Los Angeles is a huge city with plenty of things to do. Whether you’re a first time visitor or a seasoned pro, it can be tough to figure out what to do and where to go. That’s why we’ve put together this guide.
In this post, we’ll cover some of the best attractions and activities in LA, as well as some tips for getting around the city. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an action-packed vacation, LA has something for everyone!
Activities you can do in LA
Los Angeles is known for its blockbuster film production, beautiful beaches, endless sunlight, and 50 million yearly visitors. However, in the world’s entertainment center, narrowing down just what you should do when visiting LA for the first time might feel nearly impossible. Here are 9 activities we recommend:
1. Hiking to the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign, the most famous landmark in Los Angeles, is more than simply nine massive white letters on a dusty hillside in Mt Lee. The ‘largest star’ in Hollywood is a metaphor of what can be accomplished by visionaries and believers. There are other perspectives near Griffith Park and Sunset Boulevard, but trekking to the peak of Mt Lee is the best way to understand why this location was chosen for the sign.
On a clear day, the peak of Mt Lee offers breathtaking views over Los Angeles and even the Pacific Ocean. The back of DOOWYLLOH, Griffith Observatory, LA city, mountains, and ocean will be your backdrop. Clear days are rare to come by, so be there before sunrise for the most incredible sky colors.
But keep in mind, the Hollyridge path, Brush Canyon trail, Innsdale Drive trail, and the Wonder View trail are just a few of the classic hiking trails that lead to the Hollywood Sign. Wonder View was once thought to be the shortest and most difficult, but it is now permanently closed.
To begin the walks, you can park on some residential streets, although many are banned. When you see scores of cars lining the streets, you’ll know where you can park.
2. Shop at Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive is a world-famous two-mile length of road lined with some of the world’s most costly designer retailers. It is associated with celebrities, premium sports automobiles, and the “culturally privileged.”
Because of popular culture during the previous 30-40 years, it’s difficult not to be attracted with Beverly Hills. It’s a place where people go to see and be seen. You will find plenty of high-end shops, restaurants, and hotels. There are also some Beverly Hills landmarks that you might want to check out such as the Greystone Mansion, The Beverly Hills Hotel, or Wilshire Boulevard.
It’s so high end that the Louis Vuitton installation on the junction of Rodeo and Santa Monica Boulevard is a must-see. On the day we went inside, there were more security officers and staff than guests.
Rodeo Drive should be on everyone’s Los Angeles bucket list merely because of its fame, but don’t expect to witness a slew of celebrities.
3. Walk around Venice
Venice is a cultural hotspot noted for its quirky arts, bohemian lifestyle, and coastline. A 2.5-mile promenade runs beside the famed beach, including street art, basketball courts, coffee shops, and a muscle beach outdoor gym.
Walking from Santa Monica to Venice in the late afternoon is a great way to get a sense of the real Los Angeles, experience the good consequences of gentrification in a large metropolis, and step out of your comfort zone before returning to Santa Monica for sunset.
There’s also a canals district that was created in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as a Venetian-inspired tourist attraction. The man-made canals are now used for kayaking, paddleboarding, and walking.
If you’re looking for some unique souvenirs, head to one of the many art galleries or the Open-Air Market. On the weekends, you can find handmade jewelry, paintings, and other artisanal goods.
4. Visit the Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier, another of Los Angeles’ world-famous landmarks, has appeared in far too many films and television series to name. The pier has the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel, as well as arcades, an amusement park, an aquarium, and sport fishing.
The Santa Monica is the most popular beach for visitors visiting Los Angeles for the first time, but the area is well worth the trip. The Santa Monica Pier is flashy, but it’s ideal for families with smaller children. The rides at the pier are generally less intense than those at other amusement parks and there’s a great view of the ocean from the top of the Ferris wheel. The Santa Monica Pier Aquarium is also worth a visit, especially if you have kids.
California has a Mediterranean climate and spectacular sunsets every year. One of the greatest sites in Los Angeles to see the gorgeous orange sun set over the Pacific Ocean is Santa Monica. The sunset is even more beautiful when you see it from the Santa Monica Pier.
5. Go on a movie studio tour
One of the things you must do when in Los Angeles is tour a movie studio. Choose from Warner Bros., Universal, Paramount, and Sony as the four major studios. Although don’t expect to see the current blockbuster being created when on a movie studio tour, and don’t expect to see any celebrities!
You will spend two to three hours roaming through outside sets, large interior lots, displays of prior films and television series, and props from your favorite films. You will also get to see how films and television shows are made, from the writing process all the way through post-production.
From sound and production to sets and costumes, you’ll get an understanding of how movies and television shows are created. Unless you’re a huge movie buff with an IMDb VIP subscription, one tour is plenty to get a sense of filmmaking.
Needless to say, going on a studio tour is a great way to learn about the history of film and television, as well as how these productions are made today.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is a huge, sprawling city with a lot to see and do. Whether you’re interested in Hollywood, the great outdoors, or traditional city sights, there’s something for everyone in LA. With a little planning, you can make the most out of your trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Featured Image: Photo by Luca Micheli on Unsplash
