16 Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, California

Popularly known as the “City of Angels” and as a destination with a good time guaranteed, Los Angeles has much more to offer than the glamorous suburbs. Before you plan your trip, it is good to know that California’s largest city is also known as a cultural and entertainment hub in the world as well as a great shopping destination.

So let’s start with a list of the best things to see and do in Los Angeles.

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1. The Getty Center

Just a half-hour drive from the famous Walk of Fame and Sunset Boulevard, near the University of California (UCLA), is the cultural gem of Los Angeles – the Getty Museum. It is named after its patron – John Paul Getty, the famous oil mogul, founder of the Getty Fund, from which this museum is funded, and entry is made completely free of charge.

The Getty Museum is housed within the Getty Center complex, opened to visitors in 1997 and designed by architect Richard Meier. The center is at the top of the hill, which is accessible by a funicular cable car, offering magnificent views of the Getty Gardens, Los Angeles streets, Santa Monica Mountain and the Pacific Ocean.

The Getty Museum offers free tours of the architecture of the complex every weekday.

The tour lasts 45 minutes, you will hear some interesting facts about the construction, such as that 16 thousand tons of travertine were used, that each travertine block was 126 kilograms, that 14.820 m2 of glass were installed, that there were 3200 doors, that one billion dollars were invested in the construction, and many others.

2. Griffith Observatory

From here you will surely get the most beautiful view of Los Angeles. The Griffith Observatory is open every day except Mondays and entrance is free.

There are two ways to reach this destination, by car or hiking, which many are opting for. The Planetarium and Telescope are first opened to the public in 1935.

It is located at 1,134 meters above sea level, at the top of one of the US parks, so activities like hiking are often done around the observatory. Visitors can enjoy the view of the cosmos, Los Angeles and Hollywood.

3. Universal Studios Hollywood

An experience that should not be missed is a visit to Universal Studios. It’s amazing to see it all live.

As you step inside, you are greeted with that wonderful happy music, smells of sweets, fun, happiness. Everything is colorful, singing and cheerful. At every turn, something spins, moves and dances.

Children laugh, scream with happiness and enjoyment, and parents are not far away from that either. This place makes everyone feel like they are 5 again.

As you walk around a little, it begins to fork into more theme parks. There are all films from Universal production, and each is edited in its way. The first one on the right is the one that just draws you in, the first place you go when you look at which side you’re going to, and you guessed it, the Harry Potter world. Don’t miss this if you get the chance!

4. Petersen Automotive Museum

The Petersen Museum in Los Angeles was renovated in 2015 and can offer the ultimate in time travel through the cinematic, musical, and real-life of cars in America. Some of the models you can find here are 1992 Batmobile, Aston Martin from James Bond: Skyfall, Pontiac Aztec from Breaking Bad and many more. The ticket price starts at $15.

5. Hollywood Sign

Originally an ordinary advertisement in the Hollywood Hills, today it is a well-recognized sign of the American film industry under cultural heritage. You simply cannot miss this location to see and take pictures. There are more viewpoints for the Hollywood Sign, one of them is at Lake Hollywood Park.

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6. Drive Through Beverly Hills

The sun, the palm trees, the open windows, the whole countryside, like the most beautiful scene in a Hollywood movie. One of those days that you never want to end, but if it has to, it should be in the most beautiful location possible: Sunset Boulevard, Hotel Beverly Hills.

One of the most famous hotels in the world, with guests that included Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, and many others.

But if you want to have a drink you have to book a table in advance because the hotel is overbooked, and don’t be shocked if you accidentally touch a movie, music, sports megastar, because everything is possible at this hotel.

7. Venice Beach

Place made for hedonists and adventurers. Take a day and walk along Venice Beach, take a picture at the famous Venice sign, go to Skate Park and don’t miss to see Muscle Beach.

When you’re done, take a break and head down to the shore to smell the ocean. Always carry some factor cream with you.

8. Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park and End of Route 66

At the Venice Beach extension, you reach Santa Monica as well. It is ideal for you to connect this part of the coast on the same day.

A colorful Pacific park and dock overlooking the panoramic rotation of the ferris wheel, a picture is a must! The same dock will give you a beautiful view of the coast and the ocean, from where the view is truly amazing!

