With Parking Difficult in Much of L.A., Westwood, California Offers Lots to Do in Just One Place

Long walkway and stairs to upper level of UCLA campus in Westwood,CA called Dickson Plaza. Campus building on left was modeled after Milan's San Ambrogio Church, constructed in the tenth and eleventh centuries, Royce Hall was built in 1929 as one of the first campus structures. Used as an auditorium now

Westwood, California, is one of the most sought after areas to reside in Los Angeles. While home to the students at UCLA, to the east of Westwood Village lies Millionaires Mile with its high-rise apartment buildings and penthouses that sell for up to 20 million dollars. For college students and millionaires alike, the popularity of Westwood lies in the abundant activities available.

The Fowler Museum of cultural history is a unique museum located at UCLA. This museum is dedicated to exploring the art of Africa, Asia, the Pacific and the Americas. It's known for its interpretive exhibitions and innovative approach. The lectures and events held at the museum are generally free of cost.

The Hammer Museum is also in Westwood. Classics from Armand Hammer's collection including works by Cezanne and Van Gogh, a sculpture garden and a growing collection of work since the 60s with a focus on the past decade are among the permanent exhibits. The museum also has a commitment to exhibiting the work of fresh new artists and hosts a program of interdisciplinary events, lectures and films. On Sunday afternoon classes for 8 to 13 year-old children are held free of charge but with a limited admission of 20 spaces.

There are 3 elementary schools and one middle school within the public school system that attend to children from Westwood while private schools are also available.

Several bars, a comedy club and a variety of restaurants that include Health food, Vegetarian, Mexican, Middle Eastern and Japanese cuisine can be found in Westwood itself as well as in the surrounding areas.

Not only is Westwood full of life but in fact it has quite a cast of famed dead people that decided on Westwood as a final resting place. Pierce Bros. Westwood Village Memorial Park is home to the stars' graves. Among the shining lights of Hollywood that have been extinguished and are buried in Westwood are MarilynMonroe, Jack Lemmon George C. Scott, Eva Gabor, Truman Capote, Peggy Lee, Burt Lancaster, Natalie Wood, Dean Martin, DonnaReed, Don Knotts and Roy Orbison.

Of course Westwood would not be Los Angeles if there were not several movie theaters including the Mann Village Theater. The Mann attracts many a film premier. Originally known as the Village Theater and later the Fox Theater, the Mann was built in 1931. Additional artwork was also added to the building in the 40's and 50's. Its Spanish Mission-style architecture includes a tall stone tower rising above the building. With 1400 seats the Mann is the biggest premiere movie venue in Hollywood. The theater is located in Westwood Village, Westwood, California's business and shopping district, where dozens of stores and restaurants can be found comprising the engine of the local Westwood economy.

High demands for housing due to the proximity of so many businesses recreational activity and a major university in this area make rental prices higher than in much of Los Angeles. Residents consider it worthwhile in order to have so much to do so close to home.