land at LAX, you can already sense the feel of the ocean in the air. After all, LAX is only just over 6 miles from the Pacific Ocean.  So, our first destination is Santa Monica, where our group is actually going to be based—more specifically, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel.  Perched on the bluffs above Santa Monica State Beach, this palm-studded five-acre property offers 297 rooms and suites, including 31 private bungalows. Not to be missed is an evening at The Bungalow, the beach house-inspired bar that has long been the epicenter of Santa Monica nightlife; and where our group somehow found itself every night.

Glorious Beaches 

We first meet our group in the lovely atrium at FIG, the poolside restaurant at the Fairmont, where the group was treated to a hearty breakfast, after which we headed to Ocean Avenue, crossed a bridge over the Pacific Coast Highway, and onto the Santa Monica Pier, passing the Route 66 sign [Santa Monica is the end of the famed Route 66 that starts in Chicago], caricature artists, funnel cake stands, and carnival rides on our way to the end of the pier, where fishermen toss their lines in the water and tourists snap photos of sea lions barking for scraps. 

We then headed south toward Venice Beach, the epicenter of Southern California’s grungy, punky beach culture. We watch skaters ollie along the undulating walls of the Venice Skatepark, and then we exit the beach, going a few blocks inland to the Venice Canals. Developer Abbot Kinney built these narrow waterways in 1905 to evoke the other Venice.  While there are no gondoliers on these canals, the homes lining the canals make for a fun architecture tour, veering from glass-walled modernist structures to mosaic-tiled hippie bungalows.

A few more blocks up Venice Boulevard, we reach the town’s main shopping drag, Abbot Kinney Boulevard. We stopped to have lunch at Gjelina, which for more than a decade has offered the sort of farm-fresh cuisine and casual-yet-hip vibe that the rest of the world associates with LA. 

After lunch and a hurried shopping on Abbott Kinney by some, it was time to move on. The next stop: J. Paul Getty Museum, which stands high on a hill above the most-heavily trafficked freeway in the US—I-405.  We had to take a tram up, where the group meanders through the Robert Irwin-designed Central Garden, following a trickling waterfall to a reflecting pool and an azalea labyrinth. The scene is so moving that it’s easy to spend a couple of hours there without even entering the galleries.

The afternoon had begun to wane, so we drove back to the Fairmont.  Once night had settled and the lights have come up on the pier, we walked over to the Third Street Promenade, an outdoor mall where fairy lights twinkle and purple jacarandas bloom above shoppers and buskers. At the food court, we go up an escalator and tap a code into a black door marked “private.” When it opens, we entered Dialogue, an 18-seat tasting-menu hideaway that was one of just 24 restaurants in LA to receive a Michelin star this year. As he passes the gorgeous plates, chef Dave Beran explains the inspiration behind his menu.  Every dish has something in it from the last one and something to look forward to in the next. The snapper had a ginger mist on it, which went into the ginger-rhubarb foam, which led to a rhubarb chip with matcha and lilac pudding, followed by a cucumber-lilac soda. “None of our dishes are intended to be complete thoughts as much as completing each other’s thoughts,” said Beran.

After dinner, we head back to Abbot Kinney and to the restaurant Scopa Italian Roots, where we tell the maître d’ that we had a reservation at Old Lightning. He promptly confiscates the group’s cell phones and leads us around to the side of the building, through an unmarked door, and into LA’s premier bourbon bar. The glass case along the wall taunts our guests with shelf after shelf of impossible-to-find vintage bottles. This stop made for a perfect night cap, and an end to a day of explorations.

The Reenergized LA

Los Angeles is notorious for its lack of an adequate public transport system which has resulted in the city’s reputation for the worst traffic in the country—if not the world. One is wise to allow a chunk of time to get to where one wants to go.  On our day two, we headed to downtown LA otherwise known as DTLA. Our first stop was the Grand Central Market, a 1917 building that is home to all sorts of hip food stalls. Once there, the group scattered throughout the Market—with some ending up at G&B Coffee counter for almond macadamia lattes while others headed to Clark Street Bread for avocado toasts.  

DTLA is an eye candy for those in search of architectural gems.  A notable one being the Bradbury Building. The interior of this National Historic Landmark, which was built in 1893 and features five floors of ornate iron railings and elevator shafts climbing toward an expansive skylight, looks both stunningly vintage and eerily futuristic—which has made it popular as a set for many Hollywood movies. 

We exit through the side door and continue on through DTLA. This area was once so rundown that some thought it looked like a post-apocalyptic dystopia.  However, over the last decade it has been gentrified and has become a reenergized hub of the city, thanks to places like The Last Bookstore. This temple to the written word is probably best known for its second-floor book tunnel, which tourists line up to snap selfies in. 

One of the wonderful, contradictory things about this wonderful, contradictory city is that some of its best restaurants are in run-of-the-mill strip malls. One of these is Sushi Gen, in DTLA’s Little Tokyo, where a long line has formed before the doors even open. Thankfully, we had a reservation for our VIP group.  Once seated, they are treated to a menu made up of slices of Tsukiji Market-quality fish (buttery tuna, briney sea bream, sweet shrimp, creamy uni). 

After that sumptuous lunch, it was time for a little culture. Anyway, the afternoon sun was beating down and bouncing up off the pavement, so we headed to the Broad Museum. The four-year-old building, which entrepreneur Eli Broad and his wife, Edythe, created to house their 2,000-piece collection, stands like a square of honeycomb next to the flamboyantly curvaceous Walt Disney Concert Hall next door.  The museum’s ceiling has 318 individual skylights that light the collection gallery. We ride the escalator up to the third-floor gallery, an acre of column-free space where pieces by Jeff Koons, Takashi Murakami, Yayoi Kusama, and Kara Walker are on display. 

From there we head over to the up-and-coming Art District. In a converted warehouse space sits Nightshade, Top Chef winner Mei Lin’s much-hyped new restaurant which is an Instagrammer’s dream—with its blond wood, white brick, mint and emerald green upholstery, and hanging plants—surpassed only by the presentation of the dishes.  

