Top 20 places to GO in LOS ANGELES 2024! ULTIMATE City Guide!

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide to Los Angeles, highlighting both iconic and off-the-beaten-path locations. It starts with the glitz of Hollywood Boulevard and the Walk of Fame, then moves to celebrity house tours and famous spots like the Hollywood sign. The script recommends visiting Universal Studios and various film studio tours for an immersive movie experience. It also suggests local favorites like the Griffith Observatory, Santa Monica Beach, and hidden gems such as the Original Farmers Market and Echo Park. The guide provides tips on navigating LA traffic and enjoying the city's diverse attractions, ensuring viewers have an authentic and memorable visit.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Los Angeles is a world-renowned city with a reputation for being glamorous but also fake and soulless, which can be overwhelming for visitors.
• 🎬 Hollywood Boulevard is the heart of Tinsel Town, featuring the Walk of Fame and the Dolby Theater, but it's recommended to visit quickly and not spend the whole day.
• 🏠 Celebrity house tours are a popular activity in LA, offering a chance to see where stars live, though actual encounters are rare.
• 🛍 Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive are iconic for designer shopping and people-watching, but short visits are sufficient for most.
• 🎥 The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, opened in 2021, is a must-visit for film history enthusiasts and offers a unique sphere theater experience.
• 🎪 Universal Studios is a major attraction with its new Super Mario World, Hogwarts, and a real working backlot for a behind-the-scenes look at movie magic.
• 🎬 For a more authentic movie studio experience, consider booking tours outside of theme parks, such as Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, or Paramount.
• 🌆 Griffith Observatory is a free attraction with paid parking, offering stunning views of downtown LA and the Hollywood sign.
• 🚶‍♂️ Hiking to the Hollywood sign provides a unique LA experience, with alternative views available at Lake Hollywood Park for those who prefer not to hike.
• 🏖 Venice Beach and Santa Monica are both popular beach destinations, with Santa Monica offering a more family-friendly environment and an iconic pier.
• 🥗 The Original Farmers Market and The Grove provide a break from the typical tourist spots, offering a taste of local food and shopping experiences.

Q & A

What is the general perception of Los Angeles among some Californians?

Some Californians, including the speaker, feel that Los Angeles has a reputation for being a bit fake, soulless, and they avoid it due to the notorious traffic.

Why might visitors feel underwhelmed when they first visit Los Angeles?

Visitors might feel underwhelmed because they may not know where to go and what to do in LA, which is a large city with both good and bad parts.

What is suggested for visitors to do at Hollywood Boulevard?

Visitors are advised to get in and out of Hollywood Boulevard quickly, take a photo with a star on the Walk of Fame, and visit the Dolby Theater and the Hollywood sign view nearby.

What is the significance of the Dolby Theater in Hollywood?

The Dolby Theater is significant as it is where the Academy Awards are held, making it a place of interest for film enthusiasts.

Why is the Hollywood sign a must-see for visitors?

The Hollywood sign is iconic and represents the dream-making aspect of the city, making it an exciting sight to see in person for the first time.

What alternative activities are available for those not interested in the celebrity house tour?

For those not interested in the celebrity house tour, they can opt for a bus tour that allows them to hop on and off around the city and see multiple sites.

What is the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and what can visitors expect to find there?

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, opened in 2021, is a place where visitors can learn about the history of filmmaking and see special props, including Dorothy's ruby slippers.

Why is Universal Studios a recommended place to visit in Los Angeles?

Universal Studios is recommended because it offers a mix of theme park attractions, such as Super Mario World and Hogwarts, and a working Backlot where famous blockbusters were filmed.

What are some tips for visiting the Griffith Observatory?

To visit the Griffith Observatory, it's advised to come before midday for free parking, spend an hour or two exploring the exhibits, and enjoy the views of downtown and the Hollywood sign.

How can visitors get a better view of the Hollywood sign?

Visitors can hike up to the Hollywood sign for a closer view or go to Lake Hollywood Park for a great view without hiking.

What are some of the local slang terms for distances in California?

In California, people often refer to distances in terms of time it would take to travel without traffic, such as '5 minutes without traffic,' which actually means about half an hour with traffic.

What are some of the hidden gems in Los Angeles that only locals know about?

Some hidden gems include the original Farmers Market and the Grove for food and shopping, Grand Central Market for diverse food options, and Echo Park for a relaxed atmosphere and lake activities.

