Los Angeles is famous around the globe for its high-profile residents of the Hollywood industries and its world-class amenities. The city receives approximately 50 million tourists each year, many of whom want to see the iconic sights like the Hollywood Sign, the Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Boulevard, Santa Monica Pier, Universal Studios and lots more. Los Angeles is a great place to live but difficult to visit. Its expansive layout, numerous opportunities and sights to see make it a nightmare to decide what to do in a short period of time. For our recommendations of what to do and see in the City of Angels, check out the list below.
Art
Los Angeles is a diverse city, filled with communities of forward-thinking people from businesses to creatives and artists, the city exudes talent from every pore. To sample some of the city’s defining artistic expressions, head to one of these galleries. The Broad Museum is a free contemporary museum in the heart of downtown LA, situated perfectly for exploring the hustle and bustle of this iconic city. The museum is ultra-modern, presenting exhibitions designed to transport your mind and challenge your senses of reality. Check out world-renowned artist Yayoi Kusama’s absorbing infinity mirror rooms, a truly magical experience and instagram-friendly.
For more modern art, check out the Museum of Contemporary Art, located just around the corner from the Broad. The MOCA, as it is affectionately known by Angelinos, is home to a collection of the greatest contemporary art in the world. Since the start of 2020, the museum has offered free admission, so no need to pay to see works by Jackson Pollock, Mike Kelley or Nam June Paik.
Arguably one of the most well-known visual media companies in the world, Getty Images has covered the defining moments of human history, compiling these images into a comprehensive library that will live on long after we’re gone. The Getty Centre is a fantastic space to visit in Los Angeles for its remarkable museum collection, picturesque grounds, stunning modernist architecture and unrivalled view over the city’s skyline. Enjoy a serene moment at the Getty Centre overlooking the City of Angels next time you’re in town.
Walk the City
Los Angeles is not a city known for its walkability. It is a city that requires a car or a limitless Uber budget. Either way, the rare opportunity to walk the city at length is well worth it. Head down to the Venice Canals, one of LA’s quaintest districts, to discover a winding maze of petite, colourful houses adjacent to the waterways. Cross a bridge or two as you enjoy the peace and aesthetics of this area of the city that is often overlooked. With many tourists heading to Venice Beach or Santa Monica Pier, this area of beautiful architecture and charming paths is a great place to escape the crowds.
For an alternative Hollywood experience which combines an exploration of the city with expert knowledge, check out local historian Philip Mershon’s Hollywood Tour. Accompany Philip as you walk the areas of Sunset and Gower, visiting the Hollywood production studios, learning anecdotal and factual histories of Hollywood's world-famous popular culture. The areas of Sunset and Gower are a great place to grab a drink or some food after the walk with these areas having been redeveloped into prime entertainment districts in recent years.
Places to Take the Kids (Or Go Yourself)
There is no shortage of thrilling experiences for children and adults alike in Los Angeles. With Universal Studios and Disneyland Park a short drive from the city’s downtown area, you will always have a fun experience to keep the kids entertained. Head over to Harry Potter World for the most immersive and creative experience available at a theme park. The tour takes you through the absorbing sets, you can dress as your favourite character, try the magical sweets from the films and let the kids’ imaginations run wild as they laugh, cheer and get spooked by the total Harry Potter experience.
If theme parks are not your thing but you are still looking for a thrilling experience, look no further than the OUE Skyspace in downtown LA. Head to the building’s 70th floor, where you will be greeted with the Skyslide, a jaw-dropping descent into the heart of Los Angeles’ central district. As you slide down, the skyscrapers of the city will flash before your eyes as you hurtle down the glass slide. Try not to curse and scream as you feel the rush and look out over the spectacular LA skyline. Try visiting at sunset for a particularly special experience.
See Something Different
Los Angeles is filled with quirky things to see and do, but the most impressive are definitely the Hollywood Bowl and the Griffith Observatory. The latter, situated at the summit of Griffith Park, provides a stunning view over Los Angeles, particularly at night when the lights of the city sparkle and illuminate the dark shapes of the buildings. The exhibition offers a Foucault Pendulum, Tesla Coil and an immersive planetarium show presented by knowledgeable staff. For the ultimate experience of the great beyond, check out the 12-inch, refracting telescope on the roof and gaze in awe at the high-definition view of the universe in all its magnificent beauty above the LA night sky.
Home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hollywood Bowl is an iconic, modernist amphitheatre that has been hosting events since the 1920s. Offering both daytime and evening renditions from a global schedule of talented musicians, the Hollywood Bowl is as perfect for a picnic in the Californian sun as a late-night performance from a rousing jazz band. The stage is situated in a small valley in the Hollywood Hills, making for a romantic spot to enjoy some quality time being serenaded by the La Philharmonic.
Los Angeles is a city that caters to the entertainment desires of its residents. The city’s opportunities are always changing, offering new experiences to try whilst retaining the ones that see returning visitors night after night. You will never be short of something to do when living in Los Angeles. To discover your real estate opportunities in Los Angeles, contact Propeterra today.
