10 of the best rooftop bars in London

Top drinking spots with bird's eye views of one of the world's greatest cities

London does pubs and pints famously well but you can increasingly add rooftop bars to the superlatives list, too.

True, summer lasts only about two weeks here but that hasn’t dampened the enthusiasm for an alfresco cocktail or two -- most of these spots are open year-round with outdoor heaters and cozy blankets if you want to leave the sheltered inside space.

These 10 panoramic places will be among the best perches in town for New Year revels.

Queen of Hoxton, East London

Queen of Hoxton -- upper crust.Located in the heart of Hipsterville with an uninspiring view of surrounding office blocks, this rooftop is a magnet for East London’s creative crowd.

There are fire pits and a toasty tipi in winter and BBQs, frozen cocktails and guest DJs when the sun is shining.

Screenings of cult films sell out in hours, so keep an eye on the bar's Facebook and Twitter pages to score a coveted ticket.

Food and drink menus change with the seasons. Right now the Pumpkin Spiced Cider ($8.80) and DIY toasted marshmallows ($1.60) hit the spot.

Queen of Hoxton, 1-5 Curtain Road, Shoreditch, EC2A 3JX; +44 20 7422 0958; open daily, year-round

Radio Rooftop Bar, central London

Indoor glass atrium and warming cocktails make this a top winter spot.A newcomer to the city’s rooftop scene, Radio is among the swankiest.

It’s the crowning glory of a five-star hotel that was once the headquarters of the BBC.

Ten floors up in the heart of Theaterland, the wide terrace either side of the glass-walled bar lets you tick off most London landmarks.

A cosmopolitan post-work/pre-theater crowd mingles with well-heeled hotel guests, so you should dress to impress (no sportswear allowed for men).

Seasonal cocktailslike the Autumn Sundown with Gin Mare, vanilla, basil and apple ($19) are great.

Radio Rooftop Bar, 336-337 The Strand, Aldwych, WC2R 1HA; +44 20 7395 3440; open daily,year-round

Madison, City of London

Saintly sipping with St. Paul's in the background.Sipping is a spiritual affair at this City of London bar, with a large outdoor terrace overlooking the dome of St. Paul's Cathedral.

There are 150 different wines to choose from and a good range of beers, spirits and cocktails. But the signature drink is a Pornstar Martini with vanilla vodka ($17.60).

The mini-cheeseburgers with blue cheese and bacon ($14.40) are a manageable bite with drink in hand or you can take a table at the classy restaurant serving up European fare.

Come 5 p.m., it’s wall-to-wall City boys, while the weekend attracts a mixed crowd of tourists and locals.

Madison London, 1 New Change, St Paul’s, EC4M 9AF; +44 20 8305 3088; open daily, year-round

More: Futuristic London airport proposed for Thames island

Boundary, East London

Boundary: British weather-proof.Sitting atop a converted Victorian warehouse, this is one of the city’s most stylish rooftops.

Wicker chairs and white cushions create a relaxed Mediterranean vibe, while the new weatherproof pergola means the infamous British weather won’t bother you one bit.

Classic cocktails are all around $15, or there are pitchers to share. The zingy Rooftop Garden with lemon vodka and apple brandy ($38) feels appropriate.

You can nibble on olives or go for something more substantial from the all-day menu of seafood, char-grilled steaks and salads (available until 9.45 p.m.).

Boundary, 2-4 Boundary Street (entrance on Redchurch Street), Shoreditch, E2 7DD; +44 20 7729 1051; open daily, year-round

The Big Chill House, King’s Cross

Creative student types call this place home in increasingly cool King's Cross.

This large Victorian pub in King’s Cross is a maze of different floors, with funky decor, rocking DJs and sweaty 20-somethings from nearby Central Saint Martins College predominating.

There’s a good selection of craft beers, spirits and cocktails, plus tasty bar bites such as chili popcorn prawns with sweet chili dip ($6.50).

The rooftop closes at midnight on the weekends, but downstairs stays thumping until 3 a.m.

