L.A.’s fine, the sun shines most of the time…
Ah, Los Angeles. The City of Angels. The home of Hollywood. The place where dreams are made of.
The list of things to do in Los Angeles is endless. I’ve been to the Californian city four times now and although I’ve gone back and done some of the same things that I did before, I saw something new in the city every time.
Los Angeles has it all. It has theme parks for those who are adrenaline junkies. It has museums for those who love learning something new in every city they go to. And it has beaches for those who prefer to chillax and get a tan.
If you are planning on going to the sunny city and are unsure about what to do there, just keep on scrolling and you’ll find our top seven things that you should get up to.
1. Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is a must for first-time visitors of LA. If you drive there, you’ll more than likely have to park on the side of the road that leads up to the observatory and walk up a steep enough hill from there. If that’s the case you will be clocking up a good amount of steps on your Fitbit so make sure to wear good shoes. The view from the observatory is well worth the trek up though.
It’s arguably the best view of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. I’d recommend going there just before sunset. It’s well worth seeing the city transform as the sun goes down. The observatory is free and also has exhibitions for all ages to enjoy.
2. Universal Studios
This is one of the best places in Los Angeles for a fun day out with friends or family. The theme park is for all ages with attractions from Despicable Me Minion Mayhem to the Walking Dead. The main thing to do in the park is to explore the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
If you can, you should buy a Universal Express ticket. It will allow you to skip the queues once for each ride in the park saving you a hell of a lot of time standing around.
3. Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum
Located in Simi Valley, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum is about an hour drive from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. While you’re there you can step onboard Air Force One, touch a piece of the Berlin Wall and learn about the life of Ronald Reagan and his wife Nancy.
Now, I’m not really into the in’s and out’s of American presidents, but I have to say this museum is incredible. It opens from 10 am until 5 pm every day. If you are interested in exploring the whole place, you should arrive there when it opens to give yourself plenty of time to wander around for as long as possible.
4. Be part of a chat show audience
Before you leave for the States, have a look online to see if you can get free tickets to be in a live studio audience whether it be Ellen DeGeneres or James Corden. Just know that if you do get tickets, there is a lot of waiting around at these shows but it’s worth it when you get to see what it’s really like behind the scenes.
You’ll also see some famous faces so when you get home you can tell the whole family that you are now besties with whoever you saw. Have a look at these websites for tickets: 1iota, Audiences Unlimited and On Camera Audiences.
5. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica is pretty much a city within a city. It is a sizzling part of LA with loads to see and do. You can stroll the world famous pier, the beach that’s always on Instagram, have fun on the rides in the amusement park, or maybe join a walking tour to learn more about the place.
6. Warner Bros Studio Tour
If you are into films or TV shows in any way, shape or form you will enjoy this tour. You might even have a greater appreciation for the work that goes into creating a successful film or show when you finish the tour. The tour guides on these tours are usually great.
If one of your favourite films/shows was filmed on set, don’t be afraid to let them know and they will more than likely go out of their way to point things out on the tour that relate to it.
7. Go to a concert in the Hollywood Bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is an incredible outdoor venue tucked away in Los Angeles’ hills. Have a look to see if one of your favourite artists is playing there when you are in town, or better yet, schedule your holiday around a concert at the world-famous venue.
Most people also forget how chilly it can get in LA in the evenings, so bring something that will keep you warm when the sun goes down. Most of the seats in the venue are benches so cushions are a must. You can rent them in the venue so don’t be a cheapskate and go grab yourself one before you even sit down. You’ll thank us an hour into the show.
