Many know this to be Los Angeles, defined by the glaring Hollywood sign in the hills and the Walk of Fame and the countless actors you might see.
This is just a very small part of what makes up the vibrant and beautiful city of Los Angeles.
The greater LA area is home to nearly 19 million people! Surely there is more to see and do?
...Yes! There is!
Here are the top 5 places in Los Angeles and surrounding areas that you might not have heard of, but are definitely worth a visit:
Venice Beach
Venice is a world-famous beach that boasts some of California's most popular skate culture.
A skateboarder practicing on one of the many ramps located throughout Venice. The boardwalk along the beach is also home to many funky shops, vibrant murals and graffiti, and talented street performers. In Venice, you can also find delicious seafood and taco shops that line the boardwalk. You can start off by grabbing some creamy gelato from the many sweet shops and then end your day munching on warm and crisp fish tacos while you watch the performances, skaters, and waves.
The Getty Center
While locals simply call this place “The Getty”, this is a museum that is known for it grand architecture, European paintings, old photographs, and beautiful outdoor gardens. Hidden in the hills overlooking Los Angeles, the Getty is a wonderful place to take a short day trip. One of the most memorable things about the Getty is being able to take a tram/trolley up to the museum and then getting the experience some of the magnificent views.
The Grove
While The Grove may not be the most tourist-like attraction, it is a very popular place to visit among locals. The Grove is large outdoor entertainment and retail complex that sits on parts of the historic Farmer’s Market of Los Angeles. Here, you can enjoy the great outdoors while shopping at a large variety of stores. The Grove boasts all sorts of shops, from ones that are independently owned to high-end designer brands. At the Grove you can also find delicious restaurants, luxury movie theatres, and, of course, the farmers market (where you can buy fresh and locally grown fruits and vegetables). The Grove is also a great place to take trendy instagram pictures!
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory is one of the most world-famous observatories in the world. Located in the heart of Griffith Park (Los Angeles’ Central Park), Griffith Observatory welcomes millions of visitors every year. Inside, you can see various “Planetarium” shows and can also use the telescope every night. (Did you know you can see Mars from this telescope!). Around the observatory, you can get wonderful views of downtown Los Angeles, the Hollywood sign, and the beach.
Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier is like a year-round carnival...on the beach! Santa Monica Pier is known for it many rides and attractions as well as its location. Here you can find scrumptious funnel cakes, fast roller coasters, ferris wheels overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and many more carnival games, all on the Pier itself. Santa Monica Pier is especially beautiful during the evening hours. You can take the large ferris wheel at the edge of the pier up to the very top and watch the sunset dipping into the horizon.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Annik Brar is a student at the George Washington University in Washington, D.C. studying International Affairs and Psychology. In her free time, she manages a support page for people with Type 1 Diabetes. She also loves photography and traveling and can speak Punjabi and Hindi fluently!