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Top Los Angeles Attractions

Top Los Angeles Attractions Posted By: Raman , Date: Aug 28, 2018

Top Los Angeles Attractions

A trip to the City of Angels is a top on many travel wish lists. If you’re among the fortunate planning a trip to LA, you’ll want to make sure you include the following 14 Los Angeles attractions on your list of things to see, do and experience during your stay.

1. Join in the Activity at Venice Beach

Originally designed to measure up to its Italian namesake, Venice Beach developed an identity all its own offering broad appeal to visitors who enjoy the funky open-air vibe of the beach and quirky boutiques and restaurants.

The boardwalk is the main attraction for visitors to Venice Beach and comprises a pedestrian-only two-and-a-half mile promenade.

Here you’ll find a variety of shops, activities and attractions to enjoy. Top attractions in the area include:

  • The skate park
  • Cycling
  • Rollerblading
  • The beach
  • The boardwalk
  • Street performers
  • Fortune tellers
  • Muscle Beach

More than a location, some view Venice Beach as a state of mind. Some consider it a bohemian sort of spirit permeating the area, making it one of the best things Los Angeles has to offer visitors looking for something a bit out of the ordinary.

2. Take a Walk on the Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier is an attraction worth visiting in its own right. It is a trendy destination for surfers, skateboarders and even yoga practitioners. The iconic locale is a favorite attraction day and night and boasts the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.

You’ll find a wide range of shops to meet all kinds of tastes and budgets through the vintage stores, quirky little shops and high-end boutiques. Some people go just for the shopping while others go to people watch. From musicians and tourists to locals offering their wares, there are plenty of people to watch in this delightful little corner of LA.

Still, others walk the length of the pier to sit at the end and take in the ocean breezes.

The pier, which is more than 100 years old, is also home to an outstanding nightlife along the shore. A short walk just east of the pier lies the Third Street Promenade, a lively section with shops, restaurants, entertainment and more.

The fact that the Santa Monica area of the city is very walkable makes it an excellent choice for tourists on an LA bus tour who want to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that is so prevalent here.

3. Take a Bite out of Beverly Hills

One of the iconic attractions in Beverly Hills today is the Beverly Hills’ Sprinkles bakery where you can buy cupcakes through an ATM at any time of the day or night. It’s going to be hard to top that anywhere in the city, especially after you’ve tried one of these delectable goodies.

Beverly Hills Sprinkles Bakery

Fortunately for your waistline, it’s not the only attraction Beverly Hills has to offer — though it may be the tastiest. Other Beverly Hills attractions you’ll surely want to include on your list of places to visit in LA are:

  • Beverly Gardens Park
  • Greystone Mansion and Gardens
  • Rodeo Drive
  • Spadena House
  • The Saban Theatre
  • Virginia Robinson Gardens
  • Will Rogers Memorial Park

Don’t forget to take in a tour of The Beverly Hills Hotel, located in the coveted 90210 ZIP code, where you can walk in the footsteps of the rich and famous.

4. Shop ‘til You Drop on Rodeo Drive

Perhaps the most famous nearly two-mile strip of real estate in the U.S. for exclusive boutique shopping — like Giorgio Armani, Versace and Valentino — is Rodeo Drive. Whether you’re there to make purchases or just want to window shop and take in the fashions and styles the wealthy wear, it won’t take long to realize why the three blocks between 200 and 500 of North Rodeo Drive top almost every list of what to see in LA.

5. Snap a Pic of the Hollywood Sign

While one favorite access point to the Hollywood Sign is closed, there are ways to hike to it and several other places you can go to get a fantastic photo of the sign.

For many, the Hollywood sign is one of the quintessential “musts” of a trip to LA, and it remains one of the top Los Angeles attractions in the hearts and minds of visitors from around the world. The sign is so famous it has its own website, complete with tips on how to hike to the sign and information about its history.

6. Marvel at the Wonders of Universal Studios

Los Angeles is where movie magic happens, and there is no place where it happens bigger, better and bolder than at Universal Studios. The theme park is one of the most popular Los Angeles tourist attractions.

From behind the scenes tours of your favorite television shows and films to thrills and chills of midway rides, there’s plenty to do at Universal Studios. You may even get to meet some of your family’s favorite characters. Top attractions include:

  • Despicable Me Minion Mayhem
  • The Walking Dead Attraction
  • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter
  • Grinchmas — during the holidays
  • Fast & Furious: Supercharged

There are plenty of rides, shows and attractions to delight people of all ages at Universal Studios. Of course, you can’t forget the world-famous tram tour, which introduces you to dinosaurs from Jurassic Park, allows you to witness the parting of the Red Sea and lets you experience the adrenaline surge of being attacked by the shark from Jaws. Who could ask for more?

7. Find Your Favorite Movie and Film Stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame tops many lists of things to see in Los Angeles. The walk now contains the stars of more than 2400 Hollywood legends and runs one-mile along Hollywood Boulevard.

You can walk along the path for hours exploring beloved icons of film, past and present. It’s a great way to spend your time in LA — especially if you consider yourself a fan of the film industry.

8. Watch a Premier at TCL Chinese Theatre

Perhaps the most iconic movie palace around the world, the TCL Chinese Theatre is home to more than 50 events each year including movie premieres, film festivals and imprint ceremonies.

TCL Chinese Theatre

As an icon in Hollywood since 1927, the theatre is home to many of the most prominent film and movie debuts and premiers. Plus, it’s a wonderful place to visit while exploring the Walk of Fame.

Another claim to fame for the TCL Chinese Theatre is the fact it’s home to the largest IMAX auditorium in the world, which makes watching movies here a memorable event. Not only can you watch a blockbuster film at TCL Chines Theatre, but you can also purchase a VIP tour ticket for a behind-the-scenes look at the theatre and its history.

