By Barbara McGuire Daily Bruin Senior Staff Los Angeles is notorious for its lackadaisical lifestyle, its surfers, stars and wannabes. For its women (most of whom have had at least one thing changed on them by a plastic surgeon), its beautiful weather, and most of all, for its scandals with the rich and famous. Yes, Los Angeles definitely lives up to its stereotype of supreme superficiality. And in the middle of it all, nestled in the hills of Westwood, amid the high noses of Beverly Hills and Bel Air, and only a few short minutes from Hollywood, lies UCLA. UCLA students have the unique opportunity to explore all the hot and trendy spots surrounding the campus that every Los Angeles resident must familiarize themselves with. Places that are as notorious as the city, with a history just as rich, and locations that are full of the wacky and the wicked from the city of angels. First, the streets. Every city has its “streets.” Just as San Francisco has Haight Street, Los Angeles packs a few of its own.
Hollywood Boulevard
Quite possibly one of the most “touristy” streets, scores of out-of-state and out-of-country visitors can be found here year-round, complete with pocket guides and cameras. Hollywood Boulevard is known best for its Walk of Fame. Quite possibly the world’s most famous sidewalk, the Walk of Fame is inlaid with stars adorned with the names of the men and women who have helped give Hollywood its “personality.” The stars were first set in 1958 as a permanent tribute to those in the motion picture, television, radio, recording and live theatre industry, recognizing their life-long contributions. Today, it is considered both a cultural and historical landmark. The Walk extends on both sides of the street from Gower to La Brea and continuing on to Vine Street where it runs from Yucca to Sunset Boulevard. But Hollywood Boulevard is filled with many more reasons to visit other than the star-lined sidewalk. Mann’s Chinese Theater with its beautiful architecture is also located on the street, playing host to various movie premieres. Outside of the theater are the exclusive footprints and handprints, personal messages and autographs, of 175 chosen stars. Recent additions include Harrison Ford and Denzel Washington. In addition to these star-inspired monuments, Hollywood Boulevard also boasts a Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Guinness Book of World’s Records museum.
Melrose Avenue
No, this is not the street where that sex-centered television drama, “Melrose Place” occurred, but it is one of the best places to shop in Los Angeles. Melrose Avenue is located in Hollywood, just a few blocks north of Hollywood Boulevard. It is home to numerous specialty shops which line both sides of the street. Stores range from Red Balls, which caters to the rave subculture; to Retail Slut, which sells everything from exotic wigs to bondage gear. Originating as a thrift-shop venue with stores such as Wasteland, Melrose Avenue has gained popularity over the years, becoming a trendy location for shoppers due to its specialty shops. Special hint No. 1: Melrose is notoriously known as the place to hit when looking for rare shoes, as well as just shoes in general – practically every other shop is a shoe store. Special hint No. 2: Many a star has been sighted browsing in the shops along Melrose. Rumor has it that Leonardo DiCaprio frequently drops by at Melrose’s Noah’s Bagels.
Sunset Strip
Quite possibly the No. 1 place to party in Los Angeles at night. Countless bars, clubs and restaurants line the Sunset strip. But those who haven’t reached the legal drinking age should not fear, since not everything is restricted to patrons 21 and over. The Coconut Teaszer, a club which often hosts various rock bands, is 18 and over, although you must have an ID to access the full bar. Additionally, located on the bottom floor of the Coconut Teaszer is The Crooked Bar, which features more independent entertainment acts and even has an open mike night for those looking to make it “big.” For the 21 and over group, there are several bars, such as the Good Bar, as well as numerous clubs. The Viper Room, for instance, co-owned by Johnny Depp and Sal Jenco, is a popular spot. Yes, The Viper Room, in front of which River Phoenix over-dosed, really does exist and hosts various DJs, as well as surprise visits from big-name bands such as Stone Temple Pilots, Bruce Springsteen and Sheryl Crow. The interior is modeled after Harlem’s jazz clubs of the 1920s, and though the club only has an intimate capacity of 250, entrance into the club is not exclusive to well-known names – anyone can get in. There are also other well-known clubs and bars, such as The Roxy, where every rock band seems to play at least once in their career; The House of Blues, where big names play in a small house setting; and The Whisky, where The Doors once played regularly. In addition to all these musically entertaining venues, various shops also line the strip. There is the loud and easily visible Hustler store, whose windows are always filled with erotic and outrageous lingerie for both men and women. There is also a Virgin Megastore that occasionally hosts free concerts with bands such as the Smashing Pumpkins. And finally, what would Hollywood be without its body-altering tattooing and piercing. Located on Sunset are famous tattoo shops such as Sunset Strip Tattoo Inc. which has tattooed such names as Billy Idol, Tupac Shakur, Pamela Lee, Lenny Kravitz and Axl Rose.
