10 things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of those cities that has a bit of everything: striking architecture, gorgeous nature spots, and fantastic weather all year round, plus rich culture and a buzzing atmosphere. However, with so much going on there, it can be hard to know where to start when exploring this metropolis for the first time. Here, then, are my top ten recommendations of things to do in this amazing place.

See the Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign has got to be one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Built in 1923 as a real estate advertisement, the sign is, today, a celebration of the city’s booming film industry. See it from afar – it’s visible from many places across the metropolis, such as the upper floors of the Hollywood and Highland Center – or hike right up to it for some fantastic views over Los Angeles. Coincide your visit with sunset for a truly unforgettable experience.

Walk the Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Hollywood Walk of Fame is another attraction that’s got tourists flocking from near and far. 2,600 stars make up this monument (which runs along the pavements of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street), each bearing the name of a prestigious figure in the history of entertainment. Follow the path, and look out for the stars of your favourite personalities as you go!

See the handprints and autographs at the TCL Chinese Theatre

Not got enough of famous people? Head to the TCL Chinese Theatre to see the handprints and autographs of some of them! Whether you're a die-hard Harry Potter fan, or love a good vintage Hollywood classic, you'll be able to find the marks left by so many important figures in the entertainment industry. Even better? You can put your own hands into each impression, so you can officially say you’ve touched the same spot as your favourite celebrities!

Visit the Grauman's Egyptian Theatre

Also in the area and worth a visit is the Grauman’s Egyptian Theatre, an Egyptian-style movie palace. Attend one of their film screenings, or just explore this fascinating building the outside. It's got some very impressive wall paintings and hieroglyphs!

Go to the beach

You cannot go to Los Angeles without checking out some of its sublime sandy beaches. Head to Santa Monica State Beach to enjoy fairground rides on the pier, or Venice Beach to watch skateboarders show off their moves. Feeling sporty? Go for a dip in the nippy Pacific Ocean, or hire bikes and cycle along the shore. You’ll see many a palm tree along your way, and maybe even catch some candy floss skies at dusk.

Walk along the Venice Canals

If you’re a US citizen, there’s no longer any need to travel across the Atlantic to get a taste of Europe. Instead, just head to Los Angeles’s Venice Canals, a group of five water channels, complete with pathways and bridges. Admire the gorgeous canal-side houses as you go, but don’t start getting any ideas about them: they’ll all set you back at least a million dollars!

Shop till you drop

If you’re looking to engage in a bit of retail therapy, you're in the right city! For all your favourite high-street brands, head to The Grove, a shopping centre that boasts statues and fountains (as well as fake snow at Christmas!), or the chic Abbot Kinney Boulevard. If designer stores are more your thing, take a stroll along Rodeo Drive. You’ll be just as amazed by the fancy shop fronts as you are by the price tags attached to the products inside.

If you want to head slightly off the beaten track, take an Uber to the Brentwood Country Mart, where you’ll find all sorts of delightful boutiques. Make sure to cool off after your shopping spree with a homemade ice cream from the Sweet Rose Creamery.

Eat, drink, and be merry

The food scene in Los Angeles is extraordinary, and you certainly won’t have trouble finding great wining and dining spots. If you do need a bit of inspiration, though, here are some of my favourite bars, cafés, and restaurants in the city:

Pono Burger

Want to enjoy some scrumptiousfood in a quirky location? Look no further than Pono Burger in Santa Monica, a burger restaurant situated inside a WWII-esque corrugated iron shelter. Arrive here on the early side to avoid having to wait for a table!

Gjelina

If a hearty brunch is what you're after, Gjelina is the place to go. There are so many healthy options to choose from (their roasted vegetables are particularly delicious), and if you don’t trust my judgement, know that this eatery has also got a big thumbs up from Beyonce and Jay-Z!

Sprinkles

Looking for a small snack to tide you over until your next meal? Get yourself a treat from Sprinkles Cupcakes. I was very unadventurous and went for a vanilla-flavoured one, but fear not: they’ve got everything from coconut to banana!

Blue Star Donuts

If doughnuts (sorry, ‘donuts’!) are more your thing, pop into Blue Star Donuts, and try one of their brioche friedcakes. Again, there are many flavours to choose from, and just one purchase will fill you right up.

Scopa Italian Roots

Finally, if you’re searching for somewhere to enjoy drinks with your friends, head down the road from Blue Star Donuts to Scopa Italian Roots, and enjoy some fantastic cocktails (I recommend The West Side). This bar (and restaurant) has a wonderfully vibrant atmosphere, and is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing.

Visit the Getty Center

Los Angeles is full of art galleries, but the best of the ones I’ve visited has got to be the Getty Center. Perched on a hill slightly outside the main city, and only accessible by tram, this distinctive white building is home to a fantastic collection of pre-twentieth century works of art, including paintings by Rembrandt and Vincent van Gogh. Make sure to check out any temporary exhibitions that are on while you're there: they're usually great! Once you've finished your tour of the place, step outside, and enjoy fantastic views over the surrounding area.

If you’re there around lunchtime, grab a bite to eat at the onsite café. Their sweet potato fries are some of the best I’ve tried!

Go to a theme park

If, like me, you love a good theme park, why not spend a day at one of Los Angeles’s most popular resorts? There are so many to choose from, but some of the best include Universal Studios and Disneyland Park – for those who want to enjoy film-related attractions in the city that's most associated with cinema – and Six Flags Magic Mountain, for those looking to check out some hair-raising rollercoasters.

Book your tickets today, and get yourself to LA!

So there we have it: ten things to do in the iconic city of Los Angeles. Have a wonderful time if you get to go there any time soon, and if you bump into any celebrities while you're out and about, make sure to get a photo and an autograph!

Photo gallery