Often referred to as the ‘City of Angels’, Los Angeles or L.A. is a sprawling metropolis home to 13 million people in the metropolitan area and another 18 million people in the Greater Los Angeles Area Region.
LA is surrounded by mountains on three sides and a beautiful coastline on the other.
Personally, downtown L.A. itself isn’t somewhere I enjoy to hang out, once I have ticked off the essential ‘must-sees’ I prefer to head to the beaches or to the surrounding cities and National Parks.
Often referred to as the ‘City of Angels’, Los Angeles or L.A. is a sprawling metropolis home to 13 million people in the metropolitan area and another 18 million people in the Greater Los Angeles Area Region.
LA is surrounded by mountains on three sides and a beautiful coastline on the other.
Personally, downtown L.A. itself isn’t somewhere I enjoy to hang out, once I have ticked off the essential ‘must-sees’ I prefer to head to the beaches or to the surrounding cities and National Parks.
When in L.A, my favourite things to do is the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Burbank, watch the sunset from the Griffith Observatory looking over L.A. and across to the Hollywood sign. See the stars on the pavement in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and if you love Pretty Women (like I do!) head over to do some window shopping on Rodeo Drive.
You can also do bus tours around Beverly & Hollywood Hills to see the homes of the stars, I haven’t been on one myself so I am not sure if they are worth the money.
Nearby in Anaheim is the Disneyland and a must visit if you have children or have a love of disney, I would recommend staying in or around Anaheim if you will be spending time at the theme park.
When in L.A, my favourite things to do is the Warner Brothers Studio Tour in Burbank, watch the sunset from the Griffith Observatory looking over L.A. and across to the Hollywood sign. See the stars on the pavement in front of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and if you love Pretty Women (like I do!) head over to do some window shopping on Rodeo Drive.
You can also do bus tours around Beverly & Hollywood Hills to see the homes of the stars, I haven’t been on one myself so I am not sure if they are worth the money.
Nearby in Anaheim is the Disneyland and a must visit if you have children or have a love of disney, I would recommend staying in or around Anaheim if you will be spending time at the theme park.
ESSENTIAL SIGHTSEEING?
MY TOP FIVE SIGHTS IN LOS ANGELES
There isn’t a crazy amount to do in L.A city itself but the view across the sprawling metropolis from Griffith Observatory is well worth the drive across town. From here you can see across to the coast and the famous Hollywood Hill sign.
The Brush Canyon Trail is a 6.4 mile hike that climbs up around Mt. Lee to the hill with the Hollywood sign, from here you have a unique view looking down upon the 45-foot letters. This is the most popular route and begins at the North end of Canyon Drive, parking is near impossible so be ready to do several laps to get a park.
For in depth information the route from Brush Canyon Trails, visit HikeSpeak for updated info!
Head down to the centre of Hollywood to the Hollywood Walk of Fame where more than 2500 terrazzo and brass stars dot the sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard for 18 blocks! The stars pay tribute to those in the Entertainment Industry who have made a significant impact or achievements from the stage, film, production, direction and music fields.
Approximately 20 – 30 stars are added each year and the ceremonies are free to attend, check out Walkoffame.com to find out if the next star ceremony coincides with you visit to LA.
Another favourite ‘tourist stop’ in downtown LA was the three hour studio tour through the Warner Brothers lot, I really loved my visit!
The guides have an incredible amount of knowledge to impart about the history and famous characters and actors who have walked the very sets you are standing in.
The Friends Central Park set is open for all visitors and is one of the biggest draw card for the studio (this is why I chose Warner Bros over Universal but I hear they are just as good). You must pre-book your ticket and time slot.
California is known for its historic fishing piers that dot the coast line, though none are entirely original structures from the early 1900’s. Their silhouettes make a sunset photograph from great to exceptional and the most popular to photograph are at Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Santa Monica, San Clemente Beach and Seals Beach.
My favourite is Huntington and Santa Monica.
For more information on which of L.A.’s Beaches to visit, click here.
ESSENTIAL SIGHTSEEING?
MY TOP FIVE SIGHTS IN LOS ANGELES
There isn’t a crazy amount to do in L.A city itself but the view across the sprawling metropolis from Griffith Observatory is well worth the drive across town. From here you can see across to the coast and the famous Hollywood Hill sign.
The Brush Canyon Trail is a 6.4 mile hike that climbs up around Mt. Lee to the hill with the Hollywood sign, from here you have a unique view looking down upon the 45-foot letters. This is the most popular route and begins at the North end of Canyon Drive, parking is near impossible so be ready to do several laps to get a park.
For in depth information the route from Brush Canyon Trails, visit HikeSpeak for updated info!
Head down to the centre of Hollywood to the Hollywood Walk of Fame where more than 2500 terrazzo and brass stars dot the sidewalk of Hollywood Boulevard for 18 blocks! The stars pay tribute to those in the Entertainment Industry who have made a significant impact or achievements from the stage, film, production, direction and music fields.
Approximately 20 – 30 stars are added each year and the ceremonies are free to attend, check out Walkoffame.com to find out if the next star ceremony coincides with you visit to LA.
Another favourite ‘tourist stop’ in downtown LA was the three hour studio tour through the Warner Brothers lot, I really loved my visit!
The guides have an incredible amount of knowledge to impart about the history and famous characters and actors who have walked the very sets you are standing in.
The Friends Central Park set is open for all visitors and is one of the biggest draw card for the studio (this is why I chose Warner Bros over Universal but I hear they are just as good). You must pre-book your ticket and time slot.
California is known for its historic fishing piers that dot the coast line, though none are entirely original structures from the early 1900’s. Their silhouettes make a sunset photograph from great to exceptional and the most popular to photograph are at Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Santa Monica, San Clemente Beach and Seals Beach.
My favourite is Huntington and Santa Monica.
For more information on which of L.A.’s Beaches to visit, click here.
ALLOW HOURS TO GET TO LAX AIRPORT
With a population of 18 million in ‘Greater Los Angeles’ and the fact that the city has more cars than people suggests the sooner you head for the airport, the better!
Personally, I HATE the mad rush to the airport, the stress, sweat and panic is not how I like my holidays beginning or ending.
I know we are all mindful to allow enough time for airport check-ins and security but add at least an hour for travelling to LAX, especially if you are coming from across town and more if you are returning a car.
INTERESTED IN BUYING PRINTS?
I have been on the road for ten years accumulating an absurd number of images that I would love to share.
Head over to my photography site, IndiaParishPhotography.com to browse prints from across the globe.
WHERE ELSE SHOULD I TRAVEL IN THE U.S?
WHERE ELSE SHOULD I TRAVEL IN THE U.S?
NEED MORE ADVICE? KEEP READING…
So who am I…? Hi! My name is India.
I am a nomadic Australian who has wandered the world full time exploring over 60 countries and 5/7 continents.
After ten years on the road, I have launched my own website – Travelling Notebook – to share the knowledge I have gained on the road and the images I have collected over the years with fellow adventurers. Keep reading…
I am a freelance travel writer, photography and videographer, based in London. If you need specific travel advice or would like to collaborate please send an email my way!
Always say yes to adventure!
x India
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