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Interesting Facts About Los Angeles

The famed city of Los Angeles is known as the entertainment capital of the world. It is a cultural icon that boasts over 100 museums, world-class restaurants, and notoriously idyllic weather. 

Tourists come from around the globe to see the infamous Walk of Fame or fabled Hollywood sign. L.A. is also home to an ever-expanding tech industry that drives the region. It is also the only city in North America to have the honor of hosting the Olympics twice, with a plan to host again in the year 2028. 

Without a doubt, L.A. is a happening place. In a city famous for celebrities, beaches, and traffic, here are some interesting facts you may not know about fabulous L.A. 

Hollywood Beginnings

Everyone knows that L.A. is home to some of the biggest production studios in the world, but how did they end up in L.A. anyway? The surprising answer is to get away from the notoriously litigious Thomas Edison. 

That’s right, the famous inventor of the lightbulb was also the owner of most of the country’s film patents. To avoid intellectual property claims, many studios and filmmakers’ field to the west to create away from Edison’s watchful eye. 

Also, the famous “Hollywood” sign used to read “Hollywoodland” and was created as a real estate advertisement for nearby housing developments. 

The Forgotten Oil Boom

Oil was discovered in 1892, near what is now the L.A. Dodger’s baseball stadium. By the year 1923, Los Angeles was responsible for producing a quarter of the world’s oil. 

To this day, it sits on the U.S.’s third-largest oil field in the entire country. There is still an oil derrick located on the Beverly Hills High School property. It even produces around 400 barrels per day. That adds up to about $300,000 a year in oil production royalties.

Little Known Attractions

The Walk of Fame and Hollywood sign are must-sees, but there are tons of other fun things to do in downtown L.A. as well. 

One of the best places to go in downtown L.A. is The Broad Museum. It is one of the most visited museums in Los Angeles. It has become famous for its Instagram friendly exhibits and larger than life displays. Be sure to get there early or get your tickets in advance. 

Just across the street is the world-famous Walt Disney Concert Hall. This architectural masterpiece features beautiful gardens and stunning views. If you are lucky enough to see a performance, it is said to have the best acoustics in all of L.A. 

For one of the most unique things to do in downtown L.A., visit The Last Bookstore. This former bank was converted into a two-story bookstore that is every book lover’s dream. The old bank vault was turned into a surreal book tunnel, which also houses a vast collection of crime novels. 

Best Places to Eat in Downtown L.A.

L.A. is home to some of the best restaurants and eateries in the world. To experience downtown like a true Angelino, try some of these local favorites. 

If you are looking for some trendy new spots, Bon Temps, located in the Arts District, does everything from breakfast pastries to elegant fine dining dinners. Pasjoli and Onda in Santa Monica both have polished and upscale menus, located mere steps from the ocean. 

Felix on the westside features authentic pasta and pizza. Mizlala, located in Sherman Oaks, offers fantastic Mediterranean fare for an affordable price. If you are looking for Asian-inspired cuisine, Nightshade is essential.

You can expect to pay more at any of the fine dining restaurants, but the service and the atmosphere are well worth the price. If you are looking for more affordable options, Los Angeles also has many great local eateries and cafes. 

Life in Downtown L.A.

Living in downtown Los Angeles can be both fun and convenient. Entertainment is everywhere, and most amenities are easily accessible. The city boasts some of the nation’s best libraries, museums, and theaters, and public transportation is easy to navigate. 

Besides, L.A. is a melting pot of people and cultures. Cuisine from around the world is available from some of the most renowned chefs. Entertainment is abundant, and the city has some of the most beautiful scenery and architecture in the nation. Life in L.A. is enjoyable year-round. 

In addition to one of the most star-studded places on earth, Los Angeles can be an excellent place to call home.