As one of the most iconic cities in the United States, Los Angeles (LA) radiates culture and recreation. Unfortunately, due to the number of wonderful things there are to do in LA, it’s difficult to see it all on your first trip. However, if you have a good plan, it is definitely possible to go to all of the must-do attractions and locations! So grab a friend and get out there!
To help you with your vacation planning, we’ve created a guide to the 6 Places You Need to Visit in LA:
#1. Disneyland
When it opened in 1956, Disneyland set a standard for what a theme park could be. The park itself is currently a cultural symbol and one of the most popular attractions in the world, bringing guests from all over the world to go on rides and see shows. Even though it is technically in Anaheim, California, the famous theme park is located within the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
If you decide to make a trip to Disneyland, we recommend taking an entire day to take it all in. You should also try to get there before the park opens to ensure that you aren’t overwhelmed with the large crowds that can appear on weekends and during summer months. With hundreds of different activities to do, you definitely won’t be bored while in the happiest place on earth!
#2. Jumbo’s Clown Room
If you’re looking to get a dose of American culture in a relaxing bar setting, Jumbo’s Clown Room is a great place to go. This is not a family-friendly venue due to the fact that it’s a bikini bar, but those looking for a good location for an adult’s night out will love this bar. With tons of memorabilia and wonderful contortionists showing off their talents, you will get a true sense for the local culture. There is also an old jukebox that has a pretty good variety of music on it! The only caveat about this place is that you are not able to take photos, so we recommend that you leave your camera at your hotel room.
#3. Walt Disney Concert Hall
Despite what the name might suggest, this is not a place to see a lot of Disney-themed musical performances. Instead, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is the home of the LA Philharmonic, one of the most famous orchestras in the world. If you happen to be in town while the LA Philharmonic is in season, you should definitely head on down to this concert hall to hear some gorgeous classical music.
The specific music you hear will depend on when you are there and what their program is, so you should familiarize yourself with their website and calendar before purchasing tickets. That being said, the LA Philharmonic can really make any piece of music sound like one of the most luxurious things ever created!
#4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art
If you are a modern art aficionado, you must go to the LACMA. Not only does this museum have an impressive selection of contemporary art pieces, but there is also a large permanent collection that is worth looking into. There are pieces of art from all around the world, but we recommend you go if you are specifically interested in seeing Asian, Latin or Islamic art. There are also some good discounts available if you are a student or senior citizen!
#5. Venice Boardwalk
Though Venice Beach is one of the most tourist-filled parts of the city, it is also one of the best ways to see what the true local culture is like. In particular, going to the Venice Boardwalk is a great way for you to see some local businesses and buy some souvenirs to take home with you.
On top of this, there are always talented street performers and graffiti artists entertaining visitors on the streets! If you are walking around the city, the boardwalk can also be a great place to take a midday break. With plenty of restaurants and cafés, you’re bound to find something that satisfies your taste buds!
#6. Griffith Park
Sure, LA is a city with many urban sites, but there is also a lot of natural beauty to be found. If you want to immerse yourself in the more environmental parts of the city, we recommend that you take a trip to Griffith Park. Not only is it the largest park in LA, but it also has a great observatory that is great for seeing the planets at nighttime. With over 4,000 acres to explore, you can definitely spend an entire afternoon being mesmerized by Griffith Park.