Big Chill House, 257-259 Pentonville Road, King’s Cross, N1 9NL; +44 20 7427 2540; open daily, year-round

Vista, central London

Vista ... has a sweeping one, especially come New Year's Eve.Perched on top of The Trafalgar hotel in Trafalgar Square, the newly refurbished Vista has one cracker of a view -- and one of the best New Year’s parties in town.

The ambitiously priced drinks list is dominated by Champagne and creative cocktails.

The Movista is a blend of Jamaican rum with a touch of cherry wine and fresh lime juice, topped up with soda ($19).

With its monochrome furnishings and sophisticated air, Vista attracts a suited-and-booted crowd and cashed up tourists looking to escape the hubbub below.

The Trafalgar, 2 Spring Gardens, Trafalgar Square, SW1A 2TS; +44 20 7870 2900; open daily from April to October but also open on New Year’s Eve for the Thames-side fireworks display; $7 cover charge after 4 p.m.

More: 7 hot new London hotels

Upper Deck, Southwark

Being British, this rooftop bar comes with cream tea and scones.Opened in April 2013, this terrace overlooking the Thames has glorious views of Tower Bridge, the Tower of London and World War II warship HMS Belfast.

Considering it’s in prime tourist territory, prices are reasonable, with more than a dozen wines on offer, plus bottled and tap beer and the usual spirits.

You could embrace all things British with a cream tea -- scone, clotted cream and jam ($8) -- or share a local cheese board with fruity chutney and artisan bread ($23).

You’re unlikely to hear a local accent during the day, but come evening time it’s packed with post-work punters.

Upper Deck, HMS Belfast Visitor Center, The Queen's Walk, Southwark, SE1 2JH; +44 20 7403 6246; open daily from March to November

Dalston Roof Park, East London

AstroTurf meets gritty inner city.There’s no real view (unless you count a sloping roof of solar panels), but this AstroTurfed pop-up atop a four-story former factory is the ultimate hipster hangout and a great stop to plan for once winter clears away.

It’s not as pretentious as it sounds, though, with a casual neighborhood vibe and DJs, stand-up comedy and classic films.

A team of local volunteers tends to grow-bags of herbs, fruits and veg that are blended to make yummy cocktails (from $10).

There’s also well-priced wine, beer and cider served in plastic cups and a changing line-up of street food stands.

Dalston Roof Park, 18 Ashwin Street, Dalston, E8 3DL; +44 20 7275 0825; open daily from May-September; one-off membership fee of $5

Frank’s Campari Bar, South London

Multi-story car park becomes hipster central.Who would’ve thought a multi-story car park in a nondescript South London suburb could be the site of one of the capital’s coolest bars?

Part sculpture project, part seasonal pop-up, Frank’s is one of the biggest -- and cheapest -- rooftops in town.

You can choose from Campari cocktails($8), local Meantime beer ($7) and a simple wine list -- it’s just white, red or rosé at Frank’s.

Then there's grilled sweetcorn ($4) to munch on while you admire the city skyline, including the Shard skyscraper, from afar.

Frank’s, Level 10, Peckham Multistory Car Park, 95a Rye Lane, Peckham, SE15 4ST; open Wednesday-Sunday during summer

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10 best cities for a winter vacation

(CNN) -- I

ncessant rain and gray skies make winter a trial.

But hot drinks, snowy slopes, frozen lakes and a bright yellow sun?

That's the kind of winter we can all wrap our mittens around.

The cities below aren't necessarily the greatest in the world, but come winter they could just convince you that they are.

Prague, Czech Republic

With its snow-capped spires and cobbled, winding streets, Prague is a fairytale city that remains relatively tourist-free in the winter months.

The stunning architecture looks even prettier under a sheet of snow, with one of the most beautiful areas being the old town, with its turrets and Romanesque vaults.

Gas street lamps were recently reinstalled throughout the city center, adding a romantic hue to evenings.

Cafes here are ideal for escaping the bitter cold.

"Choco Cafe is a great place to take a breather from intense winter sightseeing in the Old Town," says travel blogger Girl in Czechland. "It's full of comfy chairs and sofas and they have more than a dozen kinds of hot chocolate, which is so thick you can practically stand a spoon up it in it."

