If you’re planning a trip, you won’t want to miss out on some of the once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles
From exploring iconic landmarks to indulging in delicious food, there’s no shortage of unforgettable adventures to enjoy. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime resident, join us as we take a look at some of the most incredible once in a life time things to do in Los Angeles that you’ll remember for a lifetime.
10 Must-Do Activities When Visiting LA
Los Angeles, also known as the City of Angels, is a lively and diverse metropolis that offers a myriad of attractions and activities to its visitors.
If you’re planning to visit LA, here are ten must-do activities that you should add to your itinerary.
Hike to the Hollywood sign
While in LA, you can trek to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Hollywood sign.
The Hollywood sign is an iconic landmark located in the Santa Monica Mountains, close to the Hollywood Hills neighborhood. The sign originally read “Hollywoodland,” and was erected in 1923 as part of a real estate development project.
To hike to the Hollywood sign, you can start at the Griffith Observatory parking lot and follow the Mt. Hollywood Trail, which is about 6.5 miles roundtrip.
The trail is moderate and provides great views of the city and the sign. Alternatively, you can park on Beachwood Drive and take the Hollyridge Trail, which is about 3 miles roundtrip and also offers spectacular views of the sign.
The hike can take anywhere from one to three hours depending on the route you take, and the view of LA from the top is breathtaking.
Visit Disneyland
You can’t visit LA without stopping by Disneyland.
Disneyland Los Angeles is a popular theme park located in Anaheim, California.
It is about 30 minutes southeast of Los Angeles.
The park is famous for its rides, attractions, and Disney characters. Here’s what you need to know before visiting:
- Ticket prices – Disneyland offers different types of tickets, including 1-day, 2-day, and 3-day passes. The prices vary based on the type of ticket and the season. You can purchase tickets in advance online, or at the park entrance.
- Getting there – The easiest way to get there is by car, and parking is available on-site for a fee. Alternatively, public transportation options are available, such as buses and trains.
- Attractions – Disneyland Los Angeles is home to many attractions, including classic rides like Space Mountain and It’s a Small World, as well as new additions such as Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. Check out the park maps to plan your itinerary ahead of time.
- Dining – There are many dining options, including classic Disney treats like churros and Dole Whip, as well as sit-down restaurants and quick-service options.
Walk the Venice Beach Boardwalk
The Venice Beach Boardwalk is an iconic and vibrant stretch of oceanfront land that attracts visitors from around the world. It is a scenic 2.5-mile boardwalk that connects the Venice Pier in the south and the famous Muscle Beach in the north.
The boardwalk is lined with shops, restaurants, street performers, artists, musicians, and vendors selling everything from souvenirs to handmade crafts.
Some popular attractions along the boardwalk include:
- Muscle Beach: A famous outdoor gym that has been around since the 1930s and has attracted many famous bodybuilders and weightlifters over the years.
- Venice Skatepark: A popular spot for skateboarders and BMX bikers to show off their skills.
- Ocean Front Walk Murals: A series of colorful and creative murals painted on the walls of the buildings along the boardwalk.
- Venice Beach Freakshow: A unique and bizarre attraction that showcases performers with unusual talents and physical abnormalities.
In addition to these attractions, visitors can also enjoy the beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, take a dip in the ocean, or simply people-watch and soak in the eclectic atmosphere of the boardwalk.
As you walk along the boardwalk, you can grab a bite to eat from one of the various food vendors, enjoy live music or street performances, or do some shopping at the many unique and quirky shops.
The boardwalk is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for the adventure.
Overall, a walk on the Venice Beach Boardwalk is a once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles. Whether you’re looking for entertainment, art, culture, or simply an enjoyable stroll, the boardwalk has something to offer for everyone.
Visit the Griffith Observatory
The Griffith Observatory is located on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, Los Angeles, California. It is a popular tourist destination and educational facility that is named after Griffith J. Griffith, a Welsh-American industrialist and philanthropist who donated the land and funds for the observatory in 1896.
The observatory features a range of exhibits, public telescopes, planetarium shows, and educational programming for visitors of all ages. It is also home to a large collection of astronomical and scientific artifacts, including the Foucault pendulum, the Zeiss refracting telescope, and the Tesla coil.
The observatory’s most iconic feature is its three-domed building, which was designed in Art Deco style and opened to the public in 1935. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape, including the Hollywood Sign, Downtown Los Angeles, and the Pacific Ocean.
Admission to the Griffith Observatory is free, but there is a small fee for planetarium shows and some special exhibits.
The observatory is open Wednesday-Sunday from 12:00pm-10:00pm, and parking is available onsite for a fee.
Shop at the Grove
The Grove Los Angeles is a popular shopping destination located at 189 The Grove Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90036.
It’s an outdoor shopping complex with over 50 stores, numerous dining options, and a movie theatre.
You can find a mix of luxury and mid-range brands, such as Sephora, Nordstrom, Apple, Zara, etc. A big attraction of shopping at the Grove is the ambience, with its beautifully designed outdoor spaces, water fountains, and live entertainment.
In terms of parking, the Grove offers two parking structures that are free for up to two hours. They also offer valet parking for a fee. You can also access the Grove by public transport and ride-share services.
Overall, the Grove is an excellent shopping destination that offers a great shopping experience in a beautiful setting.
Take a studio tour
There are different studio tours available in Los Angeles.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: This tour offers an inside look at the filmmaking process and behind-the-scenes access to one of the busiest working studios in the entertainment industry. The tour includes visits to sets from popular TV shows and movies, interactive exhibits, and a museum showcasing iconic props and costumes.
