It’s hard to know where to begin when visiting a city like Los Angeles. Home to Hollywood – a name synonymous with the American film industry, exclusive neighborhoods, famous theme parks, and world-renowned landmarks, L.A. is a great place to visit at any time of year.
But unlike other metropolises around the world, Los Angeles’s attractions and best places to visit are spread all over. If you are coming from a smaller town, you’ll probably find this sprawl a bit intimidating.
Also Read : Best Time & Places To Visit In The USA https://www.yourvacationtrip.com/best-places-to-visit-in-the-usa/
Places To Visit In LOS Angeles
Hollywood Sign :
The most iconic Los Angeles landmark, the Hollywood Sign is a must-see for any visitor to the city.
It sits atop Mount Lee as a representation of the California film industry and it beckons visitors with multiple hiking trails leading up to it, ranging from 3 to 8 miles round trip, leaving from Griffith Park.
The monument was built in 1923 as an advertising gimmick for a housing complex called Hollywoodland. Each letter is made of white-painted sheet metal and stands 50 feet tall.
Hollywood Walk of Fame :
Immortalizing the biggest names in entertainment, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles.
Walk the same streets as your favorite movie stars at this historic Los Angeles thoroughfare and get a picture of their star on the sidewalk.
If there’s one thing I can say about this attraction it’s that you should set your expectations properly. The old part of Hollywood isn’t what it once was and can be a bit disappointing at first sight.
Griffith Park :
Griffith Park is one of Los Angeles’ most popular outdoor destinations, with dozens of things to do. Visitors can enjoy a hike in the hills (this is where the hike to the Hollywood sign begins), a spin on the merry-go-round, a game of golf, and much more.
The park is also home to the Los Angeles Zoo, the Autry Museum of the American West, and Griffith Observatory, which offers stunning views of Los Angeles and its surrounding mountains.
Griffith Observatory :
This L.A. institution offers stunning views of the city, as well as a variety of educational exhibits on astronomy and science, and a planetarium. The Griffith Observatory is a great place to visit to learn more about the universe.
It’s a unique and magical place that you shouldn’t miss. From the observatory, you can get a great view of the Hollywood Sign and the Los Angeles skyline.
The observatory is open to the public every day of the week, and offers free admission. Plan to spend around 2-3 hours looking around.
Walt Disney Concert Hall : Best Places To Visit In LOS Angeles
Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, this Frank Gehry-designed building is a work of art in itself. It’s considered to be one of the most acoustically sophisticated concert halls in the world.
If you can get a ticket to a show, definitely make this your evening plan. You can also just visit the building, which is architecturally stunning. It’s located at 111 South Grand Avenue in downtown Los Angeles and occupies an entire city block. The building took 15 years to build.
Santa Monica Pier & Beach :
A classic California beachfront destination, the Santa Monica Pier is a fun place to spend some time. Constructed in 1909, the historic Santa Monica Pier was the first concrete pier on the West Coast and it’s been a focal point of the area ever since.
On the pier, there are rides and games to shops and restaurants. The beach surrounding the pier is lively, with playgrounds, parks, and picnic areas. This is also where you’ll find the original Muscle Beach.
Although Santa Monica Pier and the beach can be quite busy in high season, it’s still worth a visit to see the flashing neon lights on the boardwalk, and to walk along the waterfront. It’s just one of those iconic activities you must do in Los Angeles.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Another classic Los Angeles beach experience, Venice Beach is known for its unique character and eclectic atmosphere. The Venice Beach boardwalk stretches over two miles, along which you’ll find dozens of street vendors and performers, restaurants and bars.
While Venice Beach doesn’t have the same glitzy appeal as Santa Monica, it’s nonetheless a great place to hangout. If you’re looking for beach activities, swimming, beach volleyball, fishing, and surfing are popular here.
The Venice Breakwater is actually an acclaimed local surf spot.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
One of the largest art museums in the country, LACMA houses a diverse collection spanning centuries and cultures.
The museum is housed in a large, modern building, and its galleries are arranged into chronological order to give visitors a sense of the history of art. LACMA’s collection includes works by Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso, and many other famous artists.
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is one of Los Angeles’ most famous shopping destinations. This luxury shopping street is home to designer stores, high-end boutiques, and exclusive retailers, like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Tiffany, and Gucci.
Rodeo Drive is also a popular tourist destination, and visitors can often see celebrities shopping or dining in the area. The name generally refers to a three-block long stretch of boutiques and shops but the street stretches further north and south.
Crypto.com Arena (Formerly Staples Center)
The former Staples Center, now called Crypto.com Arena, is a Los Angeles landmark and the home of four professional sports teams: the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), the Los Angeles Kings (NHL), and the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA).
The arena also hosts concerts and other special events. With so many events going on at the arena, you’ll likely find something to grab tickets to while you’re in town.
The arena is located amongst many of Los Angeles’ best restaurants, so you can make a night of it by going out for dinner before your game or concert.
