Things to do<\/b><\/h2>\n
LA is a mega city, composed of many different cultures and events. So you have to think about what kind of trip you are planning to have — general sightseeing, experience\/active or educational. While I have organized my list by the types of vacation, there\u2019s no reason why you can\u2019t mix them up.<\/p>\n
A. General Sightseeing<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\nIf it\u2019s your first time in LA, here are a few of the must-see places.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
LACMA<\/a>, the largest art museum in the western United States, is known for works of art that mirrors the city\u2019s rich cultural heritage and uniquely diverse population. Its most popular artwork Urban Light<\/i> — made up of 202 cast-iron street lamps collected from the streets of LA and restored for the piece — has been unofficially adopted as the symbol of the city.<\/p>\nGeneral admission fee is $25, but students with a valid ID can get in for $21. You can also get <\/span>free general admission<\/span><\/a> on the second Tuesday of every month and on the following federal holidays: Martin Luther King Day, Presidents\u2019 Day and Memorial Day.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/LACMA2.jpeg\")
Image: Hayoung Woo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n- \n
Famous Boulevards<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
LA\u2019s two famous LA boulevards — Rodeo Drive<\/a> and the Grove<\/a> — are a must for a shopping spree — or just window-shopping if you\u2019re a broke student like I was on my visit.<\/p>\nRodeo Drive — just three blocks in Beverly Hills — is the center of luxury, fashion and lifestyle. Here, you can find big brands like Dior, Coach, Bulgari and more.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/rodeo-drive.jpg\")
Rodeo Drive<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Grove is also a popular fashion and lifestyle destination with a mix of retail, dining and entertainment choices.<\/p>\n
At either of these famous boulevards, don\u2019t be too surprised to see some of your favorite celebs walking around with an ice cream cone just like you.<\/p>\n
When I was at the Grove, I walked past Beyonce and instantly my mouth dropped, but quickly realized this was normal to people in Beverly HIlls, tried so hard to scrape back any cool left inside of me — but failed. I mean, it was Beyonce. No shame.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Hollywood Walk of Fame<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Day or night, you can always stroll along the famous Walk of Fame<\/a> and learn about the celebrities that are honored. You can also enjoy the street performers on the sidewalk.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Hollywood_boulevard_from_kodak_theatre.jpg\")
Image: Diliff [CC BY-SA 3.0 or GFDL], from Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>Don\u2019t miss the TLC Chinese Theatre<\/a>, the most iconic movie palace in the world, for a picture of your favorite celeb\u2019s handprint. The theatre hosts more than 50 events a year, including movie premieres, imprint ceremonies and film festivals, and continues to make Hollywood history.<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re a sushi fan, don\u2019t hesitate to stop by Sugarfish<\/a> in Hollywood. It\u2019s one of the best affordable sushi place nearby.<\/p>\n\n- \n
Santa Monica Beach<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Grab your swimsuits and sunscreen and head to the Santa Monica Beach<\/a>. Filled with food stands and carnival rides, the Santa Monica Pier is the perfect one-stop shop for all summer events.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/santa-monica-pier.jpg\")
Santa Monica Pier<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhen it gets too crowded on the beach, take about a 10-minute walk to the Third Street Promenade<\/a>, an outdoor shopping area filled with amazing restaurants and shops. Head over to Bruxie<\/a> and try its signature chicken and waffle sandwich.<\/p>\nOr, drive a bit south to Venice Beach<\/a>, just about 10 minutes away from the Santa Monica Pier. Take a stroll along its famous canals and venture around its cute neighborhood.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Highsmithvenicecanals.jpg\")
Image: Carol M. Highsmith [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n- \n
The Getty Center<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Getty Center<\/span><\/a> —<\/span> home of the J. Paul Getty Trust\u2019s extensive art collection — is truly a masterpiece both on the outside and inside. However, as much as I liked the inside of the building, the outside mesmerized me even more. With its perfectly trimmed garden and massive, white metal-clad buildings, the place is an architectural must-see. <\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/TheGettyCenter8-copy.jpg\")
Image: Hayoung Woo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nI went during the day, but I heard sunset from the Getty Center is also priceless. There is no fee to enter the Getty Center, but parking is $15 per car. If you want to save some money, go after 3 p.m. when parking is reduced to $10. <\/span><\/p>\n[divider]<\/p>\n
