18 Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles
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The City of Angels, Tinseltown, La-La Land, no matter what you call it, there is no changing the fact that Los Angeles is one of the most entertaining places in the world. Not just filled with fun activities to try and then cast aside, but once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles that you will never forget.
No matter where you are in the city, you are never very far from endless amounts of entertainment that you can’t find anywhere else on the planet. Golden California sunsets gently float along the ocean horizon. Countless real life filming locations of your favorite movies and TV shows. World class meals, and even the final point of Route 66 on the Santa Monica Pier. From sights you can’t see anywhere else to memories that will last forever, all can be found in the once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles.
Continue scrolling to see all of the ONCE IN A LIFETIME THINGS TO DO IN LOS ANGELES!
1.) Universal Studios
If there is one thing that you think of when hearing Los Angeles, it’s probably the stunning scenes of Hollywood movies. While it is an awesome experience to see those locations in real life, feeling as though you’re inside the movie is on a whole other level. Step inside the world of Mario, Harry Potter, the Simpsons, and many more in a fully immersive way. Whether you’re stepping foot into the Mushroom Kingdom or walking through the halls of Hogwarts, you’re sure to feel how Universal Studios really is a once in a lifetime thing to do in Los Angeles.
Pro tip- Getting the early pass to skip all the lines and crowds makes the whole park a million times better.
2.) Take In A Sunset
Of course, LA is most known for the bright lights of Hollywood, but the natural light in LA is just as spectacular. Sunsets and sunrises in Los Angeles are different from other cities around the United States. Maybe it’s all of the TV shows and movies shot around the city, but something about watching the California sunset slowly sink below the skyline or seeing the warm rays of light dance across the waves makes the views feel too good to be true.
Pro tip- Any spot in Los Angeles is a good place to watch the sunset, but these are the absolute best sunsets/sunrises in LA and California (Coming Soon)!
3.) Hollywood Walk of Fame
Perhaps one of the most notable attractions in Los Angeles, the Hollywood Walk of Fame chronicles all of the legends to have ever graced the silver screen. Only the most notable film stars are given one of the highest honors in Hollywood by having their name immortalized on the city streets forever. While you may not have your own star with your name, you can still walk along the stars and see all of the best to ever do it at this outdoor Hollywood Hall of Fame.
Pro tip- Try to go during the morning when there are fewer crowds along the sidewalks.
4.) Relax On The Beach
It can be exhausting running around town, taking in all of the sights and different experiences found throughout Los Angeles. Sometimes you need a little break to relax and recharge. Luckily, the fantastic beaches are your perfect escape. Pillowy soft sand soothes all your troubles away as you lay down and let the steady sounds of rolling waves relax you and get you ready to take on your next Los Angeles adventure.
Pro tip- Head to Laguna Beach for a collection of sandy coves plus a free trolley to take you around town.
5.) Top Tier Food
Food plays a major part in any place you travel to, and thankfully the food in Los Angeles is just as star studded as the other attractions themselves. All sorts of cuisine choices in all corners of the city show you how versatile and wonderous the city is. In the mood for a fine French meal that feels as though you are on the streets of Paris, Petit Trois has you covered. Maybe you would like to enjoy one of the best pizzas you have ever had, then Pizzeria Bianco is the place to go. No matter what you’re hungry for, you can surely find it, and more, in Los Angeles.
Pro tip- Want to see all of the top spots in LA? Click Here to see where you need to go for the best meals in the city!
6.) La Brea Tar Pits
An ancient tar pit that is still bubbling with tar might not sound like a once in a lifetime thing to do in Los Angeles, but don’t be fooled by first impressions. Around 50,000 years old, this lake of boiling natural tar is a true one of a kind sight providing glimpses into what life was like in the Los Angeles area all those years ago. Well preserved, massive skeletons and fossils have been found in the tar from the plants and animals that ventured a little too close to the black lake. Today, the pits are a unique attraction that’s constantly shifting. You can find cones around the park covered in tar, marking spots where tar has bubbled up to break through the ground.
Pro tip- Stop by the nearby tar pits museum to see the full history of the pits and the fossils discovered around the pits.
7.) Take A Studio Tour
Have you ever watched a show or movie and wondered what was just beyond the screen or how and where this scene was shot? Well, a studio tour answers just that. Go behind the scenes and see how the magic is made, from full warehouses packed with unique props to entire towns built just to shoot a few shots. Get an inside look into how they are able to capture the sounds and sights that make everything feel so real. You might even be lucky to see a movie or show being filmed during your visit.
Pro tip- The Warner Bros tour is the best for those looking for a full behind the scenes movie/TV experience.
8.) The Last Bookstore
A bookstore usually isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles, but this isn’t your usual bookstore. More of a literary haven, The Last Bookstore is an adventure into anything you may be looking for. Old to new, mainstream to niche, this spot has it all. Even if you are not a big reader, no worries; the multi-leveled store also has records and other media and is simply a cool place to explore.
Pro tip- Don’t forget to check out upstairs for a ton more books and a few cool retro and art shops.
