Los Angeles, the City of Angels, has always enticed visitors with its glamour and modernity. This Californian city is well-known for being the cradle of Hollywood. Los Angeles is a modern, vibrant city with an exceptional culture and outdoor scene that is included in the majority of Americans’ east coast vacation plans. For movie buffs, the city is an absolute must-visit. If you are planning a vacation to Los Angeles with a US tourist visa, we have compiled a list of the top 10 things to do in Los Angeles.
1. Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard, which stretches 22 miles from the centre of Los Angeles to its western coast, passes by some of the most opulent areas of the city. The best of Los Angeles can be seen with just a short drive down this stretch. It is the legendary Boulevard in Los Angeles that provides a glimpse into the lives of high-class people and movie stars. Not only that, but there is a wealth of entertainment, exquisite food, and premium shopping. You pass past well-known locations along the way, including Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Hollywood, and Silver Lake, to mention a few. The Sunset strip is a place you shouldn’t miss visiting.
2. Santa Monica Pier and Beach
Spending time at the Santa Monica Pier and Beach is one of the fun things to do in Los Angeles and a favourite pastime of the locals. This is where people congregate to enjoy LA’s local culture while gazing out to the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a performance at the pier, play carnival games, ride the enormous, iconic Pacific Wheel, and go on a shopping and dining binge as you stroll along the pier.
3. Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre
Hollywood Walk of Fame, which is situated on Hollywood Boulevard, requires no introduction. Take a stroll around this famous landmark, which honours some of the best cinematic artists. Pose with your favourite movie actor’s star of fame before heading to TCL Chinese Theatre. The location, formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, has hosted a significant number of film premieres, features the largest IMAX theatre, and houses a collection of old handprints from notable movie figures including Marylin Monroe. This is a must-visit attraction for movie-buffs.
4. Runyon Canyon Park
An incredible location for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the outdoors in the city is this 160-acre Los Angeles park at the eastern edge of the Santa Monica Mountains. The Runyan Canyon is a fantastic location for hiking while slowly taking in the city vista and its surroundings. The hiking trail is suitable for beginners and has a moderate degree of difficulty.
5. Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive, one of Los Angeles’s poshest avenues, is home to several upmarket boutique stores and high-end luxury brands, like Chanel, Armani, Tiffany, and Coco Chanel, to mention a few. Sprawling 3 kilometres in Beverly Hills, you may splurge on expensive shopping or just go window shopping. Enjoy High Tea at the Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel – The hotel made famous by the film ‘Pretty Woman,’ and admire the architectural wonders of prominent architects.
6. Universal Studios Hollywood
A visit to a USA theme park is definitely on the wish-list of all US visit visa holders. If you are in Los Angeles, visit Universal Studios Hollywood to combine thrilling adventure with movie fun. Universal Studios Hollywood, located in the San Fernando Valley, is known as the Entertainment Capital of Los Angeles and is home to one of the largest movie studios, as well as a thrilling theme park and recreational entertainment destination. Meet iconic figures from Universal Studio’s sitcoms and films, including the Simpsons, Shrek, the Minions, and many others. The attraction also offers experiences centered on the Hogwarts wizarding world and even takes you back in time with rides inspired by Jurassic World.
7. Grand Central Market
Want a down-to-earth experience sans the glitzy Hollywood tag and budget-friendly? Then head to Grand Central Market – the oldest central market of Los Angeles still running since 1917. Step inside and you find yourself amid a riot of stalls catering fresh produce from the finest cheese, and sea food to crafted beers and wines. Foodies will fall in love with this place where they can sample an assortment of flavours from various countries and shop for souvenirs right from fine jewellery to vintage articles.
8. Warner Bros Studio Tour
Warner Bros Studios offers you yet another enjoyable movie-themed experience by taking you behind the scenes of well-known sitcoms and shows created by Warner Bros. You can tour the studios and settings of well-known television shows like Big Bang Theory and Friends, and visit locations with Harry Potter and Justice League hero themes. Here, you can explore and discover how the world of movies and sitcoms actually functions.
9. Griffith Park
Griffith Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, is a wonderful place to experience Los Angeles’s wilderness. Hiking to this park, which is located at an elevation of 384 to 1,625 feet above sea level, rewards you with uninterrupted, unrivalled views of the city below. This park also houses the iconic gigantic Hollywood sign. The park’s 4200 acres offer a variety of outdoor adventures, including hiking, horseback riding, camping, and biking, as well as several areas where families can get together and enjoy picnics while soaking in the surrounding wilderness.
10. The Broad
A state-of-the-art structure set right in Downtown Los Angeles, The Broad is a museum dedicated to modern art. The museum is home to more than 2000 paintings from various modern artists. The venue is recognised for its inventive creativity in displaying art in two unique Infinity Mirrored Rooms by renowned artist Yayoi Kusama, in addition to hosting art exhibitions. This extraordinary experience, where you have the impression that you are entering a perceptual art piece, would appeal to you even if you are not a fan of art.
