What tourist attractions are worth visiting in LA?
My folks are visiting the US for the first time. We’re going to LA to meet some friends over the memorial day weekend. We would also like to explore some tourist attractions around LA. What do you guys recommend?
My folks enjoy nature, science-y kinda stuff.
TIA!
Definitely visit the Griffith Observatory then. The observatory is in the middle of Griffith Park and there are a lot of hiking trails. While you are up there you can also get a very close view of the Hollywood sign. My parents always like it when I take them there since they are retired from the math and tech fields.
If the air is clear you can see all the way to the ocean.
Parking can be horrible, expecially on a holiday weekend. Plan on walking a distance and bring plenty of water because it’s supposed to be warm this weekend.
There are literally hundreds of things to do here in LA. Here is my list of “must sees”. Visit as many as you have time for.:
Disneyland: The Happiest Place on Earth. Half a billion visitors can’t be wrong. #1 Destination.
Universal Studios: A theme park that grew out of a studio tour. #2 Destination.
Even if you don’t visit Disneyland or Universal Studios Tour, Downtown Disney District and Universal City Walk are very fun places to visit for shopping and eating. And they’re free to visit. If you’re adventurous, try the indoor skydiving (www.iflyhollywood.com). It’s a blast!
Hollywood: Enjoy the Walk of Fame, Entertainment Museum, Chinese Theatre and more. The Hollywood & Highland complex has lots of shops and restaurants, and the Kodak Theater. The El Capitan theater, right across the street, is where Disney shows their movies. And the Hollywood Bowl is a GREAT place to listen to concerts outdoors.
Other theme parks include Knott’s Berry Farm and Six Flags Magic Mountain, which are both more geared towards the fast-ride teen crowd.
Olvera Street/Union Station: Olvera Street is the birthplace of LA, and it emphasizes our Mexican heritage. In addition to the Avila Adobe (oldest building in LA), you can eat at some pretty good Mexican Restaurants, do a little shopping, and taste a churro. If you don’t want to go to Tijuana, this is as close as it gets without going there
Rodeo Drive, 90210: Packed with exclusive shops, full of gawkers. They all came to enjoy the excess. Free, unless you intend to buy something.
Venice Beach: Here you’ll find Muscle Beach, street performers and tacky shops galore. Fun, VERY interesting, but I avoid it after dark, when it gets a little TOO interesting for my taste.
Santa Monica: Beach and Pier: Great beach scene and a classic seaside amusement park, complete with antique carousel that has been in a lot of TV and movies. After visiting the pier, you can ride a bike south a couple miles to Venice Beach.
Sunset Boulevard began as a route between the stars’ posh neighborhoods and the Hollywood studios. It runs from downtown to the ocean, passing through the "Sunset Strip" on its way.
Farmers Market and The Grove – A new shopping complex right next to a Los Angeles landmark, It is right next to CBS, so walk across the lot to see if they are taping "The Price is Right".
Griffith Park – Home of the Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park Observatory, Travel Town, the Greek Theatre, and Gene Autry Museum of Western Heritage.
Getty Museum – The Getty’s architecture is so beautiful that it keeps me fascinated. No matter whether you like their art, architecture, or view better, the Getty is sure to please. Free.
Attend a TV taping – You can get free tickets at audiencesunlimited.com, tvtix.com, or see the booth at Universal City walk. It’s very interesting to see a show being taped. The most popular, by far, is the Tonight show.
Places to eat:
In-N-Out Burger: Multiple locations, best burger in LA, ask anyone.
Pink’s Hot Dogs: 709 N. La Brea, just north of Melrose. You might even see a celebrity. Maybe.
Tommy’s Chili Burgers: Look for the shack, an LA tradition. The original location is at Beverly & Rampart, a couple miles west of downtown.
Canter’s Deli: 419 N. Fairfax, between Beverly & Melrose. Near CBS, you might spot a celebrity.
Phillippe’s: 1001 N. Alameda. Great roast beef sandwiches. Near Union Station and Olvera Street.
Tito’s Taco’s: Voted best tacos in LA, even though it’s in Culver City. King Taco is a good alternate if you can deal with East LA.
The Pantry: Corner of Figueroa and 9th, downtown. Huge portions, they never close, GREAT steak and eggs.
Medieval Times and/or Pirate’s Dinner Adventure: Dinner and an adventure show, both are on Beach Blvd in Buena Park, you get to eat with your hands.
Places to Shop:
Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica
The Grove, Los Angeles
Americana @ Brand, Glendale
Beverly Center, Los Angeles
Citadel Outlets, Commerce
Brea Mall, Brea
The Block at Orange, Orange
South Coast Plaza, Costa Mesa
Fashion Island, Newport Beach
Santee Alley, Los Angeles
Nature/Science-y Kinda Stuff:
Huntington Library & Gardens
Descanso Gardens
MOCA
LACMA
Getty Villa
References :
Definitely visit the Griffith Observatory then. The observatory is in the middle of Griffith Park and there are a lot of hiking trails. While you are up there you can also get a very close view of the Hollywood sign. My parents always like it when I take them there since they are retired from the math and tech fields.
If the air is clear you can see all the way to the ocean.
Parking can be horrible, expecially on a holiday weekend. Plan on walking a distance and bring plenty of water because it’s supposed to be warm this weekend.
References :
http://www.griffithobs.org
http://www.laparks.org/dos/parks/griffithPK/index.htm
THE GETTY CENTER
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & INDUSTRY
PACIFIC AQUARIUM (LONG BEACH)
GRIFFITH PARK
HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
SANTA MONICA PIER
References :