local attractions
Whether you’ve decided to make a move to LA on your own or you’re moving your family to town, you are going to love it here! Was the weather the big draw? We don’t get much rainfall and the sun loves to shine! The 72° average temperature is pretty close to perfection, too, huh?
Whatever decision led you to us, living in Los Angeles is packed with activities for every lifestyle!
Let’s look at a few “you just have to see” tourist attractions. Then, we’ll peek at some that are off the well-beaten, tourist’s path.
Santa Monica Pier
It’s been a place both tourists and locals love for over 100 years. The Santa Monica Pier is home to the Pacific Park amusement park. The sensational, solar-paneled Ferris wheel and original 1920’s carousel housed in the Looff Hippodrome make it a must-see. You’ll make the trip more than once while living here. It’s that appealing!
With our beautiful, balmy weather, the pier is open year-round. However, during the summer and well into fall, you can come down for free movies, concerts, and other excellent attractions. By the way, they are all free.
Hollywood Walk of Home
We might be jumping from the coast right into Hollywood, but if you’re looking, there are things to do every inch of the way. Moreover, when you step onto that famous sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard and can’t help but break into your best Fred Astaire, we’ll understand.
There’s just something about those stars that can make you feel like dancing but watch your step. These sidewalks filled with tourists and street performers vying for your attention stay pretty crowded.
It is what it is which is LA at it’s finest!
While following the trail of over 2,600 stars, you can check out TCL Chinese Theatre and the historic Hollywood Roosevelt hotel. Remember to pause at Sunset Boulevard and Bronson Avenue for a clear view selfie of you and the distant Hollywood Sign.
Venice Canals
The canals were fulfilling the dream of developer Abbot Kinney to recreate those found in Venice, Italy. The Venice Canals built in 1905, eventually fell into disrepair and were filled. Others, built in 1910 by other developers, were restored in the 1990s.
If your new home is near the Canals, you chose well! What a beautiful place to live! The colors are vibrant! It is pretty spectacular here. The vibe is peaceful and serene.
It was not our intent to turn this into the best place to take a selfie article, but, wow!
Runyon Canyon Park
It’s 160 acres of hiking trails located in the heart of Los Angeles!
Seriously, you’ll find Runyon Canyon Park just two blocks north of Hollywood Boulevard. It’s a favorite place for tourists and locals.
It’s a large area for hiking, but the sheer number of hikers, joggers, and walkers makes it pretty crowded. Celebrity spottings are a huge perk, however. It’s so close to Hollywood Hills!
Griffith Park
Travel a bit east, though, friend. We want to make sure you know about this treasured spot.
Griffith Park is host to 50 miles of hiking trails that are little used by tourists. You’ll also find Bronson Canyon.
And, Holy Hideout! The Bronson Caves are where you would find Batman’s lair during the filming of the original 1961 TV show.
The Griffith Observatory perches up on the hill just below the Hollywood sign. It is worthy of making this list in its own right, stargazing at it’s finest!
Just look down that hill, will you? The view of the city we love is just as breathtaking!
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Not the typical mood anticipated in a cemetery, the nights here are fun-filled!
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of the oldest cemeteries in Los Angeles. Nestled in the heart of the city, it proves to live up to its name. The Hollywood Sign is visible as you look through the front gates. Turn around and you’re looking at the back of the historic Paramount Studios.
The resting place of so many celebrities is celebrated with classic movies and concerts all summer long. It’s a BYO kind of atmosphere from something to sit on to food and drinks. Worried about parking? Don’t be. A quick online search yields a host of places where you can call ahead and reserve a spot!
It tends to sell out fast, so check the schedule and come early!
You’ll want to stake your claim on a piece of lawn.
Secret Stairs
Maybe they aren’t as secret as they used to be, but we’ll call them that forever!
Back before our multitude of highways so intricately connected Los Angeles residents to schools, markets and everywhere else, a series of more than 400 staircases did the job. Built in the 1920s, the staircases sprung up around steep hillside communities. They reach as far as Pasadena and can even be found on Catalina Island.
Most of them are still open to the public.
They lead everywhere and provide some spectacular views of the city.
Los Angeles River
We have amazing beaches! However, the Los Angeles River is another destination that you will want to check out. The river begins in Canoga Park, flows right through the San Fernando Valley, then continues to make its way right through Downtown LA. You won’t find the mouth of the river until you reach Long Beach where it pours into the Pacific Ocean.
Stretching across fifty-one miles, the Los Angeles River was vital to the founding of the City of Los Angeles. Prior to becoming the city that it is today, the river was essential to the thriving farming community. Its rushing waters irrigated crops of corn, wheat, grapes and, of course, fruit orchards.
After numerous catastrophic floods affected the city, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers stabilized the river in the late 1930s. Concrete walls were constructed to contain floodwaters.
Guided trips allow you to kayak down the river taking in its beauty and learning about the push to preserve the area at it undergoes a revitalization process.
Improv Theatres
Are you rubbing your head in wonder as to “How did they come up with that?” Then, you must have found your way to one of LA’s fabulous improv theatres! They are sprinkled about the city just waiting for you to discover your favorites. The great thing is, tickets are rarely over $10!
And, speaking of theatrics…
We’ve tried to list places that would appeal to new families moving to Los Angeles, but also to the single sector, as well. On that same token, we have to mention a trip to Anaheim. It’s just minutes away, and, of course, there you will find…
Disneyland
The original home of Walt Disney’s dream, the entire park was built under his direct supervision. Since opening its doors on July 17th, 1955, Disneyland has grown to be one of the most popular vacation destinations worldwide.
There is no way we could ever dissuade a local from visiting. Its charm is captivating. Beauty surrounds you at every turn. Not to mention, the rides!
It’s the magical kingdom!
You must go!
Living in Los Angeles is a dream come true for some. We think you’ll find when you are a resident of this great city; it’s a matter of living the dream every single day.
