Los Angeles - attractions and entertainment

1001 0
24 minutes for reading

Modern Los Angeles is not only the Walk of Fame and the setting of a beloved TV series. The sprawling LA has become home to dozens of contemporary art museums, a multitude of restaurants serving various cuisines, architectural landmarks, and 120 kilometers of sunny coastline.

The city is so vast and diverse that it is difficult to squeeze it into a single definition, and it would certainly be a mistake to associate it solely with the most famous film set. The best way to get to know Los Angeles is to explore its neighborhoods, from Santa Monica to Pasadena, each of which is unique in its own way and yet imbued with the same sun, warmth, and spirit of freedom that remind you that you are in the City of Angels.

Transportation in Los Angeles

The cheapest and most comfortable way to get from the airport to the city is Uber or its local competitor Lyft. Both services have mobile applications, and you can also request a ride through the Google Maps app. To alleviate traffic congestion, designated stops for Uber and Lyft cars have been established at the airport, labeled with letters A to D. Drivers are only allowed to pick up passengers from these stops, so make sure to follow the signs from the airport building to find your designated pickup point.

Transportation in Los Angeles

The journey from LAX to downtown Los Angeles or nearby areas takes about an hour to an hour and a half and costs between $15 and $30, depending on the distance and time of day (prices are higher during peak hours).

Another option from the airport to the city is the LAX FlyAway Bus shuttle. The ticket price starts at $8 and varies depending on the destination. The number of routes and stops is quite limited, including Hollywood, Union Station (central railway station), Long Beach, and Westwood. If the shuttle stop is not directly located near your hotel or home, you may need to transfer to a bus or metro.

Contrary to the common stereotype that you can't survive in LA without a car, it is quite possible to get around the city using public transportation. Buses and metros operate every 10-30 minutes on weekdays and slightly less frequently on weekends. A single ride on the metro or bus costs $1.75. The most convenient way to plan your route is through Google Maps, as it takes into account transfer times, traffic, bus delays, and the distance to the nearest stop that you may have to walk to.

The first thing you need to do before using public transportation is to purchase a TAP Card. You can buy it from ticket vending machines at any metro station (but not on buses!). The TAP Card works like a debit card—load the card with the desired amount, and $1.75 will be deducted for each trip. The card can be used on all types of public transportation within the city, including the metro and various bus lines. Within a 2.5-hour window, you can make one free transfer between a bus and the metro or vice versa.

The main advantage of the TAP Card is that it eliminates the need to carry exact cash for bus fare since bus drivers do not sell tickets or provide change. Without the card, a single bus ride can cost you $2-5 instead of $1.75 if you don't have the exact change.

If you need to travel short distances within the city, you can reminisce about your childhood and hop on an electric scooter parked at the nearest station. The most common scooter providers are Lime, Bird, Jump (by Uber), and Lyft. Each provider has a mobile application that shows the location of the nearest scooter and its battery level. Lime is also integrated into Google Maps. The cost of a scooter ride ranges from $1, and an additional 15 cents per kilometer (pricing may vary among different providers). You need to register in the app and link your credit card to it. The scooter is unlocked using the app by scanning a QR code, and the cost of the ride is charged to your card. Although local authorities have allowed riding electric scooters without helmets since January 2019, we still strongly recommend taking care of your safety and protecting your head. These scooters can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h!

Los Angeles offers bike rentals from various providers, including Metro LA, where you can use your TAP Card. However, it's important to note that bike lanes are not available on all streets and are sometimes occupied, so you may have to share the road with cars, which is not the best idea in Los Angeles, as local drivers are not particularly tolerant. The safest and most enjoyable option is to ride a bike along the ocean, from Santa Monica to Venice Beach, while enjoying the ocean breeze. All the necessary information about scooters and bikes is available here.

We understand that you may want to cruise among the palm trees on Rodeo Drive in a red convertible to recreate that movie-like experience. In that case, renting a car is a preferred option. It is also convenient if you plan to visit more remote places such as Santa Barbara or the picturesque beaches of Malibu, Huntington, and Hermosa. Car rental in the USA is quite affordable, with options starting from $15 per day offered by Kayak. However, if you want truly memorable experiences, you can splurge and rent a Tesla starting from $79 per day.

