Los Angeles offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages. Take an exclusive celebrity home tour or join an audience for one of your favorite shows – these once-in-a-lifetime activities in Los Angeles will ensure your trip remains a memory.
1. Walk the Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame recognizes luminaries from the motion picture, television, radio, and live theater industries. Its iconic pink terrazzo stars are unveiled at public ceremonies that can be streamed live online; names range from Audrey Hepburn and newer inductees like Uma Thurman and Mindy Kaling to classic names such as Audrey Hepburn – but one thing remains the same: having one on Hollywood Boulevard still makes an impactful statement about these individuals’ importance to celebrities if not the general public.
Hollywood Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Gower Street hosts over 1,300 stars scattered along a 1.3-mile stretch, some chosen for ironic reasons: Mike Myers’ star sits outside an adult store as an homage to his Austin Powers roles; Roger Moore and Daniel Craig’s stars sit opposite each other as an ode to their collaboration on James Bond films; while many more bear tributes and eulogies.
2. Catch a Golden Sunset
Los Angeles offers many incredible sights for taking in a beautiful sunset, including El Matador State Beach, Santa Monica Pier, and Venice Beach – some excellent locations where this can be done.
If you want an eye-catching drink with an incredible view, head up to a rooftop bar. One popular place for this in Hollywood is Mama Shelter Hotel’s rooftop bar; for an even more fantastic experience, visit Mama Shelter Hotel, which features its fun ambiance and atmosphere.
Art and culture enthusiasts should visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), to explore its impressive Central Library – its labyrinth of books rivaling any bookstore – or explore Los Angeles’s Central Library with its remarkable maze. Children will love exploring interactive exhibits at the Natural History Museum, including Dinosaur Hall and P22 himself! You can also tour Universal Studios and catch sight of its iconic Hollywood sign.
3. Explore Famous Filming Locations
Take time when exploring Los Angeles to uncover its well-known filming locations. From iconic beach scenes in Clueless to Harrison Ford working at his office building in Blade Runner, Los Angeles offers filmmakers plenty of spaces that offer unique aesthetics for their films.
Science fiction filmmakers love the magical landscapes of Los Angeles to create otherworldly scenes for their productions. A famous example is Griffith Observatory — by day, it serves as a planetarium, but by night, it becomes one of Los Angeles’ premier filming locations with breathtaking views of Downtown and the Hollywood Sign.
Los Angeles is also home to romantic movies. Visit Venice Beach boardwalk, where Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga filmed their musical romance film, or head out to Malibu, where scenes from Planet of the Apes original were shot along Zuma and Point Dume bluffs.
4. Attend a Concert or Sporting Event
The Getty Center in Pacific Palisades sets itself apart from traditional art museums with stunning architecture and an astounding collection of European paintings, photographs, decorative arts, and drawings. Additionally, guests enjoy lovely gardens, tram rides, and panoramic city views – while children love playing treasure hunt walls and caves in its Family Room!
Visit the Hollywood Bowl to enjoy world-class performances ranging from comedy shows to symphonic concerts – you won’t be left wanting! You won’t be left disappointed!
If you love movies or TV, consider joining the audience of a popular live talk show or game show. You will get an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes and be up close with celebrity hosts and guests, taking plenty of photos! After taping, enjoy food vendors’ offerings – it’s a fun and free way to spend an evening!
5. Soak Up the Nightlife
Los Angeles comes alive at sunset. From sipping sundowners atop Downtown skyscrapers to sipping expertly crafted cocktails in West Hollywood, Los Angeles offers no shortage of lively venues to drink and dance throughout its city limits.
Taste LA’s legendary music scene at venues that combine dancing with live performances, or visit one of the historic Vinyl District clubs to see DJs spin in a historical setting.
Relaxed cocktails under twinkling fairy lights await at 1 Hotel West Hollywood’s rooftop bar, while Margot in Culver City provides stunning indoor-outdoor spaces with breathtaking views and Mediterranean nibbles – two iconic Los Angeles nightspots that should not be missed on your visit to Los Angeles!
6. Soak Up the Sun
Los Angeles offers some of the world’s best beaches for soaking up the sun, like Venice Beach, where locals skateboard along canals, surfers catch waves or stroll along. Or head over to Abbot Kinney Boulevard, where shopping, dining, and art galleries abound – one of LA’s most stylish streets!
Or experience life behind the scenes at Universal Studios with exclusive VIP entry, front-of-line access at popular rides, and priority seating for shows.
Visit Hollywood Forever Cemetery for a unique celebrity experience and learn about some of its most legendary figures – Judy Garland, Cecil B. DeMille, Rudolph Valentino, and Johnny and Dee Dee Ramone are among those buried here; music and movie fans should not miss this!
7. Hike the Hollywood Hills
Though Los Angeles is famed for its flash and glamour, many ways exist to appreciate SoCal’s natural beauty. Take an exhilarating hike through Hollywood Hills – right outside Kimpton Everly Hotel’s backyard – for breathtaking ocean vistas and an up-close glimpse at one of LA’s iconic landmarks – The Hollywood Sign!
Gain an up-close view of the iconic sign with Klook’s guided hiking tours, or opt for more rugged routes on a Griffith Park hike that leads to Wisdom Tree–a survivor of 2007 fires where visitors leave notes of gratitude.
Visit The California Science Center for an immersive, family-friendly experience that provides hands-on exploration. Hear all about P-22, Los Angeles’ most beloved cat. Visit early or after sunset to avoid crowds and enjoy this exhibit with your time.
8. Explore Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory stands out among LA’s incredible experiences as one of its crowning achievements. Built-in 1935 on Mount Hollywood’s southern slope, this observatory offers spectacular views of Los Angeles and its surrounding mountains (be sure to visit around sunrise or twilight for optimal pictures), fascinating exhibitions, and an award-winning planetarium.
If you want to expand your understanding of the cosmos, don’t miss this chance to use a 12-inch Zeiss refracting telescope at the rooftop dome! Plus, catch a show in the planetarium or host your stargazing party using additional telescopes often wheeled out on most evenings for stargazing parties! Don’t miss the fascinating Foucault Pendulum that illustrates how Earth’s rotation affects solar systems and tides globally! Don’t miss it; experience natural science you won’t soon!
9. Shop on Rodeo Drive
Visit Rodeo Drive for some retail therapy! This high-end shopping street features designer boutiques promising exclusivity and extravagance–and often deliver. Rodeo Drive also provides an excellent opportunity to spot celebrities while window shopping or window shopping if you don’t have enough money.
Fashion’s Night Out (FNO) in September sees some stores open late for an exciting party-like shopping experience with music, balloons, and unique decorations – an opportunity to find hidden bargains or try on luxury pieces that might otherwise be beyond your price range.
Explore Rodeo Drive at your own pace or join a paid tour that includes visits to celebrity homes and shopping stops. Just be sure to factor in the costs associated with times when creating your budget.
10. Go Behind the Scenes
Enjoy an immersive escape game at The Escape Game LA and an authentic escape challenge! Choose from four special-purpose games for an engaging date night or team-building activity – if you get stuck, our friendly staff is there to give a helping hand without making you feel like cheating!
No matter your passion for celebrities or behind-the-scenes access, LA offers numerous experiences related to stars. Visit the world-famous wax museum or tour a movie star’s home.
If you love television, consider attending a live taping of one of your favorite talk or game shows. Enjoy The Conners as they giggle among themselves while answering Jeopardy! Questions with their smarts, or sing car karaoke with James Corden on Carpool Karaoke – these experiences make great memories and gifts.
