Once in a Lifetime Things to do in Los Angeles

Often referred to as “LA”, Los Angeles is a ray of hope for youngsters and a city of dreams for the travellers, the second most populous city in the United States puts forth endless opportunities for living an exotic life in the, with being able to experience each droplet of luxury, fun, and adventure altogether. 

Of course, Los Angeles is famous for its entertainment industry, with Hollywood being the epicentre of the movie and television industry. Visitors can take a tour of the famous studios, see a movie premiere, or spot their favorite celebrity. Additionally, visitors to LA can visit world-class museums and take part in numerous outdoor activities in the neighborhood. 

However, like any other big city is famous for something specific, LA is famous for its uniqueness, as the travellers can choose from a million of unique things to do in Los Angeles, which will definitely leave a footprint on the visitor’s heart. So, let’s cut to the chase and learn about some of the really exciting things to do in the welcoming city LA. 

Top 12 Once In A Lifetime Things to do in Los Angeles

  • Take a tour of the Griffith Observatory
  • Visit the Hollywood Forever Cemetery
  • Explore the Street art and murals in the Art District
  • Scale to the Hollywood hills for getting scenic views
  • Visit the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA)
  • Walk around the Historic Olvera Street
  • Visit Santa Monica Pier for sunset views
  • Go on a Brewery tour to experience best craft beers
  • Explore the natural beauty of the Topanga State Park
  • Take a hot Air balloon ride over the Temecula Valley
  • Visit the super iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk
  • Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway

Los Angeles is home to many wonderful attractions, offering ample of unique things to do and see. So, what are those things? Let’s read ahead and learn about it. 

1. Take a tour of the Griffith Observatory

Take a tour of the Griffith Observatory

The visitors can take a guided 90-minute tour of the Griffith Observatory to dive deeper into its history. The tour includes access to areas that are not open to the general public, such as the underground catacombs and the historic Zeiss telescope dome. The tour also includes a presentation on the observatory’s exhibits and scientific programs.

2. Visit the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a unique and historic cemetery located in the heart of Hollywood. The cemetery offers free self-guided tour maps that highlight the most famous gravesites. Additionally, the cemetery hosts outdoor movie screenings, during the summer months, and hosts cultural events as well to celebrate Mexican heritage. 

3. Explore the Street art and murals in the Art District

Exploring the street art and murals in the Art district of Los Angeles is a must-do activity for art lovers and anyone interested in urban culture. This place allows the visitors to see murals on their own, attend street art festivals, visit art galleries, take a street art class, and visit the institute of Contemporary Arts that features exhibitions and talks. 

4. Scale to the Hollywood Hills for getting scenic views

Scaling the Hollywood hills is a popular activity for visitors to Los Angeles and as there are several hiking trails in the area, the most popular ones include the Runyon Canyon and the Hollywood Reservoir. Scaling the hills early in the morning is a great way to get some exercise and take in the beautiful scenery of Los Angeles. 

5. Visit the LA County Museum of Art (LACMA)

Visiting the LA County Museum of Art in Los Angeles is one of the best ways to experience the city’s art and culture. The museum hosts special exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by contemporary and historical artists from around the world. You can also check out the outdoor installations including iconic urban light installations and street lamps, etc. 

6. Walk around the Historic Olvera Street

Walking around the Historic Olvera street helps the visitors to closely look at the culture of Los Angeles. Olvera street is lined with colourful shops and stalls selling a wide range of souvenirs, clothing, and traditional Mexican crafts. The street is home to several museums and some reputed eateries for fine-dinings as well. 

7. Visit Santa Monica Pier for sunset views

Visiting Santa Monica Pier for sunset views is a popular activity for visitors to LA. The travellers can visit about an hour before sunset to have ample time to find a good spot and to explore the pier thoroughly. The Pier has several restaurants and snack bars, offering a variety of food and drinks to enjoy while watching the sunset. 

