Signs of the City: LA
In the city of swimming pools and movie stars, check out the most famous icons, ranging from Disneyland to the Santa Monica Pier.
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This large sign commemorated the opening of Disneyland's new look in 1959. The park opened on July 18, 1955 to long lines of eager families and children. Although many of the rides have since changed, the long lines remain the same.
The Santa Monica Pier has been a mecca for people watching for more than 100 years. When you're done ogling the tanned and toned bodies on the pier, be sure to check out the midway games or the viewing deck.
This iconic Randy's Donuts shop features a giant donut 32.5 feet in diameter, enough to make even the diet conscious crave one of the tasty treats inside.
Featured as cover art on the Eagles' "Hotel California" record album, the Beverly Hills Hotel is the perfect spot to spy movie stars lounging by the pool or going incognito as they recover from plastic surgery.
Angelenos stuck in LA's notoriously snarled traffic are sure to be familiar with this sign. Route 101 winds from downtown LA through Hollywood and west to the California coast.
Practice your stage voice at the Orpheum theatre, which was originally a venue for vaudeville acts. You never know who might be in the audience: American Idol and America's Got Talent have broadcasted shows from Orpheum.
The LA Dodgers Stadium is one of the oldest - and biggest - stadiums in Major League Baseball. If your wallet can take it, a Baseline Box will give you a great view of the field and your own private restaurant.
Hollywood Boulevard is one of the biggest tourist stops in LA. If you're on the lookout for celebrities, be careful: in order to prevent cruising, it is illegal to drive the boulevard more than twice in four hours.
Westwood Village is one of the most interesting architectural hotspots of LA, with styles ranging from Art Deco to Mediterranean. Celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Zappa and others are buried nearby.
The Chateau Marmont is steeped in Hollywood legend: John Belushi died in one of its rooms, and Lindsay Lohan, Howard Hughes, Keanu Reeves and many others were former long-term residents.
A paradise for surfers and those who love them, Malibu beaches were also the filming location of the first surfing movie, Gidget.
Feeling nostalgic? Mel's Drive-In vaulted into diner legend when it was used in the 1973 George Lucas film American Graffiti. In order to best recreate scenes from the movie, don't forget the poodle skirt or plenty of pomade.
Running from Chicago to LA, Route 66 may no longer be part of the official interstate highway system, but is most definitely still a stylish place to get your kicks.
The Santa Monica Freeway runs east to west, allowing drivers to escape the city to Santa Monica to the west or Palm Springs to the east. Prepare yourself for serious traffic if you visit this 14-lane highway, even on weekends.
LA's many tour companies will take you on a star safari in hopes of spying celebrities in their natural habitat.
Only famous handprints will do in the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located along 1.3 miles of Hollywood Boulevard and Pine Street in downtown LA.
Los Angeles, United States - January 10, 2016: Close-up of the famous Hollywood Sign. Photograph taken from Mulholland Drive.
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery featured a rocket disguised as a Bob's Big Boy sign, but diners should not fear: they will only find burgers and other treats inside.