los angeles

Where movie stars wander the streets. Bands, actresses, dancers, and performers, all head out to the great city of LA to make a name for themselves, and pursue their dreams. Tourists know the well-known attractions and the best hotels in Los Angeles, but a worldwide local knows how to experience it best. This is an insider’s guide on how to experience Los Angeles.

When you are in Los Angeles, don’t let the buildings just pass you by as you are driving, taking a taxi, or riding in an Uber. Did you know that some of the best displays of art in the city are on the building walls themselves? Scattered throughout Los Angeles you will find colorful, emotionally evoking, and powerful murals. 

For a hip time in Los Angeles, be sure to visit DTLA, Downtown Arts District. You will find amazing breweries and chic spots for foodies to gather. Of course, let’s not forget, the Arts District Co-op, where you’ll find an astonishing display of local artists. Stop in at a local bar to celebrate the latest win by the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s seriously an awesome place to hang out! 

No trip to the city is complete without at least one trip to the beach to enjoy the always perfect Los Angeles weather. Our suggestion, unless you want to check out the Santa Monica Pier (not the beach), is to head a little further North and visit Malibu beach. There tend to be fewer tourists and more locals. You can park along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) for free, and if you start to get parched or hungry you can just make your way down the beach to the Malibu pier.

Worldwide Local Tip: If you want to get a beautiful view of the city and get your blood pumping, go for a hike. Griffith Park is known to have more than 50 miles of trails, and some of these trails can take you right up to the Hollywood sign. This is not well known by many tourists, so take advantage of it! 

While in California it’s a must (for travelers 21+) to taste some of California’s finest fermented drinks--wine! Take a drive to the Rosenthal winery, in Malibu, where you can taste wine right on the beach--experiencing two of the best things to do in Los Angeles at once. Rosenthal offers flights of Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a few other choices, depending on the season. 

Worldwide Local Tip: This is an experience to die for! If you want to catch a movie in the most memorable way, travel to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. This cemetery hosts concerts and movie screenings during the summer. This might be an odd place to visit for a concert, but it is an experience that everyone will remember. This is a popular date night activity for locals.

One top location that gives you a view of the valley below and the heavens above is the Griffith Observatory. Depending on traffic, you should be able to get to the observatory in no time at all. While there, you’ll have the opportunity to take the perfect Instagram photo of LA, and to learn about the stars that aren’t known for their motion pictures. 

Now, head down to Olvera Street. This is known as LA’s “first street” and is the perfect place to enjoy the beautiful Spanish architecture. The lively outdoor Mexican marketplace is where you can find local vendors, selling everything from folk art and pottery to fresh-made tacos! 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame draws millions of tourists worldwide. In front of the elaborate Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, which opened in 1927 is where this tradition of stars imprinting their hands or feet into the cement takes place. This all began with an “accidental” footprint left by Norma Talmadge. The theater is near the Hollywood and Highland Center. Then, of course, there’s the Walk of Fame that runs a mile along Hollywood Boulevard, displaying the handprints of more than 1,600 stars. This may be a more touristy thing to do, but no trip to Hollywood is complete without at least one trip to see the stars! 

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to things to see and do in Los Angeles. We haven’t even touched on what to eat while you are there! There is so much to cover in regards to one of the United States’ largest cities. When you are here, you’ll never be bored. Roaming the city as a worldwide local will grant you unparalleled access to its amazing sights and fascinating sounds.