Top Ten Things You Must Do In Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers endless options for memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike. Whether it’s visiting a quiet museum, or attending a boisterous ball game, there are always interesting attractions and exciting events taking place throughout L.A. Read on for ten iconic activities that you must do when you’re in Los Angeles.

See Van Gogh's "Irises" - Getty Center
Los Angeles museums house some of the world’s most renowned art collections. Throughout the city, you can discover masterpieces like Vincent van Gogh’s Irises, one of the most expensive paintings in history and currently on view at the Getty Center in Brentwood.

Take the Studio Tour - Universal Studios Hollywood
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, and for film fans, the ultimate experience is a behind-the-scenes studio tour. At Universal Studios Hollywood, the Studio Tour is perhaps its most legendary attraction - and its original one, having debuted in 1915, not long after the theme park opened. Narrated by Jimmy Fallon, the Studio Tour offers guests the chance to explore the working backlot of a real Hollywood movie studio. The tour includes Oscar-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson’s heart-pounding King Kong 360 3D, the world’s largest 3D experience.

Enjoy the LA Phil - Walt Disney Concert Hall
Located on Grand Avenue in Downtown L.A., Walt Disney Concert Hall is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry, with acoustics by Yasuhisa Toyota, the magnificent venue has received worldwide critical acclaim and praise from concertgoers for its stunning architecture and extraordinary sound. Attend a concert by the acclaimed LA Phil and experience classical music as it was meant to be heard.

Dine with the Stars - Wolfgang Puck
If you’re a fan of movies, TV or music, there isn’t a better city than L.A. to spot a celebrity. No matter where you are in Los Angeles, there’s a good chance you’ll bump into a star, especially if you’re dining at a restaurant that celebrities love, like Wolfgang Puck at the Hotel Bel-Air.

See Hollywood in a Whole New Way - Runyon Canyon
For a different view of Hollywood, head to Runyon Canyon Park, one of the most popular hiking areas in L.A. Located just two blocks from bustling Hollywood Boulevard, Runyon Canyon is well-known for its frequent celebrity sightings and a 90-acre off-leash dog park. Head back down the hill to the heart of Hollywood, where you can enjoy popular attractions like the TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood & Highland, and the Hollywood Museum.

Ride the Ferris Wheel - Santa Monica Pier
From Malibu to the South Bay, Los Angeles is home to some of the best beaches in Southern California. For a quintessential endless summer experience, a visit to the two-mile-long Santa Monica Beach is a must. Opened in 1909, the historic Santa Monica Pier is a popular destination for the entire family, home to the Pacific Park amusement park, Heal the Bay Aquarium, and a 1922 Carousel that was featured in The Sting. Don’t miss a ride on the world’s only solar powered Ferris Wheel, where you can enjoy a spectacular bird’s eye view of the coast.

Cruise the Sunset Strip - Whisky a Go Go
Angelenos are famous for their love of the automobile, whether it’s on display at the Petersen Automotive Museum or behind the wheel along a scenic drive. From the canyons above the city to unforgettable coastal views, there’s nothing like sightseeing in a car. One of L.A.’s most famous stretches of road is the legendary Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, home to music venues such as the historic Whisky A Go Go and acclaimed restaurants like The Eveleigh.

Catch a Game - Dodger Stadium
Los Angeles is truly a city of champions, from the “Showtime”-era Lakers to the Kings, Galaxy, and the numerous NCAA championships claimed by USC and UCLA. For baseball fans, it doesn’t get any better than catching a game at Dodger Stadium, one of the great cathedrals of major league baseball and one of L.A.’s most popular Instagram locations. Since opening its gates in 1962, the storied ballpark has hosted eight World Series and the Dodgers have won four World Championships.

Discover a Hidden Gem - The Gamble House
From Downtown to the beach cities, Los Angeles is filled with world-famous landmarks and attractions. But if you look closer, there are hidden gems throughout the city waiting to be discovered, like the historic Gamble House in Pasadena. Built in 1908-09, this National Historic Landmark is a Craftsman-style masterpiece with a stunning interior, made with multiple grains of wood with eye-catching textures, colors and grains, and custom furniture.