9.) Comedy Show
Los Angeles is an exciting town that always has events and attractions happening every night. Concerts, sports, gallas, and thankfully, comedy shows as well. Just like actors, Los Angeles is also a hotbed for comedians. From up and coming comedians at The Comedy Store or The Laugh Factory to hilarious stars selling out entire arenas, Los Angeles is a top city when it comes to laughs.
Pro tip- The Laugh Factory is always a great place to go for a hilarious time and pretty cheap tickets.
10.) See Famous Filming Spots
It is one thing to see your favorite shows and movies on screen or even behind the scenes, but how about the true scene without all of the lights and effects? All over the city, hidden areas and forgotten corners claim their spot in Hollywood as the real life locations that produced cinema magic. Recreate your favorite scenes as if you were living the movie in areas like the tower from Die Hard, the entire set from M*A*S*H, and so many more waiting for you to discover.
Pro tip- See our list of all the top real world cinema spots right here! (Coming Soon)
11.) Santa Monica Pier
Sitting right on the lovely Pacific Ocean waters, the Santa Monica Pier is the once in a lifetime thing to do in Los Angeles you don’t want to miss. Sure, the California sunset views are second to none, and all of the rides and games make for a great time, but what really stands out is what this pier manages to capture. All of the elements surrounding the pier come together in a California collection that shows the perfect picture for pure West Coast vibes.
Pro tip- Watching the sunrise and sunset over the pier is one of the best ways to start or end your day in Los Angeles.
12.) See Los Angeles' Expressive Side
Los Angeles is a town all about expressing one’s creative side. From movies to art, this town is full of places that set this city apart. While the finer, more famous works found inside museums like the Los Angeles County Museum of Art are quite impressive, it’s the outdoor areas built into the city that really transform the town. Areas like the Urban Light Initiative, or surprising, off the map works of art like murals and self made projects that make LA feel alive, like a growing city of expression evolving with every passing day.
Pro tip- The Broad Art Museum is a great place to explore modern art, plus it’s free.
13.) Point Dume
Many once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles are found within the energetic city streets, but not all of them. Seeming a bit more ominous than you think, Point Dume is the must see spot to enjoy the more natural side of Los Angeles. Hike throughout the massive cliff decorated with lush plants and flowers as they overlook the crashing waves below. Walk down to the sandy bay full of picturesque views, or sit at the peak and admire the open vista. Point Dume shows the natural beauty of California, even in the city of angels.
Pro tip- Seeing the sun crest over the horizon, cutting through the soft layer of morning fog, makes Point Dume the best sunrise point in Los Angeles!
14.) Venice Canal Historic District
Usually overlooked, these canals are a scenic break from the skyscrapers and busy streets of downtown Los Angeles. Still water pathways spread out like a peaceful maze through the nice residential areas of Santa Monica. With vibrant flowers and towering palm trees lining the calm banks, it feels as though you have left the city and found yourself in the midst of a tropical version of Venice.
Pro tip- The canals are the perfect place to explore after a morning meal at the nearby Interstellar restaurant.
15.) Dodgers Game
How about a different kind of show? Maybe the best show on a diamond? Set in the 3rd oldest MLB ballpark, Dodger Stadium is a grand cathedral of baseball. Dripping with history, this ballpark is an open and inviting space that is written into the history of the game itself. Not to mention great food, fun sights, plenty of fun Southern California vibes, and one of the most star studded and exciting teams in baseball. This fabulous palm tree packed ballpark is absolutely a once in a lifetime thing to do in Los Angeles, whether you are a baseball fan or not.
Pro tip- Want to know everything about Dodger Stadium before you go? Click here to see all you need to know! (Coming Soon)
16.) Griffith Park And Griffith Observatory
Possibly the most scenic spot in Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory and Park are a gorgeous sight to see. Perched at one of the cliffside peaks within Griffith Park, this location is much more than a great place to hike and observe the stars. Here, you can step away from the bustling city and appreciate the quiet view in a stunning way most don’t get to see. Seeing the California sunset from this perched vantage point will show what makes Los Angeles different from all the rest.
Pro tip- If you want the best spot to watch the sunset, hike to the spot featured in LaLa Land, Cathy’s Corner, for a view you won’t forget.
17.) Malibu
Although it is technically outside of Los Angeles, Malibu is still well worth the trip if you are in the Los Angeles area. Found right on the ocean next to lush, towering mountains and picture perfect views, Malibu is the quiet Southern California oasis you have been searching for. Malibu takes all the things that make California so special and turns them up to 11 in the most astounding ways possible. Watching the Pacific Ocean waves roll along the beach, hiking through cloud kissed mountains in Malibu Creek State Park, even one of the world’s most picturesque baseball diamonds can all be found in Malibu, the best of California.
Pro tip- Solstice Canyon is a spectacular hike that shows the best of what Malibu has to offer.
18.) Walk The Glamorous Rodeo Drive
You can’t talk about once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles without talking about the glitz and glamour this city is famous for. And no spot shows that better than Rodeo Drive. Shop after shop of luxury designer stores, extravagant jewelry, and many other fine shops for people who want to look their best. Even if you aren’t shopping, this world famous street is a beautiful Southern California area with pristine palm trees and picture perfect views.
Pro tip- Keep an eye out for celebrities that often walk down this street.
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