The car is not any longer king in LA. With over 120 miles of latest bike ways created in the city of l. a. within the last two years, increased Metro transit options and the expanded frequency and reach of CicLAvia—the nation’s largest open streets event—the city is putting the brakes on its car-centric roots. Beginning Earth Day, April 22, the la Tourism & Convention Board (LA Tourism) invites travellers to join this green movement with the launch of “Car Free LA,” an eco-friendly initiative designed to showcase the city’s unexpected car-free offerings.
“Car Free LA” encompasses a series of expertly-tailored itineraries centered around exploring Los Angeles’ various neighborhoods taking walks , bike and public transportation while highlighting the city’s iconic attractions, vibrant music scene, historic architecture, arts and culture, eclectic cuisine and endless entertainment. “Car Free LA” itineraries are available in without cost at: http://www.discoverlosangeles.com/CarFreeLA.
From taking the Angel’s Flight Railway to the head of Bunker Hill, then commencing strolling to explore MOCA, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and Grand Park, to heading out by bike on a scenic beach ride, these self-guided itineraries give visitors the tools they have to navigate town without hoping on a car. Along with saving money on gas, travelers can add time to their vacations and find a side of la they may otherwise overlook from behind the wheel. Themed itineraries include:
* DISCOVER HOLLYWOOD CAR FREE (via foot, bike, and Metro) – Explore old Hollywood gems including the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel and the TCL Chinese Theatre strolling; take the Metro Red Line to Universal Studios Hollywood.
* DISCOVER WEHO & MUSEUM ROW CAR FREE (via foot and bus) – Get immersed in art and culture at Los Angeles’ Museum Row; bus or walk to The Grove and the unique Farmers Market; explore Fairfax Avenue with a trip to Canter’s Deli and bar hop along Sunset Boulevard.
* DISCOVER BEACH CITIES CAR FREE (via foot and bike) – Absorb the Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park; bike to Muscle Beach, the Venice Canals and Abbot Kinney Boulevard; walk along Santa Monica’s Main Street and Santa Monica Place for the superior shopping on the town.
* DISCOVER DOWNTOWN CAR FREE (via foot and Metro) – Take a car-less tour of bourgeoning Downtown with a ride on Angel’s Flight, the world’s shortest railway; walk to MOCA, the Walt Disney Concert Hall and the hot Grand Park; ride the Expo Line to Exposition Park to go to the Natural History Museum and California Science Center, home to the gap Shuttle Endeavor.
* DISCOVER LA MUSIC CAR FREE (via foot, bus, and Metro) – Rock and roll along LA’s music scene along the infamous Hollywood Walk of Fame, through LA via West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, Hollywood and Downtown, with stops on the Hollywood Bowl, Amoeba Records and the GRAMMY Museum.
* DISCOVER SAN PEDRO CAR FREE (via foot and Waterfront Red Line) – Experience LA’s Waterfront with a trip to Downtown San Pedro, Ports o’ Call and the USS Iowa, the world’s greatest Battleship.
* DISCOVER MULTICULTURAL DOWNTOWN CAR FREE (via foot and Metro) – Ride the Metro to the ethnic enclaves of Olvera Street, Chinatown and Little Tokyo; stop at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes, visit Philippe the unique and explore the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.
Visitors to the “Car Free LA” site may also find up-to-date information on car-free events together with CicLAvia and popular guided tours from Bikes and Hikes LA, Starline Tours and more. As well, the location provides details on bike rentals from companies like Pedal or Not and Perry’s Café and Rentals and an inventory of LA’s scenic hiking trails.
The “Car Free LA” program makes its debut at a time when the city’s give attention to walking, biking, and public transportation is at an all-time high. In January 2013, La adopted a brand new bike rental program with a view to put 4,000 bikes at the road with 400 rental stations through the city inside the coming months, making it the second one-biggest public bike rental program within the U.S. Newz transit oriented developments will ultimately create 87 miles of rail connecting destinations across LA County, further changing the face of l. a. . Designed as an extended-term tourism initiative, LA Tourism will add new “Car Free LA” itineraries on an ongoing basis.