Los Angeles - A Guide

Los Angeles-often abbreviated to L.A.-is the largest city in the state of California and the second-largest in the United States by population. It is an alpha world city having a population of over 12 million people and spanning 469.1 square miles (1214.9 square kilometers). The Los Angeles-Long Beach-Santa Ana metropolitan area is home to 24.9 million people. The Greater Los Angeles Area encompasses a much larger area, consisting of 5 counties.

Los Angeles was founded in 1781 by Felipe de Neve. It was a part of Spain then Mexico, when Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, until 1848, when Mexico ceded California to the United States by treaty at the conclusion of the Mexican-American War. It was not incorporated as a municipality until April 4, 1850-five months before California achieved statehood. It is the county seat of Los Angeles County.

Los Angeles is one of the world's centers of culture, science, technology, international trade, and higher education, and is home to world-renowned institutions in a broad range of professional and cultural fields. The city and its immediate surrounding vicinity lead the world in producing popular entertainment-such as motion picture, television, and recorded music-which forms the base of Los Angeles's international fame and global status.

Grafton On Sunset Los Angeles
The Grafton is located on the legendary Sunset Strip in the heart of West Hollywood, adjacent to Beverly Hills and just blocks from Melrose Avenue, Century City, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey and Los Angeles. Our newly rennovated hotel is surrounded by West Hollywood's hottest night spots such as Balboa, House of Blues, Sky Bar and Le Dome.

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Universal Studios Hollywood, Los Angeles
In addition to the famous "backlot" tour of old film sets, this attraction offers several movie-themed rides.

J. Paul Getty Center, Los Angeles
Spectacular museum boasts a most impressive collection by such luminaries as Van Gogh, Monet and Cezanne, along with the architectural triumph of its six buildings and gardens.

Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles
Walk in the steps of the Tinseltown's stars: visit the theater's famous forecourt and gaze down at the stars' footprints, handprints and autographs immortalized in cement.

Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits, Los Angeles
Museum featuring artifacts from the La Brea tar pits.

Hollywood Walk of Fame, Los Angeles
Hollywood Walk of Fame. Hollywood Boulevard A tribute to over 2000 artists who have made significant contributions to film, radio, television, theatre and the recording industries