Los Angeles offers a plethora of exciting activities to enjoy. Families can visit the La Brea Tar Pits and Natural History Museum or take a studio tour at Universal Studios, or Warner Bros. Vintage Hollywood is a must-see for film buffs, with landmarks such as the TCL Chinese Theatre and Paramount Pictures Studios. Beverly Hills offers a taste of stardom with Rodeo Drive and the Sunset Strip. Beachgoers can choose from Venice Beach, Zuma Beach, and Santa Monica Beach. Art lovers can admire exhibits at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, Getty Center, or Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike to the Hollywood Sign, attend a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, or visit Griffith Park and Observatory. Downtown LA has a variety of restaurants, museums, and historic landmarks, such as the GRAMMY Museum and Hotel Figueroa. For theme park lovers, Universal Studios Hollywood offers thrilling rides and backlot tours. Daylong guided bus tours are a great way to explore the city, with hop-on, hop-off options available for a car-free experience in the City of Angels.
Griffith Observatory
Located on the south face of Mount Hollywood, Griffith Observatory provides visitors with breathtaking views of the Los Angeles basin that are simply unmatched. But let's not forget that the Observatory is more than just a pretty backdrop for photos. With its fascinating exhibitions and top-notch planetarium, it's a must-visit attraction. While recent visitors were blown away by the Observatory's beautiful setting, the added bonus of free entry was just the cherry on top. Keep in mind that there is a fee of $6 to $10 for planetarium shows. The Observatory is open from noon to 10 pm Tuesday through Friday and from 10 am to 10 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. And in case you need more reasons to visit, the on-site amenities include a gift shop and cafe. For all the nitty-gritty details about parking, public transportation, and other helpful information for planning your visit, be sure to check out the Griffith Observatory's website.
Santa Monica
Santa Monica, located west of downtown Los Angeles, is famous for its legendary beach scene, spanning over 3 miles of soft sands, ideal weather, and numerous attractions and is a very walkable part of town, and many recent travellers suggest you explore the area by bicycle It is also home to excellent restaurants and exciting nightlife spots. Visitors can explore the area on foot or by bicycle, with guided cycling trips available along the beach. The most scenic bike ride is along the 22-mile paved path known as The Strand. The Santa Monica Pier is a must-visit spot for many beachgoers, offering a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, carnival games, lively street performances, and various food options. The pier is open daily, year-round, but operating hours may differ depending on the season and day of the week.
Zuma Beach
Looking for a prime location to sunbathe and swim in LA Zuma is the ultimate destination This 1.8-mile beach is renowned for its unparalleled cleanliness compared to Santa Monica or Venice Beach. In fact, Zuma Beach is indisputably one of the top beaches in the LA area, admired by both locals and tourists alike. The waves are fantastic, parking is abundant, and snacks are readily available. Additionally, there are numerous lifeguard stations and bathroom facilities, as well as beach wheelchairs and a beach mat (from April to October). Keep in mind that Zuma Beach is 35 miles west of Los Angeles, so brace yourself for heavy traffic on the Pacific Coast Highway. However, the journey is undoubtedly worth it. The beach is free to visit and open to the public daily from sunrise to sunset.
Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is a famous road in the US that still exudes the classic Hollywood lifestyle. It connects downtown LA to Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Pacific Coast Highway. The Sunset Strip portion is a popular nightlife destination with famous music venues. Visitors enjoy driving along the boulevard, but traffic can get congested. It's open 24/7 and accessible by the city's No. 2 and 302 buses.
The Broad Museum
The Broad Museum, founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad in 2015, is a striking addition to downtown Los Angeles. Designed by Diller Scofidio Renfro in partnership with Gensler, the honeycomb-shaped building is a sight to behold and houses an extensive collection of contemporary art dating back to the 1950s. The collection includes works by renowned artists such as Jean Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, Cindy Sherman, Kara Walker, and Andy Warhol. Temporary exhibits also feature emerging artists. Recent visitors have given the museum high marks for both art and architecture. The museum is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11 am to 5 pm, Thursdays from 11 am to 8 pm, and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 6 pm. The Civic Center/Grand Park Station is the closest Metro line stop.
Cover photo credit Depositphotos
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