Los Angeles can be found in southern California and is the second-largest city in America. The city is famous for its size, celebrities, entertainment industry and mild weather. Los Angeles includes the area of Hollywood and leads the worldwide industry in motion picture production, television productions, video games and recorded music. The city has hosted the summer Olympics before due to its easy-going weather and beautiful mountains surrounding the town on three sides. This massive metropolis has lots to do and see. Experience one of the most famous cities in the world and discover the best things to do in Los Angeles.
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The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
The museum is a favorite stop while in the area and is a great, family-friendly way to spend a day or several hours. The dinosaur exhibit is one of the favorites and doesn’t miss the native plant gardens and the hummingbird gardens. There is an interactive kid’s area, and you can even pet a turtle. The museum has a great collection of minerals as well as Mayan and Aztec items to see. An extensive collection of fossils is available, and there are tons more to do and see. Experience the museum for yourself and have fun in the air conditioning for a nice break.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is an amusement park for everyone. It is most recognized for its fun rides as well as the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Some of the staff are dressed as characters from movies and walk around the park meeting and greeting people. Bring your camera to get pictures with your favorite characters! Family friendly rides are available, as well as the wild roller coaster and thrill rides. Try the Special Effects show, the 3D Jurassic Park ride, or the Fast and Furious Supercharged experience. Places to eat and shop are also available nearby and on site. Spend a day or several riding rides and having a great time at one of the best amusement parks in the U.S.
Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is an exciting and beautiful addition to your itinerary. The building itself is historic and beautiful. It is perched above the city, and you will have some of the best views of the massive cityscape from here, as well as the large famous “Hollywood” sign. Evenings present the opportunity to use the telescopes to see all the stars in the night sky. The building has some great astronomy exhibits inside as well as lots of attractive displays and information about the sun and solar system. The drive up is scenic, and a nice break from the concrete and business of L.A. Take some time to stop and see the observatory, or at least get some pictures of the best views of the city from here.
The Nethercutt Collection
This is a free and fun attraction suitable for everyone. There are the Nethercutt Museum and the Nethercutt Collection featuring antique and historic automobiles. Many are geared towards the 1930s era, and visitors report enjoying the collection whether they are avid car lovers or not. The museum offers guided tours, and one of the most popular areas in the museum is the “music room,” where there is an outstanding collection of musical instruments. The cars have all been restored to their original condition and colors. This is a fantastic exhibit well worth your time and energy while in L.A.
Hollywood Sign and Tours
Tours are a common and widespread way to explore the L.A. area, especially for things like the Hollywood sign. There are guided tours like the “We Love L.A.” tour, or the “L.A. Insider Tours” to see the best of the city, including possible celebrity homes and similar things. There are food, sight-seeing, beverage and many other types of tours to choose from. The famous sign may be a little difficult to get to, as the drive is winding and there is also a hike you can take that is reported as a bit long as well, but fairly easy. The view from the “Hollywood” sign is incredible. It is located towards the top of the mountain and offered terrific city views of the entire city. Tour buses are also available if you don’t want to hike or drive your vehicle up.
The Getty Center
The Getty Center is the number one rated attraction in Los Angeles. The center is located on top of a hill, offering incredible views. On bright days you can see the San Gabriel Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the entire city. The center is known for its architecture and gardens as well as the museum. The area has a beautiful arrival court and rotunda, along with a large fountain and gardens to explore. Over one million people visit the area to see the massive museum and grounds. The art collections, displays, and other exhibits are highly praised. The grounds and buildings are extensive, and many people cannot see everything there is to see in one day. The attraction is free although you have to pay for parking. Experience one of the best museums in America and see those fantastic views as well.
Santa Monica Bay
Santa Monica Bay has it all. The area has fantastic beaches, ocean access and views, shopping and places to eat. Lie in the sun and catch a few rays or go check out the pier that has some rides for kids. The beach is large as well as wide, and there is plenty of space. The area is famous, and there are lots of people as well as things to do and see. Don’t forget to get some pictures of the ocean! The water is chilly but feels good on hot summer days. Watch the street performers and rent a bicycle or skates to cruise around on. This beach is favored over the nearby Venice Beach, and it is fun, busy and one of best things to do in Los Angeles.
Large Metropolis in the West
This large metropolis has many many things to do and see. The California Science Center, the Staples Center, tours galore, the Battleship USS Iowa, Dodger Stadium and Runyon Canyon Park are only a few of the other things to see and do in the area. Check out the Grammy Museum for some memorable moments in the music industry and enjoy the atmosphere of a huge, bustling city. See the motion picture capital of the world and get your picture taken by the giant “Hollywood” sign that looks out over the city. Don’t forget to visit the ocean nearby and have some fun in the second largest city in the U.S.
