Best Things to Do in Los Angeles, California

In 2019, I took a leap and decided to move to Los Angeles for work. I wanted to give myself the opportunity to see everything Los Angeles had to offer and it didn’t disappoint. I went to comedy shows, sports games, drove the Pacific Coast Highway, got stuck in traffic and even met some famous people (Simu Liu Kim’s Convenience). 

Now I’ve traveled to Los Angeles a bunch of times before I decided to move there, mostly to visit family or Disneyland. It definitely takes a bit to get used to but this city has something to offer everybody. So if you’re making a trip to LA soon and want to hear my recommendations, here you go!

Things to Do in Downtown LA

Downtown L.A. has completely transformed in the last 20 years. This area is rich with historical architecture, cultural attractions and a booming artistic vibrancy.

Click here for a list of places to visit in Downtown Los Angeles

Here is a list of a few places to check out in DTLA:

• The Broad
• Grand Central Market
• The Last Bookstore
• Walk around Chinatown
• Shop at the LA Farmers Market

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Things to do in Hollywood

Melrose Avenue

Melrose Avenue is a great street to take a stroll, shop and dine. I used to work in the Pacific Design Center (the vast green, red and blue buildings) between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Blvd. This is an amazing area to hang with friends, check out the dogs in the park and maybe spot some celebs. Some of my favorite places to eat or grab a coffee are: Gracias Madres (vegan Mexican food), Salt and Straw, Zinque ( great bistro with an outdoor patio), Alfred in the Alley, Urth Cafe ( be ready for a long line) and E.P. & L.P. ( South Asian flare with a gorgeous rooftop). 

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States with special exhibits and is free to Bank of America customers on certain days.

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The Grove

The Grove is an entertainment and retail complex next to the Original Farmers Market. It’s a great place for a relaxing stroll or to grab a bite to eat. Unless you really want to shop, I wouldn’t spend more than an hour here.

Hollywood Blvd

Hollywood Blvd is a pretty big disappointment in my opinion. Some people really love it and others aren’t very impressed. Parking can be a challenge, the Hollywood Walk of Fame isn’t as exciting (unless you opt for the tour), the TCL Chinese Theatre is a good place to watch a film and the only nice part of the Dolby Theatre is the view of the Hollywood Sign. If you’ve never been to the area, I guess you should visit once to form your opinion of the area but I wouldn’t spend a lot of time here (max 1-2 hours). 

Griffith Park

Griffith Park is the second largest municipal park in California and is located on the eastern end of the Santa Monica Mountain range. The area has some hiking trails – including a trail to the Hollywood Sign. Some of the main attractions include Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood Sign, Los Angeles Zoo and the Greek Theatre.

Griffith Observatory is a planetarium and observatory located on Mount Hollywood. This is one of the best free activities and hands down my #1 recommendation when visiting Los Angeles. It is educational, a great place to watch the sunset and has spectacular views of  Los Angeles from the Pacific Ocean to the Hollywood Sign.

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Beverly Hills

Rodeo Drive is worth a visit to see how the 1% shop, plus you never know who you may run into. The street is best known for the three blocks of the world’s most exclusive and expensive shopping. Go check out Bijan where the average customer spends $100,000 per visit! 

While you’re in the Beverly Hills area, walk across the street to Canon Drive where you can see your quintessential palm tree backdrop and see the unique, posh-looking Beverly Hills houses. 

Top Beaches to Visit in Los Angeles

Let me get this straight – the Pacific Ocean is always cold! I don’t swim in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California; the most I’ve done is dip my feet into the water. The beaches in L.A. have a lot of fun activities, the sunrises and sunsets are to die for and every beach has a pier.

Click here for a list of beaches to visit in Los Angeles

Here is a list of a few beaches to check out:

• Santa Monica
• Venice Beach
• Manhattan Beach
• Hermosa Beach
• Newport Beach

Amusement Parks

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood is a world famous one-stop for thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions. My favorite part and the greatest entertainment experience is The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Some of my other favorite rides are Jurassic World, Fast & Furious, Transformers and Studio Tour. Be sure to grab a Voodoo Doughnut at Universal City Walk!

Disneyland

Disneyland is definitely the Happiest Place on Earth! I highly recommend buying the Disney MaxPass (totally worth the $15 investment) to get FastPass to all of the rides all day and you can even get digital copies of photographs taken by Disney cast members or from rides.

Disneyland is your typical old-school Mickey Mouse and fairy tale area with 7 lands to roam through: Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland, Frontierland, Star war’s Galaxy Edge, Toontown, New Orleans Square, and Tomorrowland. California Adventure is newer and more teen-friendly with Cars Land, Grizzly Peak, Hollywood Land, Pacific Wharf and Pixar Pier.

You are allowed to bring in your own food and drinks (please no glass containers) which is a perfect way to save some money. Another great thing about Disneyland is that the whole theme park changes according to seasons and holidays. 

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Pacific Coast Highway – The Getty Villa

Off of the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll find the sprawling and marvelous Getty Villa. Opened in 1974, the Getty Villa weaves together the arts and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. The entire structure is a recreation of an ancient Roman country house with its very own amphitheatre.

For the kids (or adults like me) and inspired by Percy Jackson, is the Demigod tour – an immersive audio tour where you battle mythical monsters and be the hero of your own quest while touring the villa. I would spend at least a half a day here and take in the great architecture, beautiful gardens and scenic views. Reservations need to be made online and the entrance is free however parking is $20.

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