B. Experience\/Active<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\nIf you\u2019re all about moving, moving, moving, this may be your route.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Manhattan Beach<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Make your way to El Porto, Manhattan Beach<\/a>, and surf the waves like the locals. Its consistent, low waves make this a popular surf spot even for beginners.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Manhattan_Pier.jpg\")
Image: Evanthomas1 at English Wikipedia [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>At most surf shops, you can rent wetsuits and surfboards for around $5-10 an hour and $35-40 per day, respectively. Check apps like Surfline<\/a> for surf reports before heading out.<\/p>\nFinish with seafood for dinner at Fishbar<\/a>, one of the most affordable, but good, seafood places near Manhattan Beach.<\/p>\n\n- \n
Griffith Park<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You can spend an entire day at Griffith Park<\/a>. You can hike to the famous \u201cHollywood\u201d sign on Mount Lee.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/BehindtheHollywoodsign.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
There are three different routes: Mount Hollywood Trail for beginners, the Canyon Drive Trail for moderates, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail for professionals. Authorized hiking hours are sunrise to sunset, the same as Griffith Park.<\/p>\n
Then, head over to the famous Griffith Observatory<\/a>, where Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling danced to the stars in \u201cLa La Land.\u201d\u00a0You can get free access to the building, its grounds and the telescopes. <\/span><\/p>\nThe observatory is known as one of the best places in LA to view the sunset. I went pretty late and couldn\u2019t quite catch the sunset. But the night view was equally awesome.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/TheGriffinthObs4.jpeg\")
Image: Hayoung Woo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAfter coming down from the observatory, head back to Griffith Park for a live show at the <\/span>Greek Theatre<\/span><\/a>, an open-air amphitheater that holds a variety of shows, including stand-ups, plays, concerts, movie screenings and more. It\u2019s also the perfect spot to view the iconic Hollywood sign shining above the city. Ticket prices vary.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/hollywood-featured.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re a movie fanatic, be sure to save a day for amusement parks like the Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland or Warner Brothers studio. Although tickets may be a bit pricey, they\u2019re all worth the visit. For student discounts at the Universal Studios Hollywood, click <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. Although Disneyland also offers discounts, restricted only to schools in Southern California, you need to check with your school in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n[divider]<\/p>\n
C. Educational<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\nIf you want to see LA not just in its present, but in its past and future as well, consider these steps.<\/p>\n
\n- \n
The Broad<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The Broad<\/a> is a contemporary art museum in downtown LA. Opened on September 20, 2015,<\/p>\nit is known for its impressive collection of contemporary artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein as well as special exhibits, such as the infinity mirror rooms by Yayoi Kusama.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/The_Broad_LA_2017.jpg\")
Image: Kerstin Bednarek (Kerstin Bednarek’s Facebook page) [CC BY-SA 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons<\/figcaption><\/figure>The Broad offers free general admission to its permanent collection galleries on the third floor.<\/p>\nFor tickets, you can either queue on-site or reserve in advance here<\/a>. You can also follow @TheBroadStandby on Twitter for updates on how long the standby queue is.<\/p>\nTo see the infinity mirror rooms, you have to sign up separately at the iPad kiosk in the lobby.<\/p>\n
Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
LACMA<\/a>, the largest art museum in the western United States, is known for works of art that mirrors the city\u2019s rich cultural heritage and uniquely diverse population. Its most popular artwork Urban Light<\/i> — made up of 202 cast-iron street lamps collected from the streets of LA and restored for the piece — has been unofficially adopted as the symbol of the city.<\/p>\n General admission fee is $25, but students with a valid ID can get in for $21. You can also get <\/span>free general admission<\/span><\/a> on the second Tuesday of every month and on the following federal holidays: Martin Luther King Day, Presidents\u2019 Day and Memorial Day.<\/span><\/p>\n LA\u2019s two famous LA boulevards — Rodeo Drive<\/a> and the Grove<\/a> — are a must for a shopping spree — or just window-shopping if you\u2019re a broke student like I was on my visit.<\/p>\n Rodeo Drive — just three blocks in Beverly Hills — is the center of luxury, fashion and lifestyle. Here, you can find big brands like Dior, Coach, Bulgari and more.<\/p>\n The Grove is also a popular fashion and lifestyle destination with a mix of retail, dining and entertainment choices.<\/p>\n At either of these famous boulevards, don\u2019t be too surprised to see some of your favorite celebs walking around with an ice cream cone just like you.