Planning a trip to Los Angeles and wondering about the best places to visit? Los Angeles, often called “the Entertainment Capital of the World,” is California’s largest city. It’s famous for its world-renowned attractions, beautiful beaches, theme parks, and numerous museums.
The city hosts some of the most famous landmarks in the world, such as the Hollywood Sign, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach among others. Visiting Los Angeles is definitely a must when exploring the West Coast of the USA.
So, what should you see in Los Angeles?
Hollywood is a great starting point, nestled at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains. It’s home to many of the city’s most iconic tourist sites. Here’s what you can do in Hollywood:
– Explore the extravagant buildings on Hollywood Boulevard like the Chinese and Egyptian Theatres.
– Take a stroll along the Hollywood Walk of Fame, which stretches over ten blocks with around 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk, featuring names of prominent figures in the entertainment industry.
– Go on a Warner Brothers studio tour to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s oldest film studios.
– Visit Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes a theme park and a film studio. With several areas and interesting attractions, it’s one of the best theme parks in the U.S and ideal for families. Take a tour to see some of the former movie sets.
If you’re looking to escape the city’s hustle and bustle, Catalina Island is a fantastic option. This picturesque rocky island off L.A.’s coast is known for its beautiful beaches and great diving spots. Popular activities include relaxing on the beach, diving, golfing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and glass-bottom boat tours. It’s also a great spot for families.
Griffith Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, is another must-visit. Known for being one of the most famous municipal parks in the U.S, Griffith Park is wilder and more rugged compared to other popular parks. It’s a favorite spot for walking and hiking, offering stunning views of Downtown L.A. and boasting attractions like the Griffith Observatory and the Los Angeles Zoo. The park features several walking trails, including a path to the Hollywood Sign.
For art lovers, the Getty Centre is a top destination. This art museum features impressive buildings and pavilions housing a vast collection of pre-20th-century European art, including paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and photographs. The Getty Centre also has beautiful sculptured gardens, courtyards, and fountains. Highlights include Robert Irwin’s Central Garden and the Cactus Garden. Admission is free, but you must book a time slot in advance.
Santa Monica and Venice are other iconic areas in L.A. Both are well-known for their lively beaches and vibrant atmospheres. Santa Monica’s historic pier is home to an amusement park and aquarium, while Venice is famous for its canals, colorful murals, and street performers.
While many stick to the beaches of Venice and Santa Monica, you might want to explore a bit further to find some of the best beaches in Malibu. Accessible by bus from Santa Monica, Malibu offers serene stretches of sand backed by impressive rock formations.
Finally, Joshua Tree National Park, about a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, is a must-visit. Known for its distinctive Joshua trees and unique lunar landscapes featuring giant boulders and geological formations, the park offers numerous well-maintained hiking trails and stunning campgrounds. The Hidden Valley Nature Trail is a particularly popular and easy hike. Key’s View offers panoramic desert views, and the historic Lost Horse Mine provides a glimpse into the area’s gold and silver mining past. The Cholla Cactus Garden is another intriguing spot for plant enthusiasts, with a loop walking trail amid a cactus-filled area.