Outlines

00:00

🎬 Exploring Hollywood's Glamour and Attractions

The script introduces Los Angeles as a world-renowned city with a reputation for being superficial and traffic-ridden. The narrator, a native Californian, admits to avoiding LA but acknowledges its appeal and the need to know where to go. The video aims to guide viewers through the city, starting with Hollywood Boulevard, the Walk of Fame, and the Dolby Theater. It suggests quick visits to these spots and highlights the Hollywood sign's view from a distance. The script mentions other attractions like Ripley's Believe It or Not and Madame Tussauds, and the celebrity hand and footprints at the Chinese Theater. It also touches on the celebrity house tour and bus tour options, advising on the best times and places to visit, such as Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive, and the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.

05:04

🏰 Discovering LA's Hidden Gems and Iconic Spots

This paragraph delves into Universal Studios, highlighting its new attractions and the authentic studio tour that includes iconic movie sets. It also suggests visiting other studios like Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, and Paramount for unique experiences. The narrator introduces California slang related to distances and warns about LA traffic. Griffith Observatory is mentioned as a must-visit, offering free entry with paid parking, and tips for avoiding parking fees are provided. The script also covers hiking to the Hollywood sign for unique views and suggests Lake Hollywood Park for those who prefer not to hike. It mentions the possibility of celebrity sightings in the Hollywood Hills and references Harry Styles' favorite hangout spot.

10:06

🏖️ LA's Beaches, Markets, and Unique Experiences

The script discusses LA's numerous beaches, focusing on Venice Beach and its boardwalk, and Santa Monica for its family-friendly atmosphere, high-end shops, and restaurants. It recommends the downtown Farmers Market for fresh produce and a lively atmosphere. Hidden gems in LA include the original Farmers Market and the Grove, offering a variety of street food and a Disney-like shopping experience. The paragraph also covers downtown attractions like Grand Central Market, known for its diverse food vendors, and Angel's Flight, a historic cable car ride. Echo Park is highlighted for its laid-back vibe and the Time Travel Mart, a quirky nonprofit store, offering a unique shopping experience.

Keywords

💡Los Angeles

Los Angeles, often abbreviated as 'LA', is a sprawling city in California known for its entertainment industry, ethnic diversity, and Mediterranean climate. In the video, it is the main setting, with the narrator discussing the common perceptions of the city and offering insights into how to experience it authentically. The term is used to set the stage for the travelogue, highlighting both the famous and lesser-known aspects of the city.

💡Hollywood Boulevard

Hollywood Boulevard is a major street in Los Angeles, famous for its Walk of Fame, which honors celebrities with stars embedded on the sidewalk. The script mentions it as a must-visit location for tourists, but also advises not to spend too much time there due to its commercial nature. It represents the glitz and glamour associated with the city's film industry.

💡Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame is a series of stars on Hollywood Boulevard that commemorates notable contributors to the entertainment industry. The video script describes it as an iconic part of LA but also suggests that visitors should not spend an entire day there, implying that while it's a significant attraction, there are many other unique experiences to be had in the city.

💡Dolby Theater

The Dolby Theater, mentioned in the script, is a well-known venue where the Academy Awards are held. It is an important landmark in Hollywood and represents the pinnacle of the film industry's recognition and prestige. The video suggests visiting the theater to follow in the footsteps of one's favorite stars.

💡Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is an iconic symbol of the American film industry and is featured in the video as a must-see attraction. The script notes that while it can be seen from various points, there are better opportunities to get closer and take pictures, emphasizing the sign's importance in the city's identity and the visitor experience.

💡Celebrity House Tour

A Celebrity House Tour, as described in the script, is a guided tour that takes visitors past the homes of famous Hollywood stars. It is presented as an activity that offers a glimpse into the lives of celebrities, despite the acknowledgment that it might be considered a bit tacky. It plays into the theme of LA as a place where dreams and fame are central.

💡Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills is an affluent neighborhood in LA, renowned for its luxury boutiques and the homes of many wealthy individuals. The video script suggests visiting for a photo opportunity and people-watching but advises against spending a whole day there, indicating that while it's glamorous, it's just one of many attractions in the city.

💡Academy Museum of Motion Pictures

Opened in 2021, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is a newer attraction in LA that the script highlights. It is dedicated to the art and science of movies, featuring exhibits on the history of filmmaking and special props from iconic films. This keyword represents the city's ongoing commitment to celebrating its cinematic heritage.

