Is Los Angeles worth visiting? This might be the question that has been running though your mind as you are planning out your next few vacations.
Do you want to know what to do in Los Angeles, CA? Have you had that burning question is Los Angeles worth visiting play through your head? These are the reasons why Los Angeles is a city worth visiting and cons at the end of the post.
You are going to find out some fun things in do while in Los Angeles looks like. This itinerary is going to tell you the best places to eat, sites to see, and the cons to visiting.
After reading this post you will be able to decide for yourself if Los Angeles, CA is worth visiting for you.
This post is all about a Los Angeles travel guide.
Is Los Angeles Worth Visiting? Quick Guide: LA
1. Malibu
First up is visiting Malibu when you are in Los Angeles. Malibu has gorgeous views and restaurants that overlook the water. Even if you do not have long in Los Angeles, it is well worth it to go to Malibu. Grab a drink or grab a nice lunch overlooking the coast. Ensure you are researching some places to grab food/drink as Malibu is a place most drive around. Check out the bottom of this post for a restaurant recommendation in Malibu. 🙂 Keep in mind depending on the time of year you go, it could be chilly when you are by the water so dress accordingly.
2. Hollywood Walk of Fame
This is a must while in Los Angeles! The famous Hollywood Walk of Fame is where you will see all the Hollywood stars names in a star imprinted on the sidewalk. Remember those pictures that Hollywood stars take while near the ground? This is it! The Hollywood stars on the ground go on for miles as you are walking around Hollywood. You will know you are coming up to it when you start to see the sidewalk change. Look for your favorite “star” 😉 and be sure to check this out. There are a lot of fun stores and bars to check out while walking the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Be sure to also keep your head up sometimes instead of down the entire time to find them. 😀
You need to check out Funko Hollywood while in that area. The store is giant and has fun displays of Funko Pops. Anything you could imagine is in this store. From your favorite basketball player, movie star, to your favorite Disney movie, this store has it all. In addition, this is a fun place to snap some pictures as the displays are super cool.
3. TCL Chinese Theatres
This theatre is right in Hollywood by the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This iconic theatre is where some of the most famous movie premieres happen. How cool to be in the same place where some of the biggest names in Hollywood were?! In addition, you could walk around outside the theatre as there is a mall nearby. Also, the theatre does play movies that are currently out so you could go inside and watch that movie you have been dying to see. Outside of this theatre you will see the mega stars cemented handprints. Only the very big names are outside this theatre too. This area tends to get crowded as many are taking pictures so plan your day accordingly. You will feel the extreme Hollywood vibes as you approach this area.
4. Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is a gorgeous area that is overlooked by a beach. The pier has games for kids, a Ferris Wheel but also restaurants/bars for adults. There are shops for your souvenirs and it is gorgeous all year round. You could make a beach day out of it and then check out the pier for lunch/dinner. If you are a fisher, this is a place you could fish. There truly is something for everyone here. Also, the surrounding neighborhood has some great spots to grab lunch or walk around. Be sure to pack your bathing suit and have a variety of clothes while in California. The weather can be a bit unpredictable and the morning vs. daytime weather could be extreme depending on the time of year.
If you need tips on what to pack for any vacation, you will love this related post: Ultimate travel packing list | What to pack for vacation list
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5. Rodeo Drive
If you are looking to shop till your drop and spend a lot of that allowance you gave yourself for this vacation, check out Rodeo Drive. Rodeo Drive has luxury and high end shopping all across this road/area. An example of some stores you will see are Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and the list goes on. Many celebrities have been spotted in this area so be on the look out! Even if you are not a shopper, this area is somewhere to check out as it is gorgeously well kept and sometimes it is nice to window shop, right?
6. Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, that’s where I want to be! Now that song will be stuck in your head the entire time you are in Beverly Hills. 😉 Drive around beautiful Beverly Hills when you visit LA. Beverly Hills really does live up to its hype. While some areas you cannot see much because there are private roads or long gated driveways, a lot of houses you could see. Beverly Hills is known as one of the richest areas to live in California. If you are looking for somewhere to stay in LA, Beverly Hills has many restaurants and shops so it could be a spot you choose your accommodation.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Next up, this place has it all and something for everyone. If you are looking for a fun theme park vibe, plan a day here in your trip to Los Angeles. If you are a Harry Potter Fan or love the change of holidays in parks, this is also your place! For example, during Halloween they have themed nights/days. There truly is no limitation here. There are various shows you could see and dining inside. Be sure to book your tickets ahead of time to see if there are any deals.
Manhattan Beach
You could never have too many beaches on your list of things to do, am I right? In Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach is where it is at. This beach has a low key vibe and has a gorgeous surrounding city. There are bike paths if you want to have a nice bike ride while you are in the area. This is a great area to walk around as there are many nice restaurants and places to shop. Be sure to add this to your list.
Restaurants to try:
Salts Cure:
This restaurant has amazing mimosas and brunch options. It is right by Hollywood if you are staying in the area or on your way to Hollywood. The smoked salmon and bacon are items you must get if you are a seafood or meat lover. However, everything was cooked to perfection. In addition, the staff was super sweet and welcoming.
Foo Chow Restaurant:
If you are fan of the movie, in “Rush Hour”, a scene in the movie was filmed here! The restaurant is located in Chinatown. This place is worth a visit not only for the movie but because the food is delicious. They have many options to choose from and you could also dine in. Add this to your list of restaurants if you love Chinese food. Also check out Chinatown while you are there!
https://www.foochowla.com/aliv4s90/restaurant/order-online
Musso & Frank Grill:
If you are looking for an upscale restaurant and in the mood for some steak, check this restaurant out. Keep in mind it does get busy so you will need to make a reservation. There is a lot of history at this restaurant as some of the great legends have dined here. It has been opened since 1919 so you know the food is well worth it. You will surely feel the old school vibes in a good way when you step foot into this restaurant. The decor is beautiful and the staff is amazing.
Geoffrey’s Restaurant in Malibu:
While in Malibu be sure to try this restaurant. They have anything you want from Tuna Tartare to Filet Mignon. There are also vegetarian options. This is also a high scale restaurant so dress accordingly. They offer brunch, lunch, and dinner options. Malibu has some breathtaking sunsets especially along the coast. Be sure to ask for a table in the outside patio area, you must see the gorgeous coast views!
https://www.geoffreysmalibu.com/
Osteria La Buca in Melrose:
If you an Italian food lover with some romantic vibes, this is your place. The meatballs were cooked to perfection and the wine was delicious! The staff is amazing here too. Be sure to make a reservation as this place is popular and gets booked up.
https://www.osterialabuca.com/
Is Los Angeles worth visiting? The Cons:
- Traffic: You have heard it said by many locals and travelers and it is true. LA traffic is brutal. Give yourself plenty of time if you need to hop on the expressway or get around LA. The traffic is bumper to bumper almost all times of the day. Any large city has traffic; however, LA is on another level and this is coming from a New Yorker.
- Transportation: Speaking of traffic, it would be beneficial to get a car while in LA. While you can get around by walking/public transportation, it would be easier to have a car. The public transportation could be difficult to get to if you are looking into surrounding areas (Ex: Malibu). Look at what you want to do first in Los Angeles and then decide if a rental car is the way to go.
- Pickpockets: Like any major city, you will encounter pickpockets. However, in some areas where poverty is high it could be worse. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times and in every city.
Now you should have an overall picture of the city of Los Angeles and if it is something you want to add to your vacation list. Los Angeles has a lot to offer; however, like every city there are some cons. Weigh your options and make the best decision for you.
Happy and safe travels! xx
This post was all about is Los Angeles worth visiting?
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