Where to eat: Lokál Dlouhá. This recently opened restaurant is known for its svíčková na smetaně (beef tenderloin and cream sauce).

Lokál Dlouhá, Dlouhá 33, Prague 1; +420 222 316 265

Where to sleep: The Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa is a five-star, fairytale-like hotel in the middle of the city's old town.

The Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa, Tržiště 19, Prague 1; +420 257 286 011

What to do: After the Christmas markets, there's the fascinating Estates Theatre, where Mozart conducted the world premiere of "Don Giovanni" in 1787.

Estates Theatre, Ovocný trh/Železná Street, Prague 1, +420 224 901 448

More: 24 amazing hours in Prague

Salzburg, Austria

With its backdrop of Christmas carols and traditional markets, this is a perfect city for a winter break.

"Silent Night" was performed for the first time in the Oberndorf on the outskirts of Salzburg on Christmas Eve in 1818.

The city's main market is held in the shadow of Salzburg'sHohensalzburg fortress, but the one held in Mirabell Square is especially popular with foodies who come to sample local delicacies such as halusky -- pieces of dumpling mixed with fried bacon.

Where to eat: Goldener Hirsch on Getreidegasse. This beautiful restaurant is located within the old stables of an historic townhouse. The food is traditional Austrian with a modern twist.

Goldener Hirsch, Getreidegasse 37, Salzburg; +43 662 80840; everyday noon-2 p.m. and 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Where to sleep: The Statkrug. A beautiful four-star Austrian hotel with one of the city's best roof terraces.

The Statkrug, Linzergasse 20, Salzburg; +43 662 8735 45-0

What to do: For a different perspective on Christmas, there's the Christmas manger exhibition at the Panorama Museum on Residenzplatz between November 29 and January 12.

Panorama Museum, Residenzplatz 9, Salzburg; +43 662 620808-730; everyday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Tromso, Norway

Tromso: One of the world's best spots for northern lights.

There are several reasons Tromso, known as the capital of the Arctic, is great in winter.

It's widely regarded as Norway's most beautiful city and is a base for spotting the northern lights.

More: Best places to see the northern lights

There are also several fascinating museums, including the Polar Museum, which offers an insight into the history of Arctic expeditions, and the Tromso Museum, which is famous for its Sami exhibitions.

Where to eat: Arcantandria is famous for its shellfish.

Arcantandria, Strandtorget 1, Tromsø; +47 77 60 07 20

Where to sleep: The four-star Clarion Post Bryggen has rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning views.

Clarion Post Bryggen, Sjøgata 19-21, Tromsø; +47 77 78 11 00

What to do: The Perspektivet Museum on Storgata offers fascinating insight into Norwegian art.

Perspektivet Museum, Storgata 95, Tromsø; +47 77 60 19 10; Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Amsterdam

In winter, Amsterdam's museums are empty, making it the time to visit attractions such as Rijksmuseum or the Anne Frank House.

Built originally to house a circus, the Royal Carré Theatrecelebrated its 125th anniversary last year.

Children will love the spectacular performances, which feature athletes from Russia, North Korea and China.

Where to eat: The cozy Restaurant Greetje has traditional Dutch food (and lots of Delft).

Restaurant Greetje, Peperstraat 23-25, Amsterdam; +31 20 7797 450; Sunday-Friday 6-10 p.m., Saturday 6-11 p.m.

Where to sleep: The beautiful five-star 717 boutique hotel on Prinsegracht is housed inside a former sugar trader's residence.

717 boutique hotel, Prinsengracht 717, Amsterdam; +31 20 4270 717

What to do: For Christmas shopping, smaller shopping areas likeHaarlemmerstraat in the Jordaan, the Spiegelkwartier and theNegen Straatjes are better than the big department stores.

More: Insider Guide: Best of Amsterdam

Nagano, Japan

As a former Winter Olympics host city, Nagano is a great base for exploring nearby ski resorts.

The natural hot springs on the outskirts are perfect after a day on the slopes.