💡Universal Studios

Universal Studios is a film studio and theme park that offers visitors a chance to experience movie-themed rides and attractions. The script mentions it as a place to visit iconic movie sets and enjoy popular franchises like Jurassic Park and Super Mario World. It is an embodiment of LA's entertainment culture and a major draw for tourists.

💡Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a prominent landmark in Los Angeles, offering visitors free access to its exhibits and stunning views of the city. The video script suggests it as a must-visit attraction, but also provides tips on parking costs and the best times to visit to avoid crowds. It represents the city's commitment to offering free cultural experiences.

💡Venice Beach

Venice Beach is known for its eclectic atmosphere, including the famous Muscle Beach and skateboarding ramps. The script describes it as a place to visit for its unique boardwalk, but also notes that it might not be the most family-friendly option. It is an example of the diverse experiences LA has to offer.

💡Santa Monica

Santa Monica is a coastal city in LA County that the script recommends for its family-friendly beach, upscale shops, and restaurants. It is described as a safe and upmarket destination, contrasting with the more gritty image of Venice Beach. The video also mentions the Santa Monica Pier and its fun fair, representing the quintessential California beach experience.

💡Downtown Farmers Market

The Downtown Farmers Market is a long-standing tradition in Los Angeles, as noted in the script, and is a place where locals and chefs alike gather for fresh produce. It is depicted as a vibrant community hub that offers a taste of the city's culinary scene and is an example of LA's commitment to local food culture.

💡Echo Park

Echo Park is a neighborhood in Los Angeles that the script describes as an oasis in the city, offering a relaxed and hipster vibe. It is mentioned for its lake where swan boats can be rented, and its reputation for being a place to engage in activities like tai chi. This keyword represents the city's diverse recreational offerings and cultural scenes.

💡Time Travel Mart

The Time Travel Mart is a unique, nonprofit store in LA that the script describes as a one-stop shop for time travelers. It is a quirky and creative space that adds to the city's eclectic character and represents the imaginative and playful side of Los Angeles.

Highlights

Los Angeles is a famous city with a reputation for being fake and having soulless traffic.

Hollywood Boulevard is the home of celebrities, glitz, and the Walk of Fame but lacks real celebrities except on Oscar's day.

The Dolby Theater is where the Academy Awards are held and offers a glimpse of the Hollywood sign.

Celebrity house tours are a way to see where film stars live, despite the unlikelihood of bumping into them.

Bus tours allow visitors to see many sites in one go, but be aware of LA traffic and early last bus times.

Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive are worth visiting for photos and people-watching but not for a whole day.

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, opened in 2021, offers insights into the history of filmmaking.

Universal Studios features iconic movie sets and a working backlot, including the new Super Mario World and Hogwarts.

Warner Brothers, Sony Pictures, and Paramount offer studio tours with famous movie sets and props.

Free self-guided movie tours can be done by visiting the actual filming locations of popular movies.

Griffith Observatory is a popular LA attraction offering free entry and stunning views of the city.

Hiking to the Hollywood sign provides a unique LA experience with various vantage points for photos.

Venice Beach is known for its skateboarding ramps and boardwalk, but may not be the most family-friendly.

Santa Monica Beach is a safe, upmarket, and family-friendly option with high-end shops and restaurants nearby.

The Original Farmers Market and The Grove offer a break from the busy tourist spots with diverse food options.

Downtown LA's Grand Central Market is recognized for its diverse food vendors and has been inducted into the LA Times best restaurants Hall of Fame.

Angel's Flight is a historic cable car ride in downtown LA and was featured in the movie 'La La Land'.

Echo Park is an urban oasis in the city with a relaxed atmosphere and activities like tai chi on the lake.

The Time Travel Mart is a quirky nonprofit offering a unique experience for time travelers to explore different eras.

Transcripts

[Music]

hello welcome to Los

Angeles now this is one of the biggest

and most exciting and most famous cities

in the world but when people come here

quite often they feel a little bit

underwhelmed I'm a Californian born and

bred and I got to be honest with you I

do everything I can to avoid La it's got

a reputation for being a little fake a

little soulless and the traffic no thank

you

yeah our friends in la love this place

but obviously it's one of those places

that you need to know where to go and

that's why we've been asking them about

where you should go when you come to

La this is Tinsel Town you've seen it in

the movies since you were a child and

now you're about to experience it for

yourself this is where dreams are made

but it's also a mega city which is home

to nearly 4 million people so there are

going to be good and bad parts we want

to show you where to spend your time so

you'll want to come back a challenge

I've also set myself for Ali I'm not

going to spend lots of time at each site

as there's loads to get through so grab

a pen and paper to note down your

favorites and create your own epic La

itinerary let's start with the

essentials first up the capital of

Tinsel

Town you've made it to Hollywood

Boulevard the home of celebrities Glitz

and glamour and of course the Walk of

Fame except the only time you actually

see some celebrities here is on Oscar's

day which is once a year in fact the

rest of the time it looks a bit like

this so make sure you get in and out of

here quickly don't expect to spend half

a day here maybe Google which star you

want to take a photo with and get

[Music]