Universal City Walk
Though technically not a street upon which cars can drive, Universal City Walk, located next to Universal Studios Hollywood, bills itself as “the coolest street in America.” Much like an outdoor mall only with more to offer, City Walk is known as the perfect place to take a date. There are several places to eat, such as Gladstones, a seafood restaurant; Hard Rock Cafe, which boasts a huge neon guitar in front; and Wolfgang Puck Cafe, a pizzeria. After eating, City Walk visitors often hit the Universal City Cinemas or the recently installed IMAX theater. For a more interesting evening, City Walk now has its own rock ’n’ roll bowling alley, Jillians Hi Life Lanes, as well as Wizardz Magic Club and Dinner Theatre which also has a spot on the street. At Wizardz you can dine while being entertained by various magicians. Coming soon will be the Rumba Room, a multi-level Latin dance club where you can get your boogie on. Aside from the streets, Los Angeles has much to offer in terms of its beaches. Easily accessible by bus or car, the Santa Monica Beach is located about 15 minutes from UCLA (depending on the traffic), and offers just as many fun areas as Hollywood.
Santa Monica Pier/Third Street Promenade
Santa Monica Pier brings to mind the movie “The Lost Boys.” Complete with its own amusement park, Pacific Park, the pier is a standard, old-school family playground. There are 12 rides inside, such as a steel roller coaster and bumper cars. Nothing like Magic Mountain, but then again, it’s located two steps from the beach. The Playland Arcade is located atop the pier, as is the carousel, without which the pier would be incomplete. UCLA is also involved here, with the UCLA Ocean Discovery Center. Here students from nearby schools and everyday visitors come to learn about the Santa Monica Bay. Third Street Promenade is another prime shopping location with shops on the street as well as a regular mall. Shops such as Guess, Urban Outfitters, Gap, J. Crew and more, line the pedestrian thoroughfare, providing something for everyone to enjoy. Street performers can always be expected, ranging from a violin playing cowgirl to street acrobats.
Venice Beach
For some “real” street performers, the boardwalk at Venice Beach is the place to go. Located parallel to the beach, this strip of shops contains nothing ordinary. The street entertainers here are regulars – come back in a year and they will still be there, parading up and down the street hoping to generate a crowd of onlookers. One such regular is sometimes called by the name Harry Perry and can be recognized as a tall man on roller blades with a turban wrapped around his head. Harry Perry rollerblades up and down the strip singing and playing a guitar for shoppers. Other performers range from hip hop break-dancers painted from head to toe in silver or gold to fire blowers and dangerous jugglers. Venice Beach is also known for its endless array of tattoo shops and piercing palaces. Not only can one find an unlimited amount of jewelry for their body here, there are also henna tattoos in addition to the real thing – though the “real thing” here is not recommended as the safest choice available. A bike path also runs between the beach and the stores, fun for a bicycle ride or roller blading. There is also a graffiti park, where skateboarders may frequently be found, that houses many beautiful murals. So, that’s everything Los Angeles has to offer. Yeah right, just kidding! Los Angeles is full of surprises that are always popping up here and there. These few locations are just the more trendy, touristy, well-known venues that everyone must get to know. Los Angeles has many more interesting places and streets to check out, making it the culturally diverse and rich city it is. For now, however, this should keep you busy. ENTERTAINMENT: For info on what’s happening at the Mann’s Chinese theatre, call (323) 461-3331. Universal City Walk can be contacted at (818) 622-4455 and their cinemas can be reached at (818) 508-0588. To get the low-down at the Santa Monica Pier, call (310) 458-8900 as well as the UCLA Ocean Discovery Center at (310) 393-6149. To check out on the crazy nights on Sunset, call The Coconut Teaszer at (818) 353-6241, the Roxy at (310) 276-2222, The House of Blues at (213) 650-0247 and The Whisky at (310) 652-4202.