Tinseltown, La-La Land, the City of Angels – whatever you want to call stunning Los Angeles, it is a great place to visit. From the Mediterranean climate to the views of the Pacific Ocean and amazing food, it is sure to impress. Of course, there is also the fact that it is home to a world-famous entertainment industry. Sports are also massive here, with some big teams such as the Rams and the Lakers calling it home. If you have not paid this unique city a visit yet, then it is certainly worth thinking about.
In fact, there is so much to see and do here that your main problem is fitting it all in or working out which attractions to see first. If you need a hand, then the below are the places you must put on your itinerary when in LA.
Visit the theatre
LA is famous for its culture, entertainment and arts scene – the theatre plays a huge role in this across the city. In fact, this is true across much of California. Berkeley is another theatre hotspot that is proud to be home to famous producer Louise Gund. Over her career, Gund has become a famous face in the American theatre scene and certainly in the LA/California area.
But which theatres in LA itself should you visit to catch a show? If you like bigger venues, then the Hollywood Pantages Theatre will impress with almost 3,000 seats. For a more intimate vibe, there are places such as Santa Monica’s Morgan-Wixson Theatre or Pasadena’s A Noise Within Theatre that have a few hundred. Whichever you choose, you will find some top-class productions here of well-known shows such as Wicked or Jersey Boys.
Take in Venice Beach
A very famous place that you may have heard of in LA is Venice Beach. Long-time epicenter of the hippy vibe, it is full of color and unique characters. Although a tourist mecca, it still maintains its charming bohemian vibe and radical spirit. Simply standing on the boardwalk to people-watch is fun enough as skateboarders and bodybuilders pass by. There are some great cafés to check out here when you get hungry, along with a range of fascinating stores such as Small World Books.
Take in the Hollywood Walk of Fame
We’ve all seen it on TV, and no LA trip would be complete without seeing the famous Walk of Fame in person. This sees almost 2,500 of the biggest stars from the past and present immortalized in gold stars on the sidewalk. To go the extra mile, make sure to stop by the Chinese Theatre, which sees hand and footprints from famous movie stars set into the sidewalk. This will put you right in the heart of Hollywood not only geographically but also emotionally. When you think of all the movie premieres and celebs that the area has seen, it is hard not to get carried away with the glamour.
Give Disneyland a whirl
This is worth seeing anyway but is especially recommended if you will be visiting with any young children. They will just love seeing all their favorite Disney characters come to life and wander around the seven different lands on offer here. This legendary theme park is crammed full of rides and things to do, so no one will ever get bored. There is the fun-filled New Orleans square with funky music to enjoy or Frontierland for a taste of the Wild West. Whatever you decide to do, make sure that this is one place that your itinerary covers.
Take a trip down Mulholland Drive
If you want to feel like you are in a real-life movie and get some romantic nighttime views, then take a trip down Mulholland Drive. The best way is to rent a car and simply enjoy the scenic drive before stopping off at one of the many viewing points set back from the road. The flickering lights and scale of LA will be sure to impress as you gaze upon it. If you think that it all looks familiar, then that is because it is! This part of LA has been used in many films to shoot car chases or love scenes. One word of caution though – there are a few blind bends to navigate, so go steady!
Stargaze at the Griffith Observatory
For something a little different, a trip to the beautiful Griffith Observatory is recommended. Gazing through the enormous telescope, trying to find new stars or planets is a great way to spend your time. There is also the Hall of the Eye and Hall of the Sky to discover while you are there. The building that houses the observatory is stunning to look at also, as are the views of LA from Griffith Park.
Take in all that wonderful LA has to offer
If you have a trip to Los Angeles coming up soon, then planning what to do is wise. This will ensure that you see all the best things that the city has to offer and have a magical time. If you need a few tips to get started, then the above places are certainly worth making part of any itinerary.