Los Angeles is one of the biggest cities in the world with amazing number of attractions. You would need more then one month to visit all the classic sights and hidden gems. If you have just 5 days to discover Los Angeles I am presenting you my top 10 places and attractions that you have to see.
Universal Studios Hollywood – is the only authentic, working movie studio and theme park in the world. It’s as much a can’t-miss for visitors as it is a popular weekend attraction for L.A. locals.
Beyond its iconic red carpet entry and just inside the famed Universal Studios Hollywood gates awaits an authentic movie magic experience. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the West Coast’s greatest entertainment experiences. Explore the mysteries of Hogwarts castle, visit the shops of Hogsmeade, and sample fare from some of the wizarding world’s best-known establishments. Soar above Hogwarts with the thrilling Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, or spiral and dive around the pumpkin patch when you ride the family-friendly Flight of the Hippogriff roller coaster.
Griffith Observatory – Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos! Visitors can look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign.
There are many ways to get to Griffith Observatory! The easiest and fastest way is via public transportation. You can also hike, bike, take a shared ride vehicle, or walk up from parking elsewhere in the park. Hike to the Observatory is not demanding and you will enjoy in the views.
Hollywood Sign – Since it was dedicated in 1923, the Hollywood Sign has become a Los Angeles icon and synonymous with the city. Originally built as “HOLLYWOODLAND” for a real estate development, the sign was rebuilt as “HOLLYWOOD” in 1949 and was nearly lost in the 70’s due to vandalism and neglect. Today the 45-foot-tall, 350-foot-long sign is in its best condition ever, thanks to the ongoing preservation efforts of the non-profit Hollywood Sign Trust.
Echo Park Lake – Flanked by Elysian Park, Elysian Valley, Silver Lake and Chinatown, Echo Park is a historic and diverse neighborhood where you’ll find everything from Dodger Stadium, the home of our beloved Los Angeles Dodgers, to Echo Park Lake, which reopened recently after a $45-million renovation.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy paddle-boating around the lake, while the surrounding area continues to experience a retail, recreation and restaurant renaissance.
Carroll Avenue – located in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, Angelino Heights, this historic street is lined with Victorian manors that date to the 19th century. Many of these private homes can be seen in films, TV shows and music videos such as ,,Charmed House,, Note the Victorian architectural features as you stroll down Carroll Avenue, including the distinctive lamp posts as well as hitching posts that secured horses back in the day. The entire 1300 block of Carroll Avenue was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976, and several homes have been named Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monuments.
The world-famous Hollywood Walk of Fame features more than 2,500 terrazzo and brass stars embedded in the sidewalk along 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street. The five-pointed stars honor the accomplishments of actors, musicians, directors, producers and others in the entertainment industry.
Temescal Canyon – One of the best aspects L.A. is outdoor access. The beach, mountains and desert are all within striking distance. Hiking is always an option, whether it’s the Santa Monica Mountains, Griffith Park or the mighty San Gabriel Mountains. Temescal Canyon Trail is a 2.9 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Pacific Palisades, California that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, trail running and is accessible year-round.
Venice Beach, simply Venice to locals – the community was born in 1905, developed by eccentric millionaire Abbot Kinney, who modeled the town after his favorite Italian city, complete with piazzas and canals.
Today’s Venice, though, is most famous for the quirky goings-on along its iconic beachfront boardwalk, where street entertainers and vendors create an unforgettable scene of local characters and happenings. Watch it all stream by from the loud and lively waterfront skate park, or sit near the daily drum circle on the beach
Built in 1905 by developer Abbot Kinney as part of his “Venice of America” plan, the Venice Canal Historic District is famous for its man-made canals, which evoked the canals of Venice, Italy and likewise featured gondola rides. The Venice Beach canals originally covered the entire area between Abbot Kinney, Pacific Ave., and Venice Blvd. Because of the growing popularity of automobiles, most of the canals were filled in 1929 to create streets like Windward Ave. and Market St. The remaining canals fell into disrepair for decades, until they reopened in 1993 after a multimillion-dollar restoration.
The residential district surrounding the remaining canals was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Many of the old houses have been renovated, while large, modern homes have also been built. Visitors can walk along the canals in the area located within South Venice Blvd., Pacific, Ocean Ave. and Washington Blvd.
Santa Monica is where the city meets the sea. With its incomparable oceanfront setting, world-class dining, and vibrant cultural scene, Santa Monica combines the laid-back appeal of a classic California beach town with big-city sophistication to create a destination that is unlike anywhere else.
One of the main questions that you will ask yourself when planning a trip to Southern California is what is the good location for making a base. Santa Monica is perfect answer – close to many popular destinations such as Hollywood, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills, but it is also set on a beautiful beach, with a lot of good restaurants, activities and amazing sunset on a world famous Santa Monica Pier.
Santa Monica is perfect base for visiting all Los Angeles attractions. One of the best located accommodation option for youth and young at heart is HI Los Angeles Santa Monica hostel
You can sunbathe in the Hostel courtyard or surf the nearby Pacific, spend an afternoon or evening at the famous Santa Monica Pier, bike to nearby Venice Beach. or just spend your time discovering the shops, cafes, and bars all around the hostel.
HI Hostel Santa Monica is offering free breakfast and free wifi, and a lot of indoor activities such as free pool table, movie room, laundry service etc. This Hostel is unique in USA because part of the building is the oldest structure of Los Angeles. History well combined with modernity and international tourists.
