Los Angeles is without doubt one of the most well-known cities in the USA, recognized for its iconic film and TV areas, luxurious seashores, and superstar existence. There may be a lot to see and do, and planning your first journey could be quite overwhelming. In reality, regardless of being the final word playground for the wealthy and well-known, I’m usually requested by my readers, ‘Is Los Angeles value visiting?’.
So I believed I’d reply simply that! On this publish, we’re going to dive into the professionals and cons of visiting LA, and present you the highest issues to do in Los Angeles, so you may finally resolve if visiting this iconic metropolis is one thing you need to add to your US bucket record.
My private expertise in Los Angeles
During my first go to to Los Angeles I discovered it tough to get used to the scale of LA. The town is huge – virtually 4 million folks dwell within the metropolis of LA and 10 million dwell in Los Angeles County. It may get fairly overwhelming to navigate, particularly, as a primary timer.
I additionally discovered the visitors insane and it took a very long time to get wherever…. Whereas this was considerably true the second time round as effectively, I lastly started to ‘get’ LA, and now I like town. In reality I’d like to return and discover some extra.
I usually hear folks saying they don’t like LA, however I feel that’s as a result of they in all probability stayed within the improper locations and didn’t get a real really feel for Los Angeles.
Hopefully, this publish can provide you a greater perception on what to anticipate in your first go to.
Execs of visiting Los Angeles
I’ve highlighted all of the the reason why I preferred LA, and why I feel it’s a good spot to go to for these in search of an thrilling vacation within the US.
✅ Its Cool!
Let’s face it, even when you solely have a number of days to spend in LA, the Metropolis of Angels is cool place to go to. There are iconic sights all over the place you look, to not point out celebrities, from Hollywood to Beverly Hills, Malibu to Santa Monica – there are such a lot of cool locations to go in LA.
Chances are high you’ll spot a TV star or two, or find yourself in one of many well-known superstar hang-outs. Pattern Hailey Bieber’s Pores and skin Smoothie for $19 or catch the subsequent huge star acting at Chateau Marmont – there are such a lot of distinctive issues to do in LA which you can’t discover wherever else!
✅ Limitless issues to do
One factor I actually like about Los Angeles is the limitless record of issues to do, there’s something for everybody to take pleasure in, it doesn’t matter what your journey fashion is.
From trying out the gorgeous shoreline to stumbling throughout an open-mic night time, visiting the huge variety of museums or having fun with the superstar highlights.
✅ Household Pleasant
I additionally like that town is tremendous household pleasant, with well-known theme parks akin to Disneyland and Common Studios proper on it’s door step. Many households would say Los Angeles is value visiting for the kid pleasant points of interest alone.
✅ Multicultural Metropolis
Los Angeles is without doubt one of the most culturally numerous locations on this planet. It’s residence to folks from 140 nations who communicate 224 totally different languages.
Which means in your journey you’ll not be in need of enjoyable and distinctive issues to do, from vibrant festivals and artwork scenes to making an attempt some tasty bites from world wide.
✅ Lovely Seashores
Los Angeles is residence to a few of the most lovely seashores in the USA. From the full of life seashore resort of Santa Monica and its iconic pier, to the beautiful setting of Malibu the place you may see how the opposite half dwell. There may be just about a seashore for each kind of journey fashion.
✅ Nice Climate All Yr Spherical
Probably the most interesting issues about Los Angeles as a vacation spot is it’s nice climate. It receives a median of 263 days of solar a yr. Which suggests you might have a reasonably excessive probability of a dry and fulfilling vacation, irrespective of whenever you resolve to go to.
Cons of Visiting Los Angeles
Subsequent, let’s check out a few of the the reason why chances are you’ll not need to go to LA. Personally, I feel the professionals outweigh the cons however there are some parts it is best to think about earlier than deciding if Los Angeles is value visiting.