Beautiful, snow-covered Buddhist temples are worth checking out, as is the Togakushi Minzoku-kan folklore museum, which has a fascinating display about the ninjas who once trained there.

A top tip?

"The Neapolitan pizza oven place Qui E La that's tucked away in a private home in the woods is an even more welcome refuge in winter," says travel blogger Una, founder of lets-get-lost.com.

Where to eat: Fujiki-an on Daimonkikyocho is famous for its soba noodles, which they've been making since 1827. A picture menu makes ordering easy.

Fujiki-an, 67 Daimonkikyocho, Nagano, +81 26 232 2531

Where to sleep: Hotel JAL city on Toigoshomach is a short walk from both the train station and one of Japan's largest wooden temples -- in winter the views over snowy Nagano are breathtaking.

Hotel JAL city, 1221 Toigosyo-machi, Nagano-shi, +81 26 225 1131

What to do: The Zenkō-ji temple, built in the 7th century, ranks as the third largest wooden temple in Japan.

Zenkō-ji (Japanese only), 491-i Nagano-Motoyoshicho, Nagano-shi; +81 26 234 3591

Reykjavík, Iceland

Hiding within -- great geothermal pools.

Although Iceland's capital city is one of Europe's coldest spots, it has plenty of natural hot springs to warm up in (some of the best can be found in the Nauthólsvík area of the city).

The annual Winter Lights Festival, which takes place in February, is a spectacular celebration of winter.

Visitors can try their hand at a wide range of winter sports or skate on the city's Tjörnin pond.

Many cozy coffee houses sell rúgbrauð -- locally made, dark, sweet bread.

"An unmissable experience during winter is a dip in one of the city's many outdoor geothermal swimming pools," says Eliza Reid, who co-founded icelandwritersretreat.com with Erica Green.

"There is no experience quite like soaking in these naturally warm waters with snowflakes tickling your nose. Each swimming pool has its own character and everyone has their favorite."

Where to eat: Dill restaurant in the Nordic House cultural center. Chef Gunnar Karl Gislason is passionate about local produce and the food here is some of the freshest in Iceland.

Dill restaurant, Sturlugötu 5, Reykjavík; +354 552 1522

Where to sleep: Owned by Icelandair, Hotel Marina is a quirky, colorful hotel located in one of the city's trendiest districts.

Hotel Marina, Myrargata 2, Reykjavik; +354 560 8000

What to do: Harpa, the city's concert hall, was designed by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson to reflect Iceland's geology. It's constructed from more than a thousand glass blocks.

Harpa, Austurbakki 2, Reykjavík, +354 428 5000; daily, 8 a.m.-midnight

More: How to be a Reykjaviker: 8 ways to be cool in Iceland

Berlin

Christmas markets are the ideal destination for pre-Christmas retail therapy -- Berlin has more than 60 of them.

With a miniature train and puppeteers, the market at Mitte at the Rote Rathaus is ideal for children.

Gendarmenmarkt is famous for handcrafted goods.

The two-story Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas store on Kurfürstendamm is worth a look -- it's open all year and sells everything from tree decorations to candles. With 6,500 restaurants, 546 ice cream parlors and cafes and 2,800 snack stalls, there's no shortage of food.

Where to eat: Die Berliner Republik on Schiffbauerdamm is famous for both its food (currywurst is a specialty) and its beer, thanks to a stock exchange-style system that allows drinkers to purchase their favorite beer at rock bottom prices -- if they order at the right time.

Die Berliner Republik, Schiffbauerdamm 8, Berlin; +49 30 308 722 93.

Where to sleep: Hotel Otto on Knesebeckstraße is located in one of Berlin's quieter neighborhoods. Extras include a "surprise" button in the lift.

Hotel Otto, Knesebeckstrasse 10, Berlin; +49 30 54 71 00 80

What to do: Dr Pong on Eberswalder Strasse much surely rank as one of Berlin's quirkier bars. It's a ping pong bar, and perfectly sums up Berlin's underground nightlife scene.

Dr Pong, Eberswalder Strasse 21, Berlin; Monday-Saturday 8 p.m.-late, Sunday 7 p.m.-late (May-September), 6 p.m.-late (October-April)

Ottawa, Canada

Ottawa's Winterlude festival is one of the world's largest winter festivals.

