Best Things to Do in Los Angeles
Best things to do in Los Angeles California, discover LA’s most popular tourist attractions. Los Angeles is a city which truly offers something for everyone. From the iconic Hollywood landmarks, world-famous nightspots and immense shopping opportunities for travelling couples to the film studio visits and beaches for families it truly has it all.
So where to start with the City of Angels? The Hollywood landmarks are a sensible suggestion, with the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard as good as anywhere to begin. Here you’ll see more than 2000 of those famous bronze stars lining the walkway celebrating the biggest icons of stage and screen over the decades. The nearby Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is equally iconic and is where to find the hand and footprints of stars cast in cement. From here, you will be able to book a tour of Hollywood stars’ homes, or if you pick up a map you can drive around them yourself. Also, with car hire, what better way is there to enjoy the nearby Sunset Boulevard and Sunset Strip as you pass through the mansions that reach into West Hollywood and on to Malibu to explore the famous coastline as well as Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach?
As night falls you can busy yourself at one of the world-famous nightspots such as the Whisky A Go Go or Viper Room on the Strip or check out the listings to see which internationally famous superstar is performing at the House of Blues or at the Hollywood Bowl just along Highyway 110.
As mentioned, if travelling with a family there is also much to see and do. One of the most important visits has to be to Universal Studios, where you will find a multitude of themed rides and attractions and a one-hour tram ride around the 420 acre site where you can also visit working movie sets.
Shopping should also be on your ‘must-do’ list. Drive along the famous Rodeo Drive and into Beverly Hills’s ‘Golden Triangle’ where you will find designer boutiques wherever you look; from Tiffany to Cartier and Ralph Lauren to Armani – every high-fashion name is waiting for you!
Another notable drive is along Mulholland Drive and on to the San Fernando Valley where you will find the Warner Brothers Studios. As well as being able to tour the facilities on a golf cart, you are able to view working sets, movie sets, set craft workshops and tour the museum which features many iconic artefacts that have been used on the big screen throughout the ages.
Art buffs can also get their fix in L.A, most notably at the J. Paul Getty Museum and Centre. The immense art collection owned by Paul Getty will even interest those with only a passing interest in art, which includes Van Gogh’s and more. The exterior of the building will impress in its own right, with the building constructed using marble, surrounded by a wonderful landscaped garden.
Paramount Pictures Studio Tour, is found on Melrose Avenue (where even more designer boutiques can be found) this fascinating walking tour takes you behind the scenes, showing you live film and television sets in action, where you will more than likely be able to see a well-known celebrity at work!
Once you feel like you have seen all you have wanted to within downtown L.A (if this is ever possible!?), your car will come to the fore to take you to one of America’s most-loved attractions – Disneyland. Disney is around an hour’s drive south of downtown Los Angeles in Anaheim County, where both children and adults alike will be mesmerized by the attractions and world-beating rides on offer.
Also consider Berry Farm Theme Park in Orange County. Found in Buena Park, you’ll find one of the country’s oldest theme parks in America which features many modern thrill rides.
If all this sounds like too much for one holiday, then go and take time out on some of California’s most stunning beaches; Newport Beach, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, and Huntington Beach.
If flying into LAX Airport, the car hire desks here offer ample opportunity to pick your vehicle before setting off. Car hire Los Angeles is offered by many companies and finding a cheap deal online is not difficult. It is important to be aware that most U.S vehicles function with automatic transition, so be sure to familiarize yourself with this before booking and also be sure to book your hire car well in advance of your trip to ensure your vehicle is equipped to meet your required needs, which can be especially important if travelling with a family. Also bring a sat-nav along to help you navigate your way around this sprawling metropolis.