Los Angeles is the land of palm trees, sunshine, and movie stars. No wonder millions of visitors descend upon LA each year, hoping for a glimpse of stars while trying to soak in just a bit of that movie magic. But where are the best spots to star search, and what hot spots can’t be missed? Read on for the top ten LA attractions every visitor should check out.
The number one spot for visitors to LA to start their trip is in the heart of Hollywood at Graumans Chinese Theater. Located at 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Graumans is the most sought after spot for movie premiers in LA, and hundreds of celebrities have immortalized their signatures and hand prints into the sidewalk outside. While you’re here, stroll down Hollywood Blvd and check out the Walk of Fame, where celebrities have gotten their names embedded in stars along the sidewalk. Its free to visit, and its a great way to get your first taste of LA.
The next stop on our tour of LA has to be the famous Hollywood Sign. Located on Mount Lee in Griffith Park, this iconic attraction is free to visit, but access to the monument is blocked by a fence. One of the best places to get a good view of the sign is from the roof at the Hollywood at Highland Shopping Center, at 6801 Hollywood Blvd. You pay only $2 to park for four hours, so you can take your time checking out the Hollywood sign and posing for pictures, and even doing a little shopping while you’re there.
If you have your heart set on seeing celebrities, there’s no place better then Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. This famous shopping district is located along Rodeo Drive between Santa Monica Blvd and Wilshire Ave. Its free to browse the ultra-expensive shops, and you’re likely to see stars, because this is a favorite shopping area for celebrities.
Another great shopping area that celebrities are known to frequent is The Grove. Located at 189 The Grove Drive in LA, this outdoor shopping and entertainment complex is swarming with both stars and tourists. For only $3, you can park in the garage here for 3 hours and wander the area, or visit the Farmers Market next door. There’s also a great view of the Hollywood Sign from the top level of the parking garage.
Any celebrity gossip fan knows that the stars favorite place to party is the famous Sunset Strip in West Hollywood. This area of Sunset Blvd between Crescent Heights Blvd and Doheny Drive is known for its hip restaurants, shopping, and clubs, including Sky Bar and The Viper Room. The Chateau Marmont is also located here. Take the Sunset Blvd off of the 101 to cruise the Sunset Strip.
If you like beaches, look no further than quirky and eclectic Venice Beach. You can reach the beach by taking the 405 to Venice Blvd West and driving until you see the ocean. Public parking here ranges from $3-10 a day. The real attraction in Venice Beach, other than the ocean, is the people watching. Street performers are always putting on a show, and you can even check out the famous Muscle Beach along the boardwalk.
Right next door to Venice Beach is the lovely Santa Monica, known for its 3rd Street Promenade Shopping District and its popular amusement pier. You can ride the famous ferris wheel, then grab a great meal along the Promenade, which is closed to vehicles and always full of visitors. To get to Santa Monica, take the 405 to the 10 West.
One of LA’s most famous architectural achievements is the Getty Center, which is located at 1200 Getty Center Drive. This enormous art museum is free to visit, though parking costs $8. While the art collection is impressive, the real treat is the architectural beauty of the Center itself, along with the sweeping views of the city.
Designed by famed architect Frank Gehry, the Disney Concert Hall at 111 S. Grand Avenue is can’t miss attraction, even if you never go inside. The Concert Hall is home to the LA Philharmonic, but its known for its stainless steel clad exterior as much as for the shows that take place inside. To reach the Hall, take the 110 to 3rd Street East. Ticket prices range widely, so its best to call the box office at 323-850-2000 for prices and availability. Even if you don’t go inside, come take a peak at this architectural wonder.
Finally, no visit to LA is complete without a trip to Disneyland. This theme park is the original Magic Kingdom, designed by Walt Disney. Ticket prices are steep, at $70 for a one day pass, but this park is worth the trip, if just for the intricate theming alone.
Los Angeles has a lot to offer visitors. Use this list to guide you as you plan your trip and you’ll be sure to find activities that everyone in your family will enjoy.
