The Hustler's Digest StaffCalifornia is on many people’s bucket list when it comes to dream vacations. Los Angeles, in particular, is visited by millions of people each year hoping to soak in the sun and catch a glimpse of their favorite movie star. While that may be fine for some, we prefer our trips a little more authentic. We enjoy seeing the sights of a famous city – but we want to know what the locals enjoy too.
While sports betting in California is popular, we would think about getting a ticket to see one of the teams in the city. The Hollywood Walk of Fame is a major attraction but we might look into a more interesting open-air movie theater showing old classics. There’s nothing wrong with the more popular places – we just like to explore and discover.
So, if you are thinking of making the trip to the City of Angels, here are some attractions and places that you might not have heard so much about in the conventional guidebooks and travel sites – as well as some things you really need to know about LA before you go.
Los Angeles is Not Just One City
Before we explore in detail some of the places we – and native Angelenos – would recommend, we need to stress something very important. Unlike many other major cities in the US, Los Angeles is not just one place. We don’t mean that there is a downtown and then some interesting neighborhoods and suburbs – we mean that LA is actually made up of a number of cities.
The sprawl of the place means that you can never actually do Los Angeles. It makes much more sense to pick an area that interests you and take your time to explore it. There isn’t even really a center. Downtown LA is beginning to turn into something that you would recognize as a downtown area but it was once best avoided and still might not be what you would expect. By all means, check it out, but discover other areas too.
Get a Car
Because of the way that Los Angeles has spread across such a vast area over the years, we would actually recommend hiring a car if you want to explore different places. There are public transport options – including a subway system that most people of LA have never even heard of. But not all of this grand metropolis is served by the network.
So hiring a car is a good way to go. There are major traffic problems on the freeways around the city, of course. But a car will give you the means to move between different areas of this big city without losing days. It will also give you the chance to travel a little further afield – of which we talk about a bit more in a moment.
Places to Go
You now know that Los Angeles is not the kind of place that you will cover by taking a walk. But where should you go to get a more rounded and immersive experience of the city? Here are just a few of the places where you will find the locals, as well as visitors intent on avoiding the same old tourist traps.
Griffith Park
If you’ve ever seen a movie set in Los Angeles (and let’s face it, who hasn’t?) you will have seen a shot of the city from some of the hills that overlook downtown. Griffith Park, in the Los Feliz neighborhood, is an excellent way to get that view of the place – and it also works as a two-for-one attraction.
Not only is there the world-famous Griffith Park Observatory at the top of the hill there is also the Hollywood sign to take in too. You could actually hike between the two if you really want to feel like a local. But if you are driving, leave the car at the bottom and hop onto the shuttle – there are rarely parking spaces up at the observatory.
Flavors of Grand Central Market in Downtown LA
Every year, around two million visitors flock to Grand Central Market, a vibrant hub in Downtown LA. This bustling market, located on the ground floor of the historic Homer Laughlin Building, stands as the city’s oldest public market.
Grand Central Market mirrors the rich diversity of Los Angeles with its wide array of food options. Whether you’re in the mood for international cuisine or local delicacies, you’ll find it here. With so many tempting choices, it’s a good idea to hire a guide if you want to explore the best spots. However, letting your senses lead the way can be just as rewarding.
Prepare for a culinary adventure and remember to skip breakfast before your visit—you’ll want to make room for all the delicious finds!
Figure 2 Try all sorts of food at the Grand Central Market
Koreatown
Los Angeles is full of interesting neighborhoods to explore but just east of Downtown and due south of Los Feliz is one our favorites. Koreatown was named when many immigrants from the country moved to LA in the 1960s. Nowadays the place actually has a Latino majority but there are still plenty of Korean BBQ joints to spend your money in.
Just like New York City, Koreatown never sleeps, so make sure you are in for the long haul when you visit. There are numerous bars, bowling alleys, and karaoke spots to hit up well into the early hours of the morning for all you night owls aiming to make the most of your time in LA.
Pacific Coast Highway
There is so much to see and do in LA that we would actually recommend repeated return visits. But if you do take our advice in hiring a car, head north of the city before you leave. Highway 1 actually hugs the coast all the way up to San Francisco. But you can get some incredible ocean views not far from Los Angeles itself.
Conclusion
Los Angeles isn’t just about its famous landmarks or star-studded attractions. To truly experience this sprawling city, dive into the lesser-known spots that locals love. From the scenic hikes at Griffith Park to the diverse culinary delights at Grand Central Market, LA offers a wealth of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Koreatown’s vibrant nightlife and the stunning views along Pacific Coast Highway provide a deeper, more authentic taste of what Los Angeles has to offer. Remember, exploring LA means embracing its vastness and diversity. So, grab a car, venture beyond the typical tourist paths, and immerse yourself in the city’s unique neighborhoods and experiences.
By stepping off the beaten path, you’ll uncover the real essence of Los Angeles and create unforgettable memories. Enjoy the journey and let LA’s charm captivate you in ways you didn’t expect.
