LA Highlights: Explore The Best Sights in this Los Angeles City Guide
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When we talk about LA, we’re not just talking about Downtown Los Angeles, but Greater Los Angeles and all of the amazing cities and sights peppered across this massive region. As a visitor, it can be difficult to create a roadmap that catches all of the best spots. Bottom line: with everything so spread out, where do you start and how can you make the most of your time? That’s why I’m here! Read on as we explore LA’s highlights—from the beaches to the eclectic neighborhoods and everything along the way.
Best Things To Do In Los Angeles
Los Angeles is arguably one of the most culturally diverse locations in the world. In one region, you can eat Mexican food, drink sake, learn about Japanese history and savor modern arts. In other words: you’ll never get bored in LA. Let’s explore the city’s best sights!
Visit Santa Monica & Venice
You could easily spend your entire time in LA exploring Santa Monica and Venice Beach, which is why I’ve put all of those highlights in its very own blog post. Check it out!
Indulge in LAs Food Scene
Los Angeles is a cultural and culinary melting pot—you can eat any type of ethnic food in LA if you know where to look. There’s also an assortment of unique Farmer’s Markets, from Hollywood to Santa Monica and DTLA. You have to pop into Grand Central Market on Broadway for game nights, food vendors and nightlife. Want to indulge in LAs food scene? Then check out my guide to eating in Los Angeles.
Visit LAs great Museums
There are so many world-renowned museums in Los Angeles. It’s hard to visit them all on one trip, but some of the best and most popular are the Getty Museum, LACMA, the Broad, the California Science Museum and History Museum. You could easily spend an afternoon at the Getty, and you should. But don’t forget about the other amazing museums. If you favor a flavor of everything, head to museum row in miracle mile or Exposition Blvd. Each of these spots has a handful of museums you can spend the day exploring.
See a Symphony At Disney Concert Hall
Not only is the Disney Concert Hall an architectural feast for the eyes, but it hosts amazing concerts. It’s also home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, a major entity in LA culture that extends beyond just a brilliant symphony, it’s part of the heritage and culture of the city.
See a show at Hollywood Bowl or Greek
Two other arenas that draw tourists and locals alike are the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theater. Each of these open-air amphitheaters draws thousands of concert-attendees to bask in the glory of the warm LA climate and get a chance to marvel at stars taking the stage.
La Brea Tar Pits
One of the most obscure yet fascinating locations in LA is the La Brea Tar Pits. You might think of LA as a concrete jungle, and rightfully so, but this unique attraction exhibits relics of the Ice Age. The tar pits are a geological phenomenon, featuring pits of tar that bubbled up slowly over thousands of years, revealing ancient animal bones along with it. It’s pretty fascinating to see such a natural wonder in the heart of one of the busiest cities in the nation.
Shop Your Heart Out
One of the most popular reasons people visit LA is to shop. Afterall, LA is home to Rodeo Drive, The Grove, and Melrose. Each of these locations has its own unique flair. Rodeo Drive is lined with luxury designer retailers, The Grove has a mix of local shops and big retailers, and Melrose is the spot to buy the best vintage and consignment shops in LA.
Visit Architecture Gems
The Hollywood hills aren’t only reserved for the rich and famous, they are also dotted with amazing architectural gems. Of course, these homes are celebrities in and of themselves, making appearances in plenty of Hollywood films. Drive through the hills and revel in the genius of the Hollyhock House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the floating, modernist Stahl House, and the historic Bailey Case Study House.
Stroll Through Griffith Park and The Observatory
Any time you visit LA, you have a chance to stand where the greats did. At the Griffith Park Observatory, you can stand on the same ground where James Dean filmed Rebel Without A Cause. Take in panoramic views of Los Angeles and the city skyline in the distance. You can also head inside to explore the planetarium and learn about science and astronomy.
Wander The Arts District
Nestled between Little Tokyo and the LA River, the Arts District is a small neighborhood that packs a punch. Surrounded by industrial buildings adorned with graffiti and art, musicians and artists create art in the street and its a fun area to wander around and take in the eclectic ambiance of DTLA.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
LA not only offers you the chance to see a movie under the stars but in a cemetery to boot. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is an old landmark and cultural center. Catch a film at one of the Cinespia events, where you can watch classic movies under the stars in one of the coolest settings in LA.
Book A classic Car Tour
A great way to explore LA is in a classic car. Take in the sweeping views from the best viewpoints in LA in classic Hollywood style.
Theme Parks
In the surrounding LA cities, you’ll find a plethora of amusement parks. North of LA, you can head to Six Flags Magic Mountain, or play with Snoopy at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park. If you love cinema and all things Hollywood films, you can’t miss Universal Studios. And of course, I can’t leave out my favorite: Disneyland! I’ve got a whole guide for you on how to hack Disney.
