Sightseeing in the City of Angels
Los Angeles is the influential hub of celebrity pop culture. As the center of glamorous stardom, LA contains many distinguished sights including beautiful beaches, museums, and cinema references. The sprawling Californian city may have a terrible traffic reputation (it’s true) but the perfect year-round summer weather more than makes up for it. As one of the top 3 biggest cities in the US (including Chicago and NYC) there are limitless activities to partake in. Here’s the best 10 things to do on your next trip to the city of angels.
10. Hollywood Walk of Fame
One of the most famous sights in Los Angeles is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Pay tribute to a plethora of celebrity stars on this iconic boulevard. The cringy streets may be a bit underwhelming, but its still a ton of fun to search for your favorite superstars. Be sure to stop by the TCL Chinese Theatre for some excellent shots! Bruce Lee’s star should be nearby. If you’re a big fan of movies, I highly recommend signing up for a Warner Bros. Studio tour.
9. Los Angeles City Hall
Just a short subway ride south will take you to down town Los Angeles. An area filled with sky scrapers, art museums, and tons of food markets. City Hall is a great destination to put things into perspective. Ride to the top of the observation deck for some great skyline views of Los Angeles. You can see the vastness of the city as it stretches across lots of cool landmarks. Its free so stop by if you have time!
8. La Brea Tar Pits & Museum
Not many museums contain geological phenomena within its domain. Witness the bubbling pits of tar at La Brea for a unique insight into the past. The museum has active archaeological excavations and tons of ice age fossils to check out. La Brea is part of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, so both exhibitions can be visited with the same ticket.
7. California Science Center
Los Angeles has an impressive assortment of museums. The California Science Center adds the wonders of the technological world to that collection. The museum is free to enter and offers a variety of special exhibits for a price. The eminent Endeavor NASA Space Shuttle is on display as well. Reserve a timed ticket to see it for a few dollars here. Only 3 Space Shuttles left to see!
6. Venice , Los Angeles California
The Italian inspired city has a place here in Los Angeles too. Stroll through the man-made canals for a peaceful afternoon. Or Head into the Venice Beach Boardwalk to be surrounded by a lively crowd. The famous skate park is also worth stopping by. Cool off from the blazing sun in the vibrant Venice Beach. I found some zesty and flavorful shrimp tacos in a local restaurant, Plancha Tacos.
5. Grand Central Market
Food is a huge part of being a travel blogger. And Grand Central Market is an excellent area in down town Los Angeles with tons of food vendors and specialty dishes. It hosts an eclectic mix of food to satiate any appetite. It’s a foodie paradise with everything from Japanese to German to Burgers, and everything in between. An Honorable mention to The Original Farmer’s Market for handcrafted goods and other amazing food. I had some super savory tacos there I can definitely recommend! Of course if you find yourself outside of the markets, there’s always In-N-Out Burger…
4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
Also known as the LACMA, this fancy art museum is regarded as the largest art museum on the West coast. Located on museum row, its easy to hop between different museums like La Brea Tar Pits and more. Expand your horizons with tons of abstract pieces, a 3D exhibit, and an array of artistically placed light posts. It’s a bit pricey but worth it if you are into contemporary and modern art. Right across the street is a remnant of the Berlin Wall and some eccentric food trucks.
3. The Broad, Downtown Los Angeles
Another phenomenal art gallery resides inside of the grated exterior of The Broad (pronounced BRO’D?). The architecture of the building is an astonishing piece in itself. The gallery has some of the most intricate exhibits on display. One of these is the enigmatic Infinity Mirrors by Yayoi Kusama. One of my favorite representations of eternity (also in Raleigh) and my gateway into the world of art. Tickets are free but to avoid waiting on a ridiculously long line, book them online here. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is right next door, which also has an esoteric appearance.
2. Santa Monica Pier
When you are done museum hopping, head for the coastal town of Santa Monica to chill out like the locals. The Santa Monica Pier is filled with shops, carnival games, and even an entire theme park. Pacific Park has roller coasters and other exhilarating rides for a fun change of pace. At the far extension of the pier are lots of people fishing. The surrounding pathways are great for riding those electric scooters I love o-so-much.
1. Griffith Observatory
The best way to revel at the city of angles is from the great vantage point of Griffith Observatory. Perched at the summit of Mount Hollywood, it offers excellent views of Los Angeles. Griffith Observatory is a great starting point for hiking the infamous Hollywood sign. Visit the gateway to the cosmos at night to peer through the enormous telescopes or stare upon the beautiful starlit city. The only thing better than searching for stars on Hollywood Blvd is real star gazing. Admission is FREE so embrace the wisdom of the celestial void.
The west side city of Los Angeles emanates a completely different vibe than most cites. The laid back disposition of the locals provide a tranquil atmosphere for tourism. The sprawling metropolitan makes it a bit difficult to travel to the various attractions scattered across the city. Because of this you may need some extra time to enjoy everything LA has to offer. But it makes the perfect getaway for art enthusiasts, foodies, and beach lovers. If you’re only in the city for a long weekend, check out this post for the perfect itinerary! For a side by side comparison review of LA and NYC check out this blog post. Thanks for reading and keep leveling up!
Here’s my LA bucket list tour travel vlog! Hope you enjoy!