If you don't have a driver's license but want to travel beyond Los Angeles, you can take advantage of the train service. Amtrak has a route with the romantic name "Hug the Shore" that runs from Santa Barbara to San Diego through LA along the coast. This allows you to reach destinations such as Disneyland or Legoland in addition to Santa Barbara and San Diego. The trains stop at the central station in LA, Union Station (which is mistakenly referred to as Los Angeles (LAX) on the Amtrak website, so don't let that confuse you). Tickets can be purchased online. The price for such a journey is approximately similar to renting a Tesla for a day, with one-way tickets from LA starting at $35. However, the train ride is incredibly scenic, sometimes making you feel like you're traveling right above the ocean.

If you plan to rent a car for the duration of your stay in Los Angeles, don't forget to check if your hotel offers free parking. When parking on the street, pay close attention to all signs and be aware of street cleaning schedules.

If your car is parked when the cleaning crew arrives (usually around 5-6 am), it will be towed to an impound lot. In California, the fines for this can be around $600.

Accommodation

To avoid spending four hours a day on commuting, choose accommodation near major streets such as Santa Monica Blvd, Sunset Blvd, Hollywood Blvd, 3rd St, and Wilshire Blvd, where the main bus and metro routes are located.

Los Angeles Accommodation

The optimal option in terms of price and comfort is renting an apartment or room on Airbnb. It's a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the lives of Americans, to feel like a local for a few days rather than a tourist. Plus, you can find unique locations such as a bungalow in the midst of civilization or a loft in the city center with a rooftop pool and jacuzzi that no hotel can offer. Don't forget to check out alternative platforms to Airbnb, such as VRBO and HomeAway.

HI Los Angeles Santa Monica Hostel (1436 2nd St.): This hostel is worth recommending, if only for its location—one block away from the central Santa Monica Beach and one of the best shopping destinations, the 3rd St Promenade. It is also surrounded by numerous restaurants, bars, and cafes. The hostel offers complimentary breakfast and free activities such as yoga, city tours, and stand-up comedy shows.

Pod Share LA: This hostel network has five locations in key tourist areas of Los Angeles. Prices start at $59 per night. They offer convenient locations, comfortable beds, and friendly staff.

H California (6118 Carlos Ave.): Located in the heart of Hollywood on a converted mansion with an inner courtyard and terrace, this hostel is known for its breakfasts and friendly staff. It provides easy access to major Hollywood attractions, a variety of restaurants, and transportation stops.

Farmer's Daughter Boutique Hotel (115 S Fairfax Ave.): This hotel gets its name from its location—across the street from the oldest farmer's market in Los Angeles. The hotel is tastefully decorated, with all furniture and finishes custom-made by local artisans. The on-site restaurant serves dishes made from locally sourced farm produce. Each room is uniquely decorated with attention to detail. The hotel features a pool and a cozy restaurant with a terrace and comfortable sofas.

Observation Points

Observation Points

OUE Skyspace (633 W 5th St.): You can take in almost the entire Los Angeles skyline from the observation deck on the rooftop of the city's tallest skyscraper. Admission costs $25 per person. We recommend visiting during sunset to experience both daylight and twilight. The observation deck spans two levels, and you can descend from the upper level to the lower level on a tiny slide with a transparent bottom. If you're up for a thrill ride and want to test your fear of heights, there's an additional $8 fee. The lower level features a bar that serves alcohol after 7:00 PM, and snacks and non-alcoholic drinks at other times. Skyspace also hosts various events such as Singles Night or sunrise yoga. Tickets for these events need to be purchased separately on their website.

Grand Central Market (317 S Broadway St.): This bustling market is not just a historical landmark. It offers food from all corners of the world, from Berlin currywurst to Thai pad Thai. You'll find a bar from the local brewery Golden Road Brewing with 20 different beer varieties, including exotic combinations like coconut and mango. Try the unique flavors of ice cream from McConnells Fine Ice Cream, such as bourbon pecan or rum raisin. There's also an oyster bar and champagne bar. For the more adventurous foodies, there's a sandwich shop called PBJ.LA that specializes in peanut butter and jam sandwiches—a very typical American combination. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, jazz and other music performances take place. The market also hosts many seasonal events, which you can check on their website.

Angels Flight (351 S Hill St.): This local funicular has been in operation since 1901. Two cute little cars run between Grand Central Market and California Plaza. A ticket costs $1 for a one-way trip or $2 for a round trip. If you have a TAP Card, you'll get a 50-cent discount on a one-way trip. On Fridays, some stalls at Grand Central Market offer free funicular tickets with the purchase of specific menu items. Check out the details on their website.