It takes place from January 31 to February 17 and is famous for its ice sculptures, outdoor concerts and toboggan courses.

The Christmas Lights Across Canada scheme, which runs from December 5 to January 7, sees some of the city's largest monuments and buildings bedecked with Christmas lights.

From January, the city has the world's coolest commute -- the 7.8-kilometer (4.8-mile) Rideau Canal Skateway, which is used by commuters, schoolchildren and students to get through the heart of downtown.

Where to eat: Restaurant 18 on York Street serves traditional Canadian cuisine with a modern twist.

Restaurant 18, 18 York St., Ottawa; +1 613 244 1188

Where to sleep: The Arc Hotel is a warm winter retreat, with a fire in the lobby and complimentary champagne for guests.

Arc Hotel, 140 Slater St., Ottawa; +1 613 238 2888

What to do: From January to February visitors can take a spin on the world's largest natural ice rink -- the Rideau Canal.

Rideau Canal Skateway; +1 613 239 5234; January-February

More: How to pretend you're Canadian when you travel

Washington D.C.

Lightning up a white Christmas every year.

If you're arriving in Washington DC by rail, you shouldn't miss the enormous, 30-foot Christmas tree that was given to Union Station by the Embassy of Norway.

In November and December, the ZooLights show at the National Zoo opens late and stages spectacular light shows.

The White House and Lincoln Memorial look especially beautiful in the snow.

During winter months, the Washington Ballet stages performances the Nutcracker.

Where to eat: Equinox Restaurant specializes in what its head chef refers to as "Mid-Atlantic cuisine." He basically means fish, and lots of it.

Equinox Restaurant, 818 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 331 8118, Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Thursday 5:30-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday 5:30-10:30 p.m., Sunday 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Where to sleep: The Palomar is a small, vibrant hotel just a short walk from the Whitehouse, the National Mall and the Smithsonian.

Hotel Palomar, 2121 P St., Washington, D.C.; +1 202 448 1800

What to do: Zoolights at Washington Zoo kicks off on November 29 and lasts until January 1. Half a million individual LEDS turn the popular attraction into a veritable winter wonderland.

Zoolights at the Zoo, 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.; +1 202 633 4888; November 29-January 1, daily, 5-9 p.m.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Cobbled streets, a beautiful castle and lovely public gardens make Edinburgh a beautiful city any time of year, but in winter it's breathtaking.

Since the launch of Virgin Atlantic's Little Red service, it's even easier to get to, with regular flights between other UK cities including Manchester and London.

Princes Street Gardens are transformed into a wonderland, complete with ice skating rink, enormous Christmas tree and a Ferris wheel, all in the shadow of the castle.

On the edge of the city, Arthur's Seat is the perfect location for a winter walk and the views from the top are second to none.

Where to eat: Edinburgh isn't about haggis and tatties. For fine dining, One Square restaurant and bar at the Sheraton Grand on Festival Square is the place to go. The drinks menu is impressive -- there are 52 types of gin to choose from.

One Square, 1 Festival Square, Edinburgh, +44 131 221 6422; daily, 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Where to sleep: Jurys Inn is a short walk from the main attractions and offers a warm Scottish welcome.

Jurys Inn, 43 Jeffrey St., Edinburgh; +44 131 200 3300

What to do: A tour around Edinburgh's underground vaults is a great way to learn about the city's fascinating history.

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Paul Walker's death

Paul Walker's death

Santa Clarita, California (CNN) -- The fire that engulfed the Porsche 

carrying actor Paul Walker apparently did not erupt until a minute after the car clipped a light pole Saturday.

That conclusion is based on security camera video obtained by CNN that shows black smoke starting to rise from the crash scene 60 seconds after it shows the light pole and a tree falling.

Could Walker and the other occupant in the car have made it out in those 60 seconds? That's hard to tell. The two may have died on impact when the car struck the light pole. The answer might be clearer when the coroner's office releases its preliminary findings of the autopsies of the remains of two men -- presumed to be Walker and friend Roger Rodas, a coroner's officer said.