As our last stop of the day, we head to Clifton’s—a DTLA institution, a Depression-era cafeteria that used to feed 10,000 people a day but fell into disrepair; and was ultimately reborn as a four-story nightlife bazaar following a 2015 renovation. We climb to the top-floor Pacific Seas tiki bar, where the group sits in wicker chairs and sips on Scorpion Bowls that are set on fire by our waitress. We then descend one floor to the Brookdale Ballroom, where dancers in Gatsby-esque getups swing to a New Orleans jazz band. 

Hollywood Everywhere

On our final day, the group boards an executive limo-bus for a tour of Hollywood. We take a winding drive through Griffith Park to the Griffith Observatory. The triple-domed Greek Revival building is one of LA’s most recognizable and has been featured in a number of movies.  Built in 1935, the Observatory is both an interactive astronomy museum and a spot from which one can see the Pacific Ocean, DTLA, Dodger Stadium, and the Hollywood sign.  The group is told that the Hollywood sign was originally erected as a real estate advertisement in 1923, when it read “Hollywoodland.” The land was sold, and the sign should have been taken down, but it became associated with the movie industry and LA. It then became a landmark and was later shortened to Hollywood. 

We then cruise up Sunset Boulevard, where our group shops their way through LA’s hippest neighborhood. We then head to Highland Park Bowl, a 92-year-old bowling alley, LA’s oldest, which is decorated with league championship banners from decades gone by. 

For their farewell lunch, we take the group to Majordomo, chef David Chang’s first California restaurant. The group is seated at a table beneath a sky-lit warehouse ceiling and shared a menu that reflects chef Chang’s artistry in food. 

Night has fallen on Los Angeles. As we head to the airport for the group’s late-night departure, Hollywood Boulevard is already asleep; the only stars sparkling are the ones embedded in the sidewalk. We bid our guests farewell and wish them safe journey home.  

For an incentive trip of a lifetime, let the professionals at Destination Los Angeles, curate a program like no other.

Los Angeles Celebrates a Milestone

The City of Angeles welcomed 50 million visitors in 2018 according to the city’s Tourism and Convention Board. In a ceremony at which city leaders including Mayor Eric Garcetti, other prominent city officials, and Tourism and Convention Board president were in attendance, the city’s travel and tourism leaders gathered to mark the achievement—two years ahead of previous projections. 

Ernest Wooden Jr.

President and CEO, Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board

Eric Garcetti

Los Angeles Mayor

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Los Angeles is enjoying rapid growth in tourism and is becoming a magnet for travelers from the four corners of the globe. The visitor numbers have grown for 8 consecutive years. Blessed with so many attractions for visitors, LA continues to also draw record number of business travels and convention attendees.

Needless to say, the city leaders are basking in glory. The positive tax and employment benefits fuel the city’s ambitious plans for near and longer-term future.  In a written statement, Ernie Wooden said “I’m proud to highlight 50 million visitors has created a robust economic engine as our Leisure & hospitality sector now employs 550,000 Angelenos; the city of L.A.’s general fund is currently enjoying record revenues from lodging taxes; and our visitors are spending more than ever at treasured L.A. experiences, resulting in a $35 billion-dollar economic impact for our community.”
  

The milestone achievement, notwithstanding, the city is pushing forward to ever-ambitious plans for the future. The industry leaders remain committed to keep the LA experience dynamic and memorable in the hope of keeping the city as one of the world’s most sought-after destinations—not only for tourists but also for business and meeting participants.

Destination Los Angeles joins the industry leaders in congratulation the city on this important milestone.

A traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Los Angeles

Let’s face it, as much as we all love Thanksgiving and all that this special all-American holiday stands for, planning for a traditional turkey dinner can be laborious work. Besides, with shrinking families, and stressful travel during the holidays, some people prefer to stay closer to home and instead opt for a sumptuous Thanksgiving dinner out.  We sampled best Thanksgiving dinners around town and here’s where you can find a near-homemade turkey dinner in a dining establishment near you (in alphabetic order):

Akasha

At this Culver City restaurant, Thanksgiving goes modern with a prix-fixe California-inspired menu full of persimmon-and-pomegranate salad; gluten-free cornbread; herb-roasted turkey with chestnut-and-sage stuffing; a vegetarian option of herb-roasted mushrooms with squash and a wild-mushroom gravy; broccoli-and-cauliflower gratin; mac and cheese; and an entire pie buffet. You had us at “pie buffet.”

AR Cucina 

Also in Culver City, and down the street from Akasha, settle in at chef Akasha Richmond’s Italian concept for an untraditional three-course prix-fixe feast with tons of options. There’s an antipasti selection for the table; squash-filled pasta; porchetta-style turkey with sage-and-chestnut stuffing; grilled branzino with braised kale; wild-mushroom ragu; an array of sides; and pumpkin-ricotta cheesecake, among other high notes to end on.

Barton G. 

If you are in West Hollywood, make your way to the famed eatery Barton G., where this year’s three-course menu includes roasted pumpkin soup with maple crème fraiche; herb-roasted turkey breast with confit leg served with apricot-and-sage stuffing, as well as parsnip-and-potato mash, roasted Brussels sprouts with a pistachio crumble, candied yams and other side dishes; and pumpkin doughnuts with a side of cranberry compote, pumpkin butter, spiced warm chocolate and cinnamon anglaise.

The Bazaar and Tres by José Andrés 

If you find yourself in Beverley Hills, do Turkey Day the José Andrés way with not one, not two but three options for Thanksgiving feasting. Located in SLS Beverley Hills, Tres by José Andrés will offer a brunch with roast organic turkey; a chilled seafood and caviar display; pastries; cheese; and Spanish-style takes on Thanksgiving classics. Then at dinner, enjoy a prix-fixe meal involving seared lamb chops, organic turkey, gooey pecan bars, butternut squash soup and more.

