Written By: Subash Kotha
Los Angeles is bigger and stranger than you could ever imagine. When you think of Los Angeles, you probably think of the beaches, surfing, and celebrities. While this is true, LA is much more than that! It is a melting pot for all kinds of activities, food, cultures, and spots to explore. Let me begin with some nerd statistics =D. LA is the second largest city in the United States after New York. It is situated in the Southern California along the Pacific coast. LA is about 45 miles from UCI. Okay enough talk let us go to LA!!
How to reach LA
There are different means of transport to reach LA. If you own/rent a car it takes 60-90 minutes to reach depending on the traffic. Know your route ahead of time because interchanges and exits come hard and fast and getting over two lanes at the last second is harder than you think. The next option is to take Metrolink train. Take the OC bus line (No: 473/167) on the Barclays theater side of the UTC bridge. The bus should say Tustin station. It will take you to Tustin station and from there all the way to union station! Okay now that we are in LA, let us visit few places.
LA is tourist hub, there are many places of interest and you cannot possibly visit all of them in a single day. So, I am going to skip places like Universal Studios, Six Flags, Disney land which themselves take an entire day to visit.
When you are in New York you look for the Statue of Liberty, when you are in LA, you look for… the Hollywood sign!!
- The Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood Sign is an American landmark and cultural icon overlooking Hollywood. You’ve seen countless photos of this Los Angeles icon, but for a truly authentic Hollywood experience/impeccable allegory you must go behind the scenes and check out the back of the Hollywood sign. Plus, it makes a killer Instagram selfie. Hiking to see the Hollywood sign is an Amazing experience.
For more information https://hollywoodsign.org/hiking-to-the-sign/
- Santa Monica Pier
Situated at 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
The terminal point of historic Route 66, Santa Monica Pier offers a variety of entertainment, dining and shopping experiences, including the thrill rides of Pacific Park. The pier is a staple destination for locals and tourists alike due to the Ferris wheel, beach location, and just all-around coolness. Access to the pier is free.
For more information https://www.santamonicapier.org/
- Venice Beach
Situated at Venice, Los Angeles
Venice beach is popular for the peculiar goings-on along its iconic beachfront boardwalk, where road performers and vendors create an unforgettable scene of local characters and happenings. Look past the T-shirt shops and street performers and you’ll find enough things to do in Venice that are downright pleasant. Many people come to surf if not rent a bike and drive along the beach.
For more information https://www.visitcalifornia.com/ca/attraction/venice-beach
- The Getty
Situated at 1200 Getty Center Dr, Los Angeles
The Getty Center is one of the most impressive architectural achievements in the United States. The circular structure of concrete and steel designed by the famous architect Richard Meier. Getty Museum contains some of the finest works of art in the world, if you’re an art lover this should be on your rundown. It is one of the must visit places in LA not just due to the exquisite art collection and curation, spacious manicured grounds, and the best view in L.A.—it’s also free!
For more information: https://www.getty.edu/museum/programs/talks/center.html
- Downtown LA
Downtown Los Angeles has an authentic cultural buzz you won’t find in any other city. It’s a lively blend of old and new which has blended together to create something one of a kind. Downtown LA is a part of the city where high rises rub shoulders with historical buildings and museums share street addresses with cinemas. Famous arenas like Staples Centre, The Broad, Walt Disney Concert hall are situated here. While in Downtown I suggest trying skyslide situated at Oue sky space at US bank tower. Also don’t forget to visit Little Tokyo, a historic area of Downtown LA which, as the name might suggest, has a distinct Japanese atmosphere.
For more information https://californiathroughmylens.com/things-to-do-downtown-la
- China Town
Situated at 943 N Broadway, Los Angeles
Chinatown is one of L.A.’s most popular tourist destinations. It is a plaza with lots of little markets to sight see. Chinatown is experiencing a modern-day renaissance from the hottest new restaurants to art galleries and Bruce Lee’s former studio. The Far East Plaza, a food hall overflowing with local character is a must visit for any foodie.
For more information Thingstodoinchinatown.com
- Walk of Fame
Situated at 6901 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles
Everyone in the world knows that Hollywood is the epitome of glitz, glamor, and movie stars. If you’re a huge movie buff, I suggest walking up and down the Walk of Fame and seeing the TCL Theater entrance. You’ll see stars engraved with names of actors like Marilyn Monroe, Clint Eastwood, Alfred Hitchcock, Harry Potter and even Winnie The Pooh. Be sure to bring cash to take photos with the costumed characters that walk up and down the Walk of Fame.
For more information https://blog-and-the-city.com/en/10-things-to-do-in-los-angeles/
- Griffith Observatory
Situated at 2800 E Observatory Rd
Griffith Observatory is a popular tourist attraction with an extensive array of space and science related displays. The cost for general adult admission is $8 and $5 for students with I.D. It’s a bit of a winding road up the hill, but you’ll spot the BEST view of LA from the Observatory. Stay until nightfall to see the city light up like the night sky.
For more information http://www.griffithobservatory.org/
- Hiking in Los Angeles
I wouldn’t be doing justice to this blog if I didn’t include a piece for trekking enthusiasts. In the name of embracing the thigh-grinders, the casual jaunts, the ones with perfect ocean views, and everything in between, there are numerous mind-boggling treks in LA you can’t miss. For starters I recommend Bronson Canyon with perspectives on significant Hollywood milestones, this path is fundamentally a somewhat sweatier variant of the Starline transport visit.
For more information https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/things-to-do/hiking-in-los-angeles-las-best-trails
Getting around in L.A
The best way to get around Los Angeles is by car. Because of the sheer size of the city, a car is necessary for getting around. Renting a car is easy and cheap in LA. That said, driving in LA isn’t always easy; planning and patience will go a long way. Also keep in mind you must pay for parking at many places. L.A.’s Metro rail subway system is expanding, but still limited. It can take you within walking distance of many attractions. The Metro bus system offers 200 different lines that cross the entire city and beyond. To ride these buses, trains, and subways, we can purchase a reusable TAP Card. These are easily available at TAP machines located within the bus or subway stations. Be sure to use student discount when travelling by public transportation. Traveling by taxi is another option for getting around the city, but your bank account will resent it. Ridesharing might help you save some bucks.
For more information https://gocity.com/blog/getting-around-los-angeles/
Note: All the images were downloaded from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page