❌ There isn’t a Metropolis Centre
There isn’t actually a most important centre like you will discover in most cities. In reality, there are 10 most important areas in Los Angeles and formally 114 neighbourhoods in Los Angeles County – it’s not the kind of metropolis the place you will get your bearings after a morning guided tour!
❌ You Need to Lease a Automotive (and the visitors is INSANE)
Because of the metropolis not having a most important centre, it’s probably not doable to stroll between the principle points of interest – they’re too unfold out. The subway is beneficial nevertheless it doesn’t go to all of the highlights, so hiring a automotive is probably the most sensible resolution, except you need to lay our a fortune on UBERs.
❌ Costly to Go to
Los Angeles, like most huge cities within the US is pricey on the bottom. You could find extra reasonably priced resort and eating choices in Downtown LA, however if you wish to keep within the cool spots, (extra on this beneath), be ready to pay. Nonetheless, most museums are Free to enter, in order that can also be value contemplating.
The place to Keep in LA to Make Los Angeles Value Visiting
One other factor that confuses lots of people earlier than planning a visit to LA is the place to remain. Many are likely to really feel overwhelmed with the limitless record of neighbourhoods and areas to select from. Certainly one of my high ideas for visiting Los Angeles is: Don’t confuse Hollywood with West Hollywood!
I’ve put collectively a mini information for you, highlighting the very best and worst locations to e book lodging and the variations between staying in Hollywood vs West Hollywood.
1. Hollywood
Hollywood is probably the most well-known location in LA and the place many select to remain. It’s residence to Hollywood Boulevard the place you will discover the Hollywood Stroll of Fame in addition to numerous theatres, eating places and bars – see extra on this beneath.
Nonetheless, it isn’t the very best neighbourhood to remain in. After darkish it may be seedy and isn’t the glamorous Hollywood that individuals count on.
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2. West Hollywood
West Hollywood or WeHo as locals name it’s the finest space to remain in. It’s between Hollywood and Beverly Hills and is residence to the well-known Sundown Strip. Additionally it is well-liked with the LGBTQ group and is taken into account one of many safer areas to remain in Los Angeles.
The well-known Oppenheim Group is situated on Sundown Plaza (Promoting Sundown followers will know what I imply), and it’s doable to take images exterior, (you have to keep 3ft from the window), even when the employees / celebrities are inside. In reality we noticed Jason Oppenheim drive away whereas we had been exterior!
West Hollywood is residence to well-known cafes, eating places, resorts and vibrant nightlife – though most locations shut at 2am in LA.
Try Resort Ziggy – named after Ziggy Stardust, this is without doubt one of the coolest locations to remain in LA.
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3. Downtown LA
Downtown LA is just not one of many most important vacationer areas. It’s residence to the Conference Centre and tends to be visited by company friends. Nonetheless, of late, you will discover many hipster bars and membership openings, in addition to good worth eating places and excessive rise resorts, many with rooftop swimming pools and bars.
It isn’t certainly one of LA’s most secure neighbourhoods, so if staying right here, I counsel you don’t get lost the crushed monitor, you might simply end up on Skid Row.
I stayed within the JW Marriott which was wonderful, and beautifully situated if you wish to be near the Conference Centre, though this wouldn’t be among the best neighbourhoods to remain in LA.
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4. Santa Monica
Santa Monica is the preferred seashore city in Los Angeles, and is the place we stayed throughout a household highway journey in California a number of years in the past.
In addition to an excellent seashore, there are some nice outlets, bars and eating places right here – you might simply spend per week right here, it’s virtually like a big vacation resort.
We stayed within the Palihouse which was spacious, luxurious and an excellent place to remain in Santa Monica with youngsters.
Learn: The Greatest Locations to Cease on the Pacific Coast Freeway
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15 Issues to do in Los Angeles that make Los Angeles value visiting
Subsequent, let’s check out a few of the finest issues to do in Los Angeles. This part will finally assist you resolve when you assume LA is value visiting.