Bradbury Building (304 S Broadway St.): One of the oldest buildings in downtown Los Angeles, the Bradbury Building is an architectural gem. It was originally constructed as an office building in 1893 at the request of millionaire Lewis Bradbury. While the exterior may appear modest or even unremarkable, the interior features a stunning Victorian-style atrium with marble staircases, ornate railings, and open elevators. Admission is free, and visiting hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on weekends.

Grand Park (200 N Grand Ave.): This new park in downtown Los Angeles is a great place to escape the concrete jungle and enjoy some greenery. The park offers plenty of benches and tables, cafes, and food trucks on weekdays. It hosts yoga classes, various concerts, and street food festivals. You can find a detailed calendar of events on the park's website.

Downtown LA Art Walk: On every second Thursday of the month, local galleries and studios open their doors to the public for the Art Walk. You can pick up a map of the route at The Last Bookstore (453 S Spring St.). Admission is free, so you can explore and see what modern artists are up to or even purchase something as a souvenir. Who knows, in ten years, their work might be worth a fortune!

Los Angeles Public Library (630 W 5th St.): The central library of Los Angeles is not just for borrowing books. The library building itself is an architectural masterpiece consisting of two structures built in 1926 and 1931, with walls and ceilings adorned with beautiful mosaics. The library offers tours focusing on the history and architecture of the building, as well as separate tours of the garden. Admission is free.

Griffith Observatory (2800 E Observatory Rd.): Perched on a hill, the observatory offers breathtaking views of western Los Angeles. It's best to visit closer to sunset to enjoy both the setting sun and the city lights at night. There are free telescopes available on the lawn in front of the observatory on specific days (check the schedule on their website). Admission to the observatory itself is also free. However, if you want to watch one of the star shows in the planetarium, tickets cost $7-9. There's a cafeteria on the premises offering sandwiches, snacks, coffee, and other beverages. You can take the shuttle to the observatory from the intersection of Sunset and Vermont streets for $1, and you can use your TAP Card for payment.

Santa Monica Pier (200 Santa Monica Pier): If you visit Santa Monica, you can't miss the pier—it's visible from any point on the beach due to its iconic Ferris wheel that lights up with colorful displays at night. The pier is one of the most touristy spots in LA. You'll find Bubba Gump Shrimp, complete with a bench from "Forrest Gump," as well as various souvenir shops, popcorn stands, and other fast-food options. There's also an amusement park for children, street artists, musicians, and all the delights of a tourist waterfront.

El Capitan Theatre (1755 N Highland Ave.): This movie theater located in a former theater building still retains its red curtains and a host who announces the start of the film—it's more of an attraction than just a cinema, wouldn't you agree? It's like a branch of Disneyland and guarantees a magical experience. They only show children's cartoons and movies here. If you're lucky, you might catch "Bambi" or "Snow White" on the big screen! They offer souvenir cups and popcorn containers. During premieres, there are photo sessions with movie characters for children. You can purchase tickets online or at the theater box office. Prices start at $17.

Museums

Los Angeles Museums

The BROAD (221 S. Grand Ave.): Los Angeles is known for its rich contemporary art scene, and The BROAD is one of the places where you can see Yayoi Kusama's "Infinity Mirrors," sculptures by Michael Jackson, Jeff Koons' balloon tulips and dogs, or Andy Warhol's Campbell's Soup Can. Admission to the museum is free, but it's better to register on their website and come at the designated time to avoid long queues.

LACMA (5905 Wilshire Blvd.): The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is on par with the Metropolitan, the Hermitage, and the Louvre when it comes to contemporary art museums. The museum's collection features works by Diego Rivera, Pablo Picasso, Wassily Kandinsky, Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse, and other internationally renowned artists. At the entrance of the museum, you'll find the famous Urban Lights installation made of street lamps, which are lit up every evening after sunset. Admission to the museum is $25. During the summer, LACMA hosts the Latin Sounds program, where invited musicians play Latin music from salsa to bossa nova every Saturday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on the museum's outdoor stage. The concerts are free to attend, and you can bring a blanket and have a picnic. You can even join the dancers in front of the stage if you're eager to show off your moves.