At The Bazaar by José Andrés, executive chef Holly Jivin’s prix-fixe holiday meal offers family-style turkey and sides such as giblet stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed sweet potatoes, pumpkin pie, pecan ice cream and other treats.

The Belvedere 

Still in Beverley Hills and hopping to the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel you’ll find one of the eateries, mostly because it includes live music and bottomless bubbly. Starters including butternut squash risotto and chicken liver mousse, while entrées involve all the holiday staples such as free-range turkey with sage stuffing, pomegranate-roasted Brussels sprouts and buttermilk mashed potatoes, as well as roasted filet of beef with celery root, cipollini onions, and truffle. 

Bourbon Steak 

Head east to this Glendale steakhouse for an elegant three-course dinner featuring the traditional—roasted heritage turkey with stuffing and cranberry mostarda—and the more exotic, like Mediterranean branzino with madras curry or some smoked trout with baby beets, with a bevy of sides for the table. 

Café Pinot 

For downtown dwellers, this California-French restaurant with a gorgeous, tree-dotted patio will be serving your choice of a three- or four-course prix-fixe dinner with both traditional fare and a few brow-raising dishes, to boot. Find sliced turkey breast with heirloom cauliflower and mole; sunchoke soup with a red wine and shallot jam; and filet mignon au poivre. Finish with pumpkin mousse or an apple crumble to really get into the fall spirit.

Catch

Fancy spending your Thanksgiving by the ocean, enjoy your Turkey Day at Catch in the Hotel del Mar, because chef Gemma Grayis whipping up all the classics and even a few contemporary plates right at the beach. Look for a prix-fixe involving slow-roasted organic turkey with apple and chestnut stuffing, as well as roasted cauliflower pie with wild mushrooms, and Japanese snapper crudo with pumpkin vinaigrette. 

CRAFT Los Angeles 

Back in Culver City, the annual feast at Tom Colicchio’s CRAFT begins with for-the-table starters such as pork belly with celery root, then proceeds to your choice of roasted, organic free-range turkey; angus beef short ribs; seafood; and pasta. Pass around the family-style sides such as sausage-and-raisin stuffing and Brussels sprouts, and, as it’s the highlight of just about every visit to CRAFT, don’t forget the selection of desserts artfully whipped up by pastry chef Shannon Swindle. 

Gwen Butcher Shop & Restaurant 

In Hollywood, chef Curtis Stone’s four-course, prix-fixe meal skews classic and fine-dining with dishes such as chestnut velouté with pear and brown butter; roast turkey with gravy and braised-and-pulled dark meat in cocotte; mac and cheese agnolotti with smoked pork emulsion; and a range of sides, including duck fat potatoes, cranberry sauce, stuffing and Brussels sprouts with bacon jam. Finish with Stone’s take on apple pie and a selection of petit fours. If you’re one of those domesticated types hellbent on making your own meal, the butcher shop is selling turkeys to aid you in your delicious endeavor.

Mélisse

Seaside again, Josiah Citrin’s fine-dining institution, Mélisse, is offering a four-course prix-fixe meal that feels anything but limited: Each course includes four or five choices, and you even get your pick of three of Citrin’s mom’s traditional sides. Just a few dishes from the lengthy and mouth-watering menu: Maine diver scallops with foie gras, young turnips, porcini and a truffle consommé; whole-roasted dry-aged prime rib with horseradish jus; herb-roasted free-range turkey served with chanterelle mushrooms, apple-and-brioche stuffing and pomegranate gravy; and pecan pie with Dulcey and bourbon sauce and whipped crème fraiche.

Montage Beverly Hills 

This swanky Beverly Hills resort is offering not one but threeThanksgiving Day options, including dishes such as herb-roasted turkey, spiced prime rib and sweet potato gnocchi. At the Restaurant, stop by for brunch from 11am to 3:30pm, where you’ll find a sprawling buffet—complete with carving station. Looking for a more formal dinner? Between 5 and 9:30 pm, the Restaurant hosts a four-course family-style feast. If you’re hoping for a more casual affair, head to the Rooftop Grill for a three-course prix-fixe menu with holiday-inspired specials from 11am to 5 pm.

Playa Provisions 

Take Turkey to the beach at Playa Provisions to feast on roast turkey or honey mustard ham, plus a variety of sides, including chicory salad, roasted acorn squash and cranberry sauce. Finish with a selection of seasonal desserts including but not limited to pumpkin pie and cran-apple pie. 

Saddle Peak Lodge 

Head to this rustic Santa Monica mountain lodge for a four-course meal that lets you choose from hearty dishes like buffalo tartare, seared elk tenderloin with a foie gras and mushroom sauce, roast turkey with sausage-and-apple stuffing, and grilled quail with spiced cherries. Pro tip: Don’t leave before the pumpkin pie or banana-huckleberry bread pudding.

Tavern

Suzanne Goin, Caroline Styne and chef de cuisine Joel Walsh are bringing a little something for everyone to their Thanksgiving table at this Brentwood restaurant, with options for omnivores, vegetarians and vegans alike. Settle in for a three-course meal that offers herb-roasted organic turkey breast and stuffed leg with mashed potatoes, gravy, Brussels sprouts with pancetta and thyme, cranberry sauce with mint and orange, sweet potatoes with sherry, and sourdough stuffing with turkey sausage. There’s even the “vegan Thanksgiving extravaganza” option, which offers sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, fingerling potatoes, Italian broccoli and Suzanne’s stuffing and wild-mushroom persillade. 

If after all these fabulous options you still feel like eating at home without having to turn the oven on, there is a long list of restaurants offering Thanksgiving dinners to go. Knock yourself out. 

Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at Destination Los Angeles.

