What to do in West Hills, CA

Surf, sun and sand take a backseat to the loud and lively human carnival on parade along the Venice Beach Boardwalk. There’s never a dull moment for people-watching in this sun-drenched bohemian enclave of artists, musicians, poets, singers, skateboarders and jugglers. From chain-sawing acrobats to fire-breathing cyclists, you’ll find Los Angeles at its most ostentatious, eccentric and unrestrained. Just remember to tip performers if you watch most of their show or take their photograph.

Get the iconic southern California sun-and-surf experience at Santa Monica Beach. Discover a sandy stretch of oceanfront delights close to one of the nation’s biggest cities.

To make it big in Hollywood it’s not just a matter of getting your name up in lights. You need your name set in concrete as well. More accurately, it has to be embedded in brass and set inside a coral-pink, terrazzo five-pointed star.

You can get plenty of kicks near the end of Route 66. Santa Monica Pier now marks the official western point of the legendary U.S. highway, one of the country’s first. This world-famous stretch of pavement originally ran from Chicago to Los Angeles, and was later extended to Santa Monica, where many travelers concluded their cross-country trek with a visit to this pleasure pier of fun and excitement.

Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most recognizable districts in Los Angeles. Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame, with stars on the sidewalk honoring thousands of celebrities. See the famous TCL Chinese Theatre, the setting for countless major film premieres.