8. Go on a Brewery tour to experience the best craft beers

Los Angeles has a wide range of breweries, each with their own unique beers and atmosphere. So, once you have decided which breweries to visit, plan out a route that makes sense and allows you to visit multiple breweries in one day. As going on a brewery tour is a great way to experience the thriving craft beer scene in LA, one must not miss it.

9. Explore the natural beauty of the Topanga State Park

If you want to experience and explore the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Los Angeles, then there is no place better than Topanga State Park, to fulfil the deed. The park is very-well known for its scenery so don’t forget to bring your camera along with you. Lastly, this park provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

10. Take a hot Air balloon ride over the Temecula Valley

Taking balloon rides is a memorable and thrilling experience as it provides a bird-eye view. There are several companies at the Temecula Valley which offer hot air balloon rides to the visitors, offering them a chance to experience the landscapes of Southern California. Balloon rides take place early in the morning when temperatures are cooler, so dress layers. 

11. Visit the super iconic Venice Beach Boardwalk

Venice Beach Boardwalk is a must-do whenever in Los Angeles and one of the best ways to explore the boardwalk is by bike. There are several bike rentals in the area, making it easy to rent a bike for a few hours or the whole day. The iconic beach boardwalk offers a glimpse into the laid-back beach culture of Southern California. 

12. Take a scenic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway

Driving along the Pacific Coast Highway is a classic California experience that offers stunning coastal views and a chance to explore charming coastal towns such as Santa Barbara, Malibu, and the Big Sur to break up the drive and explore the area. Additionally, there are several scenic pullouts and beaches along the way to enjoy. 

What are Some Relaxing things to do in Los Angeles today for couples? 

What are some relaxing things to do in Los Angeles today for couples?

Now that we have covered some really interesting and exciting unique things to do in Los Angeles, we don’t want to upset our couple travellers, who couldn’t wait to experience some of the best activities together and live the best of their moments. Let’s shift our focus to the best things to do in LA for couples, which are as follows: 

  • Take a romantic sunset hike at the Griffith Park or the Hollywood Hills which offers stunning views of the city and a chance to enjoy fresh air together.
  • Visit the Getty Centre, a beautiful art museum and garden. Explore the galleries and take a romantic stroll through the art galleries. 
  • Enjoy a beach day at some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Spend a day together, on the sand, and enjoy each other’s company.
  • Take a couple’s cooking class in Los Angeles that offers you an opportunity to cook together different dishes, cuisines. 
  • Visit some of the famous wineries such as the Santa Ynez Valley to taste some of the best wines California has to offer.
  • Los Angeles has some world-class restaurants, so take advantage of the opportunity and enjoy a romantic dinner together at one of the restaurants.

These are just a few of many romantic activities and attractions that Los Angeles has to offer for couples. Nevertheless, if you got to learn anything apart from these activities, we advise you to trust your instincts and go for it, as it might turn out to be one of the best experiences you have ever had in your lives. 

What are the once in a Lifetime Things to do in Los Angeles at Night?

Los Angeles has a vibrant nightlife scene with plenty of things to do after the sun goes down. Here are some of the best things to do in Los Angeles at night: 

  • Experience the nightlife in West Hollywood

West Hollywood is known for its vibrant nightlife with plenty of bars, clubs, nightclubs, and live music venues to choose from. So, if you love to party at night, then LA has got multiple locations to set you in to enjoy the young night. 

  • Take a nighttime helicopter tour around the city

Seeing Los Angeles from the air at night is a unique and breathtaking experience. Book a nighttime helicopter tour to see the city and coastline lit up after dark, because there is nothing better than seeing the twinkling light with a birds-eye view. 

  • Watch a night show at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is famous for hosting shows during the day and during the night as well, especially during the summer months, where you can watch classic films under the stars and enjoy in the very lap of nature. 

  • Take a nighttime food tour around the city

Los Angeles is home to some incredibly fantastic food scenes, and taking a nighttime tour is a great way to experience it. The visitors can sample some of the city’s best food and drinks while exploring different neighbourhoods, altogether. 

Are The things to do in Los Angeles Safe for Solo visitors?

