Los Angeles has long been one of the best places to visit. Whether you are on spring break, want a relaxing beach vacation or are coming from abroad to visit the States, the city of Angels is brimming with vibrant culture and activities.
It is probably most known for being the land of TV and Film after the movie industry began producing in Hollywood. However, there are plenty of other unique and interesting facts about LA, although we will start with Hollywood itself. Los Angeles’ ‘Hollywood’ sign has become one of the most iconic landmarks and tourist attractions in the city, however it wasn’t always as we know it. Back when it was built in 1923, it originally read ‘HOLLYWOODLAND’ which seems goofy now to look back on.
Away from tinsel town, there is a lot more to LA that meets the eye. Literally. There are 11 miles of tunnels under the streets of LA that were used for a multitude of reasons. For example, one such tunnel was used to transport prisoners from jail to the courthouse and others were to traffic mobsters and other criminals and billions of dollars in cash.
With so much history and culture you are spoilt for choice on what to do in LA, however we can try and make it a little easier to choose. Here are some of the best activities to do when visiting Los Angeles.
Go to an NFL game
Whether you are a fan of football or not, the experience at an NFL game in LA is incredible. The atmosphere in the stadium is electric and the action on the field matches it. You may have to pick a side however as LA is the home of two teams in the league, the Chargers and the Rams. They both play their home games at SoFi stadium, a 70,000-seater sports entertainment complex. One of the biggest stadiums in the league, it is an experience in and of itself. The latest NFL odds currently have the Rams at 1200+ to retain the Super Bowl trophy following their historic win last season.
Visit the Hollywood sign
Okay, this one is obvious and previously mentioned. But if you have never been to LA before it is likely to be at the top of your itinerary. However, whilst the sign itself is of course iconic there is plenty more to your visit there. Located on a steep hillside of Mt. Lee in southwestern Griffith Park, it faces toward Hollywood and the Los Angeles Basin, making it visible for miles. This is why there are hiking trails all around the park giving you incredible views. The Mt. Hollywood Trail, offering a mind-bending side-angle view of the Sign, has two starting points in Griffith Park, the 6.5 square miles of protected wilderness AKA the heart and lungs of Los Angeles.
Go to the Getty Center
As well as playing host to some of the finest works of art in the world, the Getty Center is an incredible architectural achievement. You can either do a guided tour or wonder round yourself, discovering amazing works and pieces of history. Renaissance paintings, 20th-century American photography, Baroque sculptures, historic manuscripts, you name it it’s there. It also offers a beautiful view of the city on clear days. What is the best is that it is completely free to visit, meaning you get to have an amazing experience without having to hurt your pockets.
Relax at Santa Monica Beach and Pier
Another free experience, lying just west of downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica contains one of the most legendary beach scenes in the United States. Three miles of shoreline allows you plenty of opportunity to relax in the sun on the sand but if you are looking for more then you are in luck. Santa Monica is the home of tonnes of great restaurants as well as being an excellent place for nightlife. Many residents say that cycling round the area is one of the best ways to experience Santa Monica along their 22-mile bike path.
Rodeo Drive
Now immortalized by Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman’, Rodeo Drive is home to some of the biggest designer clothing stores in the world as well as beautiful boutiques. However, this does not mean of course that you must visit these stores and you may instead opt just to take a stroll down a piece of movie history. You may even spot a celebrity shopping!
Whilst these are some great starting points for your visit to LA, there is plenty more to explore and you are likely to stumble across activities and landmarks wherever you go. Los Angeles is a truly beautiful city and there is something for everyone, whether you travel own, with friends or with family.
