If you’re heading to Los Angeles soon, you definitely don’t want to miss these top ten sites and activities. The possibilities are endless in LA, but these top destinations are sure to please everyone in your party, regarless of age or interest. When you’re planning your day-to-day activities, make sure to keep in mind that some of these activities will take some time, some may require a full day. Many other activities will only take a few hours to fully enjoy the full activity.
Kodak Complex- Hollywood Boulevard Walk of Fame
Coming in at number one on the must see list is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This famous boulevard is the current home of the Oscar’s and lies directly in the heart of Hollywood. Many tourists and locals alike enjoy coming to the walk to see how their hands and feet size up with many of Hollywood’s biggest stars. The sidewalks are basically covered with “gold”, and the surrounding vacinity offers attractions and activities to make your visit truly memorable. There’s great shopping at the Kodak Complex, and who knows, you might just be lucky enough to catch one of their live concerts.
Disneyland
What would a trip to California be without visiting Disneyland? This is one of the top destinations for families, couples, and groups to visit. We have all grown up with Mickey Mouse, so why not visit his home? Although not right in Los Angeles, this classic Southern California favorite is located just south of LA. One of the great things about Disneyland, is that regarldless of your age, when you enter the gates of CInderella’s Castle, you feel magically teleported back to your childhood. Disneyland is a blast for the entire family, or it can be a magically romantic getaway for couples. No matter who you are traveling with, you are sure to have a great time reliving those good old childhood days.
Griffith Park Observatory
Coming in third on the must see list is Griffith Park Observatory. This observatory is a haven of rest and relaxation above all the hustle and bustle of the busy city life. Many Los Angeles Urbanites come to the observatory, which is the cornerstone to a vast mountain forest, to rejuvenate and reenergize their minds and bodies. It began to gain more tourist popularity when the famous James Dean film came out, “Rebel Without a Cause”. Come to the observatory planetarium with a date to enjoy a night of wonder, or bring the kids along to absolutely wow their little minds. To rejuvenate your body, the park offers hiking trails that offer great views of LA.
Studio Tours
See and experience the magic of the movies unfold right before you, as you tour one of the many great Los Angeles movie studios. You may decide to visit Paramount, Warner Brothers, Universal, or Sony (Tri-Star/Columbia), but wherever you visit, make sure to keep your eyes peeled while you are led around the back lot. With all the activity going on, you are bound to see a famous movie or tv star roaming around. This would serve as a great vacation story to say that you saw “Brad Pitt” while on a studio Tour!
The Grove and Farmers Market
While you are in the Los Angeles area, if shopping, dining, and entertainment is what you are after, make sure to visit The Grove and Farmers Market. These two destinations neighbor each other and are loaded with great LA restaurants. At both locations, you get to experience many things at once, which makes this a perfect activity for the family. To more fully take in the sights, ride the double-decker trolley through The Grove, catch a movie, or just simply admire the uniquely choreographed fountains that surround the area. To make these two places fully accessible they open mid-morning and stay open until late at night.
The Getty
Visiting museums is a great way to buff up on history, indulge yourself in the arts, or just to enjoy the scenery. The Getty is no exception to this. It is hailed as one of the most beautiful museums in the U.S., partly because of its great location. It sits atop the peak of a small mountain, and offers a great view of the Pacific Ocean and Los Angeles. If you visit the museum at night time, make sure to take in the beautiful sunsets the Getty offers. The sunsets from atop the mountain peak, are almost as beautiful as the art displays you’ll find indoors. The museum offers a wide array of art, so you’ll be sure to find something that fits your unique aesthetic taste.
Los Angeles Sporting Event
No matter what time of year, there is always a sporting event to attend in Los Angeles. You can choose to see the Dodgers, Angels, Lakers, Clippers, Kings, or the LA Galaxy, and you’ll be sure to please everyone. These sporting events offer endless fun and excitement for all ages. Even if you are not into sports, just the thrill and excitement from attending a live game will be enough to get you out there.
3rd Street Promenade and Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica is one of the top destinations to visit during a trip to California. While there are many things to do and see while you are here, the 3rd Street Promenade should be number one on your list. It’s located just a few blocks from the beach, and offers shopping, dining, and some of the most up-and-coming businesses in the world.
Once you’ve gotten your fill on what the Promenade has to offer, head on over to the coast and check out the Santa Monica Pier. There’s so much to do on the Pier, it’s almost too numerous to name them. Among the top activities are playing games at the Midway, riding a few rides, catching a concert in the summer, playing volleyball on the beach while sinking your toes in the sand, renting a bike, or just simply watching passers-by and ocean waves rolling in.
Sunset Strip
For night owls, great fun only happens when the sun goes down, and this is true especially in LA. As you head west through Hollywood on Sunset Blvd. your eyes will experience a new world unfold right before you. Hit the club scene at Saddle Ranch, have a few laughs with some great stand-up at The Comedy Store, or choose one of the many other great activities to do on Sunset Strip. Also available are a lot of great dining options on this West Hollywood strip of boulevard.
Beaches
Although they are last on the list, this was certainly a coincidence. The beaches in the Los Angeles area are second to none and deserve great recognition. The Los Angeles coastline is full of a variety of landscapes from rocky palisades to smooth sands, lagoons and big surf. Whatever you are craving in a beach experience, you will find it here in Los Angeles. Great beach towns help you fully experience the beach. From Malibu to LA County, to San Juan Capistrano in Orange County, you’ll find that each beach town offers its own unique take on Southern California living.
A trip to Los Angeles offers so many sites, attractions, and events to partake of. This list is a great starting point in discovering all that LA has to offer, but on the way, make sure to add your own unique touch to the list.
