Surf Bus | Photo by stevewillard, Flickr

One of the best things about traveling is learning something new. In Los Angeles, you'll find a variety of interesting classes that can help you on your mission. There is, of course, the most quintessential LA lesson — learning how to surf — but you also could head home with a newfound ability to take amazing pictures or assemble a mean sushi roll.

Here are five fun things you can learn how to do in LA:

1. Master a Childhood Toy

The hula hoop was invented in California, so there's no better place to master (or re-master) the whimsical activity. Relive your childhood while burning calories at Hoopnotica, a fitness studio/program that combines the fine art of the hula-hoop with high-energy dance moves for a low-impact, yet highly effective workout. Never perfected the hip-swivel? Hoopnotica offers beginner hoop classes that are designed to be fun, not frustrating. 

2. Cook Like an LA Chef

For a memorable alternative to eating out, grab some friends and tap into your inner Wolfgang Puck at L.A. Food Works, which offers hands-on cooking classes for parties of eight or more. Prepare a gourmet meal in a welcoming kitchen under the friendly tutelage of chef instructors, then sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Everyone leaves with a recipe packet, so you can relive your epicurean adventures at home. 

3. Catch a Wave

There are few things as quintessentially Southern California as surfing, and the instructors at Learn to Surf LA are experts at getting newbies up on their boards — in fact, they nearly guarantee it. Sign up for a private or group lesson at one of six LA-area locations and find out why the sport has so many die-hard fans in Los Angeles. 

4. Shoot Cutting-Edge Photos

Old-school, analogue Lomography cameras are popping up in the hands of hip photographers — amateur and pro— around the world, and Los Angeles boasts one of the rare places you can walk in and try one out. So ditch your digital camera and learn how to take artistic, wall-worthy pics at the Lomography Gallery Store LA. The venue celebrates this experimental, unorthodox form of photography and hosts $10 workshops that’ll teach you how to master the quirky, creative side of vintage picture taking.

5.  Roll a California Roll

Love to watch the sushi chef roll your hamachi? Learn how to create your own sushi masterpieces with a sushi class at the California Sushi Academy. If you don’t know nigiri from sashimi, sign up for the school’s basic class. Ready to tackle more technical skills? The advanced class will get you started on improving your knife skills, presentation and more.