Los Angeles is the land of superlatives, and we’re the first to admit that we claim “best of” status for anything ranging from world movie premieres to acclaimed five-star restaurants. When it comes right down to it, people visit because we’ve got the cream of the crop and we’re not shy about saying it. Here’s a quick list of the best things to do while you’re here. If you’re a Los Angeles expert, visit our Facebook page and drop us a comment about your ideas for the best place in LA to...
See a Concert
The easy picks are Los Angeles concert venues that visitors across the globe know about: Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall for its groundbreaking design, and the Hollywood Bowl for summertime bliss. Located in Silver Lake, the Satellite, formerly known as Spaceland, is the venerable indie venue that launched Beck and the Foo Fighters to international stardom. The Hollywood Palladium is another legendary LA music venue where top names in the music industry are known to be on the marquee. If you’re looking for a place to see a show that’s historic and expertly restored, The Wiltern is one of those venues that’s so easy on the eyes, it can almost steal the show. The Microsoft Theater L.A. Live gets rave reviews for its intimate seating arrangement (7,100 people never looked so cozy and comfortable) and incredibly tight acoustics.
Find Your New Outfit (Without Spending a Fortune)
Yes, a lot of people do look like movie stars in Los Angeles, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend your entire paycheck to dress like Jennifer Aniston. LA’s thrift shops, vintage stores and outlets make it easy to save your dough and turn heads at the same time. Spend a day at Citadel Outlets for brand-name paradise, or drop into West LA's Rufcut for the best selection of vintage jeans around.
Take Your Pet
Laurel Canyon Dog Park is the crown jewel of Los Angeles’s pet kingdom because of its 24-hour access and a big singles scene, but if you want another option, Runyon Canyon Park is the way to go. Celebs tend to take their pooches here, so keep your eyes open for sightings. To pamper your pets with even more love and attention, check out LA’s collection of pet-friendly hotels for some special treatment. Sheraton Universal, for example, features special pet beds and treats, and the Hotel Palomar welcomes pets for no additional fee or deposit.
Have a Drink
We know this topic always causes quite a stir, but somebody has to do the dirty work. One of the best places for beer is Father’s Office in Culver City, with an impressive number of craft brews on tap and the much-coveted “Office Burger.” For atmosphere, visitors need to stop by the Figueroa Hotel, with its Moroccan-themed Veranda Bar sporting exotic flair. Lounge lovers head to The Edison, which features a modern industrial style that hipsters gush over.
Take a Date
With so many gorgeous beaches and such great year-round weather, LA’s coastal setting provides some of the best date spots in the country. If you’re looking for a setting that says romance loud and clear, choose any one of our eight great beaches. Go for a late-afternoon stroll along the sandy shore and then head to an oceanfront restaurant for drinks and dinner. Other romantic spots in LA include the Griffith Observatory, where you can get swept away in a universe of stars and enjoy some of the best views of the city, or head to LACMA for a photo-op with the iconic street lamp installation.
Enjoy Some Time With the Kids
The major players, such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Skirball Cultural Center and Pacific Park, are all must-visits for a reason. They’re packed with fun, and the kids love them. Still, we have a special place in our hearts for Storyopolis, a local Encino bookstore that is simple, down-to-earth and helpful. Besides having a vast array of books and a friendly staff, Storyopolis offers storytelling sessions and kid-friendly events for bonding experiences with your children.