Shop Til You Drop - Rodeo Drive
Shopaholics will think they’ve died and gone to heaven upon arriving in L.A. Whether it’s popular shopping centers like The Grove or Santa Monica Place, bargains galore at the Citadel Outlets, or unique shops in hip neighborhoods like Highland Park, something is sure to catch your eye. For the ultimate window shopping, take a stroll on world-famous Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, the epitome of luxury and style.

Music
There’s nothing quite like experiencing concerts in Los Angeles, whether it’s a stadium show with tens of thousands of screaming fans, or a late night jazz session in an intimate club. LA’s world class venues include the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live in Downtown LA, Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre, and the historic Wiltern and the Palladium. LA's year-round sunny weather is ideal for enjoying outdoor concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, Greek Theatre and John Anson Ford Theatre. Music festivals and free concerts include the Grand Performances at California Plaza, the Music Spotlight Series at Universal CityWalk, and the Twilight Dance Series at the Santa Monica Pier. Concerts happen every night in smaller clubs like the Conga Room and the House of Blues Sunset Strip.

Theaters and Dance
There are more theaters in Los Angeles than any other city in the United States, and its 1,500 annual productions are more than any city in the world. Dance productions range from classical ballet to avant-garde performances. Hollywood’s landmark Pantages Theatre presents all-time Broadway hits like Book of Mormon, Peter Pan and West Side Story. Center Theatre Group is one is of the largest theatre companies in the nation, with year-round programming at the Mark Taper Forum and the Ahmanson Theatre in Downtown L.A., and the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City. Glorya Kaufman Presents Dance at The Music Center (KDMC) is one of the largest West Coast presenters of dance. REDCAT is a creative laboratory inside Walt Disney Concert Hall that nurtures today’s cutting-edge artists.

Architecture and Gardens
The Los Angeles landscape is filled with architectural masterpieces and wonderful lush gardens. Pritzker Prize winning architects designed icons like Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, Broad Contemporary Art Museum, and the Getty Center. Frank Lloyd Wright designed L.A. landmarks including the Hollyhock House and the Ennis House. L.A.’s urban oases include Descanso Gardens, the Huntington Library, Exposition Park’s Rose Garden, and the Getty Center’s Central Garden. Experience L.A.’s architectural landmarks and beautiful gardens.

Urban Art
Los Angeles has some of the best urban art in the country, with over 1,600 murals that teach history and celebrate cultural diversity. The Chandler Outdoor Gallery is a mural collection in the NoHo Arts District. Hollywood’s urban art includes “You Are the Star” and “Dolores del Rio.” In Downtown L.A., “The Pope of Broadway” depicts a dancing Anthony Quinn, while East L.A.’s “Los Angeles Teachers” features Edward James Olmos and Jaime Escalante. Metro's Art Department has commissioned over 300 artworks for L.A. County transportation projects.

Eight Great Beaches in L.A.
Los Angeles is the best city to experience the quintessential endless summer in Southern California. We rounded up eight of the best beaches in L.A., from Malibu to the South Bay.

The Getaway: Leo Carrillo State Beach
Located in Malibu 28 miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway, Leo Carrillo State Park offers a beach that stretches for more than a mile, dotted with sea caves, tidepools and other beach-combing delights. The park is named after the actor and preservationist who served on the California Beach and Parks Commission for 18 years. A small visitor center offers interpretive displays, as well as guided nature walks and campfire programs. Picnic areas, campsites and RV facilities are also located in the park, so if you’re looking to set up shop for a while and enjoy the scene, this might be the perfect spot.

The Hopeless Romantic: El Matador Beach
Depending on how hard you try, you might be able to find a more romantic experience in L.A., but you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more romantic beach than El Matador. Located about 10 miles northwest of Malibu, this secluded pocket beach has rocky shores, robust waves and some of the clearest water in L.A. But don’t be deterred by the lack of facilities or the rugged path to the shore; once there, you’ll find that it’s the perfect place to enjoy a sunset dinner in one of the hidden coves.