Where to Eat in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has an amazing food scene, so amazing that I compiled all of the best spots into its own post! Check out my guide to the best places to eat in Los Angeles!
Nightlife - Best Bars in and Nightlife in Los Angeles
Perch
When you visit LA, you have to take in the view from a rooftop bar. Fortunately, there are plenty of them! One of the most popular rooftop bars is Perch in DTLA. This glamorous French bar serves up artisanal cocktails, small plates and big views of the city.
The Standard DTLA
Speaking of rooftop bars, one of the hottest spots in LA is The Standard. Located right in the heart of the city on Flower St, The Standard is the spot to be as its an iconic rooftop staple in LA.
Hollywood Clubs
If you want to go out dancing and tap into the LA music scene, there are plenty of dance clubs in Hollywood to let loose and dance the night away. Some of the most popular clubs in Hollywood are Avalon, Lure, and Bardot.
Live Shows at Venues in LA
LA has an incredible music scene, and there are several famous spots to pop in and listen to live music. One of the oldest concert halls in LA is the Wiltern in Koreatown. Head down Wilshire and 8th for Korean BBQ before the show and catch live music in this vintage music theater. A few other local music venues in LA that draw audiences and celebrities alike are Troubador in West Hollywood and Hotel Café in Hollywood.
Hollywood Bowl & Greek Theater
I mentioned these two venues above, but they are an amazing nightlife experience. Where else can you go to watch a show under the bright canopy of the stars? It’s a memorable experience you’ll never forget!
Day Trips From Los Angeles
LA is far and wide, and there are lots of amazing sights outside the city lines that are worth making a day trip to! Here’s a glimpse of each:
Malibu
Take a beautiful hour-long drive up the picturesque PCH coastline for the day to visit Malibu. Don’t forget to stop at Tomales Bay and have a lovely picnic on the beach!
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is 100-mile trip from LA, but its where all the celebs flocked to in the 50s, including Frank Sinatra and Lucille Ball, making it worth the trip!
Santa Barbara / Ojai
Nestled amidst the sprawling Santa Ynez mountains are Santa Barbara, Ojai, and Solvang. Set beneath the backdrop of beautiful mountains is a small mecca of California wine country. Head here for the day to explore the Missions, boutiques and boho environment of one of California’s most picturesque regions.
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is one of the most beautiful coastal towns in California. Located in Orange County, 50-miles south of LA, you can head here for a day trip to explore beautiful art galleries and pristine coastlines.
Where to Stay in Los Angeles
Because LA is so vast, you’ll want to stay centrally located to easily access all of the best sights. Some of the best places to stay in Los Angeles are each listed below:
If you want to stay near the Hollywood strip and all the local attractions, the W Hotel or Mondrian Hollywood are both luxury hotels close to all the action.
Standard, Nomad or Hoxton are each gorgeous, smaller hotels that pack a punch. Located close to downtown with rooftop pools and delicious restaurants, you can’t go wrong with either one of these hotels.
If you are staying in Beverly Hills, Avalon and SLS are ultra-chic boutique hotels located close to shopping, museums and restaurants.
There are so many neighborhoods in LA, and where you stay depends on what you want to see. If you’re staying in a neighborhood opt for an Airbnb or check out Hotel Tonight for the best deals.
When You Should Go
No matter what time of year you visit LA, there will be traffic and crowds. Still, shoulder season is usually the best time. After summertime, school’s back in session and you can explore the city with smaller crowds.
Getting Around
Los Angeles is a huge metropolis, and getting from one side of the city to the other can take you hours if there’s traffic. Still, the lack of public transportation really means that the best way to get around is with rideshares like Uber or Lyft. That said, taking the metro from DTLA to Hollywood takes about 15 minutes, as opposed to 45 minutes in traffic. If you can tackle navigating the metro line, it’s the most time-efficient way to get around LA.
How To Get There
Downtown LA is just 18 minutes from LAX, but depending on what time your plane arrives, you could sit in traffic for over an hour. That said, rideshare apps are the best way to get to your hotel because public transportation isn’t quite set up to cover the massive ground of LA yet.
Ready To Go To LA?
It’s impossible to summarize the eclectic melting pot of Los Angeles into one blog post. That said, this LA city guide will give you a fun sampler of the city’s highlights. Whether you want sake in Little Tokyo, BBQ in Koreatown, Tacos on Olvera St, or to indulge in the vibrant arts scene, there are a million things to do in LA, each entirely unique. One thing’s for sure: when you visit LA, you’ll go home with great experiences and stories to share!
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I am an IIN Certified Health Coach helping people heal from Lyme, Mold and Autoimmune Disease. Learn more about my journey and how we can work together.
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