Los Angeles, one of the most dynamic cities of the world, has something for everyone. In fact, there is nothing quite like the City of Angels and while you are here, remember that every day is a moment to celebrate and every night is a time to remember.
The city is vibrant and alive with its vivacious culture and excitement that you will never find another like it. From its sights to food to sounds and nightlife, the city has everything to get your blood pumping. But before we move into it, there are three things you must consider:
- Know the weather updates: In Los Angeles, summer can be quite warm, although the beach area cools off in late afternoon. June is mostly cloudy and winter can be rainy. Besides, temperatures vary here within a few miles; it is therefore recommended to check the weather update for your exact locations.
- Be smart with your spending: Although Los Angeles has the reputation of being an expensive tourist destination, there are ways to save money in this sprawling city. For example, opt for a budget hotel in Hollywood instead to save big bucks on accommodation. Similarly, avoid the overpriced movie star home tours. Besides, there are several things you can do in this city for free. Also, avail the multi-attraction discount packs to save money on admissions.
- Avoid the 405: If you don’t want to get stuck in a traffic jam, avoid this freeway. Find another route to your destination and use the Metro Rail as much as possible instead of driving. To save both time and money.
A little research about the area will help you to plan your tour smart. In addition, we have diligently made of list of 6 things you should do in City of Angels before you say good bye to this mortal world:
- Explore the Museum of Jurassic Technology
This is a museum that’s not actually a museum. Sounds weird? The Museum of Jurassic Technology is home to many bizarre relics, the likes of which include the decaying dice of the legendary Ricky Jay, a diorama-laden ode to the trailer park’s history, collection of micro-miniature sculptures, 19th century microscopic mosaics, painted sculpture of Goofy standing on a needle head, and so on. The top floor features an ultra-legit tea garden.
Do visit this museum while you are in the city even if you were ignorant about this museum until now. This place is indeed extraordinarily weird, albeit great. One thing for sure, once you step in the Museum of Jurassic Technology, you are bound to ask yourself: what kind of place is this?
- Visit Disneyland Resort
Don’t let haters tell you it is too crowded or too expensive. The reality is Disneyland Resort remains close to perfection till date. Besides, you are never too old to visit Disneyland. The classics like Mad Hatter Tea Cups and Cars Land as well as the renewed Big Thunder Mountain located at Disneyland Park await you. The California Adventure Park lies next door and its World of Color is a must visit for every Disney fan.
You are pampered with so many options at the Disneyland Resort that you will need more than one day to explore all its features.
This 30,000 square foot castle is actually a private club. In fact, it claims to be the “most unusual private club in the world.” It features five bars, a restaurant with seating arrangements for 150 guests, and 13 performance areas where the world’s most prestigious magicians perform.
The dress code in the Magic Castle is, however, strictly formal. Besides, it is open only to members and to their guests. So why did we include it in our list? Because it’s worth visiting the place; in fact, you will never forget the night spend in this magical castle. So if you don’t know anyone who has a membership to this place, don’t worry. Its 30-day “Open Sesame” memberships are totally affordable.
The performances are made up of the best and most prestigious magicians in the world, and the dress code is strictly formal. While the Magic Castle is only open only to members and their guests — don’t worry, 30-day “Open Sesame” memberships are affordable.
- Sightseeing of Hollywood
Hollywood needs to introduction. This LA suburb is filled with so many famous sites and attractions. Cruise down the Hollywood Boulevard or take a stroll down the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame to get a glimpse of stardust. This storied pavement has over 2,400 figures of Hollywood celebrities immortalized in pink terrazzo and symbolic gold lettering. If you are lucky enough, you might even spot a real star or two on the sidewalk or attain the Walk of Fame star presentation for guaranteed sightings.
The Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is probably the Mecca of all film buffs, which has housed countless galas and premieres. If you are visiting during the summers, don’t forget to spend an evening at the Hollywood Bowl. Also, explore Universal Studios Hollywood for its thrill rides and also to get the movie industry’s backstage look.
- See the Prehistoric Animal in Page Museum and La Brea Tar Pits
Located in Hancock Park in Los Angeles, La Brea Tar Pits is one of the most bizarre places you will ever visit. The huge lakes of tar were formed 40,000 years ago due to oil seeping through the rock. These eerie Tar Pits entrapped passing animals and the tar preserved their bodies. Here, you can see reconstructed fossils of prehistoric animals like saber-toothed cats, wooly mammoths and dire wolves in the Page Museum.
You can even see the fossil recovery process in the Page Museum. The replicas of extinct animals are displayed in the outdoor area, in Hancock Park.
- Spend a Lazy Afternoon on Venice Beach
Also known as California’s kooky Mecca, your visit to LA is incomplete without a visit to the world-famous Venice Beach. The area is actually known for its eccentric spirit; the stretch of golden sand is a heaven for cycling, walking, jogging or rollerblading.
The Muscle Beach is probably the most interesting place on it where you will find people pumping iron in the California sun. Venice Beach, in essence, is ideal for people-watching.
Lost Angeles welcomes millions of visitors every year. While these are some of the most heavily trafficked tourist attractions of the city, there are more. The list of tourist attractions and things to do in the City of Angels is as long as the city itself. You should therefore consult with your tour operator or refer to online guide to get the most from your exotic LA getaway.
Author: Harshal Patel is the General Manager of Dixie Hollywood Hotel – A 70-room hotel located at Hollywood, Boulevard. Harshal is a globetrotter who enjoys meeting people from all around the world. He’s always thinking about the next country he would like to visit!