11 Places You Need To Check Out In LA

Welcome to the City of Angels! Here are some places that'll make you fall in love with it as much as the locals have!

First off, Venice Beach

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If you’re looking to relax and have some drinks, park it at one of the rooftop bars. Looking to be a little more active? Rent some bikes and cruise up and down the boardwalk. Looking to shop till you drop? You’ll find plenty of local vendors and brand-name stores.

Lake Hollywood Park

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This is the ultimate tourist hack. From here, you can get that iconic picture of the Hollywood sign without having to hike to it. And because this park is a favorite for locals and their furbabies, there will be plenty of cute doggies for you to pet.

PS: If you have the time (and desire), the Griffith Park hike that takes you to the Hollywood sign can be a great activity. You can even ride a horse!

Griffith Observatory

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Some believe aliens exist. Others believe their destiny is written in the stars. And there are also those who don’t believe in either. But regardless of what you believe, you’ll have a great time at the Observatory. Inside, you’ll teleport to a world of space exploration and witness cool things like giant sparks from a Tesla coil. Outside, you’ll be in awe of the views, and on certain occasions, you’ll even get views of outer space, thanks to the telescopes set up for visitors.

The Movie Studios

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No need to be a movie buff to love this activity; witnessing some behind-the-scenes movie magic is something everyone can enjoy. And with four different movie studio tours to pick from (Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, Sony Pictures Studio Tours, Paramount Studios Tour, Universal Studios Hollywood Tour), you’re bound to find just what you’re looking for.

The Last Bookstore

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This magical bookstore will make you want to read even if books “aren’t your thing.” Don’t be shy — explore! The second floor has some prime ’gram-worthy opportunities, galleries, and shops. Get artsy, get creative, and get nerdy!

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

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Whether you’re a baller on a budget or actually looking to splurge, head to the coolest street in LA, Abbot Kinney Boulevard, for cool bars, delicious restaurants, and a chill vibe.

The Intersection of Grand and 2nd in DTLA

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This intersection has so much to offer. In one corner, you have the Disney Concert Hall. You can admire it from the outside, book a tour inside, or even catch a magnificent performance of the LA Philharmonic there. In the opposite corner, you can check out the Broad museum — you know, #infinityroom. And across the street, you have the Museum of Contemporary Art. After all that fun, you’ll probably be hungry, so why not ride down Angels Flight and get some food at Grand Central Market?

Two Bit Circus Micro Amusement Park

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Let out your inner kid with escape rooms, VR rooms, and arcade games. For big kids, there's also a full drink menu to enjoy!

Highland Park Bowl

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If you’re traveling with kids, this is a great place to have some fun for the whole family. This building was built during the Prohibition Era, so while your kids throw gutter balls, enjoy the incredible menu and gorgeous design.

The Magic Castle

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This last one is a bit of a stretch because even locals have a hard time getting in. But, if you plan ahead, you might be able to get some tickets by reaching out to a magician — and it will be totally worth it! Even if you don’t believe in magic, their magic show will have you believe!