The City of Angels is perhaps the most famous US city after the iconic New York City. Often positioning itself as the casual, laidback Western counterpart to the stiffer and more uptight East Coast, LA exemplifies everything that makes America a global cultural powerhouse. Hollywood is the cultural epicenter of the United States, but that’s not all LA is famous for. It has a huge range of beautiful beaches facing the great expanse of the Pacific Ocean, some of the best shopping this side of 5th Avenue, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and of course, a massive range of diverse eateries catering to pretty much any palette under the sun (and what glorious sun LA has). Nevertheless, the question that usually arises when discussing LA is what to do with such a vast array of activities available to choose from. This post will walk you through a range of activities you can engage in, from the exciting to the serene, and hopefully come away feeling thoroughly contented.
Why LA?
Before going into specifics, you should understand what it is that makes this city so famous, infamous, and enigmatic to the average outsider. Los Angeles is a city of extremes, whether that be the enormous highway that generated headlines with its infamous “Carmageddon” that punctuates world headlines whenever construction is taking place or the multimillion-dollar homes occupied by the rich and famous; there is never a dull day in LA. Nonetheless, it also holds a certain appeal to those seeking out no holds barred hedonism on a scale only matched by Sin City in the neighboring state. For example, you can hit the surf in the morning, then hire an escort service in Los Angeles for some evening entertainment, and do it all in one day. However, what truly marks this amazing city out from other metropolises in the nation, is the climate, culture, diversity, and sheer number of things to see and do regardless of preference. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the more intriguing things to do when visiting the magnificent La La Land.
Expand Your Culinary Horizons
Los Angeles is famous for many things, but perhaps its most notorious claim to fame, outside of the typical Hollywood glamour, is its food scene. Thanks to its formation as a city that brought in countless cultures from around the world, you will find a vast array of cuisine scattered across the city. In fact, don’t let any New Yorkers know, but many consider the city to contain the widest variety of exciting edibles in the nation! Start by trying some of the city’s famous taco trucks, or head to Grand Central Market for a taste of everything from ramen to pupusas. If you’re feeling adventurous, try some of the city’s unique fusion foods, like Korean BBQ tacos or sushi burritos. For a truly immersive experience, consider taking a food tour. These guided tours will take you to some of the best food spots in the city and often include behind-the-scenes access and insider tips from local chefs.
Catch The Sunset From The Santa Monica Pier
Watching the sunset is a glorious experience no matter where you are in the world, but it can be particularly stunning when you see it happening on the world’s largest ocean. You can watch the sky change hues while standing on the pier, feeling the cool breeze on your face, and listening to the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. As with anything romantic, it’s best when shared with a loved one, but it can be just as spectacular when on your own and reflecting on your existence.
Explore The World-Famous Getty Center
If you want to add some culture to your trip, you can always head down to the internationally-renown Getty Center. Located in the Brentwood neighborhood, this museum boasts an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, manuscripts, and decorative arts. But the Getty Center isn’t just a place to admire art. The sprawling campus also offers stunning views of Los Angeles, beautiful gardens, and architecture that’s worth exploring on its own. The center also happens to be a great place to enjoy as a family if you happen to be traveling with kids, as it has a dedicated family room geared toward making the experience fun and engaging for all ages.
Go For A Walk In One Of The Many Nearby Parks Or Forests
For such a sprawling urban megapolis, you might find it peculiar to include such a natural option to the list. However, LA happens to be surrounded by some of the most majestic scenery in the world, with locations such as the Santa Monica Mountains a mere 40 or so miles away. If that seems too much of an effort and you don’t particularly want to leave the confines of the city proper, you can still enjoy a vast swathe of hiking trails with options like Griffith Park Trails just a stone’s throw away. The route includes multiple choices for people of all abilities. It is an utterly brilliant way to spend a day escaping the beeping horns and sheer enormity of the city itself.
Visit The Funky Venice Beach Boardwalk And Revel In Its Absurdity
It’s pretty much guaranteed that anything crazy you have seen on the internet that purports to originate from LA occurred in Venice Beach! One of the most popular activities on the boardwalk is people-watching. You’ll see all sorts of characters here, from hippies and artists to surfers and skateboarders. It’s a great place to soak up the local culture and get a feel for the laid-back vibe of LA. It’s also home to Muscle Beach, where you can watch bodybuilders flex their muscles and work out in the open air. It’s both fascinating and perplexing in equal measure, but you also have the incredible beach to escape to if things get too bizarre!
If you can think of an adjective, you can probably use it to describe LA. However, nestled among the ostentatiousness and glamour of the city lives a fascinating character, filled with people from all walks of life, from the average Joe just hustling to get by to the wealthiest individuals on the planet!
