Getaway Guide: Yosemite National Park
Nestled within the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park is famous for its giant sequoias, granite monoliths, and cascading waterfalls.
Welcome to Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world. With all the fun things to do in L.A., why even bother living anywhere else? Whether you’re here on vacay or here to stay, whether you’re admiring art or trekking trails, L.A. will capture your heart and steal your soul. Trust us, just one taste of the fun life, and you’ll be returning time and time again.
No matter what your interests are, one thing’s for sure—you’ll always find fun things to do in L.A., and those are just reminders of what you might’ve missed during your past few visits.
What’s a trip to L.A. without a stroll through the streets of D.T.L.A.? After all, Downtown L.A. is where you can experience the City of Angels at its best—eclectic shops, cutting-edge restaurants, exclusive hotels, world-class art, and luxurious wellness centers. Strolling through its streets you’ll discover public art, historical architecture, and authentic hole-in-the-wall eateries. If you’ve been looking for things to do in Los Angeles this weekend, exploring D.T.L.A. is here for your entertainment.
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There are a few things to see in L.A. that you just can’t go without, and the Getty Center is one of them. Perched in the hills above West Los Angeles, this iconic Los Angeles architectural gem is home to exquisite European paintings, sculptures, photography, and drawings. However, the center is far more than just a top Los Angeles art gallery. Within the vicinity of this Instagrammable place, visitors can also enjoy picnics, city vistas, enroll their kids in a workshop, and attend music and theater performances. Whatever it is that brings you here, a visit to the Getty Center is surely one of the best free things to do in L.A.
Fun in L.A. isn’t just limited to humans, hence why Silverlake Dog Park is the go-to destination for parents with fur babies. Recognized as one of L.A.’s top dog parks, Fido will feel right at home. Wandering off-leash, dogs here have all the space to socialize and play, both with their fellow four-legged friends and humans.
It gets even better. Big and small dogs don’t even have to come in direct contact, since the park is separated based on size. Watch your dog have a blast while you have a picnic with your friends, or join in the fun as well. Whether you’re the sit-and-watch type or the hands-on parent, a trip to Silverlake Dog Park is hands down one of the best things to do in L.A. with your pup.
Looking for a place where you can watch the most beautiful SoCal sunset and have an unforgettable stargazing experience? You’re undoubtedly asking for Griffith Observatory. Everything about this major L.A. attraction is out of this world—pun intended. Located on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, the observatory is home to the world-famous Zeiss Telescope, which alone attracts millions of visitors every year. Here visitors look into the star-studded night sky of Los Angeles through the telescope and wish upon a star. Of all the free things to do in L.A., a visit to this picture-worthy Los Angeles attraction should be on every bucket list.
With a shoreline that stretches over 76 miles, L.A. boasts 25 beaches to enjoy. It’s definitely a challenge choosing the right beach for the ultimate beach day. But, worry not, ‘cause we got your back. Two words: Zuma Beach. With a reputation of being one of the best beaches in all of California, this beach is a favorite among swimmers, surfers, and windsurfers alike—oh and did we mention celebrities? As a top Los Angeles surf destination, this Malibu beach, with even breaks across its shoreline, Zuma attracts both intermediate surfers and professionals. If you’re not yet sure what the hype is all about, you better get your beach essentials ready and hit the sand.
There’s a reason behind all the outdoor workout craze in Los Angeles— the scenic workout spots. The Marvin Braude Bike Trail, also known as The Strand, could as well, single-handedly, be behind the trend. Sitting along the shoreline of Santa Monica Bay, the trail passes through many of the best beaches in L.A., providing riders with scenic views while keeping them relaxed throughout the workout. The 22-mile trail is considerably an easy one and has facilities along the road for your convenience. Known as one of the best bike paths in Los Angeles, this awesome outdoor workout spot will have your heart pumping and your skin glowing.
When hunger kicks in, you better be in the City of Angels, where restaurants are your safety net. With the innumerable restaurants located in the city, choosing a spot can be overwhelming. However, make your way to Crossroads Kitchen for bomb chicken and waffles or scrumptious vegan and gluten-free options. Located on Melrose Avenue, this cozy-chic restaurant will have you returning for more. Spice up your life and sample the zucchini blossoms and gluten-free pasta bolognese a try. After a bite of the Sicilian pepperoni pizza, you’ll be reserving another table for round two.
Biking might not be your cup of tea, but hiking the Charlie Turner Trail surely is. This rewarding top L.A. hike takes you to the Mount Hollywood summit—the highest peak in Griffith Park. On your way to the peak, stop at the Hollywood sign for a photo or two (or a full-blown photoshoot). The good news is that you’ll come across the sign 15 minutes into the hike, so you’ll still look glamorous by the time you arrive. But the actual reward awaits you at the peak—360-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the L.A. skyline—talk about divine. Regardless if you’re a hiker or not, the Charlie Turner Trail will give you the best views of L.A., so it’s well worth the movement.
Experienced all the ordinary things to do in the City of Angels.? Check out this cool thing to do in L.A. that will surely keep you up at night. Once upon a time, Pico Pico—the last Mexican governor of Alta, California—constructed the most luxurious hotel in the area. In 1870, Pico was inaugurated in his hotel, the Pico House Hotel. A year later, a group of Chinese men were murdered on the hotel's premises.
As the city bloomed in the 1900s, the hotel started losing its popularity and eventually became a California Historic Landmark. Today visitors can take a tour of what once was the most extravagant hotel in Southern California. Visitors and employees swear that late at night they can hear footsteps coming from the top floor of the empty three-story building. Give this haunted place a visit, and who knows, maybe Mr. Pico himself might entertain you.
Nestled within the Sierra Nevada, Yosemite National Park is famous for its giant sequoias, granite monoliths, and cascading waterfalls.
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