Attractions in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the center of the entertainment industry, home to movie studios, famous celebrities, and celebrated musicians, so it's no wonder than it's also a major tourist attraction. LA is the second largest city in the United States and has a wide variety of attractions to match, offering things to do for people of all ages and interests. Here's a quick breakdown of some of Los Angeles' hottest tourist attractions.
Hollywood
Hollywood and Los Angeles have become synonymous since the inception of the movie industry back in the early 1900s. LA is a mecca for aspiring actors and actresses as well as the home to the Hollywood elite. Hollywood and the stars are undoubtedly LA's biggest tourist attraction.
No visit to Hollywood would be complete without a trip to Grauman's Chinese Theater. This iconic landmark located on Hollywood Boulevard is home to the hand and footprints of the stars, all captured on the concrete sidewalk outside the theater. The theater also is the location of many movie premiers where stars walk the famed red carpet. There are also daily tours offered.
After Grauman's Theater, perhaps the next biggest attraction in Hollywood is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Walk of fame features stars embedded into the sidewalk, featuring the names of the entertainment industry's greatest stars. Tourist can follow the Walk of Fame, which is located on both Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street, and find the stars belonging to their favorite celebrities.
There are also several tours operating out of Hollywood and Beverley Hills which offer sightseeing tours of the homes of movie stars of the past and present. If guided tours are not of interest, maps are available for those wishing to proceed on foot alone.
Theme Parks
Los Angeles is home to many world famous theme parks. These parks are enjoyable for all ages, even if someone doesn't like rides.
Disneyland was the first mega theme park designed by the legendary Walt Disney. Disneyland offers multi-day passes.
Universal Studios is a real, working studio and theme park all rolled up into one. Visitors can take the famous studio tour, ride state of the art rides, and learn how movies are made in behind the scenes based shows.
For those wanting to ride more roller coasters, Six Flags Magic Mountain offers dozens of high flying and fast coasters of varying intensity and speed.
Museums
Top art exhibits always make a stop at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The museum houses permanent collections with art from every major movement in Western history.
The J. Paul Getty Museum houses a good collection of art, but the building itself is the main attraction. Designed, but architect Richard Meier, the Getty museum is a wonder of modern architecture.
The Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits features fossils from prehistoric animals that were preserved in the tar pits found in the area. The skeletons of North American mega fauna like the mammoth and saber tooth tiger can be found here.
Other Attractions
Los Angeles is famous for its beaches. Visit Venice Beach to get a taste of the Southern California culture.
Rodeo Drive has become synonymous with over the top, expensive, and exclusive shopping. Tourists don't need unlimited wallets to visit and celebrity watch, but if they want to buy something, it won't hurt.