🎬 Hollywood & The Entertainment Industry
You can't visit LA without paying homage to the industry that built it. Hollywood is the beating heart of global cinema.
- The Walk of Fame: It's crowded and kitschy, but finding your favorite star is a rite of passage. Don't miss the handprints at the TCL Chinese Theatre.
- Studio Tours: For a real behind-the-scenes look, Warner Bros. Studio Tour is excellent. You'll see real sets (like Friends or Gilmore Girls) and working soundstages. Universal Studios is more of a theme park but offers the famous tram tour.
- The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures: A newer addition, this museum is a dream for film buffs, featuring props like Dorothy's ruby slippers and the shark from Jaws. The architecture alone is worth the visit.
- Paramount Pictures Studio Tour: The only major studio still located in Hollywood proper. It offers an authentic look at the history of the Golden Age of cinema.
🏖️ Beach Cities: Sun, Sand, and Surf
The coastline defines the LA lifestyle. From high-end luxury to bohemian vibes, there is a beach for everyone.
- Santa Monica: Famous for its pier with the solar-powered Ferris wheel. The 3rd Street Promenade offers great shopping and street performers. It's the end of the legendary Route 66.
- Venice Beach: Bohemian and gritty. Walk the boardwalk to see Muscle Beach, the skate park, and eclectic street vendors. The Venice Canals nearby offer a peaceful, scenic walk inspired by Italy.
- Malibu: Drive north on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for dramatic cliffs and celebrity homes. Zuma Beach is great for families, while Surfrider Beach is iconic for... well, surfing.
- Manhattan Beach: A more upscale, relaxed alternative to Santa Monica. The pier is picturesque, and the downtown area is full of chic boutiques and cafes.
🎨 Art & Culture
LA has quietly become one of the world's great art cities, with more museums per capita than any other US city.
- The Getty Center: Perched on a hill in Brentwood, it offers stunning architecture, gardens, and views of the whole city (on a clear day). Entrance is free (you just pay for parking).
- LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art): The largest art museum in the west. Don't miss the "Urban Light" installation outside—a forest of vintage street lamps perfect for photos.
- The Broad: A contemporary art museum in Downtown LA (DTLA) housing works by Warhol and Koons. The "Infinity Mirror Rooms" by Yayoi Kusama are a must-see (book in advance).
- Griffith Observatory: A planetarium and astronomy museum that offers the best view of the Hollywood Sign and the city basin. It's a popular filming location (Rebel Without a Cause, La La Land).
🌮 A Foodie's Paradise
LA's diversity makes it one of the best food cities in America. It's the birthplace of the French Dip sandwich and the Cobb salad.
- Tacos: From street trucks like Leo's Taco Truck (try the Al Pastor) to Guisados for stewed fillings, tacos are a religion here. Don't leave without trying a late-night taco stand.
- Koreatown: The largest K-town in the US. Go for 24-hour Korean BBQ at Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong or tofu soup at BCD Tofu House. The nightlife here is vibrant with karaoke bars.
- Grand Central Market: A historic food hall in DTLA since 1917. Try the egg sandwiches at Eggslut, pupusas from Sarita's, or wood-fired pizza at Olio.
- In-N-Out Burger: The California classic. Order a "Double-Double Animal Style" (mustard-fried patty with grilled onions). It's fast food, but it's an institution.
🌄 The Great Outdoors
Despite being a concrete jungle, LA is surrounded by nature.
- Runyon Canyon: The place to hike if you want to see celebrities walking their dogs. It offers great views and a good workout right in the middle of Hollywood.
- Mulholland Drive: A classic scenic drive along the ridge of the Santa Monica Mountains. Stop at the overlooks for breathtaking night views of the city grid.
- Joshua Tree National Park: About a 2.5-hour drive east, this desert landscape offers alien-looking trees and incredible stargazing. It's a perfect day trip or overnight camping spot.
🛍️ Shopping & Style
- Rodeo Drive: Even if you can't afford it, window shopping in Beverly Hills is a spectator sport. It's luxury at its finest.
- The Grove: An outdoor shopping mall that feels like a sanitized version of Main Street USA. It's popular for its dancing fountain and proximity to the Original Farmers Market.
- Melrose Trading Post: A massive flea market held every Sunday at Fairfax High School. It's the place to find vintage clothes, antiques, and handmade art.
🎵 The Music Scene
LA's music history is legendary, from the rock clubs of the Sunset Strip to the hip-hop roots of Compton.
- The Hollywood Bowl: There is nothing quite like a summer concert here. Bring a picnic (and wine!) and watch your favorite band play under the stars with the Hollywood sign in the distance.
- The Troubadour: A historic West Hollywood club where Elton John played his first US show and Guns N' Roses made their debut. It's intimate and iconic.
- Amoeba Music: One of the world's largest independent record stores. You can spend hours browsing vinyl, CDs, and posters. They often host free in-store performances.
🚗 Day Trips
One of the best things about LA is what lies just outside it.
- Disneyland: The original "Happiest Place on Earth" is in Anaheim, about an hour south. It's a must for families and nostalgia lovers. Don't miss Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.
- Santa Barbara: Known as the "American Riviera," this coastal city is famous for its Spanish architecture, wine tasting (the "Funk Zone"), and pristine beaches. It's a perfect relaxing getaway.
- Palm Springs: A retro-cool desert oasis famous for its mid-century modern architecture and pool parties. Take the aerial tramway up Mt. San Jacinto for snow in the winter!
📚 Literary LA
Despite its reputation for screenplays, LA has a deep literary soul.
- Vroman's Bookstore: Located in Pasadena, it's Southern California's oldest and largest independent bookstore. It's a community hub with constant author readings.
- Book Soup: A Sunset Strip landmark with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a rock-n-roll vibe. It's where you go to find rare art books and celebrity memoirs.
💎 Hidden Gems
- The Last Bookstore: A whimsical bookshop in DTLA located in an old bank building, famous for its book tunnel and vault. It's a paradise for book lovers and Instagrammers alike.
- Greystone Mansion: A stunning estate in Beverly Hills with public gardens. It's often used as a filming location (seen in movies like "The Big Lebowski" and "There Will Be Blood"). The park grounds are free to explore.
- Time Travel Mart: A quirky shop in Echo Park selling "dinosaur eggs" and "robot milk," which actually supports a non-profit literacy center for kids.
- The Magic Castle: An exclusive private club for magicians. You need an invite from a member to get in, but if you do, it's an unforgettable night of magic shows and dining in a Victorian mansion.
🚇 Practical LA Guide
- Getting Around: Renting a car is the most efficient way to see the city. However, parking can be expensive. The Metro Rail is improving and is a good option for traveling between DTLA, Hollywood, and Santa Monica.
- Weather: It's sunny almost year-round. However, mornings and evenings can be cool, especially near the ocean ("May Gray" and "June Gloom" are real phenomena). Bring layers.
- Safety: Be cautious in Downtown LA at night, specifically around Skid Row. Always lock your car and hide valuables to prevent break-ins.