- Paramount Pictures Studio Tour: This tour takes visitors through the historic Paramount Studios lot, visiting soundstages and outdoor sets used in movies and TV shows such as “The Godfather,” “Forrest Gump,” and “Star Trek.” The tour also includes a visit to the archive where visitors can see costumes and props from classic films.
- Universal Studios Hollywood: This tour takes visitors through the working studio lot and includes visits to sets, soundstages, and prop warehouses. The tour also includes experiences based on popular movies and TV shows such as “Jurassic World,” “Harry Potter,” and “The Walking Dead.”
- Sony Pictures Studio Tour: This tour takes visitors behind the scenes of some of the most popular TV shows and movies made on the lot, including “Jeopardy” and “The Golden Girls.” The tour also includes a visit to the Sony Pictures Museum, which features props and memorabilia from classic films.
- The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank: The Disney Studio tour offers visitors a glimpse behind the scenes of the creation of Disney classics such as “Frozen,” “The Lion King,” and “Coco.” Visitors can also see the original animation desks used by Walt Disney and his team.
- Culver City Studio Tour: This tour takes visitors through the historic Culver Studios lot, visiting soundstages and outdoor sets used in movies and TV shows such as “Gone with the Wind,” “Citizen Kane,” and “The Andy Griffith Show.” The tour also includes a visit to the Culver Studios Museum, which features props and memorabilia from classic films.
- Sunset Gower Studios Tour: This tour takes visitors through the Sunset Gower Studios lot, including a visit to soundstages and outdoor sets used in movies and TV shows such as “The Voice,” “Scandal,” and “Mad Men.” The tour also includes a visit to the backlot, where visitors can see the iconic Hollywood sign.
Enjoy a sunset at Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a popular attraction in Los Angeles that offers beautiful views of the ocean and colorful sunsets.
The best time to enjoy a sunset at Santa Monica Pier is during the evenings. When the sun starts to set, the sky turns into beautiful shades of orange, pink, and purple, creating a stunning backdrop for the pier and the ocean.
You can take a walk along the pier and soak up the atmosphere while enjoying the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. You can also sit back and relax on one of the benches while watching the sun slowly dip below the horizon as the sky transforms into a deep shade of blue.
Additionally, you can enjoy some delicious food from the many restaurants available on the pier while enjoying the sunset. Whether you’re alone or with friends and family, watching the sunset from Santa Monica Pier is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the natural beauty of Los Angeles.
Drive down Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard is a major street in the city of Los Angeles that stretches from downtown LA all the way to the beach. Driving down Sunset, you’ll pass through several different neighborhoods, each with their own unique character and landmarks.
Starting at the western end of Sunset Boulevard, the road winds through the trendy neighborhoods of Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. Here you’ll see expensive boutiques, trendy restaurants, and the famous Sunset Strip. The strip is known for its nightlife, with numerous music venues and clubs lining the street.
As you continue eastward, you’ll pass through the residential areas of Silver Lake and Echo Park. These neighborhoods are known for their hipster vibe and creative communities. You might see street art, local coffee shops, and vintage stores.
Further east, Sunset Boulevard passes through the sprawling neighborhoods of Hollywood and East Hollywood. Here you’ll find major movie studios, historic theaters, and the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Finally, as you reach downtown LA, Sunset Boulevard becomes a bustling commercial street with tall office buildings and urban storefronts.
Driving down Sunset Boulevard can be an exciting and diverse experience, as you pass through different neighborhoods with different vibes and landmarks.
Experience the Getty Center
The Getty Center is a world-renowned museum located in the hills of Brentwood, Los Angeles, California. It is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and impressive collection of art and artifacts. It houses and exhibits works of art from various periods of history, including paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, and photographs.
Visiting the Getty Center is an immersive experience that can take up to half a day or more. From the moment you arrive, you are greeted with breathtaking views of the city and a scenic tram ride that takes you up to the museum. The museum itself is vast, with multiple pavilions and galleries that showcase different collections.
The Getty’s collection includes notable works of art from well-known artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Rembrandt, and Monet, as well as ancient Roman and Greek artifacts, manuscripts, and rare books.
Visitors can also explore the gardens and outdoor spaces, which are designed to represent different styles of European landscaping, and enjoy the spectacular views of the city.
Overall, the Getty Center provides a rich cultural and educational experience that is unique to Los Angeles.
There are also free tours and educational programs available for visitors of all ages that help to enhance the museum-going experience.
Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a renowned art museum located in downtown Los Angeles. It features a vast collection of contemporary art from the post-World War II era to the present.
Visitors can explore and appreciate thousands of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, photographs, and videos. The museum also hosts special exhibitions and events throughout the year that feature some of the most innovative and influential artists of our time.
To visit the MOCA, you can check the museum’s website for up-to-date information on hours, admission fees, and any special events or exhibitions. The museum offers guided tours, educational programs, and workshops, which you can book in advance or inquire about during your visit.
MOCA is located in downtown Los Angeles, and you can easily reach the museum by car, public transportation, or rideshare services. The museum also offers onsite parking and bike racks for those who prefer alternative modes of transportation.
Overall, the MOCA is a must-visit destination for art lovers, students, and anyone who appreciates learning more about contemporary art and its impact on society.
In conclusion, Los Angeles is a city that offers numerous once in a lifetime experiences that are not to be missed. From visiting the iconic Hollywood sign or experiencing the magic of Disneyland, there is something for everyone.
Additionally, indulging in the diverse food options, exploring the vibrant cultural scenes, and attending major movie or music events are also among the most memorable experiences one can have in Los Angeles.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a long-time resident, the city never ceases to amaze and inspire you with its breathtaking beauty and endless entertainment options: the best once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles it’s here!
So pack your bags, book your tickets, and get ready to discover the exceptional and unforgettable moments that make Los Angeles truly extraordinary.
TravelFun365 
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