12 Things to do (and some NOT TO DO) in Los Angeles - USA Travel Guide

The beating heart of Southern California, Los Angeles is known throughout the world for its glamorous lifestyle, the stars of the international jet set, the beaches, sport and the almost obsessive pursuit of beauty. Headquarters of the cinema industry, in the "City of Angels", however, not everything revolves only around the magical world of cinema, TV, stars and starlets. Hollywood is in fact only a part of this great metropolis. There are many neighborhoods, each one different from the other. Dream villas and designer shops are the undisputed protagonists of Beverly Hills, while skyscrapers and offices make up the skyline of the frenetic Downtown.

1.Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive.

Los Angeles' most glamorous shopping street located in the equally glitzy Beverly Hills neighborhood. Frequented by movie stars (for fans we recommend the tour of the movie stars' homes), its windows show off the most prestigious brands. A succession of shops among the most expensive and luxurious on the planet, where you can find the most elegant models of the most prestigious brands. It is one of the streets most immortalized in hundreds of films, from Pretty Woman to Beverly Hills Cop, just to name a few.

Along Rodeo Drive are world-renowned brands and design-related names. The boutiques are furnished with styles that clearly identify the brand. So here is Valentino red and Armani black, Jimmy Choo's trendy shoes, Louis Vuitton trunk bags, Madame Chanel's timeless creations, Lacoste T-shirts with the famous crocodile and the timeless jewels of Tiffany and Cartier. And there is even a showcase displaying Porsche cars!

2. Hollywood Blvd and Walk of Fame.

Hollywood Boulevard is the most important street in Hollywood and bisects the neighborhood.
The best known stretch is certainly the Walk of Fame, the most photographed sidewalk in the world that pays tribute to the most famous artists.

Along Hollywood Boulevard there is also the Dolby Theater (where the Oscar ceremony takes place); the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum and many exclusive venues frequented by VIPs and dreamers looking for a chance.

3. Griffith Observatory and Hollywood sign.

The immortalized "Hollywood" sign, which stands out on the hill, is clearly visible from here, from the Griffith Observatory. With 1 million visitors a year, it's the most popular attraction in Griffith Park, a large conservation area of mountains and canyons at the tip of the Santa Monica Mountains. It is an Art Deco building which houses large telescopes, various exhibitions and a spectacular planetarium, the Samuel Oschin Planetarium.

The Hollywood sign has been overlooking Los Angeles since 1923, originally "Hollywoodland". Appearing in countless films and TV series, each letter, made of metal foil, is 15 meters high, and was originally lit by light bulbs. It was born as a billboard for a new real estate development project.

The park is immense; there are over 80 km of trails, some of which reach Mount Hollywood which, with its 495 meters high, is the highest point in the area. In Griffith Park there is also a theater, the Greek Theater, and a zoo.

4. Universal Studios.

Thematic amusement park where visitors can experience the magic of cinema firsthand. In fact, Universal Studios represents a world of magic and fantasy in which to immerse yourself in your favorite films and TV series. Developed in thematic areas, there are attractions, themed restaurants and tour possibilities like being inside a real set!

Among the best known areas, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the most fairy-tale area of the park with the wonderful Hogwards castle in the centre, around which there are various mechanical games. Simposon lovers will be able to visit Springfield and grab a beer at Moe or shop for goods at Apu.

The Studio Tour takes visitors around the most famous film sets of the Studios, from Back to the Future to Pirates of the Caribbean, from the homes of the protagonists of Desperate Housewives to the motel of Psycho. Other tours even feature special effects and stunts!
The priority entrance ticket is highly recommended in order not to waste the day in the queue and the round-trip transport to arrive in comfort without the stress of parking or transport.

5. Disneyland.

The first amusement park opened by the Walt Disney Company and the only one opened in 1955 by Walt Disney himself. Ideal for spending a day of fun, even with children!

Like all amusement parks, Disneyland is also divided into thematic areas. Main Street has the look of the classic American town of the early twentieth century, while Tomorrowland, projected into the future, features Star Wars as the main attraction. Magical atmosphere in Fantasyland, inhabited by fairy tale characters.

Frontierland is an ode to America of yesteryear: in this area we find the Mark Twain Riverboat and the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad that evoke the era of boats and pirates. New Orleans instead boasts all the charm of the French Quarter from which it takes its name; while African and South-East Asian atmospheres are breathed in Adventureland. Strictly in theme with the city, Hollywood Land is the miniature reproduction of a large film set. The typical amusement park rides are at Paradise Pier while fans of the cartoon of the same name cannot fail to visit Cars Land.

6. Venice Beach.

The hippie area of Los Angeles has long been known as the eccentric "Mecca of California". A bohemian place that attracts artists, New Agers, vagabonds, wacky types and free spirits.

Strolling on the Venice Boardwalk, the wide promenade, means meeting numerous street artists and souvenir sellers, being amazed by the amazing acrobatics performed in the Skate-park, admiring the ubiquitous murals (mainly painted by the famous artist Rip Cronk) and observing -builders train in the Muscle Beach. On the opposite side, a succession of small New Age-style shops and kiosks selling protein products for super fit people.