out I'm not saying don't come here at

all just don't plan on spending a whole

day here there are a few Instagram

worthy moments you should do though

Hollywood Boulevard is where the Oscars

red carpet is late down and you can

follow in the footsteps of your favorite

Star by heading to the Dolby Theater

where the Academy Awards are

held at the back of the mall next door

you'll get your first glimpse of the

Hollywood

sign it looks a little bigger in person

but it's still exciting to see it for

the first time it's not really worth

doing it from here cuz the sign is so

small don't worry we're going to get a

better chance to actually go even closer

and get a real picture there are loads

of other attractions that you'd see in

New York and London like Ripley Believe

It or Not and Madam two swords wax

Works he's not talking very much is he I

know my buddy's a little shy he's a man

of few words The Rock I never thought

it maybe Allie is warming up to La

already you'll also find the celebrity

hand and Footprints outside the Chinese

Theater

herein La our next activities are run

from Hollywood Boulevard 2 the celebrity

house tour sounds super cheesy and tacky

and it kind of is but when you're in

Hollywood you want to bump into a film

star unfortunately that probably won't

happen but this tour guarantees you'll

see where they live there are some

really good stories you'll hear on these

tours too that you'll bring

home if a house Expedition doesn't sound

like your thing you can grab a bus tour

it starts from Hollywood Boulevard but

you can hop on and hop off around the

city as many times as you like this is a

great chance to see lots of SES in one

go make sure you have sunscreen and

water and watch out because the last bus

is quite early so plan for that also LA

traffic can slow the tour down so you

might want to avoid this when you need

to be somewhere later in the

day on the bus tour you'll go past

Beverly Hills and Rodeo Drive these are

are both worth visiting for a photo to

people watch and to pretend you can

afford something in these famous

designer shops again don't plan on

spending a whole day in these places 20

minutes each will probably

do next is one of the newest attractions

in La the academy Museum of motion

pictures only opened in

2021 here you'll learn about the history

of movie making and see some special

props including Dorothy's ruby slippers

the unique sphere at the back houses a

thousand CA movie theater and an event

space which looks out over the

city next door you'll find the iconic

street light installation we can get

that shot for the

gram this is attached to the County

Museum of Art which is being extended

and rebuilt to

2024 almost opposite is the Peterson

Automotive Museum it's home to hundreds

of classic cars but we're in Hollywood

so you're going to see a few that you'll

recognize from the big screen

La okay that's the Uber touristy

Essentials over with onto a few places

that you'll love first up Universal

Studios yes this is home to the new epic

Super Mario World and

Hogwarts you'll also get to enter

Jurassic Park if you're brave enough

you excited you're

brave I still can't believe Jude went on

[Music]

this I got really loud do you want to do

it again they also have a studio tour as

part of your ticket now this isn't the

fake one recreated in Florida this is

still a working Backlot and where

Blockbusters such as Back to the Future

and War of the Worlds were

[Music]

filmed you have to ceue for the tour

like a ride so it's easy to take it for

[Music]

granted Los Angeles is home to the movie

studios so try to book a tour that isn't

part of a theme park too we've seen

Recreations of the friends sets but

you'll go to the real one during the

Warner Brothers tour while at Sony

Pictures you'll get to go into the

worlds of Ghostbusters and

Spider-Man at Paramount you'll get to

sit on the Forest Gump bench while we're

still on the movie theme you can do your

own movie tour for free yep Google your

favorite films and head to those

addresses you'll easily find the back of

the future house or the school in Greece

the modern family houses the Father of

the Bride home home it might be your

only chance to ever do this be

respectful of course if it's someone's

home right I'm going to let you in on

some California slang people don't speak

in distances as far as 5 miles 10 miles

15 miles here you don't say that no no

no you say 5 minutes without traffic or

10 minutes without traffic meaning that

journey is actually going to take you

about half an hour to get there with

traffic in the middle of the day but if

you went in the middle of the night at

like 2 in the morning it be 5 minutes

yeah so 5 minutes without traffic no big

deal Tak me 5 minutes right no no no

leave half an

hour California

traffic right back to the list and it's

time to get away from the city

streets the Griffith Observatory is

another big La attraction as well and

the cool thing is to go inside it's all

free but you do have to pay to Park up

now it's $10 an hour which is quite

steep um there is a free parking lot

down the very bottom of the hill you've

got about a mile to walk up but my top

tip is it's free up until midday so if

you come here before 12: that means you

get to come up here for

free you could easily spend an hour or

two going through the observatory and

seeing the

[Music]

