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Los Angeles,
California |
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Greater Los Angeles is a massive megalopolis
encompassing 5 counties and 40 municipalities with a
combined population of 18.5 million. It is a popular
tourist destination best known for its 6 theme parks, 25
beach parks, 15 shopping centers, 100 museums and many
other interesting sites. Communities in Los Angeles'
suburbs and south along the Pacific Coast offer much to
see and do. |
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Long known for its association with the Hollywood
entertainment industry, tourist attractions in Los Angeles
include movie studios and performance venues and celebrity home
viewing.
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It is enjoyable to drive through residential streets to view the
eclectic architectural styles of the homes
dating from different periods over the past century. |

On Mount Hollywood, in Griffith Park, the
Griffith Observatory is a popular tourist attraction with its
extensive array of science and space-related displays, and its
panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin. |

The J. Paul Getty Museum in the Brentwood
neighourhood of L.A. holds a vast collection of pre-20th Century
paintings, drawings, manuscripts, sculptures and decorative
arts. From its attractive gardens, the skyline of downtown Los
Angeles can be viewed.
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Glendale exemplifies a Los Angeles suburb that has established
its own identity with an attractive central core of theatres,
shops and restaurants. |

A quirky attraction in Glendale is the Neon Art Museum with
restored vintage neon signs and a workshop for neon artisans.
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10 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Pasadena is known for its
academic institutions, its historical downtown and its hosting
of the Rose Bowl. (photo courtesy of UHaul.com) |

A hidden treasure in Pasadena is The Huntington, an estate that
houses 2 art museums, a library of historical books and letters,
and themed gardens such as the Chinese Garden shown here.
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The golden retablo in Basilica, San Juan
Capistrano |

A monument to honor early astronomers,
Griffith Observatory |

The world's largest wind chimes at Fashion Island Mall,
Newport Beach
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A wide range architectural features reflect the history,
artistic traditions and culture of Southern California.
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This view from Crystal Cove State Park shows typical California coastline of
basalt cliffs, rocky outcroppings, sand dunes and beaches. |

The historical area of Crystal Cove has beach houses dating
to the 1920s and 30s, the former homes of Japanese farmers and
fishers which have been converted to vacation properties.
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Newport Beach, a coastal community 40 miles south of downtown
Los Angeles is known for its sandy beach and large recreational
harbor which hosts many nautical competitions. |

Newport's
Balboa Peninsula has a port for ferries to Catalina Island and
to nearby Balboa Island with its waterfront walking path and
charming village center.
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San Juan Capistrano Mission, established by Saint Junipero Serra
in 1776, displays historical and religious artifacts, including
the mission's original bells and chapel. |

The Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano has an interior in a
colonial Mexican style, and delightful paintings on its adobe
walls of other California missions.
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