Los Angeles may be best known for its iconic beaches and star-studded Hollywood, but its vibrant culture deserves exploration as well. Discover space-age museums on Olvera Street or discover modern galleries tucked into warehouses that lead to a bustling food scene.
Learn all about moviemaking at the Getty Center or honor those who have passed at Hollywood Forever Cemetery before strolling along Sunset Strip by night to see it come to life!
1. Visit the Walk of Fame
Hollywood Walk of Fame is an absolute must-see for movie enthusiasts. This famous 1.3-mile walkway showcases hundreds of stars and other characters, while TCL Chinese Theatre hosts events to immortalize them forever in cement.
The Getty Museum in LA is one of its top museums, featuring works from centuries of art history spanning hundreds of years by notable artists like Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh. You’ll be sure to see paintings and sculptures here that you won’t find elsewhere!
Santa Monica is LA’s beachy, artsy sister city; home to real-life Lebowskis and martini-swilling producers alike. Additionally, its boardwalks, restaurants, and famers market make for an idyllic environment for families with young children.
2. Visit the Dolby Theater
Any movie lover must visit the Dolby Theatre – one of Hollywood’s iconic landmarks that hosts Oscars ceremonies every year and also hosts live performances throughout the year.
La Brea Tar Pits & Museum transports visitors back in time as they walk across its outdoor grounds and discover fossil pools of sticky asphalt. The museum boasts dinosaur hall, ancient mammals exhibit, gem & mineral displays and even an insect zoo!
Rodeo Drive is synonymous with Los Angeles luxury and fashion. This two-mile stretch offers up-scale designer brands such as Saint Laurent, Gucci and Chanel for customers to shop.
3. Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
LACMA, one of three Museum Row institutions on Wilshire Boulevard that also include La Brea Tar Pits and Petersen Automotive Museum, is an essential stop for culture vultures. Boasting centuries and continents worth of collections spanning centuries like Islamic art from across Asia; Picasso works; Kunisada pieces; Chris Burden’s Urban Light installation with restored street lamps as its stars; it all makes this museum must-visit for art enthusiasts.
The 1935 observatory provides breathtaking panoramic views of Chicago’s skyscrapers and mansions, palm-flanked avenues and rugged hills. You may also catch sight of the Watts Towers: 17 interlinked sculptures made up of donated bottles, tiles, shells and other debris donated by residents.
4. Visit the Grand Central Market
Grand Central Market is known for its vibrant high-low culture. Here you can find food stands ranging from the pricey (Carnitas Tacos at Villa Moreliana) to those more widely publicized (Classy Burgers from Belcampo Meat Co). Additionally, Olvera Street brings back Los Angeles history; here you can get a glimpse into its Mexican-Angeleno roots.
Explore another facet of city culture at the Getty Center, which boasts centuries of art from medieval triptychs to Van Gogh skies. Nearby, experience how contemporary art is being made accessible at the Broad Museum which features ticketed exhibits from famous artists.
5. Visit the Universal CityWalk
West Coast’s most populous city packs an idiosyncratic punch. Beyond the tourist-packed landmarks lies an intricate, multifaceted LA where gritty streets hide art galleries while strip malls house bustling French bistros.
The Getty Center is an architectural wonder in the sky, providing breathtaking panoramic views that span hillside mansions and the uninhibited expanse of Los Angeles basin. Inside there’s centuries-old genius from medieval triptychs to Van Gogh skies!
Universal CityWalk’s three-block long, simulated city street boasts more than 30 eateries and beverages, including an advanced 19-screen movie theater equipped with IMAX technology. There’s also live music performances and comedy events taking place here.
6. Visit the Sunset Strip
The Sunset Strip is where Southern California’s wilder side comes to play, offering souvenir kiosks alongside bodybuilders, vintage jazz combos, and solo distorted garage rockers a platform to express themselves freely. Don’t miss its colorful towers and Sunday drum circles!
Los Angeles is known as the movie-making capital, and touring its studios is one of the most unique experiences available to visitors. Whether it be discovering more about how movies are made or touring iconic properties owned by your favorite film stars, touring these studios makes for a rewarding day trip.
7. Visit Warner Bros studios
Film and television industries are an integral part of Los Angeles culture, offering visitors opportunities to visit iconic sites like the Hollywood sign and TCL Chinese Theatre with stars’ handprints on display, or visit studios like Paramount and Universal for behind-the-scenes peeks into how magic happens.
Warner Bros Studios are an ideal option for movie and TV enthusiasts, providing guests with an exciting backlot tour where they can see sets from shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory.
Other must-see attractions in Los Angeles are the Staples Center, hosting hockey games, boxing matches and concerts; as well as the Museum of Natural History – both are top tourist destinations. Take a private jet flight to LA for an unforgettable experience!