Many places in the United States are considered safer for solo visitors including the safe city Chicago. And just like that, the mentioned things in Los Angeles are also safe for solo visitors as well. But, it’s important to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings. Here are some tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the many things to do in LA:

  • Stay in well-lit, busy areas, especially at night. You can choose to stay in areas such as Santa Monica, Hollywood, and Downtown LA. 
  • Use public transportation and ride-sharing services to avoid the risk of theft or burglary. You can choose buses or uber to get around as well.
  • Keep your valuables such as jewellery, money, passports and other valuables out of sight and in a secure location such as hotel lockers.
  • If something or someone seems suspicious or uncomfortable, trust your gut and move away from the situation as early as you can.
  • Ask LA locals for advice on safe areas to visit and things to do in the city. Consider joining a local tour or group to get insider tips. 

Overall, LA is an extremely safe and vibrant city for solo travellers as long as you practise caution and stay aware of your surroundings. 

The Best Places to stay in Los Angeles for Visitors

The visitors are always hunting for the best deals available online or offline when it comes to finding places to stay in their trips to different cities. And, when we particularly talk about LA, the accommodations are littered with visitors all year-round. So, let’s learn about a few places to stay in Los Angeles that are budget-friendly and close to activities in the city. 

  • Beverly Hills is a nice place to stay if you look for high-end shopping, celebrity sightings, and luxurious hotels. 
  • Santa Monica is a great place to stay if you want to enjoy the sun and surf. Additionally, a lively boardwalk and great restaurants.
  • Hollywood is a good place to stay for a taste of the glitz and glamour, it’s home to iconic Hollywood walk of fame and Dolby theatre.
  • Downtown LA is a great place to stay if you wish to be in the heart of the city. It’s home to many cultural institutions as well.
  • Venice beach is a bohemian enclave with a laid-back vibe, making it the perfect place to stay for relaxing and chilling. 

What is the Best time of the year to visit Los Angeles-The young city?

Los Angeles enjoys a mild, Mediterranean climate, with warm and sunny weather year-round. However, the best time to visit LA depends on your preferences and what you want to do while you’re here. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons in LA, by which you can get an idea of when to visit the young city:

  • Spring season

Spring season in LA is from March to May, when the weather is mild, and the crowds are relatively low. Spring is the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, trailing, visiting the beaches, and exploring the city. 

  • Summer season

Summer season starts from June and ends in August. The visitors must note that summers in LA are quite hot, but it’s also the peak tourist season, with many visitors flocking to the city for their vacations. Expect higher hotel rates and crowds at popular attractions like Disneyland and Universal Studios. 

  • Fall season

Fall season in LA is from September to November, and this is again the best time of the year to visit the city. At this time, the weather is warm and sunny, making it perfect for the visitors to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and visiting the beach. 

  • Winter season 

Winter season runs for three months in LA, from December to February. While LA winters are mild compared to other parts of the country, temperatures can still dip into the 50s and 60s. Winter is a good time to visit if you’re looking for lower hotel rates and fewer crowds, but note that the outdoor activities may not be possible due to cooler weather. 

Overall, the best time to visit Los Angeles is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller. However, as LA is a popular destination year-round, there’s always plenty to do no matter when you visit. 

At Last!

Los Angeles is a diverse and sprawling city with many neighborhoods and districts to choose from while looking for the things to do or places to stay. We believe that mentioned things to do, places to stay and visit will make your trip worthwhile. Nevertheless, the best choice entirely depends upon your individual preferences and interests.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I spend a perfect day in LA?

The visitors can scale Hollywood hills, explore downtown LA, watch a movie, experience the sunset, and explore the city’s dynamics to spend a perfect day in LA.

What to do if you only have one day in LA?

The best thing to do in LA, if you are only there for one day, is visit the Getty Centre. 

Where do the locals hangout in LA?

The locals of LA often choose to hangout in Griffith Park or Venice Beach. 

What is the most trendy neighbourhood in Los Angeles?

West Hollywood is the most trendy neighbourhood in Los Angeles. 
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