Places to Visit in Los Angeles

Griffith Park, located in the eastern part of the Santa Monica Mountains, spans an impressive 4,210 acres, making it the largest city park in Los Angeles. Los Angeles is home to several notable attractions, including the Los Angeles Zoo, the Griffith Observatory with its planetarium, and a Greek theatre. The area is also home to various recreational facilities, including golf courses, tennis courts, hiking trails, and a riding centre that was specifically built for the 1984 Olympic Games. Walking trails and scenic drives through the mountains provide breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.

The Griffith Observatory is a captivating attraction in the city that offers a unique experience. The best part is that it is completely free for the public. There are exhibits and telescopes on the grounds. The main highlight of the experience is the opportunity to look through the Zeiss telescope, specifically designed for observing the moon and planets. You are welcome to use the telescopes for free when the facility is open in the evenings. Additionally, solar telescopes are available on-site, specifically designed for observing the sun.

Venice Beach truly deserves its reputation as a prime spot for people-watching, as it offers a distinct and captivating atmosphere that sets it apart. The Venice Beach Boardwalk and its stretch of golden sand are consistently bustling, with people engaged in activities such as walking, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging.

The walkway is lined with a variety of eclectic shops and street performers. The Skatepark, located near the beach, attracts some of the most talented skateboarders in the area. Additionally, there are several art installations in close proximity. Gym members at the aptly named Muscle Beach engage in weightlifting under the scorching California sun.

Walking through the fairgrounds, you'll find an array of food stalls offering a variety of treats, ranging from refreshing shaved ice to delicious kettle corn and mouthwatering funnel cakes. Additionally, there are some excellent restaurants available in this area. Although this beach may not fit the typical family beach stereotype, it is definitely worth a visit.

Universal Studios Theme Park is renowned for its incredible rides inspired by popular movies, making it a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers. However, it is important to note that Universal Studios is not just a theme park but also a fully working movie studio. This unique combination allows visitors to experience the magic of Hollywood firsthand while enjoying the various attractions available. 

Whether you are a movie enthusiast or simply looking for a fun-filled day, Universal Studios offers something for everyone to enjoy. The main attraction for many people is the constantly evolving variety of rides, which includes everything from simulators to roller coasters. Some of my favourite movie and TV-themed rides and sets are The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, The Simpsons, Transformers, Jurassic World - The Ride, and Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.

If you want to save time waiting in long lines, you should consider purchasing a Skip the Line: Front of Line Pass at Universal Studios Hollywood. This convenient ticket grants you one-time expedited entry to the park's rides, attractions, and shows. Additionally, it provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access to certain attractions.

If you find yourself feeling weary from the rides, you have the option to explore City Walk. This vibrant three-block entertainment area offers a variety of attractions, including shopping, dining, and theatres.

Santa Monica is a one-of-a-kind destination that effortlessly combines chic vibes with a laid-back atmosphere. Its diverse population encompasses surfers, skateboarders, yoga enthusiasts, techies, and business professionals.

Most tourists are drawn to the stunning stretch of golden sand along the coast and the renowned Santa Monica Pier, complete with its iconic Ferris wheel. However, this beachfront city adjacent to LA offers diverse experiences beyond these popular attractions.

The downtown district of Santa Monica is vibrant and bustling, offering a lively atmosphere from morning until night. Shoppers will discover various options, from unique vintage stores to upscale boutiques. You can visit the Third Street Promenade for a delightful shopping experience and the opportunity to observe people and enjoy the performances by talented street artists.

You can check out the 26-mile bike path along the waterfront for a fun activity. The extensive paved path stretches along the entire coastline of Santa Monica Bay, connecting to all the top beaches near Santa Monica. Some of the favourite destinations for visitors in the area include Venice Beach to the south and Will Rogers State Beach to the north. 

If you're a car enthusiast, don't miss out on the amazing variety of vehicles at the Petersen Automotive Museum. The museum is divided into four floors, each showcasing a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits. These exhibits include over 300 cars and motorcycles, from well-preserved items dating back to 1886 to cutting-edge concepts designed for the 21st century.

