Los Angeles is a city of endless reinvention — from the glamour of Hollywood and Beverly Hills to the surf culture of Venice Beach, the world-class museums of Westside to the thriving food scenes of Koreatown and East LA. LA rewards exploration and doesn't reveal itself easily, but when it does, it's unlike anywhere else on earth.
Hollywood & Entertainment
The Hollywood Walk of Fame stretches along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street — over 2,700 stars embedded in the sidewalk. The TCL Chinese Theatre forecourt has celebrity handprints and footprints in cement. A studio tour at Warner Bros. or Universal Studios Hollywood gives an authentic behind-the-scenes look at film and TV production. The Griffith Observatory offers the best views of the Hollywood Sign.
Expert Tips
- ✓Universal Studios is a full-day affair — book online for discounts
- ✓Griffith Observatory is free to enter — the city view at night is spectacular
- ✓Hollywood itself is quite seedy — the museums and observatory are the real draws
Beaches: Venice, Santa Monica & Malibu
Santa Monica's beachfront Pier with its solar-powered Ferris wheel is quintessential LA. Venice Beach is famous for its Boardwalk — street performers, bodybuilders at Muscle Beach, and the most colorful people-watching in the city. Malibu's Point Dume and El Matador State Beach are among the most beautiful beaches in California.
Expert Tips
- ✓Rent a bike and cycle the 22-mile beachfront path from Malibu to Palos Verdes
- ✓Venice Canals (the residential area) are a peaceful contrast to the Boardwalk
- ✓El Matador Beach requires a short hike down but is worth it for the sea stacks
Museums & World-Class Culture
The Getty Center, sitting above the 405 freeway with panoramic views, houses one of the world's finest art collections — and admission is free. LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) is the largest art museum in the western US. The Broad in downtown LA has an exceptional contemporary collection including many Koons and Basquiat works.
Expert Tips
- ✓The Getty Center is free — parking is $20 (take an Uber instead)
- ✓LACMA's "Urban Light" lamp installation is best photographed at dusk
- ✓The Griffith Park hiking trails are excellent for getting away from the city