Definitive LA

Los Angeles is having a renaissance: In new and hip hotels, in one-of-a-kind trendy eateries, or fashionable boutiques that now line many well-known streets of the city.  Los Angeles has quietly redefined itself. And a groundswell of cool has taken over—this side by side the old-school: Over-the-top hotels, world-famous restaurants, and ultra-luxury boutiques.  With such a crop of new contenders, newcomers to the city still need some hand holding in helping them maneuver among the old and the new.  Make no mistake: The Los Angeles you knew (or wished you knew) is still there. It’s just cooler and tastier.  But for a refresher—or if your group is heading to the City of Angels for the first time—here’s a quick get reacquainted guide.

What’s New

Los Angeles: It’s mountainside hikes along urban cityscapes, Ramen noodle bars, Korean tea houses and taco trucks serving every regional Latin specialty. It’s all these and much more.  These days Los Angeles is getting attention for a whole range of new attractions.

An array of new Los Angeles museums and attractions are coming on the scene: The Broad Museum opened its multimillion dollar downtown building in September, featuring more than 2,000 works by renowned contemporary artists. The space shuttle Endeavour has now become one of the city's top attractions since arriving at the California Science Museum in 2012.  Not to be missed is the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills.  And now the new Lucas Museum of Narrative Art by film creator and director George Lucas is under construction in Exposition Park. Once open, it will hold paintings, photography, illustration, cinematic art and digital art from Lucas's personal collection, and a Star Wars exhibit. 

That renaissance is nowhere more evident than in downtown LA that is undergoing a resurgence. Once there, a must see is the Grand Central Market, where you can enjoy cheese shops, oysters and flower vendors. Nearby Chinatown is home to buildings with upturned eaves—reminiscent of pagodas—alongside hip noodle bars.

The Tried & True

Must-sees for the first-timers in search of the stars include photos in front of the famous Hollywood sign, a stroll through the picturesque Chinese Theatre and the Walk of Fame, and a drive by the Sunset Strip—this all in addition to the ritzy Rodeo Drive and what Beverley Hills has to offer.

For the morbidly curious, the graves of Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and other departed celebrities can be visited at the Pierce Brothers Westwood Memorial Park, a small, quaint cemetery near the UCLA. Or try a movie screening at the larger Hollywood Forever Cemetery.  

For wholesome entertainment, there is always the Universal Studios theme park at Disneyland—a short drive from the center of the city. Griffith Observatory offers a planetarium, telescopes and a bird's-eye view of the city. Music lovers in you will enjoy shows at the Greek Theatre or Hollywood Bowl.

Los Angeles is a haven for shoppers looking for luxury brands and one-of-a-kind boutiques. In addition to the famous Rodeo Drive in Beverley Hills, the trendier shops now line the Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. There's also The Grove, which has shops, restaurants, a cinema and, next door, an historic farmer's market.

No visit to Los Angles is complete without venturing a little west to take in the sun and sand at always-entertaining Venice Beach, the trendy Santa Monica, or the elitish Malibu.

Eat Your Heart Out

Thailand? Vietnam? Mexico? Exploring the LA food scene can feel like a trip around the globe.  The city is filled with top-of-the-line, four-star restaurants, but food trucks sell some of the best—and cheapest—eats.  The Mariscos Jalisco food truck, serving shrimp tacos, is a must.  Mexican culture is so strongly rooted in Los Angeles. Near downtown in Boyle Heights stands Mariachi Plaza—where musicians in charro suits have gathered since the 1930s.  

And of course, there are more amazing eats:  Koreatown, Chinatown and Little Tokyo are close to downtown. In Little Tokyo, you can wander through the James Irvine Japanese Garden and try the ramen at Daikokuya. Koreatown is also chock-full of great eats: For a more relaxed evening fair, go to Gwang Yang Korean BBQ and order the "Gangnam Style" bulgogi. For an after-dinner tea and shaved ice dessert, let’s try Hwa Sun Ji.  No trip to the LA’s Asian corner is complete without some pampering at Wi Spa's salt sauna.

If you are into hip and edgy eateries, then there is a crop of new and not-so-new trend-setting restaurants at every corner—among them, Employees Only and Apotheke—that are standing cheek by jowl next to true Los Angeles institutions such as Botanica, Mh Zh, and not-to-be-missed Bavel.

After the night’s binge eating, you’ll be craving for a hearty cup of Joe to get your morning started. Los Angeles is now home to a small trove of artisanal roasters. Local favorites include Handsome Coffee Roasters in downtown's Arts District, and Intelligentsia in Silver Lake, alongside a string of boutiques.

Get That Heart Pumping

No trip to LA would be complete without a hike. Oxymoronic as it may sound, the city that drives everywhere is so passionate about its morning hikes.  Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon are near the city's center but feel a world away.  Or try Fryman Canyon Park—a smaller, urban forested area featuring shaded hiking paths and dramatic city views—for a chance to see a celebrity on your path.

For a custom-tailored program in this always-captivating city, let the experts at Destination Los Angeles craft a memorable itinerary for your group’s next visit to the City of Angels. 

The Perfct Ten: Spectacular Los Angeles Event Venues

One is a series

Los Angeles is not only the entertainment capital of the world, it is also home to some stunning corporate event venues.  The “City of Angels” is not only blessed with spectacular landscape and scenery, and year-round good weather, it is also home to some very unique venues that can add considerable pizzazz to any corporate event.   

1.    The Loft at Liz's

A fine art gallery, Loft at Liz's is a 1,200-plus-square foot New York style loft with weathered hardwood floors, wood ceiling beams and plenty of natural light.  The event space is served with two sets of staircases—one through the gallery and the other one through a back alley that is perfect for the privacy of VIP guests.  

2.    Hudson Loft

Located in the heart of downtown LA, the Hudson Loft is made up of 3,600 square feet of stunning event space divided into four different lofts. Hudson features floor-to-ceiling industrial-looking windows with breathtaking panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline. Hudson makes a great setting for trendsetting events.

3.    Vibiana

Originally built by the Archdiocese of Los Angeles as the first Roman Catholic Cathedral of LA, Vibiana, is located in downtown LA. The event venue is made up of a stunning Main Hall with imposing columns and a Garden Courtyard for outdoor receptions—a rare gem in downtown LA.  