There is also a sign that marks the end of the famous Route 66 connecting the east and west coasts, about 4000 kilometers long, known as End Of The Route 66.

9. L.A. Graffiti and Melrose Avenue

The city of LA, but also the entire state of California, is known for the amazing graffiti that decorate it.

If you are not a fan of this type of art, you cannot help but notice them and keep your eyes open. Melrose Avenue is next on the list of things to see right after the graffiti.

Paul Smith’s famous pink wall of the store, Made in LA graffiti, angel wings and many more are all located at this location.

But, Melrose Avenue is much more than graffiti. A hipster street that exudes true Cali spirit. Here you can also finish your shopping, both in stores of well-known American brands and in vintage shops.

10. The Broad Museum

The Broad is a new museum dedicated to modern art. It is located in Downtown and entry is free. You can book tickets through their official site to avoid waiting for up to an hour.

It takes about an hour to visit, but be prepared to wait up to two hours for the famous Infinity Room, which is one of the main attractions of this museum.

This museum is authentic and amazing, and statistics show that it is becoming more and more popular.

As you wait for the Infinity Room, for which you leave information and a phone number to call you when it’s time for you, across the museum you have great restaurants and bars to chill and wait for a call.

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11. Downtown and Walt Disney Concert Hall

If you want to feel like you’re in New York for a moment, then LA Downtown is the perfect place for you. In addition to the many rooftop bars, you can also see the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall here.

Walt Disney Concert Hall is the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and has been built for five years starting in 1998 and today is one of the city’s largest attractions. Inspired by the architect’s passion for sailing, the hall has steel panels that look like sails just waiting for the favorable wind.

You do not pay entrance here, but you better book everything in advance.

12. Disneyland

Speaking of Walt Disney, something that is also a must-visit is Disneyland. An entertainment park you will never be old for. Jump into a magical kingdom where pirates and exotic jungles await you and let the colorful content bring you back to childhood for a moment.

13. The Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame consists of more than 2,500 stars carved into the sidewalk along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard. These stars are permanent memorials to achievements in the entertainment industry and carry the names of actors, musicians, directors, producers, music and theater groups, fictional characters and more.

The Walk of Fame is a popular tourist destination, with several million visitors each year.

Five-pointed stars are made of pink marble, while the name and category are indicated by brass. There are 5 basic categories:

1. A movie camera is a symbol for a movie
2. A dual antenna TV is a symbol for a television program
3. The music board is a symbol for music
4. The microphone is a symbol for a radio program
5. Masks are a symbol for theater

14. The Grove and The Original Farmers market

The Grove is an open-air shopping mall, beautifully conceptualized and made as a small town, where in addition to boutiques you can find many restaurants, cafeterias, cinemas, etc.

The Original Farmers Market is an open market with the concept that you can sit down and eat something right there. You have almost all kinds of cuisine available in the Farmers market.

15. Rodeo Drive

Synonymous for luxury is Rodeo Drive.

Rodeo Drive is the most expensive shopping street in the world. The world’s best brands have exclusive stores here. The street is superbly decorated and spotlessly clean.

Some of the well-known brands found in this prestigious location are Giorgio Armani, Christian Dior, Gucci, Lacoste, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Max Mara, Prada, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, as and many others.

This glamorous street, in addition to the prestigious boutiques, is also home to many luxury restaurants, which offer top-notch service.

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16. L.A. gastronomy

Los Angeles is known as a city that gives you incredible options when choosing food and drinks. Any type of kitchen to eat, be sure to find it in LA. Depending on the differences themselves, these are some suggestions of where and what you can eat or drink to make sure you are happy with:

American, Californian Cuisine: In-N-Out Burgers, Mel’s Drive-In

Italian Cuisine: Terroni, Il Pastaio

French Cuisine: Zinque, Le Petite Bistro, Le Pain Quotidien

Vegan & Vegetarian Cuisine: Sage Vegan Bistro, The Butcher’s Daughter Venice

Cafeterias: Carrera Cafe, The Butcher, The Baker, and The Cappuccino Maker Cafe

You need to know that tip is required here and it is recommended that you leave about 20% of the bill.

Conclusion

This city is amazing, and what especially sets it apart is the warmth and hospitality of the people. Whether it is because of the Mediterranean climate or something else, you are left to see, but what is certain is that you will not regret if you visit this fantastic city.

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