Los Angeles is a mecca of culture, entertainment, and history. From the sunny beaches on the Pacific Coast to the grittier streets of West Hollywood and beyond, there are plenty of activities for those who wish to explore this iconic city. Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, here are 10 must-see attractions in Los Angeles that will leave you with a lasting impression. From stunning hikes to interesting museums and art galleries, these top 10 things to see and do in Los Angeles won’t disappoint.
Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-famous sidewalk located in Los Angeles, California. It is lined with more than 2,000 five-pointed terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the pavement that commemorates celebrities from the entertainment industry. The Walk of Fame runs for approximately 2.5 miles (4 km) along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street in Hollywood.
Stars are awarded to celebrities based on their professional achievements in the motion picture, television, recording, and live theater industries. To be eligible for a star, nominees must have been active for at least five years in their field, with a verifiable record of professional achievements. Once a nominee meets these criteria, they are evaluated by a committee of industry experts before being approved for induction into the Walk of Fame.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles, and it is not uncommon to see people taking photos or rubbing the stars for good luck. While most of the stars are located on Hollywood Boulevard, there are also stars on Vine Street and on sidewalks adjacent to Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and the Dolby Theatre.
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. Situated on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, the Observatory offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding area. Visitors can also learn about the stars and planets through the Observatory’s many exhibits and shows.
The Observatory has been a fixture of the Los Angeles skyline since its opening in 1935. It is managed by the Department of Recreation and Parks, with support from the Griffith Park Foundation and Friends of Griffith Observatory. The Observatory includes a main building, an east wing, a planetarium, and a gift shop. Inside the main building, visitors can observe the night sky through various telescope domes or take part in educational programs about astronomy.
The Observatory also presents lectures on astronomy-related topics and hosts events such as concerts and star parties. There are several telescopes available for public viewings throughout the year, including one housed inside the Planetarium. Finally, visitors can take part in daily shows such as “The Sky Tonight,” which provides a guided tour of current astronomical events like comets, eclipses, and planets visible in the sky.
Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is one of the most iconic symbols of Los Angeles. The 45-foot-tall letters are located on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills. The sign was originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for housing development. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city.
There are a number of ways to view the Hollywood Sign. One of the best vantage points is from Griffith Observatory. There is also a hiking trail that leads up to the sign. For those who don’t want to hike, there are a number of tour companies that offer bus or helicopter tours.
The Hollywood Sign is an important part of Los Angeles’ identity and a symbol of the city’s global influence. It has been featured in countless movies, TV shows, commercials, and advertisements, and remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world.
Universal Studios Hollywood
As one of the world’s most famous movie studios, Universal Studios Hollywood is a must-visit for any film fan. Take a studio tour to see where some of your favorite movies and TV shows were filmed, or experience the thrill of a live show. If you’re looking for thrills, don’t miss out on the rides at Universal Studios Hollywood. From the new Jurassic World–The Ride to classics like The Simpsons Ride and Transformers: The Ride–3D, there’s something for everyone.
And when you need a break from all the excitement, be sure to explore CityWalk Hollywood. This pedestrian-friendly entertainment district is full of great restaurants, shops, and live music venues. There’s also an 18-screen movie theater if you want to catch a flick.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The first stop on our list is the iconic Walt Disney Concert Hall. Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most popular concert venues in the city. The acoustics in the hall are incredible, and it’s definitely worth seeing a show here if you’re a music fan. If you’re not into classical music, don’t worry – there are plenty of other concerts and events that take place at the Walt Disney Concert Hall throughout the year.
The building itself is a stunning piece of modern architecture, designed by famous architect Frank Gehry. The exterior is made up of stainless steel and curves, giving it an almost alien-like look. Inside the hall, the walls are lined with natural wood, and the ceilings are covered in gold leaf. It’s a truly unique and beautiful place.
