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Best Day Trips From Los Angeles

the grove 610
(credit: The Grove)

When it comes to planning a fun itinerary out on the town, there is nothing like planning a day trip in sunny, southern California. In addition to L.A.'s great weather, planning a day trip can create the experience of an exciting adventure, especially when it comes to exploring L.A.'s trendy locations that offer eclectic appeal. When it comes to tourists and residents alike, Los Angeles offers a number of exciting niche getaways to visit and explore. Here are a few of L.A.'s most exciting day trip choices for destinations that offer a wide variety of entertainment, shopping, dining and more.

the grove
(credit: The Grove)

The Grove
189 The Grove Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323) 900-8080
www.thegrovela.com

All aboard. Located near CBS television city, the Grove is one of L.A.'s most popular hot spots for shopping and dining. Upon arrival, patrons have the option of taking a train ride and tour of the mega facility by hopping on The Grove trolley. Train conductors greet them and provide a picturesque tour of this ultra modern shopping and entertainment location. Patrons can catch a movie at the Pacific Theatres, where they can pick and choose from the latest blockbusters to watch. When it's time for lunch or dinner, there are a variety of modern and casual restaurants to gourmet eateries that offer an array of authentic culinary choices. Popular cafes on the grounds include Blue Ribbon Sushi, Maggiano's Italian Restaurant, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wood Ranch BBQ and Grill. The Grove has a history in the world of television, serving as the original location for live tapings of the entertainment news show, EXTRA, hosted by Mario Lopez.

Aquarium of the Pacific
(credit: Aquarium of the Pacific)

The Aquarium Of The Pacific
100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 590-3900
www.aquariumofpacific.org

Located in the Shoreline Aquatic Park of Long Beach, the Aquarium of The Pacific presents an exciting array of colorful fish of all shapes and sizes displayed within a five-acre marine setting and location in Rainbow Harbor. Visitors can observe ocean life through the glass partitions with vivid clarity, an experience that makes them feel that they are underwater as well. Fish can be watched swimming about amongst underwater plants swaying in the movement of the blue waters. Summer camps are available for kids and adults. Ocean life exhibits and educational tours are held regularly along with live musical concerts.

hollywoodhighland-tcl chinese theatre
(credit: Tee Burgess)

TCL Chinese Theater (Grauman's Chinese Theater)
6925 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323)461-3331
www.tclchinesetheatres.com

One of L.A.'s most celebrated movie theaters, the TCL Chinese Theater is a classic Hollywood landmark that captures the origins of old to modern Hollywood. Home to Hollywood's top film premieres, it is the most seen theater around the world with steady schedules of new major film releases and red carpets filling its calendar. The theater continues to be a mainstay as a popular landmark for visitors, tourists and residents who flock to the theater daily to visit and explore. Visitors can stroll on a guided tour of the theater as well as take time out to watch one of the latest blockbuster films. Located on Hollywood Blvd., the popular theater is nestled directly at the top of the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where tourists can explore the display of celebrity hand prints and autographs representing some of the top legendary movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Clark Gable, Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep. After enjoying a movie at Grauman's, tourists can take time to visit some of the variety of Hollywood shops, fine dining restaurants and gift shops in the area including memorabilia stores and t-shirt shops.

levitated mass LACMA
(credit: Jordan Winston)

Los Angeles County Museum Of Art (LACMA)
5905 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
(323)857-6000
www.lacma.org

A Los Angeles hotspot for visitors with a zest for visual arts, LACMA is the revered home for global art exhibits featuring classic and modern works by artists from around the world. Art pieces are shown in the multiple halls of the colorful museum grounds with scheduled appearances year round where visitors can view displays presented in a grand and creative fashion. Visitors can make a day of it participating in guided tours of seasonal art displays of some of the most popular artists of the modern age that take place daily at the respected art haven. In addition to its gallery of paintings and photo art, LACMA presents film screenings fusing art and film. In between tours of the exhibits on display, visitors can dine, shop and relax in the sun taking a listen to regular outdoor jazz concerts that feature local artists fusing art, film and music for a day of pure aesthetics.

pechanga
(credit: Elisha R./Yelp)

Pechanga Resort And Casino
45000 Pechanga Parkway
Temecula, CA 92592
(951)693-1819
www.pechanga.com

The city of Temecula offers a unique getaway experience for a one of a kind day trip for adults to enjoy. Taking a drive through the city of Temecula offers a natural view of its beautiful wine country and the popular tourist resort and getaway. Live comedy shows, buffets and upscale dining, souvenir shopping, and spa services are available for guests to experience and enjoy. In addition to live entertainment, gaming and dining available at the destination, guests can step out on the greenery of the Pechanga golf course to play a round of golf in the sun.

Belinda Ware is a Hollywood Insider news journalist who finds herself in the right place at the right time covering celebrity news, pop culture, opinion pieces and general breaking news stories on the latest trends in popular news. Her hobbies include golf, chess and world travel. Read more on Examiner.com.
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