The name is not accidental: Venice represents in fact the dream come true of the builder Abbot Kinney who, in 1905, managed to create the so-called "Venice of America", with a system of artificial canals (30 km) inserted in a pleasant residential and entertainment complex.

7. Santa Monica.

The route of the legendary Route 66 begins (or ends) here, but Santa Monica is also famous for being one of the many icons of Los Angeles. In particular, the famous Pier (the pier) has been its symbol since 1908. A bike tour of Santa Monica with stops in the most iconic places is highly recommended.

Every day, street artists, street vendors, various street-food kiosks, sweets and ice creams, and rides crowd the famous walkway. And in the background, the unmistakable silhouette of the Ferris wheel. Loved not only by tourists but also by locals, it is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a bite to eat at one of the many stalls and for enjoying the various attractions. And if you want to rest after so much fun, there is a large beach all around to relax!

8. Malibu.

Rich coastal town, elegant but relaxed, home to many celebrities. Stretching over 27 miles (43 km) along the Pacific Coast Hwy, it's a succession of natural beauties: coastal rolling hills, pristine coves, wide golden sand beaches and glorious surf.

The most beautiful, and probably the most famous beach in Malibu is El Matador. Malibu Pier is where you can stroll, fish without a license (rod rentals available on site), and watch the surfers at work. A bit kitsch, given its location, in Malibu there is also a copy of a Roman villa, the Getty Villa. Malibu is also one of the ideal destinations to visit with children. Recommended to go there during the week when it is not crowded.

9. Bel Air.

Known above all thanks to the 90s series with Will Smith and the TV series in which he was the protagonist, "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air", it is one of the most exclusive residential neighborhoods in Los Angeles. Inside, there are some of the most luxurious villas in the city surrounded by huge grounds. Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Aniston, Michael Jackson, Taylor Swift or Ronald Reagan are just some of the celebrities who have decided to settle here.

From a tourist point of view there is not much to see. However, many people visit it through organized tours to see the locations of TV series and to try to find the villas of the famous, or even just to take a picture with the entrance sign to the neighborhood.

10. Mulholland Drive.

The most evocative panoramic road in all of Los Angeles: uphill, it winds through parks and panoramic points where the sumptuous villas of the wealthy of Hollywood are hidden surrounded by greenery, between flower gardens and shady woods. Here live, or have lived, celebrities such as Madonna, Jack Nicholson, John Lennon, Roman Polanski, Marlon Brando, Demi Moore and Bruce Willis. There is no shortage of ocean views, mountain landscapes and canyons.

It's an experience that all lovers of director David Lynch, but not only them, should do! Even if fans of the "Mulholland Drive" film, mindful of the car accident that the initial protagonist has at the beginning of the film on one of these curves, will drive with a touch of anxiety!

11. Warner Bros Studios.

Warner Bros. Studios are not the classic cinematic theme park, but real recording studios that are constantly changing according to the needs of the shows and television series that are currently being filmed there. The available tours will take you not only to the backlots (buildings or constructions suitable for a particular shooting) of popular productions ("Casablanca", "Batman", "Friends", ...) but will also allow you to explore the behind the scenes of the successful production that is currently being recorded in the studios.

It goes without saying that the tours do not always remain similar to themselves, but often vary, even from month to month, depending on the availability of the structures to visit and above all on what is being done at the moment. For this reason it is strongly recommended to visit the official website to find out what you can see during your tour.

12. Olivera Street.

A beautiful street dedicated to the Mexican origins of the city. Los Angeles was in fact founded in 1781 by Spanish religious who settled right in the vicinity of this road. Consisting of 19th century buildings, the street, like the entire neighborhood, is a succession of small folk craft shops and traditional restaurants. Cheerful music, bright colors and spicy scents, these are the ingredients of Olivera Street. And, let's not forget, only Spanish is heard here!

Walking peacefully and letting yourself be enchanted by the local atmosphere is the best way to experience the area to the fullest. But to get to know the local history in a little more depth, we point out some of the best and most significant buildings. Avila Adobe is the oldest house in Los Angeles built in 1818, Our Lady Queen of Angels Church is known as "La Placida", Sepulveda House houses a museum commemorating the area's past.

Warnings.

Don't use public transport.

the car, despite the crazy traffic is the best way to get around the city. If you can, don't use public transport but rent a car and take UBER/LYFT.

Be careful where you smoke.

Considering that cigarettes cost a lot in the USA and you bought them at the duty free of your airport, you have to respect some rules if you want to smoke your cigarette. Before booking the hotel, ask if it has smoking areas, you cannot smoke in the car you have rented, you cannot smoke in the local markets, you cannot smoke just outside the restaurants, you have to move away at least 30 meters.

Avoid buying maps on the street

Avoid the hawkers of maps pointing the way on the Walk of Fame. Maps are often fake or outdated.