The Getty Center (1200 Getty Center Dr.): This is one of two locations created by oil magnate J. Paul Getty. The Getty Center is the largest art museum in California and the entire West Coast. The center consists of three main buildings, each four stories high, showcasing works by impressionists, Baroque and Renaissance artists, as well as sculptures and contemporary art. The museum's gardens are also worth exploring, including the central garden with a pond and a rose garden, a cactus garden, and a sculpture garden. Admission to the museum is free, but online registration is required. We also recommend getting a free audio guide to enhance your experience and understanding of the artworks.

The Getty Villa (17985 Pacific Coast Highway): This villa, which J. Paul Getty never saw as he passed away a year before its completion, was specifically built as a museum inspired by the Villa of the Papyri found in Pompeii excavations. The Getty's collection of art objects grew too large for his home, so he decided to build a villa in Malibu. The villa houses exhibits of ancient Greek and Roman art. Perched high on a hill overlooking the beaches, the villa offers unparalleled views from its windows. Similar to the Getty Center, the villa is open for visitation through online registration.

Museum of Death (6031 Hollywood Blvd.): For those with strong nerves and a deep curiosity, the Museum of Death offers photographs from crime scenes, the world's largest collection of artwork by serial killers, instruments used by forensic pathologists, stuffed domestic animals, and much more. Admission is $17.

Museum of Jurassic Technology (9341 Venice Blvd.): This museum is a peculiar and intriguing place. It gives the impression that all the exhibits were collected entirely by chance, and no matter how hard you try, it's impossible to fit them into a coherent narrative. It covers topics like space exploration, superstitions, rooftop pigeon lofts, and even a Russian tea room complete with a samovar. All the Google Maps reviews echo a common sentiment: "I have no idea how to describe this place; it's the strangest thing I've ever seen." The information on the museum's website won't clarify much either. The only way to truly understand is to go and see for yourself. Admission is $8.

Museum of Selfies (6757 Hollywood Blvd.): This museum is a project by former Comedy Club Russia member Tair Mamedov and his partners. It features numerous unconventional selfie spots, such as a pool filled with emoji balls or a bathtub filled with gold coins and stacks of "dollars." Admission is $19.

Fast Food

Fast Food

Smorgasburg (777 S Alameda St.): Named after the Scandinavian tradition of a festive meal, Smorgasburg is the market with the best street food in Los Angeles. Here you'll find tacos, burgers, traditional American barbecue, donuts, vegan desserts, and so much more. It looks like a farmer's market where each stall sizzles, simmers, and flames with incredibly delicious offerings. Smorgasburg is open every Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM year-round. There are also two blocks of shops, restaurants, and cafes nearby. A shuttle service operates from the market to the nearest metro station. Admission to the market is free, and the average price for a dish and drink is $11-17.

IN-N-OUT BURGER: This beloved California fast food chain was founded right here and has since expanded to bordering states. The menu is simple, featuring hamburgers, cheeseburgers, French fries, milkshakes, and soft drinks. But there's a secret! The secret menu (items not listed on the main menu) can be found on their website.

Shake Shack: Shake Shack can be considered a healthier option in the fast food realm, not necessarily in terms of calorie count but in the quality of ingredients. They also offer a seasonal menu, chicken burgers, hot dogs, and the option to order a protein-style burger without the bun. The average check is $20-25.

Pinches Tacos: This family-owned chain of Mexican eateries offers excellent food and service. They don't have an alcohol license, so at some locations, they allow customers to bring their own alcohol, but it's best to ask the waiter. The average check per person here ranges from $15-25. We highly recommend trying their flautas, which are either filled with beef or chicken, wrapped in a wheat tortilla, and deep-fried.

The Original Farmers Market (6333 W 3rd St.): It's the oldest farmer's market in Los Angeles, a historical landmark and a must-visit attraction. It's also a great place to grab a quick, tasty, and affordable bite. We recommend trying the hot dogs and sandwiches from Magee's Kitchen (do you know the story behind the French Dip sandwich?), Brazilian barbecue from Pampas Grill, French quiches and traditional desserts from Monsieur Marcel Bistro, and donuts from Bob's Coffee and Donuts. Bob's coffee is as hot as the sun, and their selection of donuts caters to all tastes.

Great American Fries (1601 Ocean Ave.): This place takes french fries to an 80th level. Different spices and sauces give them a unique flavor. A small portion costs $6, and a large one costs $8. Plus, you get a view of the ocean and Santa Monica Beach.

Salt & Straw: This ice cream parlor chain is famous for its imaginative flavor combinations, such as olive oil and goat cheese, strawberry and basil, and lavender and honey.

