As one of the world’s most renowned cities, Los Angeles has an incredible range of things to do. Whether you’re interested in Hollywood or want to take in the city’s incredible street art, there is something for everyone here.
The city is known for its glitz and glam, but there are plenty of hidden gems that you won’t find on tourist maps. We’ve rounded up the best places to visit in Los Angeles that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime!
1. Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a world-famous attraction that honors celebrities in film, television, music and radio. This 1.3 mile stretch of boulevard is paved with more than 2,000 five-pointed stars that are spaced six feet apart.
Each star is marked with a symbol that represents the field in which the celebrity contributed. These symbols include a movie camera, TV, gramophone, microphone, and masks of tragedy and comedy.
A star is awarded to an individual when they meet certain requirements, including working for at least five years in the field, receiving awards or nominations, and being involved in charity activities. The procedure requires a formal request and a fee.
Star ceremonies take place at various locations on Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, usually on the first Saturday of every month, starting promptly at 11:30 a.m. They last until 12:15 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early, wear sunscreen and hydrate.
2. Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is a must-see for anyone visiting Los Angeles. Located on the slopes of Mount Hollywood in the sprawling Griffith Park, the Observatory offers spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood sign.
The observatory is home to a number of fascinating exhibits, including a 500,000-volt Tesla Coil that is used to display astronomical phenomena. It also features a solar system display and free public telescopes on clear evenings.
If you want to learn more about the Observatory, you can take a guided tour that will teach you about its history and science-themed displays. You’ll even get to watch a planetarium show and take in the stunning hilltop views of Los Angeles.
If you’re a fan of outdoor activities, you can also hit up the Autry Museum of the American West and hike through the park’s wilderness areas. You can even catch a movie at the Greek Theatre, considered one of the top outdoor venues in the country.
3. Museum of Death
One of the most morbid and unique attractions in LA is the Museum of Death. Located in the Hollywood Hills, this is a great place to learn more about the history of death.
The museum has a range of exhibits on various topics. You can see letters and artwork from serial killers, antique funeral ephemera, Mortician and Coroner instruments, Manson Family memorabilia, pet taxidermy, crime scene photographs, and much more!
Visiting the Museum of Death is not for everyone, but it’s definitely worth checking out if you have a morbid curiosity about death or want to learn more about criminal history. You should allow around 45 minutes to get through the museum, but you can stay longer if you feel like it!
The museum also includes an exhibit dedicated to psychiatric drugs and their role in the deaths of many famous people. It’s a very gruesome display, but it also highlights how psychiatric drugs were used to aggravate drug overdoses and suicides.
4. Venice Beach
Venice Beach is an iconic beachside community renowned for its unique character and colorful vibe. It is one of Los Angeles’ most popular neighborhoods for both tourists and locals alike.
Originally known as the 'Venice of America', Abbot Kinney developed this resort town in 1905 and brought a renaissance to Southern California. Today, the neighborhood boasts several canals and charming beach cottages that are now part of the Venice Canal Historic District.
The canals are a great way to escape the bustle of the Venice Beach boardwalk and experience the tranquility of Abbot Kinney's original vision. During this time, Kinney dredged saltwater marshlands to create these seven man-made canals and imported several gondolas.
It's a great place to visit, especially at sunset when you can see the iconic 'Venice' sign on display against the backdrop of a pink cotton candy sky. There's also a beautiful cafe called Menotti's on the Venice Beach boardwalk that is popular for its fantastic coffee and views.
