Sunshine, cars, celebrities... these are just a few of the things that define Los Angeles. But as any visitor to this expansive Southern California city will tell you, it's a place with seemingly infinite possibilities. There's downtown, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Olvera Street. There's Hollywood, with its Walk of Fame, maps to the stars' homes and palm-tree lined boulevards. There's Santa Monica, with its pier, shopping and ocean breezes. There's Los Feliz, with Griffith Park and its famous observatory. Head slightly north over into the San Fernando Valley, and another world awaits, with Universal Studios and the lengthy Ventura Boulevard stretching into Sherman Oaks, Encino and Woodland Hills. Head south to Orange County, and arrive in Anaheim to partake of the Disney empire. Go Northeast to Pasadena, home of the Rose Bowl and Rose Parade.
No single visit to Los Angeles will ever cover it all, so it's best to focus and decide what version of Los Angeles works for you. Into the beach life? Head down to Hermosa and Redondo. Like amusement parks? Disney, Knott's Berry Farm and Universal Studios Hollywood are all right here. Into dining? It's everywhere you look (don't miss the Farmers Market at Third and Fairfax). Into museums? Check out LACMA and the Getty Center. Want to shop? Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive await (or you could go to Beverly Center or the Grove for less stress on your wallet). Into sports? There's Dodger Stadium for baseball, Crypto.com Arena for the Lakers, the brand-new Intuit Dome for the Clippers, and SoFi Stadium, home to the Rams and Chargers. (Advance notice: The 2028 Summer Olympics will be held in Los Angeles as well.) Want to party like a rock star? Get pizza and beer at the Rainbow Bar & Grill on the Sunset Strip, then catch a show at the Whisky a Go Go. Arts and entertainment? Every night of the week brings scores of concerts, events and screenings that fit all ages and interests.
Los Angeles, with its near-constant sunshine, car lifestyle, and film and TV industries, is a place like no other. There's so much to do here, that travelers are well-advised to choose their own adventure.
Santa Monica, Venice, Malibu and Long Beach are four of Los Angeles' most popular beach destinations. Of the four, Malibu is the most remote and least urban — head here for surfing and stand-up paddleboarding. Depending on traffic, you can get to Long Beach in 40 minutes, while the others take around an hour.
LA isn't only about urban adventure — the locals love the outdoors, too. Hike the hills at Runyon Canyon Park, where they also offer free outdoor yoga classes. Or hit the Griffith Park trails: Here, you can hike to Bronson Canyon, the entrance of which appears as the mouth of the Batcave in the 1960s version of "Batman."
As international and unique as its residents, the cuisine in Los Angeles is an experience all of its own. Indulge your sweet tooth with unique ice cream flavors like chocolate caramel potato chip cupcake at Salt and Straw. Stop by one of the many food trucks for carne asada tacos. Or head to high-end Nobu for classic sushi or new-school tuna sashimi tacos — it doesn't get more LA than that.
LA is known for its shopping, and the city's most iconic spot for retail is Rodeo Drive. Browse through high-end fashions, and maybe spot a few celebrities while you're there. Head to the Grove for more budget-friendly designer offerings, and stroll down Melrose Avenue if you're looking for boutiques and vintage items. For bargains on clothes, shoes and textiles, check out the Los Angeles Fashion District.
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