After undergoing significant renovations, the museum has transformed into one of the most modern institutions in its category. The exterior facade is a visually stunning architectural masterpiece. You can sign up for a guided Vault tour, either lasting 90 or 120 minutes, for an additional fee. This tour offers valuable insights into rare and unusual cars. 

The Broad, which opened in late 2015, experienced immediate and overwhelming success and has since maintained its popularity. The museum primarily showcases contemporary and postwar art, featuring a captivating collection of large-scale and visually striking installations. This unique building showcases over 2,000 works of art, featuring a distinctive "veil-and-vault" concept.

General admission tickets are available free of charge, but they are frequently reserved in advance. Standby tickets are offered on a first-come, first-served basis for same-day admission. However, please note there may be a long wait time, especially on weekends. There is a fee for admission to certain special exhibitions.

Hollywood, located in the suburbs of Los Angeles, is a renowned destination that boasts a unique history and a collection of iconic sites. Hollywood attractions are closely linked to the film industry and the allure of the silver screen.

Some top places to visit include the iconic Hollywood sign on the hillside, Hollywood Boulevard, and the renowned Chinese Theatre. If you happen to be fortunate, there is a chance that you may come across a celebrity or two while they are out enjoying a shopping excursion on Rodeo Drive. A fun family activity in Hollywood is searching for the stars of your beloved actors among the 2,500 plus stars on the Walk of Fame.

The Getty Center is an expansive complex that spans 0.75 square miles and is situated on 110 acres atop a hill in the Santa Monica Mountains. This impressive museum is set perfectly, with its unique building and beautiful grounds. The collections comprise a wide range of European paintings, drawings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Additionally, there is a notable collection of 19th- and 20th-century photography.

The museum grounds offer incredible views of Los Angeles. Please book a table at The Restaurant for a delightful casual lunch where you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The Getty Center, one of the two locations of the J. Paul Getty Museum, was established by the late oil magnate J. Paul Getty. The Getty Villa is a museum that showcases art from the Stone Age to the end of the Roman Empire. It is located in a recreated Roman country house. 

Beverly Hills is located west of Los Angeles and covers an area of 5.7 square miles, nestled beneath the Santa Monica Mountains. Within this compact area, you can find some of the most luxurious streets in America, one of which is the renowned Rodeo Drive.

Rodeo Drive, Santa Monica Boulevard, and Wilshire Boulevard intersect in Beverly Hills, forming the renowned "Golden Triangle" of high-end shopping and dining in the city. The luxurious street is definitely worth a visit, even if you're not planning to shop. The glamour extends beyond the stores and spills out onto the sidewalks, where you might catch a glimpse of celebrities and see luxury cars passing by.

In addition to shopping and dining, Beverly Hills offers a wide range of activities and attractions. The city offers a highly walkable environment, boasting numerous gardens, historic buildings, and public art installations. Take some time to visit Beverly Gardens Park and experience the charm of these exceptional public spaces. 

The Santa Monica Mountains intersect with the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, located on the westernmost coast of Los Angeles County. The dramatic backdrop of Malibu sets the stage for numerous attractions and activities. The presence of beachside mansions and occasional celebrity sightings further contribute to the unique cultural atmosphere of Malibu.

One of the best ways to enjoy the city of Malibu is by exploring some of its finest beaches. Depending on traffic, these destinations are located within an hour's drive of Los Angeles. Each location provides a unique beach experience to enjoy. The coastline, stretching from the expansive shores of Zuma Beach to the untamed surroundings of El Matador State Beach, offers diverse experiences for those seeking relaxation and those craving adventure.

Malibu is home to several seafood restaurants that are worth the drive alone. Neptune's Net is widely recognised and renowned, largely due to its appearances in popular films such as Point Break and The Fast and the Furious. Duke's Malibu and Paradise Cove Beach Cafe are other places with menus worth exploring. 

