Los Angeles, California, seems to be a foreign world to some people. The city is known for the entertainment industry and the surfer vibes, but it has a lot more to offer than that. Also known for its Mediterranean climate, ethnic diversity, and its sprawling metropolis, the city, is one of the more unique places to vacation.
Growing up, I always seemed to be attracted to Los Angeles for the entertainment industry factor. I thought I was going to be the next Disney child actor and make it big within the industry like my idols at the time Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, and Miley Cyrus. With the more television I watched, the flashier Los Angeles seemed to be. Shows like Keeping up with the Kardashians, or The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, allowed me to see Los Angeles in real-time from the other end of the country. The more and more I watched, the more and more I drove to live there.
Fast forward until after college, I had just graduated from a prestigious art school with a degree in Animation, and there were only two places I really could move to and potentially get a job, New York City or Los Angeles. I was ready for a change and to get as far away from snow as possible and packed up my car, and drove out to Los Angeles, where I would make a new home for myself.
After living here for about two years now, here are my five favorite things to do within the city.
Eat at Perch - Perch is a glamorous, high-rise restaurant and bar within Downtown LA. Known for its brunch menu and dinner specials, this resting place (as the servers call it) is the ultimate way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with the girls drinking mimosas. Located on top of the building at 448 S. Hill Street, this eatery may take you weeks in advance to get a reservation. The trendy restaurant does take walk-ins, but be prepared to wait. That is a well-sought after place to dine and relax. The valet service is flawless, and make sure to dress your Sunday best to match the atmosphere that will surround you. The magnificent views allow the outdoor seating to shine with the glow of the afternoon sunshine or radiate due to the lights by the nearby skyscrapers. Unlike anything else I have experienced, the food is delicious, and the views are just as picturesque.
Go for a Hike - LA is known mostly for its urban side, but did you know that mountains surround the city? As much as this city is trendy and fashionable, it is full of many outdoor activities such as mountain biking, camping, and hiking. Some peaks even reach up to 10,000 feet in altitude. Take a drive out to Malibu or Laguna Beach area to experience beachside hikes with a beautiful view of the ocean. You can head over to the Pasadena area for your more challenging hikes. If you are looking for trails that are easier and more popular, maybe try out the Hollywood sign hike or Runyon Canyon. Who knows, maybe when you are hiking Runyon Canyon you could see your favorite celebrity!
Rollerblade down the Shoreline - Over in the Santa Monica or Venice Beach area, there is an enjoyable bike path the connects down the shoreline. The almost 3-mile walkway from Santa Monica to Venice Beach extends further, reaching a total of 22 miles long, allowing you to make your ride longer if wanted. Along the shore-walk, you can rent bikes for a few hours, or the day, and cruise along with the other pedestrians. Try going in the morning hours to avoid foot traffic if you want to use the path for exercise. Otherwise, the lane splits into a pedestrian walkway and a bike path, so there is no need to worry about slowing down for the people taking a stroll.
Hit Up and Amusement Park - Home to Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Knott's Berry Farm, you have a countless number of options on where to spend your day enjoying amusement rides and shows. These parks listed above are suited for families with younger children. Many of these parks have holiday events and activities to participate in as well. For the more roller coaster lovers, take a 40-minute drive north of LA to go to Six Flags Magic Mountain and experience all the major thrills. Looking for more of a carnival feel? Try Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. There is a park for all types of thrill-seekers.
Take a Studio Tour - Of course, while in LA, you need to take advantage of the entertainment industry. Both Warner Brothers and Paramount offer studio tours that allow you to go behind the scenes of how a movie or television show is created. Many excursions include seeing props and sets from those iconic shows. You might even get to see a celebrity depending on who is filming that day. That is a fun way to be able to say that you were "on set," as the industry people call it.
There are so many things to see and explore in the city of Los Angeles. Those listed above are only a fraction of what you can participate in. These are some of my personal favorites that I suggest to everyone I know who visits LA for the first time. This city is so diverse and exciting that it can be a bit overwhelming. Better to stick to the basics rather than try to do too many things all at once.
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