Grauman’s Chinese Theater: Tour a Relic from Hollywood’s Heyday

Off-the-beaten-path it is not. Among the 10 most visited tourist traps in SoCal, Grauman’s Chinese Theater is, nevertheless, a trap I didn’t mind being ensnared in.



That’s not to say that I enjoyed being accosted by the seemingly drug-addled freaks, adorned in Star Wars and Superman garb, who gathered out front to badger passersby into paying for their pictures. Nor did I appreciate the camcorder-touting supertourists, who stepped on my toes, as they jostled for that perfect shot.

But despite the freaks and crowds, the theater deserves a visit for its history alone. The backstage tour, which runs about $11 pp, is a great way to see more than the tourist-infested outside.



Completed in 1927 by Sid Grauman, one of the original 36 founders of the Academy of Motion Pictures, the Chinese Theater boasts the largest screen in the country – over 90 feet wide. The scene of countless movie premieres, Grauman’s opulently cheesy Chinese décor looks almost the same today as when it opened 80 years ago. Two original giant Heaven dogs imported from China still guard the theater’s imposing bronze entry doors.



Our tour guide Chris explained how it’s still tradition for actors and directors to touch the kitschy Chinese wax figure inside the entrance for good luck. Ok, I’ll admit it. I was superstitious enough to touch the darn thing myself when Chris wasn’t looking. I’ll let you know when my screenplay gets optioned:)



Besides the wax figure, there are oriental carpets, large vases and urns, red spider lights imported from Shanghai, and a beautifully-painted brick wall depicting a forest. The theater’s décor reminds me of Tinseltown’s ability to transport people out of the humdrum of daily life into an alternate fantasy world.



Famed for the hand- and footprints immortalized in its cement forecourt, Chris had some amusing anecdotes about the stars’ various cement ceremonies. Apparently, silent film star Norma Talmadge accidentally started the tradition when she stepped into a wet cement slab.

Jimmy Stewart defied superstition and stepped into his cement square while standing under a ladder with a black cat next to him. Meanwhile, Samuel L. Jackson wanted a purple-hued square, but the cement mixers failed to concoct it so he had to settle for plain gray.



Interested in checking out the VIP lounge, either take the tour or splurge for special access to the balcony and lounge area that boasts a full bar and checker tables. Did I mention the historic photos of Marilyn Monroe and Ronny Reagan on display? Tres cool!

Looking for something to do after the tour? There’s an over-the-top mall next door. While the stores are nothing special, it does feature elephant decorations and an oxygen bar.

6925 Hollywood Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Cross Street: Highland

Manhattan Beach: Sun, Surf, Sand, and Sweat

Imagine the quintessential SoCal beach with great waves, sea-green water, and clean sand that stretches for miles in both directions. Throw in a picturesque pier, beach volleyball, surfers and boogie boarders galore and you’ll start getting a feel for Manhattan Beach. (Did I mention that dolphins have been known to frolick near the shore here?)



As the first SoCal beach I ever laid eyes on, I have a special fondness for this yuppy, yet laid back South Bay enclave. But my fondness goes beyond mere nostalgia. While not far from the hustle and bustle of LAX, a visit to this laid-back city is like taking a mini-vacation.

Life here centers around the beach. Flip flops and swimwear are the unspoken uniform. Besides being relatively cleaner than Santa Monica, it also gets less of the camera-toting, super tourist crowd.



This is the playground of the toned, taut, and tan… almost makes me feel like I should take up beach volleyball or something – almost! Besides swimming and surfing, there are beachside paths for runners, rollerbladers, and bikers. So if you want to break a sweat, but don't want to be stuck indoors at a gym, this is the place to come. No wonder so many professional athletes call Manhattan Beach home.



If you want to try boogie boarding, surfing, rollerblading, etc. but don’t want to commit to buying the equipment, rent at FunBunn’s near the corner of Manhattan Beach Blvd and Manhattan Ave. Don’t forget to stop in at the Manhattan Beach Creamery next door to enjoy an ice cream snack in an old-fashioned, ice cream parlor ambiance.



For those into architecture, the stunning homes alongside the beach are almost as captivating as the ocean view (although don’t expect over-the-top Beverly Hills-style ostentation).



If you get worn out from all the physical exertion and want something to do besides building sand castles, check out the small, non-profit Roundhouse Aquarium at the pier’s end. You can see eels, sting rays, and even touch a starfish.



Be sure to take some time away from the beach to explore the boutiques and restaurants. Be forewarned, prices can be steep here. Notable exception: Wahoo’s, an inexpensive fish taco chain on Manhattan Ave. that won’t break the bank.

Parking's not easy, especially in summer. There are a number of metered parking lots with 2 hour limits. Don't forget to feed those hungry meters. A parking ticket can quickly change the "life's a beach" vibe into something similar sounding.

Directions:

• Take the I-405 north or south and exit on Manhattan Beach Blvd., heading west to the coast.
• Alternatively, you can take Rosecrans from the I-405, which takes you to the north end of town. From Rosecrans, turn left on Highland to go through town. The beach will be down the hill to the left, a couple of blocks away.