The autopsies were completed Tuesday, Los Angeles County Coroner Lt. Fred Corral said. But investigators have placed a "security hold" on it for now.

The coroner will not even disclose if the identities have been confirmed using dental X-rays. Officially, the dead are only identified as case numbers.

Corral did not give a reason for the secrecy, which can be requested by law enforcement agencies during an investigation. It is often done in cases involving criminal probes, but there has been no indication this is anything more than a traffic accident investigation.

The autopsies should be able to confirm whether Rodas, as witnesses reported, was behind the wheel with Walker in the passenger seat.

Video obtained by CNN Tuesday from a security camera posted on a building on the opposite side of the street from the crash does not show the Porsche Carerra GT crashing along a business park street in Valencia, California, Saturday afternoon.

It does show the light pole and tree falling. Smoke is faintly visible above the scene 60 seconds later, followed by a heavy plume of black smoke after two minutes.

As investigators searched for more information about the accident that killed the popular "Fast & Furious" actor on Saturday, one of his co-stars dramatically addressed grieving fans.

Using a police car's loudspeaker, actor Vin Diesel thanked a crowd of mourning fans, calling Walker an "angel up in Heaven." Every night since the crash fans have gathered and left mementos near the spot on a wide business park road in Valencia, California, about 30 miles north of Hollywood, according to Walker's publicist and CNN affiliate KCAL.

Rodas, owner of a high-performance car shop, is believed to have been driving. Both Rodas and Walker were drivers for Rodas' Always Evolving racing team, according to the team's website.

By Tuesday Diesel had posted several pictures of his friend on his Facebook page.

And earlier this week, another co-star, Tyrese Gibson, broke down sobbing as he laid a yellow flower at the site.

Actor Paul Walker dies

New video captures Paul Walker crash

Is the Porsche Carrera GT too dangerous?

Witness: Walker was not drag racing

"My heart is hurting so bad no one can make me believe this is real," the singer and actor posted on Instagram. He also shared the duo's last text exchange.

Walker's father, Paul Walker Sr., choked back tears Monday. "His heart was so big," he told CNN affiliate KCAL. "I was proud of him every day of his life."

The actor had told his father that he wanted to take a hiatus from acting to spend more time with his 15-year-old daughter, Meadow, the elder Walker said. "And then boom, he got another movie. He would say, 'I don't know what to do.'"

He said the actor's siblings are having an especially hard time grappling with the death.

"I'm just ... glad that every time I saw him, I told him I loved him," the father said. "And he would say the same thing to me."

The Walker family issued a statement expressing thanks for "the outpouring of love and goodwill from his many fans and friends."

They asked that instead of flowers, people make donations to his charity, Reach Out Worldwide. The actor was at a benefit for the charity just before he died.

"It's comforting for them to know that the son, brother, and father they love so much is equally adored, respected, and appreciated by so many," the statement said. "Paul founded the organization with the genuine desire to help others, and it's important to his family to keep his memory alive through ROWW."

No memorial service plans have been made, Walker's publicist has said.

How fast?

Meanwhile a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office probe is focused on the speed of the 2005 Porsche Carrera GT, the spokesman told CNN.

Sheriff's Sgt. Richard Cohen told CNN that authorities received a tip Sunday suggesting that another car was at the scene racing the Porsche when it slammed into a light pole and burst into flames.

But investigators have since ruled out the presence of a second vehicle and the theory that the Porsche was drag racing, a spokesman said Monday afternoon.

How will film go on after Walker's death?

Walker's car ignited after 60 seconds?

View scene of Walker's deadly car crash

But speed was a factor in the crash, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office said. A 45-mph speed limit sign was attached to the light pole knocked down by the Porsche.

The car, which sold for $450,000 when new, is a notoriously difficult vehicle to handle, even for professional drivers, according to Autoweek magazine. A top driver called it "scary," the magazine reported Sunday. It is powered by a V-10, 610-hp engine.

The wreck took place about 3:30 p.m. Saturday.

