Aspiring actors with grandiose visions of stardom still flock to Hollywood, but this historic heart of L.A.’s film industry is not what it used to be, and disappointment may loom large. Today, Hollywood is more illusion and state of mind than actual industry, and studios are now dispersed around town, leaving only remnants of the neighborhood’s yesteryear glamour.

Many people visit and choose to live in the Los Angeles area for the sunny weather and the beautiful coastline. For those heavily influenced by the Beach Boys, the homes in Venice, Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach and the other beach cities provide breathtaking views of the crashing waves.