I know you are used to hearing about the ethnic and cultures experiences I’ve had, and I’m sorry to say this one is a little more mainstream. Now before you stomp your feet, hear me out. I spent my whole summer in LA at University of Southern California and had the opportunity to explore some of what Los Angeles and the surrounding area has to offer.
If you are going to LA for the first time, I would recommend you start off with the typical tourist traps because, while they might seem like a scam and overrated, the truth is they are overly crowded for a reason. They are fun once, and probably something you will be glad you did.
For example, the Hollywood wax museum is great fun for the whole family, as you can walk the museum and snap photos with your favorite “celebrities”. Lets face it, it’s probably as close as you are going to get to the real deal.
Another fun outing is the walk of stars down Hollywood Boulevard. It’s in the center of everything, so if you get bored searching for your favorite stars, you can step aside and do some shopping.
If you want to really get out and enjoy the beautiful Los Angeles weather, I would strongly recommend visiting Venice Beach for a day or two. If you are lucky, you might visit on a day where the roller jammers are out. What is this you ask? I wondered the same thing when I saw people rollerblading in the middle of Venice Beach. Basically, A bunch of people get together and dance around to no music; on rollerblades. It’s quite the sight, and is definitively something you will not forget.
If those tourist traps aren’t really your thing, there are a few restaurants and activities for those of us who like to lay low and enjoy the city without the chaos of downtown. One of the best things to do in LA in my opinion is go to the film screenings they have all over the city. You can go to any university and several cinemas to see films and sometimes have a discussion with the filmmakers afterwards. That’s something you really only get in the heart of the film business.
In terms of food, I would strongly recommend a beautiful Italian restaurant downtown called Bottega Louie. The food is amazing, and they have great vegetarian options. And for all you with a sweet tooth, the entire front of the store is a bakery with freshly baked cookies and cakes, and my favorite, a wall full of colorful macaroons.
Well, there you have it. A little guide of what to do in Los Angeles, no matter what kind of traveller you are.
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