4.    Carondelet House

Built in 1928 as an Italian Villa, Carondelet House is a unique event venue in LA. The venue has retained most of its past glory thanks to beautiful hardwood floors, high beamed ceilings, brick walls, two exterior courtyards, and very spacious smaller rooms for breakout sessions.

5.    The Unique Space

The Unique Space is housed within a historic factory and consists of 3,500 square feet of spectacular event space. The Unique Space features exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and hardwood floors for that chic and the trendy industrial look. 

6.    Oviatt Penthouse

Once the residence of James Oviatt, this exclusive 13th-story Art Deco landmark in downtown LA is now a stunning event venue. Retaining its 1927 splendor, and with its Parisian glass-work and rose-colored velvet chairs, the Oviatt Penthouse is a perfect venue for events that call for sophistication, glamor and elegance, complemented with 360-degree views of downtown LA.  

7.    Natural History Museum

One of the interesting facts about the events at the Natural History Museum is that they take place inside the galleries or outdoors in the Nature Gardens — not in a typical banquet hall.  Most events begin in the Grand Foyer or the Rotunda and branch out as needed into the African Mammal Hall or North American Mammal Hall...or both!  These rooms can be used in any number of ways, depending on the number of guests and the flow of the event.  Access to Ground, Level 2 or other galleries is also available.

8.    Vertigo Event Venue

Originally built as the Verdugo Hills Country Club, Vertigo Event Venue is now a chic and contemporary Los Angeles event space. The venue is made up of four different spaces: a ballroom, banquet hall, lobby, and bar, to suit any event needs and look and feel.

9.    SmogShoppe

Contrary to what its name conjures up, SmogShoppe is one of the most sustainably-designed spaces in the country.  The venue is 100% solar powered.  A 6,500-square-foot event space is a haven of lush plants. This unique venue can accommodate up to 250 people.  Perfect for a “Green Meeting.”

10.    Palazzo Beverly Hills

Considered the crème do la crème of Los Angeles event venues, the Palazzo Beverly Hills comes with a lavish setting on a four-acre prime Beverley Hills land with panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Considered an exclusive venue, the luxurious Palazzo is a perfect setting for corporate milestone celebrations or an all-VIP group. 

To pick the right venue for your next special event, let professionals at Destination Los Angeles help you narrow the list.

The Ultimate Guide to LA's 3 Most Talked-About Brunch Spots

Los Angeles is known as the land of sunshine, blue skies, great weather, and good vibes galore, so it’s no wonder brunch has quickly gained a reputation for being the most highly-anticipated meal of the day for LA visitors and residents alike.

There is no better way to relax and unwind after a taxing work week—or an intense days of meetings—than by indulging yourself in a plate of perfectly-poached eggs, a sweet, decadent stack of red velvet pancakes made from scratch, and a tangy grapefruit mimosa (or two!) on a breezy Saturday morning.  At destination LA, we’re here to give you the scoop on the ins-and-outs of Los Angeles’s 3 hottest brunch restaurants so that you and your group can embrace everything the wonderful City of Angeles has to offer.

Republique

This classy and sophisticated brunch spot is a favorite among LA locals for its menu lineup of mouthwatering, French-inspired cuisine and its convenient and stellar location right in the heart of Central Los Angeles.

The building’s interior was originally designed by the timeless film icon Charlie Chaplin, and Republique’s owners renovated the building so that it now exudes classic, rustic charm characteristic of the 1920s. Patrons are free to dine at charming wooden tables and sleek, high-top bar stools while they enjoy their meals.

Republique is also home to a stellar selection of private dining areas perfect for any group looking to share a relaxing dining experience that is uniquely-charming and intimate. Their elegant Left Bank Wine Room seats up to 18 people for private wine dinners, and features a glass-walled wine cellar and a wall made of exposed brick. 

Republique is also home to The Alcove, a private room with romantic seating high above the main dining room, and The Kitchen Tables, a lively space in the middle of Republique’s busiest area with an energetic, eye-catching dining environment perfect for larger groups of up to 34 people.

L&E Oyster Bar

This quaint brunch spot located in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles combines the rustic simplicity of a comfortable seaside eatery with the culinary charm and elegance of a menu that offers up the freshest, most flavorful oysters around.

L&E Oyster Bar’s chefs set out with the goal of creating seafood-focused, one-of-a-kind meals that are zesty and delicious, and they certainly have surpassed the mark.

For brunch, enjoy a cup of piping hot coffee or a Bloody Mary that packs a punch, then fill up on a three-tier tower of delicious, raw seafood or one of L&E’s specialty menu items; their beet cured salmon plate and fried oyster omelet are favorites among Silver Lake locals! 

Kismet

Kismet is a unique Los Angeles all-day eatery that offers up everything from Mediterranean-style breakfast foods to flavorful and filling family-style meals.

Kismet’s chefs take flavors and recipes from the Middle East and reimagine them through an innovative, Californian lens to create one-of-a-kind dishes that lovers of LA adore!

Some of their most popular daytime brunch menu items include their lemony chicken and pine nut pies, sesame walnut granola, and their flaky bread with tomato and spices. 

Let Destination Los Angeles create the perfect custom-tailored incentive program for your group so that your next LA brunch trip receives rave reviews!

Four Glorious Days in Los Angeles

Known as the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles is a progressive metropolis and with one of the most diverse attributes of any city. Home to film and recording studios, world-class museums and trend-setting restaurants, Los Angeles offers the best of the best for your next incentive trip. With spectacular beaches and coastline, picturesque mountains, numerous professional sports teams and stadiums and multicultural neighborhoods, the city is rich with amenities to please any group. Blessed with warm sunny weather all year round and a diversity of cultures, attractions, hotels, restaurants, and activities, LA has something for everyone, making it a sure bet as an incentive destination.