Of course, you don’t have to watch a premiere to enjoy the experience of the TCL Chinese Theatre, on a huge IMAX screen — any film will be a fantastic treat to the senses when viewed here.

9. Pay Your Respects to Movie History at Dolby Theatre

Of all the LA attractions available, many people believe the Dolby Theatre to be one of the most essential for their Hollywood experience. The theatre is home to live performances throughout the year, as well as dozens of other events.

What it is most famous for, though, is the star-studded red-carpet event you know and love as the Oscars. Other significant events taking place at more than 640,000 square feet Dolby Theatre include:

  • Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show
  • The American Idol Finals
  • The ESPY Awards
  • The Star Wars: The Force Awakens World Premiere
  • The AFI Life Achievement Ceremony

This doesn’t even include the many concerts held each year by some of the biggest names and talents in the music industry. Guided tours are available to allow you to see an Oscar statuette and view images from previous Academy Awards ceremonies held at the Dolby Theatre.

10. Check out the Action on the Sunset Strip

From its gangster past during the heart of the Roaring ’20s to the playground for Hollywood royalty, the Sunset Strip is a can’t miss nighttime hotspot for LA visitors over the age of 21. Here you’ll find cutting-edge attractions and the hippest nightlife LA has to offer. You may even rub elbows with rising stars on the Hollywood scene while you roam the streets or check out the various clubs, restaurants and boutiques.

Though any time is perfect for taking a drive on the Sunset Strip, the best time to explore it in-depth is after the sun goes down when the streets fill up with partiers strolling from one venue to the next amidst a sea of neon signs.

Sunset Strip

Sunset Strip attractions you might want to check out during your stay include the following:

  • The Laugh Factory
  • Chateau Marmont
  • Carney’s — a giant yellow train car restaurant and a favorite of Andrew McCarthy and Cuba Gooding Jr.
  • House of Blues
  • Sky Bar — at Mondrian Hotel
  • The Whisky
  • The Roxy
  • The Rainbow Bar & Grill

The real estate may be small, only occupying 1.5 miles of Sunset Blvd, but the legends are large. This is the place LA visitors to go to walk in their footprints — especially if you’re walking along the pavement outside Kenneth Cole Shoes at 8752 Sunset.

11. Experience Architecture and Art at the Getty Center

This spectacular museum is home to works of art crafted by some of the world’s most exceptional talents. Among the displays at The Getty Center include works from:

  • Monet
  • Van Gogh
  • Cezanne
  • Rembrandt
  • Michelangelo
  • Degas
  • Bellini

The center continuously adds new exhibitions, so you can enjoy a unique experience even after visiting several times.

In addition to the incredible works of art you’ll find displayed at Getty Center, you will also appreciate the stunning architecture. The style manages to incorporate thoroughly modern architecture with the gorgeous open spaces, gardens and LA city views.

Some visitors refer to the Central Garden as a work of art in itself. It features more than 500 plant varieties in the landscaping, as well as various fountains and gardens, so you can enjoy a feast of sight, sound, and scent while exploring.

Consider a private LA tour that allows up to one and one-half hours in Getty Center.

12. Explore History at The Grove and Original Farmers Market

One of the most beloved landmarks by LA locals, The Original Farmers Market traces its origins to 1934. Today, the facility attracts locals and tourists alike to enjoy shopping. Come hungry, though, as there are plenty of tasty dishes available for you to enjoy while exploring the stalls and vendors throughout the building.

The Grove is a separate entity from the farmers market. While the Original Farmers Market is quaint and charming, The Grove is a thoroughly modern mega-mall featuring many of your favorite shops and restaurants, along with several high-end mall stores.

Visiting The Grove and Original Farmers Market is an experience you can savor. In fact, The Original Farmers Market and The Grove make a great lunch stop on a full-day bus tour of LA.

13. See the Stars and an Amazing View of the City at Griffith Park Observatory

More than just a park, Griffith Observatory allows visitors to enjoy stunning views of the Los Angeles basin while offering informative exhibitions and an excellent planetarium with top notch shows. The observatory also offers a gift shop and café for your convenience.

Griffith Observatory

There is an impressive park here, as well. Offering 4210 acres, Griffin Park is the largest urban park in the United States. It features more than 50 miles of trails for hiking and biking, as well as various lagoons and waterfalls.

Other attractions in the park include:

  • Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Autry Museum of the American West
  • Train Rides
  • Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round
  • Greek Theatre Los Angeles

In other words, Griffith Park is another LA attraction you can build an entire day of your travels around — or more.

14. Hit the Winding Road With Legends on Mulholland Drive

Mulholland Drive is the drive all drives wish they could be. You will find few better opportunities to enjoy the scenery of LA in a car than on this 24-mile drive. In fact, this drive almost makes dealing with LA traffic entirely worthwhile.

Unfortunately, you have to keep your eyes on the road while making this drive — it isn’t a straight shot, but instead is filled with twists and turns. Consider taking turns driving, so everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the views. Be sure to stop at one — or all — of the seven scenic overlooks.

Many movies feature the road, including one of the street’s namesake.

Take in Top LA Attractions in Comfort With a Bus Tour

A Day in LA Tours allows you to explore many of the best things Los Angeles has to offer from the comfort of a bus without fighting traffic, worrying about getting lost or missing all the attractions because your eyes are on the road.

As a five-star-rated Yelp and five-star-rated TripAdvisor LA bus tour, we take the hassle out of getting around Los Angeles, so you can relax and enjoy every attraction. We provide personalized, safe and fun tours, so you’re sure to have a great time seeing the sights.

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