1. Spend a night in Santa Monica
The Santa Monica Pier is known for being the tip of Route 66 and is a well-liked vacationer attraction in LA – ideally go to at sundown. There’s a small amusement park right here referred to as Pacific Park. You pay per journey, usually $12- $15 though you should buy a wristband for limitless use of all 12 rides for $50 per grownup and $30 per little one.
The small curler coaster, photo voltaic powered Ferris Wheel, and basic carousel courting again to 1922 are the large attracts right here, however there’s additionally a small aquarium and free live shows and out of doors motion pictures are frequent in the course of the summer season months.
TOP TIP: Whereas many go to Santa Monica for the Pier, don’t miss the third Road Promenade, it’s nice for purchasing and eating.
Malibu is a few 20 minutes drive north of Santa Monica, however value a go to if you need a luxurious seashore city with much less crowds. That is the place many celebrities have seashore homes and plenty of select to mix Santa Monica and Malibu into sooner or later journey.
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2. Stroll Hollywood Boulevard
The 2km Hollywood Stroll of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard is a should go to in LA. It’s residence to 2,765 stars of film stars, recording artists and sporting heroes. Additionally, you will discover superstar autographs and handprints carved in cement on the pavement exterior the Grauman’s Chinese language Theatre.
This neighbourhood is filled with museums, most notably the Hollywood Museum which has over 10,000 items of film memorabilia together with a duplicate of Hannibal Lecter’s cell.
Madame Tussauds, the Guinness World Information Museum and Ripley’s Consider it or Not are additionally situated right here, as is Jimmy Kimmel Dwell and well-known film theatres. Why not e book tickets and be a part of a dwell TV viewers, or absorb a film at one of many well-known film theatres situated right here.
Film premiers and superstar sightings are fairly frequent right here, Chris Hemsworth was there to advertise his new film throughout our go to!
3. Hike the Hollywood Signal
This is without doubt one of the quintessential issues to do in LA. It is without doubt one of the world’s most well-known landmarks, and regardless of what chances are you’ll assume, it’s comparatively simple to get to the viewing factors.
The signal was initially constructed in 1923 as a brief advert for a brand new housing improvement within the Hollywood Hills referred to as Hollywood Land. When the true property agent went bust, it grew to become the property of town, however was neglected and shortly grew to become run down.
Within the Nineteen Seventies it was formally made a cultural landmark. Hugh Hefner organised a fundraiser and auctioned off the outdated letters for $27,700 every with a view to erect a brand new signal. The brand new signal wasn’t put in place till 1978!
Though referred to as a hike, it’s extra like a simple stroll – it’s simply 2.2 miles to the very best viewing level. You possibly can’t go proper as much as the signal, and when you strive, police will name you on on loud audio system and provide you with a $3,000 positive!
Though a simple journey to make, it’s best to take a guided stroll. At instances you permit the nationwide park and stroll alongside non-public properties – I’m undecided it could be simple to search out the very best viewing factors alone. A guided tour may even provide you with worthwhile insights into the historical past of the signal. It takes simply 90 minutes together with loads of time for photographs, and prices $17.
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5. Stroll Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is residence to 100 of the world’s high designer shops and though fairly brief, you merely must stroll alongside it to see how the opposite half dwell!
See the well-known Beverly Wilshire Resort made well-known from Fairly Girl, and take a photograph on the iconic steps, or on the Beverly Hills signal at close by Beverly Gardens.
High Tip: Valet parking is out there for $12 an hour at Rodeo Assortment.
6. Spend a day at Venice
Venice Seaside is lower than 5km from Santa Monica and can also be a should go to in Los Angeles. You possibly can cycle between the 2 in quarter-hour, it’s a part of the 35km Marvin Braude Bike Path.
Like LA usually, Venice has many various sides to it. There may be an general Boho vibe as it’s a well-liked spot with artists and hippies, however additionally it is stuffed with road performers, skate boarders and bodybuilders.
Whereas the boardwalk space could also be busy with all the above, in addition to homeless encampments, Abbot Kinney Boulevard and the Venice Canals have a unique vibe.
