UPTOURIST

Los Angeles is where the magic happens in the world’s most famous film industry, one that you have definitely heard of – Hollywood. Los Angeles is one of the most artsy and glamorous counties in the United States. Whether you are dreaming of bumping into celebrities on the street, relaxing and recharging or to explore new places, Los Angeles has it all to fulfill your dreams and desires. And I am here to give you a hand. I have compelled a list of must do activities when in Los Angeles.

But before I get into what kind of fun things to do, here’s a reminder to bear in mind when planning your trip. Public transport in Los Angeles is not very developed, nearly all locals commute by their own vehicles. It will be more convenient for you to rent a car and drive around places. However, if you don’t have a driver’s license, you can also Uber around. LA traffic during rush hours is a headache to deal with as well, so make sure you plan your schedule ahead and try to avoid getting stuck in traffic.

So here we go, activities you definitely cannot miss!

1. Beaches and Palm Trees

LA has the best weather year round. Often at the dryer side and even in winter it doesn’t get very cold. But the best time to travel to LA, I would say is during spring or summer, when the sun is out and the weather is absolutely beautiful. And what’s better to do then spending a day or two at the beach and sunbathing under one of LA’s most recognised icons – palm trees. It is also a perfect way to end the day by looking at the sunset at the beach. Here are two places that come to mind.

Santa Monica

Santa Monica is famous for its pier, beach and urban cafes and restaurants. On the pier there’s a Ferris wheel for you to get onto and appreciate a bird view of the city. With a small fee, you can also go on different amusement rides. Get down to the beach and get your holiday tan on. Stretching alongside the Pacific Coast, Santa Monica beach is one of a kind. The beach is also a surfing hotspot. Find a perfect spot and an interesting book and forget about your worries. If the beach is not for you, you can always rent a bike and explore the place. In Santa Monica, you can find amazing cuisines from all around the world, you can definitely find something that matches your taste. Santa Monica is a very vibrant area, you will have a lot of fun there.

Malibu

Another famous beach to relax on is the Malibu beaches, it is also less busy compared to Santa Monica. Malibu is a dreamy place, that’s why a lot of world’s A-list celebrities choose to reside here. Of all beaches, Zuma beach is one not to miss. Covered with soft white sand, Zuma beach is an amazing spot for you to spend some time with Mother Nature. Along the coast, there are also a lot of delicious seafood restaurants for you to indulge in.

2. The Hollywood Sign

As I mentioned earlier, Hollywood is what made LA famous. And how could one visit LA and not see the most recognised landmark ever – the Hollywood sign. Although a popular tourist site, many locals still love to hike up the mountain, look at the sign and look at the city view from up top. The hike takes around 2.5 hours to finish. It is an easy route, making it a kids’ friendly activity to do. Unfortunately, you can’t go hear the Hollywood sign as it’s surrounded by private estates. But along the trail you can see this powerful sign at all angels as well as a breathtaking city view.

3. The Hollywood Walk of Fame

You can’t visit LA and not do something celebrity related. Instead of wandering around the street praying to bump into one of your dream stars, why not take a trip down to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It’s a sidewalk that showcases the entertainment industry’s biggest achievements. Look for your favourite celebrity’s star plaque and pay tribute to it!

4. LA County Museum of Art

The LA County Museum of Art is definitely the most pictured and visited museum in town. You will definitely recognise it from afar with it’s world famous entrance, a permanent Urban Light installation designed by Chris Burden. The museum is open to visit during the day. But many choose to come back again at night, when the Urban Lights is lit up. It definitely makes the perfect pictures to show off to your friends and family!

5. Shopping

Everyone likes to break the bank a little when travelling. And being in the artsy county of the United States, LA is the perfect place to do a shopping spree. Whether you are looking for something high end or unique pieces, LA has got you covered!

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is a must go for luxury shopping. Even if you are not looking to purchase anything, this shopping paradise is worth a visit. As it is a luxurious area, all buildings look glamorous and very photogenic. Rodeo Drive has over 100 boutiques and is where most flagship stores of world-renowned high-end brands locate. Even celebrities shop there!

Finding Treasures

The ‘IT’ town for artists, celebrities and fashionistas, LA has a lot of interesting stores at every corner. You can find a lot of unique vintage or second hand stores as well as trendy independent boutiques. For those music lovers out there, there are a lot of record stores in LA, you can get your favourite album or even discover something new! Here are a few locations you might want to check out while in LA:

• The Main Street in Santa Monica
• The LA Fashion District Downtown
• Melrose Trading Post

Check them out and buy something for yourself and your loved ones back home.

LA is definitely a perfect holiday destination for all ages and people with different hobbies; it has whatever you desire. With Cathay Pacific, travelling to LA makes it easy and comfortable for you. What are you waiting for? Fly to LA now!

Cover photo credit by Roberto Nickson / Pexels