Long Beach, located in the Los Angeles area, is a delightful place to visit in Los Angeles that offers ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment throughout the day. It is located south of LA, approximately 20 miles from downtown, and stretches along San Pedro Bay. The miles of beautiful beaches in Long Beach are a popular reason for visiting, complemented by a downtown waterfront district that is both tourist-friendly and filled with attractions.

Long Beach's waterfront district has several enjoyable activities to partake in. One such activity is visiting the historic Queen Mary ocean liner, which is set to reopen in late 2022. Additionally, you can explore the fascinating exhibits at the Aquarium of the Pacific. Lastly, don't miss the opportunity to browse through the distinctive shops located at Shoreline Village. Another option is to take the Catalina Express for a journey to Santa Catalina Island.

Long Beach offers more than just the ocean to explore. Some of the city's finest parks, such as the historic Bixby Park or the expansive El Dorado East Regional Park, also provide attractions within their premises. In addition, El Dorado East is home to the charming Earl Burns Miller Japanese Garden, which exudes a serene atmosphere. 

Located in Hancock Park, the La Brea Tar Pits provide a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness live excavations of fossils and gain knowledge about the fascinating process. The Tar Pits were formed approximately 40,000 years ago due to oil seeping through the rock. This process led to the entrapment of passing animals, causing them to become stuck in the substance. The tar has effectively preserved the fossils over time, offering a remarkable glimpse into a different era.

The La Brea Tar Pits Museum, formerly the George C. Page Museum, exhibits reconstructed fossils of prehistoric animals discovered at the site. Additionally, it provides information about the process of fossil recovery. You can observe the process of working on bones and gain insight into what happens behind the scenes before skeletons are ready for display.

The museum showcases a collection of fully reconstructed fossils from mammals, such as mammoths, sabre-toothed cats, and dire wolves. These fossils date back to a period between 40,000 and 10,000 years ago. The outdoor area showcases replicas of animals that are no longer in existence.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is widely recognised as the largest art museum in the Western United States. It boasts an impressive collection of nearly 130,000 art pieces that range from antiquity to modern times. The collections of Asian, Latin American, and Islamic Art are particularly noteworthy.

The complex is comprised of several individual buildings that have been acquired and renovated over the course of several years. The Transformation, the most recent expansion, included the construction of multiple new buildings on the western side of the campus. The renowned Renzo Piano Building Workshop designed these buildings. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is adjacent to the La Brea Tar Pits on Museum Row.

Located just outside Los Angeles, Disneyland has been California's top family vacation destination, captivating visitors since the 1950s. When people think of Disneyland, they often envision Disneyland Park, which features a variety of rides and experiences set in intricately designed themes. The Disneyland California Adventure Park, created as part of an expansion, offers an abundance of action and adventure. It features seven lands that are all based on movie themes.

Several Star Wars-themed rides have recently emerged on the scene. The attractions at the park include Star Wars Rise of the Resistance and The Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run. The rides are located in the newly opened Star Wars Galaxy Edge area. This area is filled with shops and restaurants that are designed to resemble the Black Spire Outpost on the planet of Batuu.

In addition to the exciting rides and presence of beloved Disney characters throughout the streets, the resort also provides a wide range of features and services to ensure a truly comprehensive vacation experience. Disneyland Resort offers many amenities, including hotels, restaurants, shopping, and various entertainment options. 

The Natural History Museum is renowned for its vast collection of dinosaurs, although it also boasts numerous galleries and an extensive permanent collection that encompasses a wide range of topics. The Dinosaur Hall, spanning 14,000 square feet, boasts an impressive exhibit of dinosaur skeletons. One of the highlights is the growth series of Tyrannosaurus rex fossils, which showcases three complete skeletons representing different stages of development, from baby to adult. Additionally, there are exhibits featuring Triceratops and a Stegosaurus.

The museum focuses on the natural history of California as well as various regions around the world. Another must-see exhibit is "Becoming Los Angeles," which delves into the rich history of Southern California over the past 500 years. The Discovery Center and Insect Zoo provide interactive experiences especially captivating for younger visitors.