Classic Los Angeles Photos -- National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides

A ’62 Cadillac Ragtop
Photograph by Christian Heeb/Aurora
A ’62 Cadillac ragtop is the perfect set of wheels from which to take in a movie at the Drive-In Theatre in West L.A.
Venice Beach Street Fair
Photograph by Ian Shive/Aurora Photos
A year-round street fair, the town of Venice Beach boasts tranquil parks, artsy enclaves, and raucous beach bars.
Santa Monica Pier
Photograph by Ian Shive/Aurora
A rain-slick boardwalk winds toward the bright lights of the Santa Monica Pier’s famous amusement park.
Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame
Photograph by Ed Kashi / IPN /Aurora
At the Walk of Fame, on Hollywood Boulevard, Tinseltown celebrities from Gene Autry to Lassie are celebrated.
Freeway Traffic
Photograph by Patrick Bennett/Corbis
A daily sight, Los Angeles’ car-jammed freeways have been a feature of movies and breaking news events.
Koreatown Café
Photograph by Ed Kashi / IPN /Aurora
Most any time means a bustling dining scene at the BCD Tofu House, a popular Koreatown café open 24 hours.
Metro Commuters at Union Station
Photograph by Ed Kashi / IPN /Aurora
At Union Station, metro commuters have replaced the Hollywood stars who once arrived in the city by train.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels
Photograph by Ed Kashi / IPN /Aurora
Mass at the strikingly contemporary Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels is a spiritual and artistic meditation.
Dancers on Olvera Street
Photograph by Ed Kashi / IPN /Aurora
Mexican culture, including these dancers from the Ballet Coco, is on display at a downtown fair on Olvera Street.
Griffith Park Observatory
Photograph by Todd Bigelow/Aurora
A long-time Los Angeles icon, the recently renovated Griffith Observatory has introduced millions to astronomy.