Abbot Kinney was a tobacco mogul whose dream in 1905 was to show this space into the Venice of America. 16 miles of canals had been dug out however subsequently paved over in 1929 when the world fell into decline. Nonetheless, like many poor areas, Venice grew to become gentrified. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is certainly one of these areas, the place you will discover upmarket boutiques, galleries and classy eateries – it’s usually referred to as the ‘coolest block in America’.
Six canals stay at the moment. Lined with mansions and historic homes, with loads of fairly bridges to cross, it’s a beautiful space to flee the hustle and bustle of LA.
Venice is like marmite, you’ll both adore it or hate it, however it’s quintessential LA and must be seen if visiting Los Angeles. Why not mix Venice with Santa Monica on this small group electrical bike tour?
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7. Discover Grand Central Market & Angels Flight
Grand Central Market has been the principle market in LA since 1917. It’s residence to 50 meals stalls with every little thing from Tacos to Sushi, and is a good place to seize a chew to eat and socialise.
I discovered an excellent bar in the back of the market with an out of doors terrace that may be a good spot for folks to observe on a sunny day. That is an edgy however genuine a part of town and I actually loved it.
Throughout the highway from the Grand Central Market you will discover Angels Flight – the world’s shortest railway that has been right here since 1901. Its extra like a funicular and solely travels up one block, however it’s a sensible method to keep away from strolling up a steep incline, and it’s definitely worth the $1 fare every approach.
A journey on Angels Flight is just not one of many high issues to do in Los Angeles however it’s worthwhile if visiting Grand Central Market, and a novel factor to do in LA.
8. Go to no less than certainly one of Los Angeles Museums
There are 841 museums and artwork galleries in Los Angeles – it has extra museums per capita than every other metropolis on this planet. Most are free to enter however do require advance reserving – verify particular person web sites for extra particulars.
The John Paul Getty Museum is a should go to in case you are concerned with artwork and structure. You’ll discover Van Gogh, Monet and Degas work, fashionable pictures exhibitions, in addition to lovely gardens and panoramic views of town.
The California Science Centre is residence to 100 state-of-the-art shows. Relics from the Apollo command module are right here in addition to a Wright brother’s glider and a spy aircraft. It used to accommodate the House Shuttle Endeavour however that’s being moved to a brand new exhibition area and the date is just not confirmed for its reopening.
The California Science Centre is without doubt one of the finest locations to go to in Los Angeles with youngsters. There are quite a few interactive displays for them to take pleasure in together with flight simulators, Sea Life displays and an IMAX Theatre. The California Science Centre can also be free to enter however timed tickets are required for the IMAX Theatre and particular displays.
Learn: 12 issues to do with youngsters in California
9. Go to the Griffith Observatory at night time
The Griffith Observatory is an iconic constructing in Los Angeles and a should go to for area and structure lovers, in addition to these in search of the very best views of LA skyline and the Hollywood Signal.
The Griffith Observatory’s 12-inch Zeiss Telescope is without doubt one of the most important attracts and is free to the general public when open. A information will assist you to look by means of the telescope and on clear nights extra telescopes are wheeled out.
There are quite a few area exhibitions in addition to a planetarium, which has one of many world’s most superior star projectors. Film buffs may even recall the scene from La La Land when Ryan Gosling waltzes Emma Stone across the Planetarium.
10. Have lunch at The Grove
The Grove is certainly one of LA’s prettiest out of doors purchasing malls. You’ll discover a choice of designer and excessive road shops, together with a powerful Apple store and American manufacturers akin to Sephora, Nike and Coach. Whereas costs are definitely on the excessive facet – even for LA, it’s a pleasure to discover.
There’s a massive fountain within the centre, with loads of out of doors eating choices, together with reasonably priced cafés and La Piazza restaurant which serves up tasty pizzas.
There’s a massive double decker Trolley when you don’t fancy strolling, though the world is just not that huge. This can take you to the again of The Grove the place you will discover the Unique Farmers Market with meals stands and quick meals pop ups.