The Surf Spot: Malibu Surfrider Beach
When it’s time to get out the surfboard, apply a new coat of wax and zip on the wetsuit; there’s no better place to be than Surfrider Beach in Malibu. As the waves roll in and begin to curl near the shore, surfers paddle furiously to catch those perfect waves of ocean bliss. You don’t have to be an experienced surfer to appreciate the act of surfing, the cool vibe at the beach or the toned bodies of the surfers. In fact, sometimes it’s better to just be a spectator when the crowds get hectic and you’re fighting to catch a wave.

The Classic Stretch of Sand: Santa Monica Beach
Located just north of the historic Santa Monica Pier, this is one of the most popular beaches in L.A. At two miles long, Santa Monica Beach seems to go on forever and offers plenty of space to stretch the legs, set up for a game of volleyball, or go for a bike ride. Bring the sunscreen, a little cash for parking and a beach towel or blanket. Let the sun, sand and surf do the rest.

The People Watcher: Venice Beach
Venice Beach is one place where it’s almost as much about the people as it is about the surf or the sand. In fact, the world famous Ocean Front Walk often upstages the Pacific Ocean. As you’re strolling the boardwalk, keep an eye out for Harry Perry, the turbaned guitar player on roller blades who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. This is also the place to see bodybuilders, chainsaw jugglers and a full complement of palm readers, folk artists and other colorful characters.

Manhattan Beach
At Manhattan Beach, it’s all beautiful people, shiny cars, big sunglasses and little lap dogs. But that’s in the trendy area of town next to the shore, where scenes from many television shows have been filmed. On the sand, you’ll find beach volleyball at courts that seem to go on for miles, and bodysurfing near the pier. Check out the aquarium at the end of the pier, with its interesting sea creatures and touch pool. When it comes to getting in the water, you should know that surfing is limited to the south side of the pier and boogie boarding is confined to the water north of the pier. Swimming is prohibited in the areas immediately adjacent to the pier.

Hermosa Beach
There’s a certain hipster vibe at Hermosa Beach and its surrounding seaside community that you won’t find at other L.A. beaches. You’re just as likely to see people shopping and relaxing in outdoor cafes as you are the tanned and toned beach gods and goddesses that frequent the sandy shoreline. Pier Plaza is the place to hang out when you’d rather skip the sunscreen and beach towels. Once you’re on the shore, a pristine expanse of sand awaits, with volleyball nets, plenty of space for sunbathing and sandcastle building, and a paved walkway for strolling or biking.

Cabrillo Beach
Popular among travelers and locals hitting the beach with kids in tow, Cabrillo Beach is a tranquil setting near San Pedro, with everything you need for the perfect family outing. Located on a thin peninsula near Point Fermin Park, the beach actually has two sides — one outside the breakwater that’s open to the surf, and one that’s open to the harbor. Depending on the activity, you can select either side and enjoy some adventure or some well-deserved relaxation. After you’re finished with the beach, head to the nearby Cabrillo Marine Aquarium and enjoy the interactive exhibits, tidepool touch tanks and other unforgettable attractions.

Top 5 Easy Hikes
One of the best aspects of living in Los Angeles is the ready access to outdoor activities. The beach, mountains and desert are all within striking distance. Hiking is always an option, whether it’s the Santa Monica Mountains, Baldwin Hills, Hollywood Hills, down south in Ranchos Palos Verdes or up in the mighty San Gabriel Mountains. Learn about 10 of the best easy hikes in L.A. County that will get your heart rate up and yield some terrific views, but won’t lead to exhaustion.

Caballero Canyon
Distance: 3.4 miles
Route: Out And Back
Walk down to flat, dusty single track with chirping birds and brush on both sides. Pass by green hills and a dry creek bed to your right. The trail widens and gradually climbs up the hillside above Caballero Canyon, with views of a tree-lined ridge behind you. Pass a rusted yellow gate to reach an unpaved stretch of Mulholland Drive, which has a bench to look out on the valley below. On weekends expect to see trail runners and mountain bikers at this intersection. After soaking in the scenery, head back to the starting point.