Let Destination LA plan your next incentive trip to the City of Angels.  You are guaranteed to look like a hero and your participants are certain to go home with lifelong fond memories.  Here’s a suggested itinerary for four perfect days in LA: 

Day 1

• Arrival at the Los Angeles International Airport

• Transportation to the hot and trendy hotel Dream in Hollywood [see our other blog regarding this hotel]

• Enjoy a private dinner at Spago. One of the hottest celebrity chef restaurants in LA, Spago Beverly Hills has become one of the most famous restaurants in the world. The chef who put California cuisine on the map, Wolfgang Puck, shook the culinary world with his designer pizzas and daring food combinations.

• Back at the hotel, get the party started at an evening welcome reception.

Day 2

• Breakfast at leisure.

• Start the day with a Yoga class or Surf Lesson on the spectacular beaches of Santa Monica.

• Shop designer brands on the famous Rodeo Drive, where you are bound to run into a paparazzi pursuing a celebrity

• Fly by the Hollywood sign on a helicopter tour of the city.

• [Alternatively, Horseback to Hollywood Sign: Take a guided horseback trail ride to the top of Mt. Hollywood, up close to the famous Hollywood Sign, past Griffith Observatory and overlooking the best panoramic views of Los Angeles!].

• Dine like the stars at the historic Greystone Mansion, the backdrop for so many well-known movies.

Day 3

• Breakfast at leisure

• See sets, props and costumes on a Warner Bros. studio tour. Stop for a Behind the Scenes VIP Tour at WB Studios and see how and where your favorite movie was made.

• Enjoy a group dinner at the award-winning restaurant Hinoki & The Bird. Taking worldly cues from Chef David Myers’ nomadic travels throughout southeast Asia, Hinoki & the Bird is a colorful kaleidoscope where bright flavors and a modern California sensibility harmoniously collide. It is a great hidden gem in Century City.

• Raise your glass to a great trip during the closing ceremony and afterparty. Have a champagne toast at sunset at the Griffith Observatory with views of the Hollywood sign and the skyline of the City of Angeles.

Day 4

• Breakfast at leisure

• Time for a walk downtown. Art Walk LA celebrates art with a self-guided, public art phenomenon known as The Downtown Art Walk that brings together art lovers and community friends to the ever-evolving downtown Los Angeles.

• Let’s have lunch before we head to the airport. Considered one of the top 10 best new restaurants by Los Angeles Magazine, Bestia packs the hippest crowds. Chef Ori maintains an aggressive house-cured meat program with over 60 different forms of charcuterie.

• All the good things come to an end: time to head back to the airport.

• Flight home

Let the professionals at Destination LA put together a custom-tailored incentive program for your group that is guaranteed to be a winner. 

Best travel destination in the U.S.

California’s picturesque Redwood Coast has topped Lonely Planet’s list of “…out-of-this-world spots to visit in 2018.” The list was compiled by a team of locals, editors and researchers who visited, researched and lived in the region.

Let’s take a closer look to what makes California’s Redwood Coast a must-see in 2018:

Known for its sky-scraping forests, these redwoods are 2,000 years old and are certainly some of the most fascinating trees on the planet. Filmmakers have been using the region’s awe-inspiring scenery for many years: Star Wars, E.T. and Jurassic Park all included scenes shot here.

Tall trees and so much more! Multiple parks are located along the coast of Northern California, within Del Norte and Humboldt Counties and managed by California State Parks and National Parks Service.

CITY OF EUREK

A port city in Northern California, Eureka is a gem of a city with its Old Town district, rich in history and architecture with its elaborate Victorian houses, including the Carson Mansion a short distance away.  Not to be missed is the Sequoia Park, home to massive old-growth redwood trees. Take a guided boat cruises aboard the early-1900s Madaket ferry to take in the sights, seals and birdlife of Humboldt Bay.

BEACHES

Craving some sun and sand?  Try Northern California’s beaches.  The Humboldt County coast is chock full of wild and far-flung beaches that beg for exploration. Or try Del Norte County, the northernmost county in California, with its wild remote—and at times rugged—beaches perfect for those with a keen interest in discovering romantic hideaways. 

KAYAKING

Does hiking, kayaking, picnicking, a coastal walk, visiting pristine Hidden Beach and camping with your group in a peaceful surrounding sound good to you? Let GMS plan your escape to Northern Cal. 

LA is Forever

Whatever may take you to LA (acting ambitions, surfing craze, or escaping the Chicago blizzards), there are plenty of reasons to keep you there—forever.  The city is the envy of the nation in that there is so much to do whatever your kick!

Celebs Everywhere.  If you are a celebrity worshiper, there is not place to spot one like LA.  At every turn, you are likely to bump into a face you may recognize.  You can also see a movie star perform at one of our many clubs for under $10.  You just never know who you might see performing at the Virgil or at Largo at the Caronet.

Route 66.  The legendary early motorway may start in Chicago, but it ends at the Pacific near the scenic Santa Monica Pier.  Go and take a selfie and let the folks at home know you made it all the way to the end of the Route.

Grand Central.  Not the Station in NYC!  This one is the Grand Central Market where you can find authentic LA fare.  No, that’s not oxymoron.  Opened in 1917, Grand Central Market is still a treasured dining destination in a city proud of its eateries.  If you are not Lactose intolerant, don’t forget to stop at DTLA Cheese + Kitchen for a dairy overdose.

Shopping Mecca.  You want to shop until you drop but hate malls.  Well, shopping in LA feels like a day at the resort.  Most malls are outdoors surrounded with botanic splendors.  The trip to the mall will never again feel the same. 

Cars. Cars. More Cars.  Yes.  It’s true.  "New Yorkers don't have to spend upwards of three hours a day trapped in their cars. Walking! Ever heard of it? It's nice."  You’ll discover how lovely it is walking among the blossoming jacarandas this time of year. 

