Did You Know?

Did you know that Los Angeles has a rich cultural scene and hosts numerous museums and art galleries? The Getty Center, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), and the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County are just a few examples of the city's world-class cultural institutions. These venues showcase a wide range of art, history, and scientific exhibits.

Did you know that Los Angeles is home to the largest county park system in the United States? The Los Angeles County Park system comprises over 400 parks, covering approximately 69,000 acres (28,000 hectares) of land. These parks offer a wide array of recreational activities, from hiking and picnicking to sports and cultural events.

Did you know that Los Angeles has the world's busiest origin and destination airport? Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is one of the busiest airports globally, with millions of travelers passing through each year. It serves as a major gateway to international destinations and is a hub for various airlines.

Did you know that Los Angeles is often called the "Entertainment Capital of the World"? The city is renowned for its thriving entertainment industry, including Hollywood, which is the center of the American film and television industry. Many iconic movies, TV shows, and music albums have originated in Los Angeles.

Did you know that Los Angeles is the second-largest city in the United States? With a population of over 3.9 million people, it is surpassed only by New York City. Los Angeles is a diverse and vibrant metropolis that encompasses a wide range of neighborhoods, cultures, and industries.

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Santa Monica Pier

If you ever feel like going back to one of those classic amusement parks from the early 20th century, but don’t happen to own a time machine, Santa Monica Pier is tailor-made for you. It even still operates its 1922 carousel with 42 painted horses in perfect detail.

Opened in 1909 at the foot of Colorado Avenue in Los Angeles, and stretching out over the Pacific Ocean, Santa Monica Pier, known as a “pleasure pier” as it does not serve as a commercial wharf, is home to a surprisingly large number of varied entertainments, despite its limited space.

Try your hand at the high-tech arcade. Take a ride on the roller coaster or solar-powered ferris wheel. Test your skills at all the games. Learn how to really be a swinger at the trapeze school. Go downstairs, below the pier, and see what’s swimming in the aquarium. Not sure what you should do? Go ask the fortune teller!

There is a terrific range of places to eat on Santa Monica Pier, and if you eat too much, just hop down onto the sand at Muscle Beach and work it off at the famous (free!) outdoor gym.