Antonio Holmes told the Santa Clarita Valley Signal newspaper that he was at the charity event when Walker and Rodas left for a ride in the Porsche.

"We all heard from our location," Holmes told the Signal. "It's a little difficult to know what it was. Someone called it in and said it was a vehicle fire. We all ran around and jumped in cars and grabbed fire extinguishers and immediately went to the vehicle. It was engulfed in flames. There was nothing. They were trapped. Employees, friends of the shop. We tried. We tried. We went through fire extinguishers."

5 reasons the car Walker died in is different

Jim Torp, a car enthusiast who was at the charity event, said Walker was smiling as he got into the Porsche minutes earlier.

Torp thought he heard a blast in the distance before the car slammed into a light pole, he said. "What the first explosion was -- I don't know if their tire blew up, because it sounded like a tire blew on the car," Torp told CNN Monday.

Skid marks on the asphalt near the crash site, which indicate a car was doing doughnut spins, also are being examined, Cohen said. It's not uncommon for people to speed down that street, and two years ago deputies tried to crack down on that, he said.

Torp told CNN that he looked closely at the skid marks and concluded they were left by a car with smaller tires.

Remarkable generosity

There are tales of Walker's incredible generosity.

CNN confirmed one story from a decade ago when Walker noticed a young U.S. soldier shopping with his fiancee for a wedding ring in a Santa Barbara jewelry store.

"The groom was just back from duty in Iraq, and he was going to be deployed again soon and wanted to buy a wedding ring, but he said he just could not afford it," saleswoman Irene King told CNN. "I don't think the soldier realized how expensive those rings are, about $10,000."

The couple apparently did not know who Walker was, King said.

Photos: People we lost in 2013

"Walker called the manager over and said, 'Put that girl's ring on my tab,'" she said. "Walker left all his billing info, and it was a done deal. The couple was stunned. She was thrilled and could not believe someone did this."

King called it "the most generous thing I have ever seen."

The day Walker died he was at a holiday toy drive for Walker's charity hosted by the store that Rodas owned.

Walker and Rodas had planned Saturday as a day to help survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines. The car shop website invited customers to a "Charity Toy Drive & Automotive Social Gathering."

"During the holiday season, many economically disadvantaged children from around the world are faced with the same dilemma year after year; the lacking of joy and cheer," the invitation read. "Our goal here is to be able to provide aid to these less fortunate children in hopes of helping them grow up to become confident, responsible and productive young adults."

Box office success

Walker's career began on the small screen, first with a commercial for Pampers when he was 2, and then with parts in shows such as "Highway to Heaven" and "Touched by an Angel."

His first few movie roles were as supporting characters in teen flicks, most notably in "Varsity Blues." But his career really took off when he was cast as undercover cop Brian O'Conner infiltrating a street-racing gang in 2001's "The Fast and the Furious."

The box-office success of the surprise summer hit yielded numerous sequels. And along with Vin Diesel, Walker was one of the franchise stalwarts. The six "Fast & Furious" films sold a total of $2.6 billion in tickets worldwide, according to BoxOfficeMojo.

Walker wasn't just a car enthusiast on the silver screen; off screen, the actor competed in the Redline Time Attack racing series.

On his verified Twitter account, Walker described himself as an "outdoorsman, ocean addict, adrenaline junkie ... and I do some acting on the side."

Walker also is the star of "Hours," an independent film scheduled to be released December 13 about a father struggling to keep his newborn infant alive in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans.

People we lost in 2013

Future of franchise

Walker was in the middle of the seventh film in the "Fast & Furious" franchise. The film was due out next year.

It's unclear how the movie's production might proceed. When Oliver Reed died in the middle of the production of "Gladiator," the rest of his scenes included a digitally produced image of his face on another actor's body, Tom O'Neil, editor of the show business website Goldderby.com, told CNN.

In some cases, other actors have filled in for co-stars who have passed away.

"We don't know what they'll do here, or even if they'll just say, "It may be tasteless to proceed at all because we can't be showing Paul Walker in a speeding car, defying death in a movie that ended up being the way he died,'" O'Neil said.

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