DISCOVER LOS ANGELES
Converge in a city forever on the verge.
An ever-changing mosaic of eclectic cultures, Los Angeles is a dynamic, global city that is home to more than four million people. Amazing opportunities and one-of-a-kind experiences emerge daily in this unforgettable place, where diverse communities and industries collide and thrive.
The best way to dive into this vibrant expanse is through its exciting food scene. Here you can set out in the morning for French-pressed coffee at a curbside cafe, wander to a Korean/Mexican-fusion food truck for an Instagram-worthy lunch and top off your day with indulgent Argentinian empanadas, curry from Ethiopia or a burger served up “Animal Style” from In-N-Out. There are quite literally hundreds of amazing restaurants to chose from, so bring your appetite.
Visitors marvel at the array of famous attractions that dot this legendary landscape. Amusements entice kids of all ages from Universal Studios to Disneyland and postcard-perfect Santa Monica Pier. Art lovers can while the day away at The Broad, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art or The Getty Center. World-class shopping summons from Beverly Hills to Hollywood while sporting events and concerts at the massive Staples Center dominate downtown.
Whatever is on your itinerary, the UCLA Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center is a great home base for exploring all that Southern California has to offer.
Westwood Village
Just a 10-minute walk from the Luskin Conference Center and its Westwood accommodations, this charming community enclave serves as the university’s unofficial college town. A destination for shopping and dining, it also holds a prominent place in film history, with its vintage landmark theaters that still host movie premieres today. Westwood Village also offers everyday conveniences for those visiting the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center.
Beverly Hills & West L.A.
Beverly Hills attracts well-heeled shoppers from around the world, boasting many upscale fashion houses and boutiques, as well as noteworthy restaurants along famous Rodeo Drive. In addition to this storied neighborhood, West L.A. also has famous museums and attractions such as the world-famous Petersen Automotive Museum and the La Brea Tar Pits. For amazing shopping and dining, make sure to also visit the Original Farmers Market (see our Insider Tip Sheet).
Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown Los Angeles is home to a rich history, displayed in magnificent buildings like Union Station, as well as stunning contemporary attractions like the Walt Disney Concert Hall designed by architect Frank Gehry. Visitors to this area can easily enjoy a variety of cultural experiences in a single day, simply by walking between the close-knit neighborhoods, including Chinatown and Little Tokyo. After a day of exploring, the Luskin Conference Center’s on-campus hotel is a great place to stay at UCLA.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica and several other picturesque Southern California beach cities of L.A. are close by to the Luskin Conference Center! Santa Monica is home to many attractions, including the Santa Monica Pier, Third Street Promenade and the Santa Monica Place shopping mall. Visitors to Santa Monica can enjoy fresh seafood, innovative California cuisine and a variety of outdoor activities, such as biking, hiking and surfing — perfect ways to take advantage of Southern California’s mild and sunny climate.
Hollywood
Hollywood is L.A.’s most popular spot for tourism and rightfully-dubbed the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Hollywood is unlike any other neighborhood and is almost mythological. And it’s just a short drive away from the UCLA Luskin Conference Center! Visitors to Hollywood enjoy finding their favorite celebrities’ stars along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, posing with life-like wax statues at Madame Tussaud’s, seeing live theatre at the Pantages Theatre or looking out for the world-famous Hollywood Sign.
Pasadena
Beautiful Pasadena is the home of the world-famous Rose Bowl stadium, where UCLA plays its home football games and where people from around the world go to each year to see the annual Tournament of Roses Rose Parade and football game. Pasadena has lots of other great attractions as well, including the world-renowned Norton Simon Museum, the Gamble House and Pasadena Playhouse. Pasadena’s main business and entertainment district, Old Pasadena, is also one of L.A.’s hot spots for fine dining, relaxing at cafés and for shopping at boutique stores.