Los Angeles is a the most populous city in California and the
second-most populous city in the United States after New York! This bustling
Southern California hot-spot is known for being the center of the nation’s film
and television industry, making it an incredibly popular attraction for
tourists to visit with so many things to do and see.
Planning a trip to Los Angeles with your family or friends and
not sure what to do? With all of the things to explore in this massive sunny
city, the options can be overwhelming – but fear not! We have compiled the
ultimate local’s guide of activities to do in Los Angeles, combining the top
list of must-have food, experiences, and sights the city has to offer.
- Hiking. Los Angeles is a very active and outdoorsy city. On the weekends, you can find locals hiking various beautiful sights in the city. One of our favorite hikes to do is Runyon Canyon, a popular 3- mile round trip hike offering scenic views of Cloud’s Rest (where you might just see a few celebrities). Another scenic hike is up Griffith Observatory. This 2.5-mile west trail loop hike offers picturesque views of the Hollywood sign and the L.A. Basin as well. Although each of these hiking trails are easy to moderate, be sure to keep a few things in mind when you’re planning your adventure: wear proper shoes for hiking, bring lots of water, use sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and of course, bring your camera and have fun!
- LA Whale
Watching. Another great way to take in the outdoors and explore Los Angeles
marine life is through a whale watching trip. Often overlooked by visiting
tourists, whale watching trips allow for up-close-and-personal experiences with
some of the largest marine mammals on earth! And LA whale watching is some of
the best in the world. The best part about whale watching excursions in
California is that you can experience them year-round and see all different
types of whales, dolphins, sea lions, and other marine life. From November /
December to April is the best time to watch the great gray whale migration, and
from April to November, you can expect to see more humpback whales, killer
whales, and even blue whales (the largest animal on the planet!). Book a whale
watching trip today for an incredible experience the entire family will
remember for many years to come. Be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, non-slip
shoes, and your camera to enjoy this marine journey to the fullest!
- Venice
Beach. Although there are a lot of beautiful beaches in LA, Venice Beach is a very unique tourist
spot you must not miss. The Venice Boardwalk is filled with funky shops, street
performers, great food stands, and lots of quirky characters that make for
premiere people-watching. This buzzing beach town also features a skate park
(with incredible talent) and the popular Muscle Beach outdoor gym. Walk along
the Venice Boardwalk and get a sense for the community’s bohemian,
free-spirited vibe!
- Shopping.
A trip to LA isn’t complete without exploring some eccentric LA shops. The
shopping options are endless. Whether you prefer high-end designers of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills or unique
thrift shops of Melrose Avenue in
Hollywood, there are shops for everyone’s taste. Another overlooked benefit to checking
out different stores in LA is getting a sense for the unique and vibrant culture
in each part of town.
- Museums.
Another way to experience a little culture is visiting an art museum. LA is home
to some amazing art museums that make for incredibly enriching experiences (not
to mention, Instagram-worthy pictures as well!). One of our favorite museums to
visit is the Los Angeles County Museum of Art,
the largest art museum in the West featuring an inspiring collection of contemporary
artworks from artists around the globe. Another great art museum is The Broad, another contemporary art museum
on Grand Avenue featuring a dynamic collection of artistic representations that
celebrate the art of our time.
- Venice
Beach Canals. One of our favorite ways to enjoy the California sun in LA is
by exploring the Venice Beach Canals. Created over 100 years ago by Abbot
Kinney, the Venice Beach canals were designed to reflect the actual canals of
Venice, Italy complete with gondolas and gondoliers. They make for a beautiful
place to walk and take in the gorgeous weather.
- Restaurants.
LA is home to some famous eateries and lesser known restaurants that all make
for a mouth-watering restaurant experience. Of course, the one restaurant that
you must not miss on is LA-based In-N-Out Burger. For some GREAT pizza, be sure
to stop by Pizzana, a restaurant on San
Vicente Blvd that takes a very detailed and daring approach to Neapolitan
pizza. Another iconic restaurant in the heart of Venice is Rose Venice, a diverse eatery with a
wide-ranging menu for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Rose Venice features and
indoor and outdoor dining with a beer garden, fresh market foods, a full
bakery, Verve Coffee bar, and 40-foot cocktail bar so you and your friends can
enjoy wonderful eats in a visually-stunning environment.
For more information on Long Beach whale watching tours and LA whale watching tours, contact Harbor Breeze. For decades, we have been providing some of the best whale watching experiences the West Coast has to offer with breathtaking views of the ocean’s majestic marine giants. Book your trip with us today for an unforgettable journey the entire family will love!