Things to do in L.A. / Los Angeles
- Hollywood Walk of Fame: Explore the iconic Walk of Fame, visit Madame Tussauds Hollywood, and see the TCL Chinese Theatre.
- La Brea Tar Pits: Discover prehistoric fossils and learn about Ice Age animals.
- Miracle Mile Museums: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and the Petersen Automotive Museum.
- Rodeo Drive: Experience luxury shopping and celebrity-spotting (though sightings are not guaranteed).
- Griffith Observatory: Enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign; visit the planetarium (fee applies).
- Hollywood Sign Hike (Mount Hollywood Trail): A 6-mile roundtrip hike to the Hollywood Sign (bring water).
- Grand Central Market: Explore diverse food stalls in Downtown LA’s historic core.
- Bradbury Building: Visit this historic architectural landmark featured in numerous films.
- Angels Flight Railway: A funicular railway offering scenic views of Downtown LA (costs $1).
- Bunker Hill Museums: Explore several museums in the Bunker Hill area, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA).
- Walt Disney Concert Hall: Attend a performance or admire the architecture.
- Los Angeles Zoo: Enjoy a zoo experience (prices are relatively affordable).
- Autry Museum of the American West: Learn about the history of Los Angeles and the American West.
- Getty Center: Explore art and enjoy stunning city views (free, but reservations are recommended).
- Descanso Gardens: Discover diverse botanical gardens (fee applies).
- Santa Monica Pier: Experience the iconic pier with amusement park rides and ocean views.
- Echo Park: Relax by the lake, rent a swan boat (fee applies).
- Universal Studios Hollywood: Explore the theme park (fee applies; check online for discounts).
- Old Pasadena: Explore this charming area, ideal for a relaxed atmosphere and affordable accommodation.
- Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens: Visit historic buildings, explore diverse botanical gardens (fee applies).
- Venice Beach: Experience the vibrant beach culture, street performers, and eclectic atmosphere.
- The Grove and The Original Farmers Market: Enjoy upscale shopping and dining at The Grove and fresh produce at the Farmers Market.
- Ventura Harbor: Explore the harbor, enjoy beaches, and consider a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Hermosa Beach: Relax on the beach, play volleyball, and enjoy the local restaurants.
- Long Beach: Visit the Queen Mary (currently closed), take the Catalina Express to Catalina Island, and explore the Pine Avenue Pier.
- Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach: Explore these beach towns known for their relaxed atmosphere and beautiful beaches.
- Malibu: Enjoy beaches, hiking, and scenic drives along the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Ranchos Palos Verdes: Explore upscale resorts, hiking trails, and stunning coastal views (more expensive area).
- Transportation: Consider using Amtrak for travel between cities, and explore Los Angeles’ public transportation system.
- Airports: LAX, John Wayne Airport (SNA), Burbank Airport (BUR), and Ontario International Airport (ONT) serve Los Angeles.
- Food: Enjoy diverse culinary options, including Asian fusion, Mexican, and Latin American cuisines.
Must do activities for you to do while visiting Los Angeles! In this Los Angeles travel guide we show you around downtown Los Angeles attractions, Santa Monica, Hollywood, several LA beaches, Pasadena and much more! In this Los Angeles travel vlog you will discover the best places to go in Los Angeles and find useful travel tips for LA.
LA History From Above
Aerial Los Angeles, nineteen sixty-one.
- Geographic Factors Driving Growth: Los Angeles’s location on a plain surrounded by mountains, ocean, and the Los Angeles River provides diverse resources and opportunities, fostering its expansion.
- The Role of the Los Angeles River: Historically the city’s water source, the river continues to supply water and remains a central element in the city’s development. The original city center developed near the river and its railroad terminal.
- Downtown Revitalization: While initially neglected due to sprawl and slow transportation, downtown Los Angeles experienced a resurgence thanks to the freeway system, improving accessibility from surrounding areas.
- Freeway System’s Impact: The construction of freeways dramatically changed Los Angeles’s landscape, connecting previously isolated areas and facilitating rapid growth, although it also created significant traffic challenges.
- Water Management and Future Planning: The city’s proactive approach to securing water resources, such as the Owens River Aqueduct, demonstrates long-term planning for sustained growth and a large population.
- Vertical Growth and Suburban Expansion: Los Angeles’s growth is characterized by both outward expansion into suburbs and upward development of high-rise buildings, particularly in areas like Wilshire.
- Economic Diversity: The city’s economy encompasses agriculture, oil, manufacturing, defense, and a major port, contributing to its overall prosperity and attracting a diverse population.
- Suburban Development and Interdependence: Suburbs like Pasadena, Santa Monica, and others are closely linked to the central district, forming an interconnected metropolitan area reliant on the freeway system for transportation and commerce.
- Variety of Lifestyle Options: Los Angeles offers a wide range of living options, from suburban homes to beachfront properties and mountain retreats, attracting individuals seeking diverse lifestyles and opportunities.
- Rapid Growth and Challenges: The text highlights Los Angeles as the fastest-growing metropolis globally, but also points out resulting challenges like traffic congestion and the need for continued water resource planning.
LA History
Southern California: A 1953 welcome.
- Los Angeles’s Growth and Development: The film highlights Los Angeles’s rapid growth from a small pueblo to a major metropolitan city, emphasizing its architectural landmarks (City Hall), shopping centers (Miracle Mile), and renowned hotels (Ambassador Hotel).
- Hollywood and the Entertainment Industry: The significant role of Hollywood and its studios in Southern California’s economy and tourism is detailed, showcasing iconic locations like Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Sunset Boulevard, and the studios of major broadcasting companies.
- Tourist Attractions and Recreation: The film extensively promotes various attractions, including Griffith Observatory, Forest Lawn Cemetery, Huntington Library, beaches, sporting events (polo, golf, horse racing), and theme parks (Los Angeles County Fair).
- Higher Education and Cultural Institutions: The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Southern California (USC) are presented as prominent institutions of higher learning. The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena is also highlighted as a major cultural event.
- Catalina Island and Other Destinations: The film showcases Catalina Island as a popular tourist destination and briefly features other areas like Palm Springs, Laguna Beach, and San Diego, emphasizing their unique charms and recreational opportunities.
- Industrial Growth and Economic Diversity: The film touches upon the significant industrial growth in Southern California, mentioning tire manufacturing, oil production, chemical industries, aircraft manufacturing, and the importance of the railroad system.
- San Diego and Tijuana: The film promotes San Diego, highlighting its zoo, the Coronado Hotel, and its proximity to Tijuana, Mexico, as a cross-border tourist destination.
- Agriculture and Citrus Industry: The importance of the citrus industry to Southern California’s economy is illustrated, featuring the Orange Show in San Bernardino.
- Overall Impression: The film aims to portray Southern California as a land of sunshine, beauty, diverse attractions, economic prosperity, and warm hospitality, emphasizing its appeal to both residents and tourists.