<\/p>\n When I was at the Grove, I walked past Beyonce and instantly my mouth dropped, but quickly realized this was normal to people in Beverly HIlls, tried so hard to scrape back any cool left inside of me — but failed. I mean, it was Beyonce. No shame.<\/p>\n Day or night, you can always stroll along the famous Walk of Fame<\/a> and learn about the celebrities that are honored. You can also enjoy the street performers on the sidewalk.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re a sushi fan, don\u2019t hesitate to stop by Sugarfish<\/a> in Hollywood. It\u2019s one of the best affordable sushi place nearby.<\/p>\n Grab your swimsuits and sunscreen and head to the Santa Monica Beach<\/a>. Filled with food stands and carnival rides, the Santa Monica Pier is the perfect one-stop shop for all summer events.<\/p>\n When it gets too crowded on the beach, take about a 10-minute walk to the Third Street Promenade<\/a>, an outdoor shopping area filled with amazing restaurants and shops. Head over to Bruxie<\/a> and try its signature chicken and waffle sandwich.<\/p>\n Or, drive a bit south to Venice Beach<\/a>, just about 10 minutes away from the Santa Monica Pier. Take a stroll along its famous canals and venture around its cute neighborhood.<\/p>\n The Getty Center<\/span><\/a> —<\/span> home of the J. Paul Getty Trust\u2019s extensive art collection — is truly a masterpiece both on the outside and inside. However, as much as I liked the inside of the building, the outside mesmerized me even more. With its perfectly trimmed garden and massive, white metal-clad buildings, the place is an architectural must-see. <\/span><\/p>\n I went during the day, but I heard sunset from the Getty Center is also priceless. There is no fee to enter the Getty Center, but parking is $15 per car. If you want to save some money, go after 3 p.m. when parking is reduced to $10. <\/span><\/p>\n [divider]<\/p>\n If you\u2019re all about moving, moving, moving, this may be your route.<\/p>\n Make your way to El Porto, Manhattan Beach<\/a>, and surf the waves like the locals. Its consistent, low waves make this a popular surf spot even for beginners.<\/p>\n Finish with seafood for dinner at Fishbar<\/a>, one of the most affordable, but good, seafood places near Manhattan Beach.<\/p>\n You can spend an entire day at Griffith Park<\/a>. You can hike to the famous \u201cHollywood\u201d sign on Mount Lee.<\/p>\n There are three different routes: Mount Hollywood Trail for beginners, the Canyon Drive Trail for moderates, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail for professionals. Authorized hiking hours are sunrise to sunset, the same as Griffith Park.<\/p>\n Then, head over to the famous Griffith Observatory<\/a>, where Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling danced to the stars in \u201cLa La Land.\u201d\u00a0You can get free access to the building, its grounds and the telescopes. <\/span><\/p>\n The observatory is known as one of the best places in LA to view the sunset. I went pretty late and couldn\u2019t quite catch the sunset. But the night view was equally awesome.<\/span><\/p>\n After coming down from the observatory, head back to Griffith Park for a live show at the <\/span>Greek Theatre<\/span><\/a>, an open-air amphitheater that holds a variety of shows, including stand-ups, plays, concerts, movie screenings and more. It\u2019s also the perfect spot to view the iconic Hollywood sign shining above the city. Ticket prices vary.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re a movie fanatic, be sure to save a day for amusement parks like the Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland or Warner Brothers studio. Although tickets may be a bit pricey, they\u2019re all worth the visit. For student discounts at the Universal Studios Hollywood, click <\/span>here<\/span><\/a>. Although Disneyland also offers discounts, restricted only to schools in Southern California, you need to check with your school in advance.<\/span><\/p>\n [divider]<\/p>\n If you want to see LA not just in its present, but in its past and future as well, consider these steps.<\/p>\n The Broad<\/a> is a contemporary art museum in downtown LA. Opened on September 20, 2015,<\/p>\n it is known for its impressive collection of contemporary artists like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein as well as special exhibits, such as the infinity mirror rooms by Yayoi Kusama.<\/p>\n For tickets, you can either queue on-site or reserve in advance here<\/a>. You can also follow @TheBroadStandby on Twitter for updates on how long the standby queue is.<\/p>\n To see the infinity mirror rooms, you have to sign up separately at the iPad kiosk in the lobby.<\/p>\n\n
Famous Boulevards<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
Hollywood Walk of Fame<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
Santa Monica Beach<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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The Getty Center<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
B. Experience\/Active<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
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Manhattan Beach<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n
Griffith Park<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n<\/p>\nC. Educational<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
The Broad<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/The-Bradbury-Building.jpg\")
<\/h2>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.tun.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Angels_Flight.jpg\")