exhibits but most people just come up

here to get their Instagram shots of

downtown

down it's also got some shots of the

Hollywood sign as well now even though

when you're here it looks pretty good

for a photo but we can do better can't

we yeah we can do better so let's go off

and find out where we can get an even

better shop and upgrade our photo

[Applause]

again hiking up to the Hollywood sign is

a real adventure and a unique La

experience you can hike to this point

and get a shot like this or you can

climb to the top and go behind the

sign if you don't want to walk at all

head to Lake Hollywood Park which has

the best view in

between we've made a whole video on the

Hollywood Sign hike and even timed it

for you I'll link to that at the end of

this

one while you're in the Hollywood Hills

I'd recommend stopping and having a look

around this is where many movie stars

and pop stars

especially when they first become big

it's a right of passage here you're

hanging out in their part of town so

you're 10 times likely to spot a

celebrity buying some milk or bread in a

shop here than you would do hanging out

on Hollywood Boulevard for

weeks Harry Styles even gave away one of

his favorite Hangouts in the song

although I don't ever think the coffee

will ever be out at the Beachwood Cafe

the staff will tell you his favorite

table if you forgotten the song We we've

made a YouTube short which I'll link to

at the

end time to head to the

[Music]

beach there's not one official La Beach

it has 20 now I'm not going to go

through all of them with you but here's

a couple Venice Beach is the one you've

seen with the skateboarding ramps and

Boardwalk with Muscle Beach the actual

Beach is lovely especially by the pier

but the boardwalk isn't too family

friendly I'd say I much prefer taking

people to Santa

[Music]

Monica here you'll find a safe upmarket

and familyfriendly Beach City high-end

shops and restaurants are just a short

walk from the sand if you're here on a

Wednesday or Saturday morning you should

definitely check out the downtown

Farmers

[Music]

Market it's not just the locals that

come here to get some fresh produce the

actual restaurant and chefs come come

down here every week as well to try and

get some of the best and freshest meats

and vegetables they can find for the

table it's also a really fun place just

to walk around and people

[Music]

watch the best place to hang out though

is the beach with its 2 miles of sand we

were here in August and had more than

enough space to fly a

kite Santa Monica is also home to the

famous Pier which has its own fun fair

[Music]

time now for a few hidden gems that only

the locals really know

about first up the original farmers

market and the Grove these are just a

few minutes away from Hollywood

Boulevard and offer some normality away

from the craziness of the Walk of Fame

areas the farmers Market's been here

since 193 before and it's more of a

street food market today you'll find

tasty Cuisine from around the globe come

here for breakfast lunch dinner or all

of

them the Grove feels like a real life

Disney Main Street as it's so perfect

and very Art Deco here you can go

shopping go to a restaurant or watch a

movie let's move into downtown now and

we'll start with Grand Central Market

this is the cool place to hang out and

grab some food in fact it's just been

inducted into the LA Times best

restaurants Hall of Fame this is perfect

for the family who can't decide what to

eat together as you can all get

something

different it's packed with vendors

who've gone on to become big

restaurants across the road from here

you'll see an interesting Cable Car the

Angel's flight opened in 1901 the

Victorian piece of engineering is a

cheap and cheerful

attraction Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone

made a song and dance about it when they

got to the top in la la

land you're in classic downtown LA here

so you'll spot loads of buildings you've

seen in movies over the

years just north is a little Oasis in

the

city this is Echo Park where you can't

help but get into the chilled hipster

vibe

even I had my first go at

taiichi it doesn't get much more La than

this on the lake you can rent your own

Swan so you can glide on the water with

the skyscrapers firmly in the distance

again there is an outof This World

Experience just one block away the time

travel mart is the One-Stop shop for all

you Time Travelers step inside this

quirky nonprofit to go back in time or

head to the

Future just waiting for myself to

answer have you got some La ideas add

them to the comments for others to see

our next California video is here for

you now see you in the next

one