Food Trucks.  New York has its pretzel street vendors, but LA has culinary taco trucks.  Taco trucks gave birth to LA’s street food fares long before grilled cheese and lobster rolls were being sold at ever corner.  Give it a try.  You will be pleasantly surprised.  Stop by Ricky's Fish Tacos: The truck serves quite possibly the most famous fish tacos in the city.

Whitewater Rafting in LA?  That creek you see winding through the city is actually Los Angeles River and upstream, you can still get your adrenaline pumping on a sizeable stretch of the River. Ready to strap on a helmet and get wet?   Well, yes. Don’t expect the Colorado River!  After all, this is LA.

City Characters Everywhere.  Especially on Hollywood Boulevard.  The Batman, Cinderella and Elvis are live and well on the famed boulevard.  As are the tributes to all the stars on the sidewalks.     

The Stars Never Die.  They just change residences to Hollywood Forever Cemetery.  Or to Forest Lawn Cemetery.     

For a memorable program in the City of Angeles, Let the professionals at Destination Los Angeles put together a program that your participants will never forget.

Discover the Beauty of California’s Coastal Cities

California is likely the most naturally-diverse state in the US and one of the most unique destinations in the world.  From beaches of Santa Monica in Southern California to the relaxed places in Santa Barbara, also known as the American Riviera.  In this coastal city, you’re in for an awe-inspiring backdrop for your event where everyone of your guests would feel like they are stars of a one-of-a-kind show. Let GMS design a program for you anywhere in California—or just in Santa Barbara—an event that will be fondly remembered for many years after!  See what’s possible in this little-known gem:

Where to stay:

Somerset

Known for featuring the food scene of Santa Barbara, Somerset is known as the place where food is recognized as the cornerstone of the city’s rich culture. Somerset brings out the legendary California cool and classic inspiration to wow guests. Whether your guests choose to sit in the Club Room, main dining area, or Somerset’s elegant garden, there’s always a table for you and your guests. Enjoy the European-inspired classics at the Somerset elegantly interwoven with California’s rich bounty.

El Encanto

"The Charm” in Spanish was a name fittingly given to this landmark venue by Belmond.  This venue incorporates all the magic that makes Santa Barbara so special. The hotel itself is the only 5-star resort in the city and for good reasons. Tucked away, this resort is a little-known gem waiting to be discovered by your guests. The landscape surrounding El Encanto is almost a study in mixed media, situated between gardens, hills, town and country, with the vast Pacific Ocean in the background. The resort is a California approach to glamour.

El Encanto boasts several venues for your event regardless of the nature and size of the event. A lily pond for a cocktail reception and the ballroom for the main event would be a stunning way to finish your incentive program. For a more intimate setting there is the fireside patio or the Wine Room. Let GMS introduce you to a lesser-known side of California.

Things to do:

Flag-Is-Up Farms

Nothing brings your group closer together than an exhilarating teambuilding exercise.  It is a good source of bonding and making the most of the time the group shares with one another.  Now, introduce a horse or two.  At Flag- Is-Up Farms, your team will be guided by the world-renowned “man who listens to horses,” Monty Roberts, in the art of horse rearing and communication. Join a day of communication classes to connect with your horse while also bonding with your team. These lessons go beyond the ranch and can be incorporated into your group’s daily work-life routine. This is more than a day shared with coworkers. It’s a day filled with philosophical and communication gems that the group will carry with it for a lifetime.

Destination LA is a leading destination management and event planning company with offices throughout the US and Canada.  We specialize in custom-tailored programs for meetings, events and incentives throughout North America. Let us showcase our services in planning  your next special event in the US or Canada.

Thanksgiving à la LA

This Thanksgiving start a new tradition. Don’t celebrate the holiday at home. Try something different. While we all crave a homecooked turkey with all the trimmings, there are many new restaurants now catering to those who don’t want to be bothered with a 16-hour bake time—not to mention leftover turkey for a week after.  LA is now home to some unrivaled restaurants that serve Thanksgiving meals.  

Café pinot

Café Pinot is the perfect mix of French and California food and style. Under Executive Chef Viet Pham, it has become a gem surrounded by financial buildings and is near by the music center, making it a popular place for people to grab a bite to eat before a show. Café Pinot is also considered the “Best of” French Cuisine and the most romantic according to LA Downtown News. Stop by this Thanksgiving for their three-course prix-fixe dinner.  Pick from among five appetizers, then choose from three main courses. You could always go for the turkey, but can always break tradition by choosing salmon or hanger steak instead. Dessert is sweet as can be, with pumpkin Crème brûlée and chocolate spiced Crémeux.

Crossroads Kitchen

If you go to Los Angeles and don’t go to a vegan restaurant, have you really been to LA then? Crossroads Kitchen has been open since 2013 by owner and Chef Tal Ronnen. Tal has always been passionate about plant based food, writing “The Conscious Cook” as well as preparing the meals for Oprah Winfrey’s 21-day cleanse. You might be hesitant to go, Crossroads in a place where anybody can eat and enjoy themselves. From 12 pm to 5 pm Thanksgiving Day, Crossroads is hosting a four-course prix-fixe Thanksgiving dinner.  Enjoy butternut squash bisque, autumn chopped salad, holiday spiced chickpea cake, as well as choice of chocolate tart or apple custard cake for dessert. Vegan or not, this menu is sure to make you salivate.

Dreamy New Hotel Opening

A new hotel has opened its doors in Los Angeles. In Hollywood, you can find The Dream Hotel, the latest in style and luxury. Stepping into a world where mid-century marvels meet modern convenience, enjoy furniture that gives the air of the 1950’s while enjoying your Apple iPad at your bedside. Relish modern Californian living with high speed internet, and a gorgeous view from either an oversized window or a private balcony. For dining options, you can always order room service, but for those who want to experience a wonderful sit-down experience, there are many options to choose from.

If you want to have dinner on a rooftop with a pool, then going to the Highlight Room will surely be the highlight of the night! With 11,000 square feet of space, there is a pool and plenty of lounging chairs. The Grill at the Highlight Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with cocktail ls to sip poolside. 

