The Los Angeles lifestyle comes with a lot of perks. There’s the city life, warm weather all year round and a beach not too far away. What else is there to ask for? Here are a few things every new Angeleno must do when moving to the city:
Whether you land at LAX or drive into the city, the first thing to do when visiting LA is eat at In-N-Out Burger. The fast-food restaurant is known for its cult following and only has locations on the West Coast. While there are only three burger varieties -- a hamburger, cheeseburger, or double-double -- many In-N-Outs serve “secret” menu items. Try asking for french fries “animal style.” That is regular french fries with a heaping of grilled onions, cheese and In-N-Out’s special sauce on top.
Los Angeles is known as the home of Hollywood. Take a trip downtown and walk down Hollywood Boulevard, a street dedicated to movie making magic. The street is home to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where people can take pictures next to star-shaped plaques dedicated to their favorite celebrities. A few steps away is the Chinese Theatre, which still hosts movie premieres. Not too far away is a view of the famous Hollywood sign.
Sports fans looking for things to do in LA should check out a game at Dodger Stadium. The stadium is home to the Los Angeles Dodgers and known for no-hitter games. Fans should try the famous Dodger Dog. Served either steamed or grilled, the foot-long hot dog is sold to more than 2 million fans each season. The stadium just installed a new statue dedicated to Jackie Robinson, the first African American player in the Major League Baseball team.
Angelenos are known for enjoying the freshest fruits and vegetables at the historic Farmers Market. The market has more than 100 vendors serving foods from all ethnicities. Try a handful of fresh cherries, a guacamole-topped taco or homemade ice cream for dessert. After visiting the market, take a trolley to The Grove next door. The Grove is a shopping area that features a beautiful water fountain in its center. Stay for a little while, and there is a good chance you can catch one of the many live shows performed near the fountain.
If you have some spare time, grab your camera and take a drive on the Pacific Coast Highway. The highway covers nearly the entire California coast, providing scenic views along the way. Try to time it so that you are driving down the highway right as the sun sets in Malibu. Enjoy the view.
Venice Beach is home to the quirky side of Los Angeles. The boardwalk is home to a variety of vendors, street performers and food trucks. Millions visit the beach each year, making it a great place for people watching. The beach offers a variety of volleyball courts, handball courts and a bike trail. There are also basketball courts, but be prepared to bring your A-game. Professional basketball players have been recruited from the Venice courts.
The best chance of running into a celebrity is on Rodeo Drive. The two-mile street runs through Beverly Hills, and it's common to see the latest luxury cars parked along the sidewalk. Rodeo Drive is the hub for Los Angeles fashion. Many high end stores are along Two Rodeo Drive in buildings modeled after shopping alleys in Europe. The street has made a cameo in movies such as Beverly Hills Cop and Shrek 2. Take a walk on Rodeo Drive keep your eyes peeled just in case your favorite actress walks by.
The Los Angeles Griffith Park and Observatory are great places to get in touch with nature. Covering more than 4,000 acres, the park is one of the largest urban parks in the U.S. A short hike through the park will lead to the observatory. The facility has stunning views of the city and the Hollywood sign. Admission to the observatory is free. The observatory houses a model of the solar system, a statue of Albert Einstein and a telescope that projects an image of the Sun.
Try your hand at winning a giant stuffed animal at the Santa Monica Pier. The pier is a historic landmark that is more than 100 years old. There is an amusement park, arcade and solar paneled Ferris wheel. The pier has been featured in a variety of movies and television shows such as Forrest Gump, Iron Man and Grey’s Anatomy. Both the Ferris Wheel and roller coaster light up at night. While it is fun all year round, the pier is great to visit during the summer. There are weekly concerts and outdoor movie screenings that are often free to the public.
California is home to many vineyards, and there are plenty that do wine tasting tours near downtown Los Angeles. Bring a few friends and try new flavors of your favorite red or white wine. A few vineyards also serve fresh cheeses from nearby fa
