Come Saturday night, Sunset Boulevard is a river of headlights, a slipstream of teen-packed Jeeps and heavy Chevies with bass speakers for ballast. But the next morning brings a new world. Empty and peaceful, Sunset Boulevard is wide open—just like the promise of a Sunday drive on the most mythic street in America. From downtown to the beach, this 25-mile road tells the story of Los Angeles, slicing westward through a cross section of neighborhoods, and climbing the socioeconomic hill that rises from the pavement of downtown to the high-priced real estate of Pacific Palisades. Here are four great stops on a Sunday drive.
SEE: Nuestra Señora, La Reina de Los Angeles. WHAT: Built in 1822, La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora hosts a dozen masses that attract 10,000 worshippers every Sunday. In the courtyard are churro and taco stalls alongside occasional games of Lotería (Mexican bingo). WHEN: 6:30 a.m.–8:30 p.m. WHERE: 535 N. Main St., downtown Los Angeles; 213/629-3101.
BRING KIDS: House of Blues’ gospel brunch. WHAT: A foot-stomping, hand-waving gospel group praises the Lord as you enjoy a buffet of his bounty—waffles, cheese grits, and more. WHEN: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sun. HOW MUCH: $37 ages 13 and up, $21 ages 5–12, 4 and under free; reservations recommended. WHERE: 8430 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood; 323/848-5100.
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| David Zaitz |
| Will Rogers State Historic Park. |
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Polo at Will Rogers State Historic Park. WHAT: Jodhpur-clad riders thunder on L.A.’s only polo field. Cowboy-humorist Will Rogers played here with pals Clark Gable and Walt Disney. WHEN: Contact the Will Rogers Polo Club about Sunday matches. HOW MUCH: $7 parking. WHERE: 1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd., Pacific Palisades; www.willrogerspolo.org or 310/573-5000.
RELAX: Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine. WHAT: A spring-fed lake, swans, and a Gandhi peace memorial are highlights at this spiritual sanctuary. Created by Paramahansa Yogananda, the Indian swami who introduced yoga to
America in the 1920s. WHEN: 9—4:30 Tue–Sat, 12—4:30 Sun. WHERE: 17190 Sunset Blvd., Pacific Palisades; 323/225-2471.
—Jerry Camarillo Dunn
INFO: To get to downtown’s La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora, the first stop on this trip, exit U.S. 101 at Broadway onto Aliso St., then turn left at Main St.