Blue Star Donuts: In LA, they love taking something familiar and completely reinventing it. Blue Star Donuts are glazed with blueberry, bourbon, and basil; raspberry and rosemary; or mint chocolate, and filled with Bavarian cream. We're not making this up; these are real flavors. Check them out on their website.

To experience the local, non-glamorous spirit of LA, visit a farmer's market in your neighborhood. You can find schedules and locations of markets here. Typically, they consist of stalls with fruits and vegetables from local farmers, as well as meat and fish that can often be cooked on the spot. There are also food trucks with bagels, coffee, and other baked goods.

Shopping

Los Angeles Shopping

Most American shopping centers, or malls, can be a real punishment, especially on weekends. Crowds of people, screaming children, and long queues everywhere. But there are places where it's pleasant to go any day. Like Westfield (10250 Santa Monica Blvd.). This shopping center was not just renovated; it was thoroughly rebuilt. The area is adorned with fountains, sculptures, green plants, benches, chairs, and suspended double loungers. Here you'll find familiar stores like GAP, American Eagle, Aerie, H&M, ZARA, as well as more upscale brands like COS, Lacoste, Cole Haan, and more.

The food court is excellent, but we don't even know how you'll make it there when you're greeted at the entrance by the paradise of indulgence, Eataly. Eataly is a gourmet market, pizzeria, bar, café, and restaurant with a luxurious rooftop terrace, all in one. And they have Italian gelato too.

For a more traditional shopping experience, head to Santa Monica, to 3rd Street Promenade. The stores line both sides of the street, stretching for two blocks and culminating in the Santa Monica Place shopping center (395 Santa Monica Place). Here you can find everything from H&M to Louis Vuitton.

If you're looking for local brands, we recommend going to Abbot Kinney Street in Venice Beach. There are numerous boutiques offering locally made clothing and cosmetics, as well as bars, cafes, and restaurants. You'll also find graffiti by local artists, and the beach is just a stone's throw away.

The Grove (189 The Grove Dr.): The Grove is the modern and glamorous extension of The Original Farmers Market. This outdoor mall is home to a variety of clothing, shoe, book, souvenir, and houseware stores. People come here to stroll with their families, watch movies, have coffee, or enjoy a meal. The street with shops leads to a fountain created by the same company that designed the singing fountains at the Bellagio Hotel and the Burj Khalifa tower. In the evening, illuminated, it looks especially beautiful. There's also a charming green tram that travels around the mall, and if you have the patience to wait in line, you can ride it for free. On the lawn behind the fountain, various seasonal events are held for children, and before Christmas, a giant tree is installed, made from live and artificial branches.

The Last Bookstore (453 S Spring St.): It's the largest bookstore in California. People come here not only for books—half of the first floor is dedicated to vinyl records and CDs, there's a separate room for paintings and posters, and the second-floor gallery hosts mini-exhibitions. The store also hosts poetry readings, book club meetings, and concerts. You can find a detailed calendar of events on their website. Even if you're not a book lover or vinyl collector, it's worth a visit.

Book Monster (212 Santa Monica Blvd.): A used book store in Santa Monica. Here you can find old issues of Kinfolk for $3 and take it to the beach with you. Or pick up a cookbook by Julia Child or Jamie Oliver and bring them home as souvenirs. The store also carries new releases and bestsellers.

Beverly Connection (100 N La Cienega Blvd.): If you can't go home without some Calvin Klein or Michael Kors, but your budget is tight, this is the place to go. It's a shopping center consisting of outlet stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, Ross, and others.

Beverly Center (8500 Beverly Blvd.): The Beverly Center is a new shopping mall that recently opened. Inside, it's as beautiful as Westfield but with an even more luxurious and glamorous style. It offers a wide range of stores, from Forever 21 to Dolce & Gabbana. For tourists, there's a brochure with discounts at 50 stores and a free travel case. You can find more detailed information here.

Amoeba Music (6400 W Sunset Blvd.): For retro and vinyl lovers, classical music enthusiasts, and film fanatics, Amoeba Music is simply heaven on Earth. Three floors of records, cassettes, and CDs!

Puzzle Zoo: Remember the superhero figures from American movies? Well, they're sold here. They also have comics, Lego and other construction sets, puzzle games, and a bunch of other interesting stuff!

Los Angeles - attractions and entertainment
4.9/5
28
Comments (0)

Similar articles