Things To Do In Los Angeles If You Like To Kick It Like A Local

When in LA, do as Los Angelinos do.

OK, there's absolutely nothing wrong with being a tourist in an exciting new city. You're traveling so have fun! Of course, if tourist attractions aren't really your thing and you'd prefer to experience Los Angeles like a local, here are a few ideas on things to do.

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1. Try street tacos — don't sleep on this!

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The humble street taco will be one of the best tacos you'll ever try. Seriously, nothing beats the $1.50 asada on corn tortilla from the stall posted up at a Van Nuys parking lot off the 170. You'll often see these stalls on sidewalks by grocery stores, parking lots, or at parks. You know it's good when you see a long line curving around the corner.

2. See the evening cityscape from Mulholland Drive.

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No need to book a table at an expensive rooftop bar for a view of the LA skyline. Here's what you should do instead: Go on an evening cruise through Mulholland Drive until you hit Universal City Overlook. There, you'll get sweeping views of the valley, with twinkling city lights that sprawl out to meet the horizon.

3. Score some great finds at a flea market.

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Every second Sunday of every month, Angelinos from all over the city flock to Pasadena with a singular goal in mind: Scoring. Great. Vintage. Finds. That's right, folks. Welcome to the Rose Bowl Flea Market, an event boasting hundreds of vendors selling antiques, vintage clothing, art, furniture — everything you could ever want!

4. Step away from it all by going on a hike.

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Los Angeles really has something for everyone. City folks can loiter at trendy cafes downtown while the more nature-leaning individuals can explore everything Mother Earth has to offer, all within an hour from the city. You can hike up the coast for beautiful ocean views, trek to the Hollywood sign. There are even hikes to waterfalls!

5. End a fun night out with LA hotdogs.

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Ah yes, the LA hotdog, a staple of nightlife. You'll smell these bacon-wrapped snacks before you even see 'em. Go ahead, follow your nose to the guy outside the club grilling sausages, bell peppers, and onions on a cart. It's the perfect way to end the evening.

6. Explore the local music scene.

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If you're the type of person who likes to boast, "I knew that band before they were popular!" then you'll enjoy exploring LA's local music scene. There are plenty of music venues up and down Sunset and Vine (there's even a song about it somewhere...), where big musicians got their start. 

7. Spend a day oohing and aahing at cool art.

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OK sure, going to a museum is probably on the top 10 things to do for tourists, but even locals enjoy spending an entire weekend immersing themselves in art. Start your day at your museum of choice, have a little picnic in the outdoor areas, and end it with a nice dinner at any of the surrounding restaurants. 

8. Eat, drink, and dog-watch at a brewery.

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If you want to do something relaxing with a group of friends, check out one of the breweries in the Arts District. Many of these places offer games, an outdoor area where you can soak in some sun, and a food truck for snacks. The best part? Some of these breweries are dog friendly (eeep!) so you can dog-watch to your heart's content.

9. Catch a movie outdoors.

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They don't call it "sunny California" for nothing. With LA's (usually) temperate weather, afternoons are bright and warm while evenings are nice and cool. Lay out a blanket, bring your cheese board, and enjoy a movie night under the stars. You'll find events like these at a rooftop, a park — there's even one at a cemetery!

10. Live a foodie's dream at a Smorgasburg.

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Food lovers, boy, do I have the event for you. Every Sunday, ROW DTLA holds a food fest where you can enjoy dishes of all kinds, from chicken barbecue skewers to giant xiaolongbaos you slurp with a straw and garlic chicken shrimp served in a pineapple. (A pineapple!)

You, as soon as you land in LA:

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