Places to Go in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the place to be in if you are looking for a fun-filled weekend getaway. Well, there's no way you can be content in just a weekend, you will have to extend your holiday schedule for few more days as there is so much to see and do.

When one thinks of Los Angeles, Hollywood crops up in the mind but believe me, there is so much more to this vibrant city than the Tinseltown and you will delightfully explore each and every corner of different tourist attractions. Check out these incredible places in Los Angeles which would give you the much-needed break from your daily mundane life.

Situated south to downtown Los Angeles, this is 1 of the iconic places which attracts thousands of people every year. Being around 1134 feet above sea level, it is visible from most parts of Los Angeles. The given name of the observatory is because it is built on the land denoted by Col. Griffith J. Griffith. It was opened for public viewing on May 14, 1935.

This landmark had seen its fair share of film shootings and cinematic stars. Movies like Terminator, The Rocketeer, Transformers, Charlie's Angels Full Throttle, House on Haunted Hill, etc. featured Griffith observatory in several scenes.

If you are going to Los Angeles with kids, then this is the place to visit. Kids will not only relish this cinematic experience, but also get some educational insights.

Call it Olvera street or La Placita Olvera, this street is in fact a vividly colorful village having around 27 historically important buildings including a Mexican plaza area.

This place is accredited to be the birthplace of Los Angeles and offers some truly authentic Mexican cuisines, Mexican shops along with some great Mexican music and dancing, fiestas and celebrations. It is one of the fun places in Los Angeles and you definitely don't wanna give it a miss.

This magical place is located in the Los Angeles county, just 22 miles away from south-west of Los Angeles. Also known as Catalina island or Catalina, this island boasts of a rich history and culture. This island was first occupied by Tongva.

But in the 15th century, Spanish explorers laid claim on it and from there on, it held on to its Spanish roots even through Russian hunters, barbarous Yankee pirates and wandering fishermen. Catalina island is known for its scenic beauty, and robust culture. If you have come all the way to Los Angeles, you have to visit such a marvelous place.

Since you are going to Los Angeles city, you will be hunting for good dining and wining places. Your search ends at Chinatown as your olfactory, visual and auditory senses will delight in the aroma and sight of this place. Great food, with remarkably good souvenirs to take home is what you need to make this trip truly memorable.

You are going to find there 'everything you need' and 'everything you don't need but still wanna buy'. From porcelain craft items, jade and wood paintings, herbs, tea, books, art supplies, book stores to fancy restaurants and even banking institutions, this Chinese dragon has everything to beckon the tourist to its lair.

Santa Monica is a seaside bustling town which is surrounded by the city of Los Angeles from three sides. Situated in the Los Angeles county, this town offers a unique and breathtaking California beach experience.

A day tour of the town visiting the art galleries and museum, and a night life including live music bars and discos are not the only things this place offer its visitors, there's plenty more!

You can enjoy a whole lot more in this place if you are the outdoorsy type due to an array of outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, biking, beach volleyball, old-fashioned agile gymnastics, etc. which are available just for you.

One place you will be craving to visit since setting foot in this city is Hollywood. Pay homage to the stars whom you dreamed about. If you are lucky, you can even get a glimpse of some of the celebrities you read about in the tabloids.

The trip to Hollywood begins with Grauman's Chinese theater and goes on to Madame Tussauds, Hollywood wax museum, etc. Another good way to revel the sights and sounds of the Tinseltown is to buy a Hollywood CityPASS which will take you on a tour of Hollywood's four must-see attractions.

Hailed as the entertainment capital of Los Angeles, Universal Studios Hollywood comprises a studio and a theme park. It is a fun place which you can visit with your kids. Your family will love the studio tour, many rides and shows, photos ops with their favorite stars along with some fine dining and shopping extravaganza.

Just outside this theme park, you will also find the luxury hotels like Universal Hilton, Sheraton Hotel and Resorts where you can pamper yourself with a true celebrity experience.

The Queen Mary is a retired ocean liner which is permanently anchored at the Long Beach. Nowadays, it is operated as a museum ship and hotel. The ship is enlisted in the National Register of historical places and is a major tourist attraction.

This ship sailed on its maiden voyage in the North Atlantic Ocean in 1936 and till 1967, it transported people across seas in style. During world war two, it was used as a troopship to carry the soldiers to the battlefields.

Near to Los Angeles River, this area is the business hub of the city. It is also the home to Los Angeles's freeway network and metro rail. With skyscrapers everywhere, it is not difficult to get overwhelmed by the bright lights of various edifices. Discover the night life of this vibrant city where you can find the coolest things to see, taste & experience.

Get an extra bag to carry all the stuff you could not stop yourself from buying. If you like things quiet, then just chill at Watercourt of California Plaza where you can escape from the hustle-bustle of traffic and indulge in some fun-filled outdoor entertainment.

Since you are in Los Angeles, visiting the upmarket and star-studded neighborhood called Beverly Hills is a must. Situated in the western side of Los Angeles, it is surrounded by Bel-Air, equally affluent Holmby Hills and Santa Monica mountains. It shares its boundaries with West Hollywood.

Make sure that you find the time to visit Rodeo Drive where you can shop to your heart's content. If you are looking for high-end fashion and designer labels, then this place won't disappoint you.

• Topanga State Park
• Huntington Botanical Garden
• Mulholland Drive
• Echo Park
• Sunset Strip
• Hollywood Bowl
• L A Live
• Hollyhock House
• Venice Beach

• Descanso Garden
• Aquarium of the Pacific
• Sunset Ranch Hollywood
• Tujunga Village
• Little Tokyo
• Los Feliz
• LA Jewelry District
• Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
• Runyon Canyon Park
• Will Rogers State Historic Park

Los Angeles is not only a place to see your favorite stars close and personal, but it also has myriad attractions for tourists of different tastes. If your budget is quite low, then also this city offers you plenty of sightseeing opportunities without breaking your bank. So, visit this city and get inspired by its magnificence.