Los Angeles is full of excitement, stylish people, and great food. There are so many things to do and so little time. If you are planning on making a stop in LA, there are few places that you can not miss and they make great spots for Instagram photos. LA is the largest city in California and one of the most famous cities in the world. The weather is very similar to the Mediterranean climate and is beautiful all year round. The mixture of different backgrounds makes it a fun place to find different cultures come to one.
Here is a list of some of the best things to see and do in Los Ángeles
1) Hollywood Boulevard – The Walk of Stars and the Chinese Theatre
One of the first places people usually visit on their L.A. tours is Hollywood Boulevard with its famous theatres, most prominently Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. The Walk of Stars is a sidewalk that contains the names of celebrities who contributed in one way or another to Hollywood. You can find historical stars like Elvis Presley to Mickey Mouse and even Mohamed Ali. The Walk of Fame with handprints and footprints of celebrities as well as stars honors film industry professionals.
The famous theatres include:
- El Capitan Theatre – A landmark that features movies and shows from Disney studios for children and families. Here is where the movie premiers happen. If you are in town make sure to check if there is a movie premiere, maybe you can spot famous actors or movie directors.
- TCL Chinese Theatre – It is one of the most visited attractions in Hollywood because it has been around for over 90 years and was once owned by Grauman.
People often stop by to take pictures with hands or footprints of stars in front of the theatres, but security might ask you to move along if you stay too long and block other people’s way.
2) The La Brea Tar Pits
The La Brea Tar Pits is one of the most well-known attractions in Los Angeles. They are located inside the Hancock Park, which hosts many other attractions like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), Lummis House (the first Craftsman-style house in Los Angeles), and Otis House (an American Craftsman style house).
The La Brea Tar Pits is the only place in the world outside of the Arctic Circle where one can see saber-toothed cat fossils. The Tar Pits feature a museum and visitors can take a walk through time and watch movies about Ice Age animals.
3) Griffith Observatory – A Beautiful View of Los Angeles
Griffith Observatory is located on Mount Hollywood hill, giving the visitors a beautiful view of Los Angeles, especially at night when all the city lights are turned on. The observatory also has an interesting history that includes every president since FDR visiting it.
Griffith Observatory is always having different exhibits featuring modern popular artists so it’s worth checking out their website regularly. Besides, there is a large telescope inside the main building that people are allowed to use for free! How cool is that?
4) LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) – A Collection Lost and Found
LACMA is one of the largest museums in America, featuring art from all around the world. The building itself was designed by famous architect William Pereira and it incorporates a tunnel system so you don’t have to go outside in case of rain.
The art collection was formed in the 50’s by William Andrews Clark, Jr., who donated his own private collection to LACMA which included works from Monet, Degas and Van Gogh.
LACMA is always having different exhibits featuring modern popular artists so it’s worth checking out their website regularly.
5) The Getty Center – A Museum and a Campus
The J. Paul Getty Museum is full of art and architecture and it is located in Brentwood, Los Angeles, right next to the 405 freeway. It has been around since 1954 but it was re-opened as the new Getty Center after 10 years of renovation in 1997. The building was designed by Richard Meier and it is surrounded by beautiful gardens.
The Museum has a collection of over 60, 000 art objects from all around the world and visitors can enjoy free admission to its grounds and galleries as well as concerts held in its outdoor amphitheater.
6) Rodeo Drive – Shopping and Dinning like the rich and famous
You’d be surprised to find out that there are so many luxury boutiques and shops on the famous Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive. It is known for its fashionable stores, jewelers, and restaurants. The shopping experience here is amazing, but also VERY pricey! Rember the movie “Pretty Woman” where Vivian goes shopping?
7) Hollywood – Where Dreams Come True
Hollywood is a historic district in Los Angeles that is world known for being the center of the American film industry. In other words, it’s where people from all over the globe come to become famous and get their dreams fulfilled. It hosts one of Hollywood’s biggest attractions – Kodak Theatre which is where The Academy Awards are held every year.
Hollywood has a lot to offer besides just entertainment. There are many great museums and theater shows.
8) Venice Boardwalk – The Spirit of Los Angeles
No matter what time of the year it is, Venice Boardwalk always has something going on. It’s a perfect place to spend a sunny day and take a stroll along the beach. The boardwalk hosts many different carnivals and events throughout the whole year so you will definitely find something to do here. There are all kinds of people walking around – artists, musicians, street performers, and many others. Trust me, you’ll have fun exploring the place on your own! If you go on Sunday, you might be part of a drum dance party.
9) Celebrity home tours – Dreams can come true
If you were always curious to see how Hollywood stars live, this is your opportunity. You can go on a tour and see the mansions of various singers, actors, directors and important people. So, get your camera ready to snap your favorites.
10) Downtown L.A. – Where everything connects
You can find small areas like Little Tokyo and the Art District and El Pueblo Los Angeles where the city began in 1781. The Downtown is filled with trendy restaurants, cultural events like the art walk, and unique stores for go shopping. Also, you can find important hotels like The Ace Hotel or The Standard Hotel.
11) Walt Disney City Hall – Magical entertainment for all the family
Also located Downtown, it is one of the most important music halls. Celebrating all kinds of music: classical, contemporary, and international; also specialized in Jazz. Its architectural shape is designed for perfect acoustics and for a full show experience.
12) The Staples Center – House of L.A.’s sports
Downtown arena for different sports. Home to Kings, Lakers, Clippers, and Sparks. Any game is an exciting opportunity to feel the excitement of each score. Also, The Staples Center hosts numerous entertainment shows, like concerts. Make sure you check out what is happening on the dates of your trip. Can be a chance to catch a live performance of your favorite singer.
13) Amusement parks – The joy of being a kid again
- Universal Studios – Universal City
Located in Studio City, it is an amusement park from Universal Studios, with theme attractions like Harry Potter, The Simpsons, or Halloween Horror Nights. Around there are cute shops and delicious restaurants to spend good time in the area.
- Disneyland – The happiest place in the world
The famous park where you can visit all Disney’s characters and go to amusement attractions for everyone in the family. They always have vacation packages that fit your budget. An experience out of this world!
- LEGOLAND® California – Fun, colorful, playful
As they say ¨where awesome awaits¨. It is a full experience specially for kids but also for grownups, it includes a resort and a water park. A cool way to spend a day and feel like a kid again.
In just a week you can visit many places in LA. There is always something to do and somewhere to go. A city that is always happy to welcome you since your arrival at LAX. Make sure you book your trip in advance and enjoy every street in Los Angeles.