There is also the Tao, known for its great Asian cuisine. Come sit where you will have a great view of the Quan Yin while eating dim sum, or eat fresh sushi while admiring the lounging Buddha. You can even get a drink at their dragon bar.

Another place for a great sit-down dining experience is the Beauty and Essex. With 10,000 square feet of space, as well as a ground floor courtyard, enjoy multi-ethnic cuisine that can’t be matched. After dinner, head to their vintage pawn shop, where trinkets and treasures from a bygone era will surely catch your eye. You might even find something you’ll like.

California Glamping

Camping is not something a lot of people think of when they think of a retreat. As much as some people enjoy nature, they don’t want to deal with some of the sacrifices that have to make when experiencing nature. Glamping is the answer to enjoying nature without leaving modern amenities behind. It’s the projected travel trend of 2018.  So leave the clunky camping gear behind and get set for glamping out down in Southern California.

Since the 1930s, Airstreams have been on the road and campsites all throughout the world. With seventy percent of all Airstreams built still on the road today, you can find several airstreams at Autocamp in Santa Barbara and Russian River. These remodeled airstreams contain midcentury furniture coupled with WiFi.

California and Texas---Shelter Co.

The unique thing about Shelter Co is that they can set up a tent, or even help set up an event anywhere in California. Just let them know where you are camping or hosting your event, and they will set up and take down the tent. They can even help you scout a place to host your event. Shelter Co even rents out furniture if you just want the rustic look.

San Diego---Roar and Snore

At the San Diego Zoo, you can spend the night on the wild side. Spend the night with the animals as you learn all about them and participate in traditional camping activities, like making s’mores. Then watch these animals from your tent. They even serve breakfast the morning after.  Get a premium tent to have your queen size bed as well as electrical outlets.

So if you fancy going glamping instead of a stuffy hotel conference room for your next intimate event, let Destination LA take care of all the detail and get you there in style. 

LA: Did You Know?

1. While practically everyone knows that Los Angeles means the City of Angels in Spanish, there are lots of other exciting secrets that few know about.  Let Destination Los Angeles help you discover these little-known facts about the city many think they know, but everyone loves. Contrary to common belief, Los Angeles is not part of a desert ecosystem. While it is located very close to deserts like Palm Springs, the city itself is actually situated on a Mediterranean biome between the mountains and the sea. While it gets very hot here during the day and cold at night, and while there always seems to be a drought here, the type of plants that grow here thrive in a more mild and temperate climate.

2. There’s an exclusive and secretive Magic Castle that hosts fancy old-fashioned dinners and magic shows. Entrance is for members and their guests only; but Destination LA can get you there to experience it.

3. Some of the classic hotels that old Hollywood stars stayed in, and even died in, are still running and open to patrons. For example, you can stay in the room where Marilyn Monroe allegedly died in the Roosevelt Hotel. Let Destination LA take you for a site inspection of some of the better-known properties. 

4. The famed Hollywood sign originally read ‘HollywoodLand’ when it was erected in 1923. Many people think it was part of a movie set, but it was actually part of an outdoor advertising campaign for suburban housing. When the ‘land’ part fell down years later, the now famous symbol of Hollywood was left for future generations.  How about letting Destination LA take you to the famed sign on horseback? 

5. If in LA, you must try In-N-Out burger.  Contrary to common belief, the popular burger joint wasn’t even started in LA. Technically, it was in an unincorporated city called Baldwin Park, where World War II Veteran and founder Harry Snyder grew up. It is still run by his family who are considered LA burger royalty.

6. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is actually one of the city’s greatest attractions because of all the celebrities that have been buried there through the years.  The craziest thing about this cemetery, however, is that there are regular movie screenings projected on the wall of mausoleum, which are open to the public, so moviegoers can watch the films amongst the graves of the stars starring in them. 

7. Los Angeles wasn’t always the home of the film industry. The only reason it organically moved here over time from its original location of Atlantic City, New Jersey, was to bypass all the laws and patents that were already in place there. Filmmakers found freedom on the West Coast and started a trend that would influence the real birth of the West Coast as a place for innovation and creativity.

Let Destination LA showcase our creativity in the City of Angeles

The Holiday Spirits in California

When most people think of California, they think of the great beaches, the famous Sunset Strip, and of course, the year-round warm weather. If you think warm weather would stop you from enjoying the holiday season in California, then think again! Californians know how to enjoy traditional and not so traditional events to really get into the spirit of the holiday season. Destination Los Angeles shares some of the best activities to partake around the holidays on the West Coast.

Ice Skating Outdoors

Propylene Gycol is what makes skating outside in 60° F possible.  But you don’t need to know the science to enjoy ice skating outdoors; you can just bring a pair of ice skates and go to the many outdoor ice rinks in the Los Angeles area. Most ice rinks open in October and close as late as February. Ice skating is a very Californian thing to do, so here are a few of the many ice rinks in L.A. we recommend:

·       Pershing Square--The Holiday Ice Rink

·       Santa Monica--Ice

·       Queen Mary--Chill

·       Downtown Burbank--The Rink

Mt. Baldy

For those who want real snow for the holiday season, your best chance is to head to a mountain area. Close by to LA, there is the Angeles National Forest. This is where you can find Mt. Baldy, full of activities all year long. There are ski lifts and rentals, as well as a restaurant at 7,800ft. The Top of the Notch serves breakfast, lunch, and a prix-fixe dinner that starts at 6:30 pm

The Polar Express

Now for those who really want to experience the magic of the holidays, look no further than the Polar Express. Based on the book with the same name, you can go to the California State Railroad Museum in Jamestown, CA. For an hour, enjoy sweet treats and meet Santa, who gives out the first Christmas gift of the year: A silver bell. Tickets often sell out quickly, so check availability ASAP.

The Holidays sure are the best time of the year. Let the professionals at Destination Los Angeles help you capture the holiday spirit.