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Five Reasons To Visit Los Angeles In 2015

hollywood sign 610 header los angeles
(credit: ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

Los Angeles, in addition to being the movie capital of the world, is also listed as one of the must-see U.S. cities on many tourist lists. Famous for its celebrity sightings, red carpet events and Hollywood nightlife, LA is also filled with culture, historic locations, cutting-edge fashion and stunning scenery. Should you find yourself with some upcoming vacation time and you are trying to figure out where to go, here are five reasons to visit Los Angeles in 2015.

disneyland
(credit: Disneyland)

Disneyland
www.disneyland.disney.go.com

Disneyland is not just for kids, it's for the whole family. Theme rides and shows are certain to entertain the little ones while thrilling roller coasters, a submarine voyage and interactive games will please the bigger kids. There are also luxury accommodations, spa treatments and fine dining for the adults. In addition, this is the same Disneyland celebrities bring their own kids to so celebrity sightings are an added bonus, making it truly the happiest place on earth. Some of the rides that were closed for maintenance will reopen in 2015. Check the website for more details.

Related: Best Camping Sites Near Los Angeles

#9. Avalon Bay, California
(credit: Thinkstock.com)

Catalina Island
www.catalinachamber.com

Turn your LA vacation into an exotic island vacation and head over to Catalina. You can explore the clear blue waters with diving, snorkeling, seatrekking and kayaking. Explore the mountainous island and search for native buffalo or go parasailing, ziplining, hiking or biking. You can also check out the marine life on the glass bottom boats and undersea semi-submersible tours. Of course, there are lots of shops, restaurants and beach areas for lounging. Enjoy all of this with no passport needed.

Space Shuttle Endeavour Arrives In L.A. Atop Transport Plane
(credit: Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

The Beaches Along the PCH
www.gocalifornia.about.com

Los Angeles alone has 72 miles of beautiful coastline with thirty of them being beaches that are accessible to the public. Start with lunch in Manhattan Beach and cruise the PCH through Venice and Santa Monica all the way up to Malibu for dinner. Wind along the 1 with oceanfront mansions and rocky mountain cliffs on either side of you. Take a break from driving and relax on any of the designated beaches, any of which will give you a fantastic view of our magnificent sunsets regardless of the time of year. Perhaps even catch a few waves or take a few surfing lessons while you're at it.

Hollywood Walk of Fame
(credit: JOE KLAMAR/AFP/Getty Images)

Hollywood Walk of Fame
www.walkoffame.com

Known as the most famous sidewalk in the world, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is home to more than 2,500 stars honoring those in music, television, film and theater. Stroll down the Boulevard and see blasts from the past like Charlie Chaplin, Lucille Ball and John Wayne to the more recent like Katey Sagal, Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves. Perhaps even catch one of the scheduled upcoming 2015 ceremonies for Will Ferrell, Jennifer Garner, Daniel Radcliffe, Amy Poehler, Sofia Vergara and Kristin Chenoweth along with many others. The best part is it's free.

Getty Villa
The Getty Villa (pictured), which is modeled after a Roman country house buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD, will no longer have water in its reflecting pool. (credit GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

The Museums
www.discoverlosangeles.com

One of the great things about Los Angeles is our collections of museums. From folk art to fine art, from science to history and everything in between, the museums in Los Angeles make creations from around the world accessible to everyone. Some museums to consider are the LACMA, The Page Museum (LaBrea Tar Pits), CAFAM, the Getty, the MOCHA and The Grammy Museum. And just for fun, there's also the Guinness Book of Records, the Hollywood and the Wax museum. Check museum websites for their upcoming 2015 exhibits.

Related: Best Sites For TV Audience Tickets In LA

Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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