July 1, 2022, 2:45 am | Read time: 6 minutes
What would Los Angeles be without Hollywood–and what would Hollywood be without its biggest stars? Certainly much poorer in attractions and famous faces. There’s a lot to see in the “City of Angels.” TRAVELBOOK presents the 10 best attractions in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles offers numerous significant sights and attractions. Not least because the city in the southern U.S. state of California, with its famous district of Hollywood, is the center of the American film industry.
More tips and inspiration about Los Angeles are provided by Susanne Resch in the following podcast episode of In 5 Minutes Around the World:
Here you can find all episodes of “In 5 Minutes Around the World–the daily travel podcast from TRAVELBOOK.”
10 Top Places in Los Angeles You Shouldn’t Miss:
Venice Beach
The main task at Venice Beach, probably the most popular beach in Los Angeles: See and be seen–the order doesn’t matter. You can exercise or watch others do it, admire the muscle structures of Arnold Schwarzenegger imitators, get a tattoo, or skate past pedestrians on inline skates. Of course, you can also sunbathe; the sandy beach is fine and wide, and the Pacific is perfect for showing off your new swimsuit.
Disneyland
Kids love it, but many adults also find it hard to resist the allure of Disneyland in Anaheim, just outside Los Angeles. The amusement park in Anaheim deserves a spot among the top 10 attractions in and near Los Angeles. Everywhere you encounter Disney stars from Mickey Mouse to Donald Duck, there are magic shows, rides, regular fireworks displays, and buildings you know from Disney movies. A visit is a must–not just for fans!
Also interesting: Hyperion in California is the tallest tree in the world
Walk of Fame
The likelihood of seeing a real Hollywood star is not very high even in Los Angeles. But you can still follow in their footsteps. For example, on the Walk of Fame. It stretches along Hollywood Boulevard and showcases the stars of Hollywood’s biggest names.
By the end of 2021, there were 2,709 stars made of pink terrazzo with the autograph and handprint of stars from music, film, and theater, from Fred Astaire to Harrison Ford to Christina Aguilera. Many fans have already placed their hands on the imprint of their favorite stars and felt close to them for a moment.
Universal Studios
Dreaming is allowed when visiting the legendary Universal Studios in Los Angeles. In the studios’ theme park, you can get a taste of Hollywood atmosphere. It’s no wonder that Universal Studios is among the top attractions in the “City of Angels.” The studio tour takes you past film sets, and you can watch production teams live. Stunt shows and adventurous rides from the “Jurassic Park” boat tour to the “Revenge of the Mummy” roller coaster ride complete the program.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is 490 meters long and offers an impressive view from the sea of Los Angeles, but it is also a sight in itself: On the concrete pier, there are shops, restaurants, and carousels. It’s never really quiet here, but no one visiting the amusement park on the water is looking for that. Hollywood is omnipresent here too, as films are regularly shot at the Santa Monica Pier.
Also interesting: 14 Things You Must Do in San Francisco
Hollywood Sign
It is the city’s landmark and probably the most famous sign in the world: the Hollywood Sign on Mount Lee in Los Angeles. Originally, it was just a publicity stunt, but when it came time to tear down the letters, there was a huge protest. The Hollywood Sign remained and is now a popular photo subject. However, you can’t visit it; the area is fenced off.
Griffith Observatory
Some consider the Griffith Observatory the most beautiful observatory in the world. In any case, it is one of the top ten attractions in Los Angeles. You can even see artifacts from Mars and the Moon, as well as the Hubble Space Telescope and–of course–a view of the stars. If you don’t want to look that far, the Griffith Observatory also offers a magnificent view over Los Angeles.
TCL Chinese Theatre
This theater is already an eye-catcher from the outside. A building with a peculiar shape and a magical attraction for all who love cinema. Because legendary film world premieres took place at the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly known as Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, Mann’s Chinese Theatre). In front, you can admire the handprints of Hollywood greats in the asphalt. And if you suddenly find yourself in front of a star, take a close look: It could be a well-done double who likes to be photographed with fans.
Dolby Theatre
You can meet real stars at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles–at least during the Oscars, which take place every spring in this theater. The building, which is one of the important sights in Los Angeles, looks like an opera house and has seen a lot of celebrities: the winners of the Emmy Awards and the “American Idol” singing competitions, for example. The Dolby Theatre, which was called Kodak Theatre until 2012, seats 3,400 spectators.
Sunset Boulevard
The most famous street in Los Angeles starts downtown and runs through Hollywood and Beverly Hills to Santa Monica. People are only marginally interested in the street itself with its four lanes and heavy traffic. What matters are the houses and shops. Especially the area in West Hollywood, called Sunset Strip, is a popular destination for shopping fans–with many designer boutiques, clubs, and restaurants.
Important Note: Information on entry requirements and the current COVID-19 situation in the U.S. can be found on the website of the German Foreign Office.
Mullholland Drive
A must not only for film fans: The more than 30-kilometer-long Mullholland Drive runs directly through the Hollywood Hills. The famous road offers dream views of downtown LA, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the star-studded villas, as well as an indescribable feeling of freedom.
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Map of Selected Attractions in Los Angeles
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(Text: Silke Böttcher)