Los Angeles
Los Angeles USA is an expansive Southern California city that’s the center of the nation’s film industry. It’s home to Hollywood Studios, where you can take behind-the-scenes tours. You can also see celebrities’ handprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre. And there’s a Walk of Fame that honors thousands of luminaries. You can even buy maps to the homes of your favorite stars.
The post-World War II boom accelerated the growth of the city, and urban sprawl extended to the San Fernando Valley. However, the city continued to grapple with unresolved racial problems, including the 1968 Chicano walkout and the 1970 Chicano Moratorium. Although Los Angeles was one of the host cities of the 1984 Summer Olympics, the 1980s saw a rise in gang violence and the use of crack cocaine. Meanwhile, the Rodney King case in 1991 caused large riots.
The city has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers. Coastal sage scrub and mountains provide a range of habitats for native plants. The Los Angeles sunflower, California poppy, matilija poppy, and toyon are native to the region. The Los Angeles sunflower, the city’s official flower, is endangered.
Los Angeles has a vibrant arts scene. The Broad Museum of Contemporary Art opened in 2015 and features world-renowned contemporary art collections. The Abbot Kinney Art District is another melting pot of talented designers and collectors. Here, you can buy carefully curated one-off pieces and explore the food scene.