Fryman Canyon Park
Distance: 2.55 miles
Route: Loop
This is perhaps the closest trail to civilization in L.A., convenient to people on both sides of the hill. Park in the Wilacre Park lot and begin climbing the paved, tree-lined Betty B. Dearing Mountain Trail. Wrap up the hillside and see the Valley expand below you on the right. Concrete gives way to a dirt straightaway. Gradually climb up the hillside, dry brush at your feet, with the occasional bench lookout, mountain biker and dog walker. Descend past the base of Tree People's Coldwater mulch-lined headquarters. Round the bowl above the canyon, past fences both wood and chain-link. A yellow gate spits you out into a residential cul-de-sac. Take Iredell Lane down the hill to Iredell St. and hang a left on Fryman Rd. to bring you past ferns and white fences both picket and modernist to get back to the Wilacre parking lot.

Getty View Trail
Distance: 3.0 miles
Route: Out And Back
To reach this aspirational hike through Bel-Air, one of L.A.'s most luxurious neighborhoods, take the Moraga Drive exit off the 405 North. Cross Sepulveda Boulevard and take an immediate left past the gas station on Bellagio Road, which becomes Casiano Road. At the dead end, park and climb the dirt and gravel. This wide fire road overlooks freeway traffic, and on the opposite ridge, The Getty Center. This hike is gradual and eventually highway sounds fade. A ridge lifts on your left and a deep canyon appears to the right, giving you rare peek behind the Bel-Air gates - from a distance. The halfway point is at, you guessed it, a gated community. Look across the 405 to see the impossibly green MountainGate Country Club golf course, and then descend the hill to where you started your hike.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Distance: 2.0 miles
Route: Out And Back
Enter this state park off La Cienega, with dusty oil derricks conjuring images of L.A. Confidential. Geese and ducks swim in Gwen Moore Lake on your right. Children's parties, bouncy castles and barbecues pop up on weekends. Take a left into the parking lot at your first opportunity, and then walk left until you reach the mouth of a fire road. Climb up the fire road, past covered benches of Autumn's Peak and Christine's Point to see Blair Hills oil derricks in full bloom. Look to your left for views of Century City, Downtown and the distant San Gabriel Mountains. Continue along the ridge until you hit the end of the line, then double back to the beginning. When you reach the base of the fire road, hang a right on Olympic Forest Drove to reach bucolic Doris' Japanese Gardens. Parking is $6.

Los Liones Trail
Distance: 3.5 miles
Route: Out And Back
Enter Los Liones right off Sunset, just up the hill from Pacific Coast Highway and the Pacific Ocean. Park on the side of the road near the first park sign you see. Park further up the road in one of the small lots if you prefer a shorter jaunt. Either way, continue north on a single-track trail that runs along a dry creek. Pass what looks like a tiny stone amphitheater on your left. Wrap up the hillside, where homes quickly give way to green ridges and birdsong. Natural roadblocks present themselves, just follow paths of least resistance. Eventually you'll reach the ridge, connecting Paseo Miramar Trail and a park bench for prized views of the Pacific Ocean, as long as the marine layer's lifted. Head back to the start or continue on Paseo Miramar if you’re looking to take your hike from easy to intermediate.

World class cultural attractions are located throughout Los Angeles, which has more museums than any other city in America. Downtown L.A.’s Exposition Park includes the California Science Center, the Natural History Museum and the California African American Museum. Museum Row features the LA County Museum of Art, the La Brea Tar Pits and the Petersen Automotive Museum. The collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum can be viewed at the Getty Center in Brentwood and the Getty Villa in Malibu. Pasadena is home to the Norton Simon Museum and the Pacific Asia Museum, while history buffs can tour the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum in Simi Valley. L.A.’s thriving gallery scene can be experienced in Chinatown, Bergamot Station and the NoHo Arts District, as well as monthly art walks.

