As the second largest metropolitan area in the country with a population of more than 16 million, Los Angeles is the West's iconic city, the place where movie stars, big money, bigger traffic jams and modern culture meet over Pacific surf, Santa Monica Mountain vistas and sometimes, a blanket of smog. Please remember: L.A. is actually multiple cities like: Downtown LA, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Venice, Sana Monica.
Los Angeles is home to renowned museums, unique hotels, diverse experiences and 75 miles of sunny coastline. The best way to discover LA is by exploring all of the vibrant multicultural neighborhoods.
Downtown LA
Head toward the tall buildings—that would probably be pretty sound advice in most cities, but it’s hard to say the same about L.A. Yes, Downtown L.A. is easily one of the city’s most exciting areas at the moment, but its parts are still more compelling than the whole. Families in particular will be disappointed if they’re looking for a bustling city center akin to New York or Chicago that’s stocked with worthwhile shops and cultural destinations at every corner. It’s best to tackle the area with a specific plan: Grab a bite at Grand Central Market, spend an afternoon at the Broad, see the LA Phil or admire the architecture at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, slurp down a bowl of ramen in Little Tokyo and have a drink in the Arts District. My favorites are: Skyspace for its glass slide and impressive views, and Grand Central Market for all of its fun restaurants.
Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is probably the most iconic part of Los Angeles and something that everyone loves to see when they visit. There are many great spots to view the sign from like Lake Hollywood Park, but if you really want to experience it, then considering hiking up to it. The hike is steep if you take the Wisdom Tree Trail, but it gives you some great views of LA and lets you get as close to the sign as you are allowed.
Runyon Canyon Park
Just two blocks from Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon Park is an often-overlooked urban park that offers some great views. The park boasts several hiking trails and is a popular spot for celebrities to exercise. During your hike, you'll see plenty of palm trees. A top the canyon, you'll be treated to sweeping views of the Hollywood sign, Griffith Observatory, and even the Pacific Ocean and Catalina Island on clear days! The canyon is reminiscent of Old Hollywood with several old mansions and estates scattered throughout the park – keep your eyes peeled as you follow the trail.
Because of the hot, dry climate, the hike can be rough (even for those in great physical condition), so bring plenty of water.
Beverly Hills & Rodeo Drive
Immortalized by Julia Roberts' "Pretty Woman" shopping spree, Rodeo Drive is an upscale shopping street in Beverly Hills that features designer stores and small private boutiques. The area is popular with wealthy shoppers, sunglass-wearing celebrities and tourists hoping to see fashion icons. Tiffany & Co., Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Valentino, Harry Winston, Prada, Ralph Lauren - you get the picture. Near the southern end of Rodeo Drive is Via Rodeo, a curvy cobblestone street designed to resemble a European shopping area and the perfect backdrop to pose for your Instagram feed. The Beverly Hills sign is right next to a large fountain, and it is a popular spot for photos📸.
Universal Studios Hollywood
One of the most popular attractions in the Los Angeles area, Universal Studios Hollywood features rides and amusements based on some of the most popular scenes and characters from film and television. You can take the famous tram tour past the creepy Bates Motel from "Psycho" and get caught up in a high speed chase with the "Fast & Furious" cast.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame features more than 2,500 terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalk along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. The five-pointed stars honor the accomplishments of actors, musicians, directors, producers and others in the entertainment industry.
Multiple travelers complain that the area is dirty. And it's true, I was so disappointed! Plus, parking is limited along Hollywood Boulevard. Some, however, said the hustle and bustle was part of the quirky allure of the area. (Note that the area draws a large homeless population.) Anyway, it is still a "famous" and iconic place to take a picture.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is probably one of the greatest place in LA. The views from the observatory are amazing with the Hollywood Sign one way and Downtown LA the other. Of course, the observatory is also amazing to explore as it is free to enter and has a lot of fun exhibits.
Venice Beach
Venice Beach is a lively city right on the ocean, west of Los Angeles. The city has street performers, a skatepark, street art, the beach, and the Venice Canals. The canals are one of my favorite spots to visit as you can walk up and down them and cross over the many bridges. Something you would not expect to see in Los Angeles.
Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Just west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica contains one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. Santa Monica also boasts an abundance of great restaurants and excellent nightlife spots. The 3 miles of shoreline are renowned as some of the best in the area thanks to the soft sands, ideal weather and bevy of attractions. "State Beach," as it's known, has over 200 days of sunshine a year and acted as the backdrop for the popular television series "Baywatch."
Born to Fly 🕊
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