meltwaterfalls:
I read that article the other day, I must admit I am a bit skeptical of it. It mostly seemed to be a bit of free advertising for the consultancy firm and a nice list which is good Click Bait.
Solivagant:
Hollywood - I see it recently figured among the "10 most disappointing destinations in the world"
Solivagant:
LA certainly has it virtues, as well, I am sure, as being a place where one can have a nice life (with the right "assets").
Haha, I was kind of expecting this response! You could not grant LA too much praise!!! All in good fun, and none of your comments are fully wrong. I am very aware of
Meltwaterfalls "mixed" feelings about LA, and I harbor no ill will, indeed I understand his (and many) peoples frustrations. Hollywood for any local is far more than the tourist fair in one section of Hollywood Blvd.
Certainly, the wealth gap in some parts of LA are shocking and disappointing (though many areas are transforming (exp: Westlake, Compton, Long Beach, Boyle Heights). But to label it this way, often leads to ignoring the incredible wealth of culture to be found in LA. These unique assets vary from Baldwin Hills -
Village Green,
Watts Towers,
Little Tokyo, the
Great Wall of Los Angeles, the
Museum of Latin American Art,
Olvera Street, and
Mission San Gabriel Archangel.
Furthermore, the MLK parade in South LA, or the Mexico (Independence & Cinco de Mayao) events in East LA are massive. The food "culture" is nothing short of superb, you can easily find authentic and shockingly good Vietnamese, Salvadorian, Mexican, Korean, Japanese, Jewish, Indian food, and countless other cuisines throughout the city. I think no one can argue London weather is depressing compared to California, no?
This all being said, I would love to visit London and Paris right now! Back on track, concerning world heritage, The
Gamble House (and the surrounding Greene & Greene neighborhood) has been selected as a potential candidate to be added to the US tentative list. Like Solivagant has previously mentioned, and I have also campaigned for, would be some kind of movie studio/palace nomination. Los Angeles, is often liked halfheartedly by visitors, but for anyone who "stays" it grows on you. I can surely attest to this, not originally being from Los Angeles myself (only 5 years now). LA lacks any must-do itinerary for the casual or adventurous traveler. Particularly in regards to the absolute necessity of a car, what does one do exactly?
This is why a regional tourism plan is so important. I am encouraged by recent developments. Right now LA tourism is essentially centered on Hollywood Blvd, an unfiltered/unguided Downtown LA, Santa Monica Pier/Promenade, and the Venice Boardwalk. Then one considers, Malibu has the best beaches, Palos Verdes has the best coast, Griffith Park has the best views, and the most "wow" factor historic site is in Watts? Not too mention Catalina island and the buffalo! There are several world class museums, but how much are actually visited by people outside California? How can the average or even experienced traveler know of the modern architecture wonderland that LA is, if these treasures are not promoted at all. Food culture, how much are the neighborhoods that produce some of America's best ethnic cuisine highlighted for anyone outside LA? Herein lies the problem.