11. Take a Hollywood and Movie star Houses Tour
Whereas this tour is probably not for everybody, it is without doubt one of the high issues to do in Los Angeles and can also be a helpful method to see Hollywood’s high points of interest simply.
In two hours you may see get photograph alternatives of the Hollywood Signal, the Hollywood Stroll of Fame, Beverly Hills, the Sundown Strip, Rodeo Drive in addition to seeing some superstar properties and well-liked hang around spots.
Travelling by open bus will will let you cowl extra floor shortly too, so in case you are brief on time, this can be a helpful method to see the highest Hollywood sights.
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Los Angeles Theme Parks
12. Spend the day at Common Studios Hollywood
If I had to decide on only one theme park to go to in Los Angeles, it must be Common Studios. It’s due to its iconic Studio Tour that ALL Common Studios theme parks are right here at the moment.
The unique Studio Tour opened in 1915, when friends paid 25 cents to study how motion pictures had been made. It wasn’t till 1964 that the primary set of trams had been launched. The tour grew to become so well-liked that Common determined so as to add issues to do whereas friends waited for his or her tour. Stunt exhibits and points of interest adopted as did different Common Parks, notably Common Orlando Resort in 1990.
The Studio Tour will deliver you alongside actual dwell units, the place motion pictures and TV exhibits are being filmed. It offers you an excellent perception into how exhibits are made and you may see well-known units from Psycho, Determined Housewives and Warfare of the Worlds.
The Studio Tour will deliver you alongside actual dwell units, the place motion pictures and TV exhibits are being filmed. It offers you an excellent perception into how exhibits are made and you may see well-known units from Psycho, Determined Housewives and Warfare of the Worlds.
For critical transfer buffs, take into account the VIP Studio Tour the place you will get off the trolly and stroll by means of the units, in addition to visiting the Prop Room and seeing a working studio up shut. Additionally, you will have a devoted VIP lunch, premium seating at exhibits and Quick Observe entry to all of the rides till the park closes.
In addition to the enduring Studio Tour, you will discover the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Tremendous Nintendo World, Waterworld Stunt Present and plenty of different high rides and points of interest.
Notice: There are not any out of doors coasters in Common Studios Hollywood, though a Quick & The Livid coaster is due in 2025.
Common Studios Hollywood is without doubt one of the oldest working film studios on this planet, you merely can’t go to LA with out seeing it.
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13. Go to Disneyland California with Youngsters
Disneyland Resort has two parks in Anaheim, Disneyland Park and Disney California Journey. There’s something for adults and youngsters of all ages right here, together with devoted Star Wars and Marvel lands, curler coasters, family-friendly rides, and naturally Disney’s well-known fireworks, and parades round Sleeping Magnificence’s Fortress.
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14. Spend the morning at Warner Bros Studios
The Warner Bros tour in Los Angeles will deliver you behind the scenes of your favorite TV exhibits and film units. From FRIENDS to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, you may sit on the precise Buddies sofa, try the Batmobile, or nearly journey a broomstick above Hogwarts.
Additionally, you will find out how motion pictures are made and see a working Hollywood studio the place filming continues at the moment. Studio excursions are 3 hours lengthy and embrace a 2 hour guided tour in addition to self guided part.
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15. Go to much more theme parks…
Adrenaline junkies also can go to Six Flags Magic Mountain, which is residence to 19 world-class curler coasters.
Legoland California and SeaWorld San Diego are additionally household theme parks close to Los Angeles, situated about 90 minutes away.
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Conclusion: Is LA Value Visiting?
Completely! Los Angeles is value visiting! So far as US cities go, Los Angeles has one thing enjoyable and distinctive to supply its guests, from the enduring units of the blockbuster movies we’ve come to like to the white sandy seashores that line the coast.
Sure, there are some cons to visiting LA, however isn’t there in each metropolis? When you keep in the correct location, and take my high ideas for visiting LA on board, you will discover a fascinating metropolis with a number of fantastic points of interest.
