1. Santa Monica Pier: Palm Trees, and the Pacific
The Santa Monica State Beach is where the social life of Los Angeles shows its colors - from ocean blue to deep tan. Land to sea, the comings and goings make for a people-watching paradise under the sun. The iconic Santa Monica Ferris Wheel towers over the scene at the old-school pier down the way, a funfair for everyone to enjoy. An aquarium offers indoor exploration for rainy days, while Palisades Park provides oceanside glory away from the hot sand for a bit of variety.
2. Third Street Promenade: Foot Traffic Galore
Downtown Santa Monica revolves around this lively promenade, one of the unique stretches of LA where pedestrians rather than cars run the show. It is a shopper's paradise beneath tropical trees, with every popular brand imaginable boasting the best California trends. Every time you walk Third Street, you're bound to see an impromptu street performance, run into an evening event, or do a double take at the wonderful characters sharing the pavement.
3. Venice Beach: Eccentric and Cool
This popular area lives up to its citywide reputation, with laid-back boutique stores and some of the quirkiest restaurants in town. There is a surprise around every corner - and around every canal! These human-made waterways give the area its name, and they provide for scenic strolls on the way to the beach. A bike path stretches through the sand, connecting Venice to Santa Monica. Don't miss the boardwalk either!
4. Getty Center: The Gem of SoCal
Overlooking LA is the world renowned Getty Center, a beautiful complex for art, research and conservation. The buildings and gardens themselves are a sight to behold, with elegant architecture, water elements and landscaping. Inside the museum, there is even more to see - most notably "The Royal End" by Paul Gauguin and "Irises" by Vincent Van Gogh.
5. Griffith Observatory: Spot the Sign
One of the largest urban parks in America, Griffith Park is home to the LA Zoo and the Griffith Observatory. With epic views of the Hollywood sign from atop the hill of the same name, this observatory has welcomed millions of visitors. Also offering science exhibitions and unique planetarium shows, a stop in Griffith Park is both varied and fun.
6. Hollywood: The One and Only
Hollywood is hard to miss, what with its name plastered famously across the hillside, and missed it should be not. Hollywood Boulevard is one of the most well-known streets in the world, home to the Walk of Fame. Huge Hollywood theaters host high profile movie premieres along this stretch, and the history of movie making is referenced at every turn. Keep your eyes peeled for celebrity sightings!
7. Universal Studios Hollywood: Movie-making Madness
The greatest behind-the-scenes-look-at-Hollywood is found at Universal Studios, a theme park dedicated to movie-making magic. Besides boasting awesome thrill rides and over the top parades, the park offers views into the actual back-lots where sets are built. The Studio Tour puts visitors right in the middle of recreated movie sets from famous films like King Kong and Jaws.
8. Beverly Hills: The 90210
Beverly Hills is a neighborhood whose reputation precedes itself. Rodeo Drive is its famous thoroughfare, known for upscale shopping and celebrity sightings. The nearby Beverly Gardens Park offers gorgeous rose gardens and recreation. For dedicated fans, the more residential streets of Beverly Hills are host to self-guided celebrity residence tours.
