Known as the City of Angels, Los Angeles has become an American cultural icon, thanks to its production and upstart in creating movies and television shows in Hollywood. With its beautiful, warm, and dry weather and beaches, it’s no wonder why the West Coast got its leg up in the performing world. Here are the top ten things to do in Los Angeles:
Pink’s Hot Dogs
Started by the Pink Family in 1939 with a $50 loan, couple Paul and Betty Pink purchased a pushcart with money that they borrowed from Betty’s mother. Today, Pink’s Hot Dogs are a known Hollywood classic, feeding stars and tourists alike. Their innovative menu includes: Hot dogs, burgers, specials, super specials, side orders, desserts, and beverages. Some of their top favorites include: The Giant 12” Jalapeno and the Jaws Cheeseburger.
Hollywood Sign
A cultural icon and American landmark, the Hollywood Sign is more than a pretty face. Located on Mountain Lee, the Sign can be viewed from afar for pictures. You can also pictures to the Sign with three different paths: the Mt Hollywood Trail, the Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail. All three trails have different levels of difficulty.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Known as the world’s most famous sidewalk, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has more than 2,600 names embedded on the floor. The Walk of Fame came from E.M. Stuart, who intended the Walk of Fame to “maintain the glory of a community whose name means glamour and excitement in the four corners of the world.” Created in 1960, the 18-block sidewalk is on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street.
Culver City Stairs
Located in Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook, the Culver City Stairs are an outdoor staircase, perfect for warming up before entering the trail for the Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook. The stairs were created to organically blend into its environment and have 22 uneven stairs that last up to a mile long, leading up to an overlook view of the greater Los Angeles area.
Santa Monica Pier
Making special appearances on movies and television shows since 1941, Santa Monica Pier opened on September 9, 1909. A part of Pacific Park, the Pier is known for its iconic amusement park, including their merry go round, shops, and restaurants. You can rent bikes, picnic, surf, swim, and even fish in the Pacific Ocean. They also have an app, Secret Story Tour, where you solve puzzles (based on your location) to unlock secrets about the Pier.
Venice Beach
One of the infamous beaches in California, Venice Beach stretches over 2 miles of land, filled with shops, vendors, restaurants, a skatepark, a Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and the Venice Beach Boardwalk. Performers, skaters, and runners pass along the sidewalks and artistic mural walls.
Griffith Park
One of the largest urban parks in North America, Griffith Park covers 4,310 acres of land along the Santa Monica Mountain Range, filled with Californian native tree species of oak, walnut, lilac, mountain mahogany, sages, toyon, and sumac.
The Park’s attractions include: An assortment of educational and cultural institutions (such as the Friendship Auditorium, Travel Town Museum, and the Visitors Center Auditorium), and miles of hiking and horseback riding trails. At the Park, you can rent bikes, go camping, golf, picnic, go to the playground, swim, play tennis, and play sports.
Rodeo Drive
Opened in 1961 by Fred Hayman, Rodeo Drive is recognized as the height for high-end glamour and fashion. A perfect place for artists, celebrities, philanthropists, and cultural institutions, Rodeo Drive’s three iconic, palm-dotted blocks are home to more than 100 of the world’s leading luxury brands, from Alexander McQueen to Zadig &Voltaire.
Sunset Boulevard
Stretching from the Pacific Coast Highway in Pacific Palisades east to Figueroa Street in Downtown Los Angeles, Sunset Boulevard made its Hollywood debut in Billy Wilder’s film Sunset Boulevard (1950). Famous for its active nightlife, Sunset Blvd. drives up to Sunset Strip, which has boutiques, restaurants, rock clubs, and nightclubs.
Venice Canals
Running through the Venice suburbs in the city of Los Angeles, the Venice Canals are man-made wetland canals that were built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney. Intended as the “Venice of America,” the Canals are a perfect set for strolling by the water. Bridges and beautiful homes line up along the three canal-lined blocks.