La Brea Tar Pits
When in Los Angeles, a must-see is the La Brea Tar Pits. The La Brea Tar Pits are a group of tar pits around which Hancock Park was formed in urban Los Angeles. Natural asphalt (also called bitumen) has seeped up from the ground in this area for tens of thousands of years. The tar is often covered with dust, leaves, or water.
Over time, the combination of heat and pressure causes the tar to become a liquid; animals that become trapped in the tar can’t escape and die. As the animals’ bones sink into the tar they are preserved–a process known as fossilization.
The La Brea Tar Pits have yielded an abundance of fossils since excavations began in the early 20th century. More than 1 million bones have been found at the site, representing more than 230 species of vertebrates (animals with backbones). The fossils found at La Brea provide important information about how plants and animals lived in southern California during the last Ice Age–and what happened to them after the climate began to warm about 10,000 years ago.
Venice Beach
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy the sun and sand, Venice Beach is the perfect spot. With its scenic beachfront boardwalk, Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and numerous shops and restaurants, there’s something for everyone at Venice Beach.
Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or get active, Venice Beach is the perfect place to spend a day in Los Angeles. The beachfront boardwalk is ideal for walking, jogging, or biking, and offers stunning views of the ocean. Muscle Beach is a must-visit for fitness enthusiasts, and there are plenty of shops and restaurants nearby if you need a break from the sun.
Venice Beach is also the perfect place to take in some of the city’s street art, as well as its iconic skate scene. There are various outdoor murals and graffiti, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch a few skaters doing tricks on the ramps.
No matter what your plans are for the day, Venice Beach is sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Los Angeles. The pier is home to a number of attractions, including the Santa Monica Aquarium, the Pacific Park amusement park, and the Santa Monica Looff Hippodrome carousel. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
The pier is open year-round and hosts a number of events throughout the year, including concerts, movies, and festivals. It also serves as a hub for a number of different activities, such as fishing, rollerblading, and biking. With so much to do and see, it’s no wonder that the Santa Monica Pier is one of the most popular places in Los Angeles.
Staples Center
Located in Downtown Los Angeles, the Staples Center is a multi-purpose arena that is home to the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers of the NBA, the Los Angeles Kings of the NHL, and the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. The Staples Center also hosts a variety of other events, including concerts, boxing matches, and other sporting events.
The Staples Center opened in 1999 and is the current home of four professional sports teams. It has a seating capacity of approximately 19,060 for basketball and 18,118 for hockey. The arena is named after its corporate sponsor, Staples Inc., which paid $100 million over 20 years for the naming rights to the facility. It has hosted many high-profile events since its opening, including the 2020 NBA All-Star Game, the 2010 NBA Finals between the Lakers and Celtics, and two Olympic Games (2002 and 1984).
Chinatown
In Los Angeles’s Chinatown, you’ll find a vibrant community with a rich history and culture. From traditional Chinese architecture to delicious cuisine, there’s plenty to see and do in this LA neighborhood – from the historic buildings and temples to the vibrant street life. Here are some of the highlights:
The Old Plaza: This is the heart of Chinatown and has been a gathering place for the community since the 1800s. It is home to several historic buildings, including the Temple of Positive Enlightenment, which is the oldest structure in Chinatown.
Chinatown Central Plaza: This is a newer plaza that was built in the 1970s and is home to many shops and restaurants. It is also the site of the annual Lunar New Year Celebration.
Ching Ming Cemetery: This cemetery is over 100 years old and is one of the largest Chinese cemeteries outside of China. It is a peaceful spot to visit and learn about Chinese culture and history.
The Chinese American Museum: This museum is dedicated to preserving and promoting Chinese American history and culture. It has a wide range of exhibits on topics like immigration, labor, business, politics, arts, and more.
Conclusion
Los Angeles truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway, an educational tour of the city, or a fun-filled night out on the town, Los Angeles offers a huge range of activities that will have you experiencing all the city has to offer. So if you’re planning your next vacation and are considering visiting Los Angeles – make sure to put these top 10 things to see and do in your itinerary!