You may get hot when visiting the City of Angels, as it is known for its scorching weather all year round. However, you certainly won’t get bored. In fact, there is so much to do that you might run out of time before you can see it all. Of course, that means you will want to know exactly what the best activities are, so you can plan your time accordingly.
While you’re planning your stay in LA, please take note of traffic conditions not only around theme parks and attractions, but in general. While public transportation options have improved considerably over the past several years, you still may find it easiest to rent a car in California and drive directly to each of your planned stops. Compare rates, choose a company with convenient locations, book well in advance and plan realistically.
Angels Flight Railway
What could be more heavenly than taking a trip on the Angel Flight Railway? It’s not a high tech monorail that flies over the city though, but in fact, a short hill car ride up a steep slope next to the Grand Central Market.
It is, however, a lovely little piece of history and at a single dollar for a ride a pretty cheap option for getting some decent Instagram worthy pictures as well.
The Queen Mary
The Queen Mary is less associated with the heavens and more about the ocean. Something you would expect with a name like that. In fact, Mary is a fully intact 1930’s ocean liner that is permanently moored in the bay. It’s also a place where you can go and enjoy a meal in period surroundings or even take a room for the night and immerse yourself in the art deco style.
Of course, as the Mary is home to so much history, you may run into some paranormal happenings as well. There are even ghosts tours that you can book for after your dinner. Alternatively, why not treat yourself to the Illusion of the Past Show. Which combines both magic tricks and some of the rich history of the boat itself?
The Getty Villa
Home of the late tycoon John Paul Getty, the villa is truly a heavenly sight to behold. In fact, you will find many statues of characters from the Bible, as well as other religious traditions such and the Roman and Greek Pantheon in the grounds.
Also, this manor atop a hill in Malibu has a distinctly opulent and Roman feel to it. Use your time to walk the lush gardens, or explore the many treasures that its walls hold, including exhibitions on beasts in the medieval world to the beginning of the Bauhaus movement.
The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
Another place that is rich with history in the Los Angeles area are The La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. You won’t find much 20th-century history here though. Instead, the focus is on animals that have been preserved in the naturally occurring tar for thousands of years!
It is still well worth a visit, however, and as museum entry along with a 3D movie is $25, it really is an activity that is fun to do that won’t break the bank. You can also visit the other attractions in the areas such as Page Museum as well as LACMA too. Both of which are also packed full of exciting artworks and treasures.
A Haunted Tour
LA Ghosts by US Ghost Adventures takes thrill-seekers on eerie paranormal journeys through the vibrant, neon-bathed streets of Los Angeles, merging the worlds of the living and the supernatural. As you navigate these haunted pathways, tales of mysterious history, concealed secrets, and otherworldly connections will leave you captivated, where echoes of the past seem to whisper through the night air.
Immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of this captivating city, surrounded by the cold touch of the night air and the spectral glow of neon-lit architecture that echoes old Hollywood mysteries.
Guided by an expert ghost hunter, and equipped with professional paranormal tools, feel the thrill of unveiling the supernatural encounters that lurk beneath the surface, as your senses are heightened by chilling tales and unexpected discoveries. For ghost-addicts, ghost tours are also offered in alternative cities of New Orleans and Gettysburg.
Hollywood!
Los Angeles is also a place that is home to Hollywood, and many stars still live there today. Of course, seeing them is another thing entirely because they tend not to walk around with the general public. You can go on the tour to see their homes up in the Hills if you like though. Although, many have very long drives and so you only get to see a peek of their property at best.
Alternatively, you can head down to the walk of fame on Hollywood Boulevard and check out all the stars there. Which currently include Kirstie Alley, Bugs Bunny, and Errol Flynn among hundreds of others. You can even put your hands into the prints of your favorites for a fun photo!
Of course, if you really want to see your favorite celebs in the ‘flesh’, then there is only one place to go, and that is the Hollywood Wax Museum. Much like Madame Tussauds, this is a place dedicated to life-like replicas of the rich and famous and creates scenes with the models that you can enter. What this means is you can have your picture taken with Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Johnny Depp or even Orlando Bloom. This being an experience that will truly be heavenly for their biggest fans!
Santa Monica Pier
Another fantastic place to spend your time when visiting Los Angeles is the famous Santa Monica Pier. In fact, this can be a great place to have some fun and escape the LA heat, as it set on the coast out to sea.
It’s a pretty traditional set up here with roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and midway snacks. There are even games where you can win your loved ones, a prize with a show of skill!
Disneyland
It would be a great shame to travel all the way to LA, and not visit one of its most iconic locations. Of course, what I am talking about here is world-famous Disneyland located in Anaheim. In fact, along with the other theme parks in the area, Disney is one of the most heavily visited locations there is. It’s for a good reason too because there is so much that you can see and so here, a single day might not be enough.
One place that you absolutely cannot miss is the newly opened Galaxy’s Edge attraction, which is entirely based around the Starwars franchise. There you can check out a life-size replica of Han Solo’s starship the Millennium Falcon, build your own custom lightsaber, and even choose whether to support the Resistance or align yourself with the First Order. An interactive, immersive experience that all Disney fans and Stars Wars nerds alike will love!
That’s not the only place worth seeing though. In fact, there are eight other areas to explore, including Tomorrowland. A place where you will find Star Tours, the Finding Nemo Submarine ride, and Autopia. Then there is Fantasy land where you can experience Peter Pan’s Flight and Snow White’s Adventure. Frontier land is another location you won’t want to miss either as that is where Big Thunder Mountain is located!
Happily, if you would like to visit for longer but are concerned about cost, there are some smart ways of keeping the price down. One is to save money on your tickets by getting them online before you arrive. This being something that can provide you with a significant discount.
Universal Studios
If your idea of heaven is theme parks, then Anaheim really does deliver. This is because not only is it home to Disneyland, but it’s also has a Universal Studios park as well. In fact, both parks are pretty close to one another. There are even shuttles that run between them in case you want to flit from one to the other during your day.
Of course, just like at Disney there is plenty to do here for the little ones, but there are also a great many things suitable just for adults as well. Something that makes it a great choice if you are a grown-up couple or group traveling without the kids.
In particular, the zombie loaded Walking Dead ride is something you won’t want to miss, and there are plenty of thrills to be had on the Transformers 3D ride too. Then there is the studio tour which is jammed packed with special effects, and the shows like Waterworld are pretty spectacular as well. Just remember to get there early for the best seats!
Oh, and don’t forget that both young and old can head on over to Harry Potter World. A place where you can take a ride on the Flight of the Hippogriff. You can even grab a butterbeer or spend some money in Diagon alley after too!
Griffith Park
There are even some beautiful places that you can immerse yourself in nature close to Los Angeles.
One such place is Griffith Park, which is well known for its spectacular views and hiking trails. It’s also home to the Hollywood Bowl, which is a fantastic structure to visit. You can even take in a show there if you time things right, which is a fabulous experience in the open air.
There is plenty more to do in the borders of the park as well. Such attractions include the American West Museum, the Carousel, and also the Observatory.
There’s even a free shuttle that will take you to Griffiths Observatory. A place that has the best view out across the city of Los Angeles possible. Now if that isn’t heavenly, I don’t know what is! Feature Photo Credit: Shutterstock/logoboom This post first appeared on Passing Thru.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using Kayak, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
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