Top 10 Things to do in LA
Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, is known for its sunny weather, famous beaches, and Hollywood glamour. With its diverse neighborhoods, world-class museums, and endless entertainment options, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city. From the glitz and glamour of Hollywood to the laid-back vibe of Venice Beach, LA has something to offer for every type of traveler!
LACMA
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is one of the largest art museums in the United States and a must-see destination for any art lover visiting Los Angeles. The museum boasts a vast collection of over 150,000 works, spanning from ancient to contemporary art. And don’t miss the famous outdoor exhibits!
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is a must-see destination for anyone interested in astronomy and the night sky. The observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, and offers spectacular views of Los Angeles. I recommend making your way to the Observatory a couple hours before sunset so you can get a good spot (beware of the heavy traffic and limited parking space).
A Hollywood Sign Hike
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic landmarks in Los Angeles and a must-see destination for any traveler visiting the city. While the sign can be viewed from various locations around the city, the best way to experience it is by taking a hike to the sign. The most popular hike to the Hollywood Sign starts at the Griffith Observatory, this hike offers great views of the Hollywood Sign, the Los Angeles Basin, and the Pacific Ocean.
La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits are a unique and fascinating attraction located in the heart of Los Angeles. The tar pits are a group of natural asphalt pools that have been seeping up from the ground for tens of thousands of years. The tar pits themselves are a sight to behold, with bubbling pools of tar and the iconic life-sized replicas of prehistoric animals scattered throughout the park.
Venice Canals
The Venice Canals are a unique attraction located in the Venice Beach area of Los Angeles. The canals were originally built in the early 1900s and were modeled after the famous canals in Venice, Italy. Visitors can take a stroll along the canals and enjoy the beautiful scenery. It's also a good spot to take pictures and see unique architecture and if you’re lucky to see some fun wildlife! I recommend spending an afternoon splitting your time between the beach and walking through the canals.
Santa Monica Pier
The pier offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy including an amusement park, an aquarium, and a variety of shops and restaurants.Visitors can also take a walk along the pier to see the beautiful ocean views, or take a bike ride on the beach bike path that runs parallel to the pier. The pier is also home to the famous Pacific Park which features the famous solar-powered Ferris wheel, the West Coaster roller coaster, and many other rides and games.
Grand Central Market
The Grand Central Market is a historic public market located in downtown Los Angeles. It is one of the oldest and most popular food markets in the city, and has been in operation since 1917. The market is a great place to grab a bite to eat, buy groceries, and experience the culinary diversity of Los Angeles. Head over to EggSlut for a can’t miss breakfast sandwich experience!
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Walk of Fame features more than 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk, each bearing the name of a celebrity honored for their contributions to the entertainment industry. Visitors can walk down the boulevard to see the stars and take pictures with their favorite celebrities' stars! The walk stretches over a mile long, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and outdoor weather appropriate clothing.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is a famous street in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles known for its luxury fashion boutiques and high-end stores. It is a popular destination for tourists and shoppers looking for designer brands and a glimpse of Hollywood glamour. Walking down Rodeo Drive and popping into the stores is a fun and leisurely way to spend the afternoon.
Universal Studios
Universal is an infamous movie studio and theme park in the LA metro area. It features rides and attractions based on popular films and television shows, including Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and The Simpsons. Visitors can also take a behind-the-scenes studio tour to learn about the making of movies and TV shows. I would budget 1-2 days to explore all that Universal Studios has to offer!