Los Angeles has one of the most dynamic dining scenes in the country, offering everything from street food to James Beard Foundation Award Winning restaurants. From California cuisine to organic ingredients, food trucks and Winter and Summer dineL.A., L.A.’s culinary influence can be felt across the country. Food aficionados can experience the restaurants of Wolfgang Puck, Thomas Keller and Nobu Matsuhisa, as well as a new generation of culinary stars like Kogi BBQ Truck founder Roy Choi and Top Chef champion Michael Voltaggio. Global kitchens can be found in culinary neighborhoods across Los Angeles.

Shopping is one of the best activities in Los Angeles, whether it’s digging through vintage stores or window-shopping for extravagant luxury goods. The Los Angeles shopping experience begins in the sprawling LA Fashion District in Downtown LA, and from there it’s choosing from top shopping centers like The Grove, Beverly Center, Hollywood & Highland, The Americana at Brand, Third Street Promenade or Santa Monica Place. Eclectic shopping neighborhoods can be found throughout Los Angeles, while the city’s numerous museum gift shops offer a variety of unique cultural gifts. If you’ve got deep pockets, Rodeo Drive and Robertson Blvd. are must-sees, while bargain hunters will want to check out the outlets in Camarillo, the Citadel, Desert Hills and Ontario Mills.

The Grove
The Grove is a world-renowned shopping, dining and entertainment destination with unparalleled stores like Anthropologie, Apple, Michael Kors, Coach and Nordstrom. Guests are enamored with the old-fashioned trolley rides and magnificent dancing fountains that have become a “must see” in Los Angeles.

Beverly Center
Beverly Center is Southern California's premier fashion destination with more than 100 distinctive specialty boutiques reflecting the diverse styles and tastes of Los Angeles, including a paramount portfolio of luxury retailers such as Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Saint Laurent and Salvatore Ferragamo. The Center is anchored by Bloomingdale’s and Macy’s.

Santa Monica Place
Savor the moment at Santa Monica Place — a modern shopping & dining destination located in the heart of Santa Monica. The contemporary mix of stores and restaurants are designed as inspiration for your individuality. Located two blocks from the beach and just steps from Third Street Promenade, there is so much to explore so get lost in everything about Santa Monica.

The Americana at Brand
Experience the ultimate in shopping, dining, entertainment and luxury living at The Americana at Brand. From the carefully chosen boutiques to the beautiful ambiance, every care has been taken to surround you with luxury. We hope you will enjoy your time at The Americana at Brand.

The rich legacy of Los Angeles sports is filled with world championships, national titles, Hall of Famers and historic arenas. L.A. is truly the city of champions: the Lakers have won 16 NBA championships, the Dodgers have won five World Series titles, the Galaxy has won three MLS Cups, and in 2012 the Kings went on an historic run and were crowned Stanley Cup champions. L.A. is the home of NCAA titles as well, including the USC Trojans football team’s 11 National Championships and the record 108 NCAA Team Championships won by the UCLA Bruins. L.A. sports events take place in landmark arenas like the LA Coliseum, STAPLES Center, Dodger Stadium, Pauley Pavilion and the Rose Bowl. Los Angeles is the best city for weekend warriors, whether you’re looking for a pickup basketball game in Venice or a hiking trail in the mountains.

Staples Center
Home to the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Kings, Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Sparks. Available for booking corporate events or shows.

Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium is the home field of the Los Angeles Dodgers and one of the true cathedrals of Major League Baseball.

Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum
Since opening in June 1923, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum has become one of the world’s greatest sports venues, home to world-class athletes and legendary games. The Coliseum has also hosted numerous historic figures and countless special events.

Rose Bowl Stadium
The Rose Bowl Stadium is the proud home of the Tournament of Roses Football Game, UCLA Bruin Football, Americafest Fourth of July celebration, concerts and more.

StubHub Center
StubHub Center is a 125-acre, $150 million development in Carson, featuring state-of-the art stadiums and facilities for soccer, tennis, track & field, cycling, lacrosse, rugby, volleyball, baseball, softball, basketball and other sports.