Ever notice how happy those people strolling Hollywood Boulevard look? That’s because they’re experiencing our fair city as a tourist attraction. And you can, too. See our list of 12 must-do activities and embrace your inner tourist.
12 Touristy L.A. Things That Are Honestly Actually Worth It
We’re are definitely not above visiting celebrity graves
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Published Aug 19, 2016
Have Drinks at the Chateau Marmont
The founder of Columbia Pictures said, “If you must get in trouble, do it at the Chateau Marmont.” So follow in the footsteps (within limits) of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Jim Morrison and Lindsay Lohan and settle into the lobby lounge for a Negroni.
Join a Walking Tour
Los Angeles has so much cool and kooky architecture, but do you know the stories behind your skyline? The L.A. Conservancy offers weekly tours that explore everything from Union Station to Art Deco across the city. In short: It’s basically going to jazz up your Instagram, big-time.
Hike to the Hollywood Sign
Sure, Griffith Park trails are newly re-opened, but the real tourist experience is starting from the Griffith Observatory’s parking lot and taking the easy three-mile hike upward. That way, every time you see the sign in the distance, you’ll remember that awesome day you conquered it.
Walk Under That Ginormous Museum Rock
Who says fine art isn’t thrilling? Walk under “Levitated Mass,” the 340-ton stone suspended over a walkway just outside LACMA, and feel like you’re living on the edge.
Visit a Celebrity Grave
Repeat after us: It’s not macabre; it’s homage! Marilyn Monroe is buried at the tiny and beautifully maintained Pierce Brothers Westwood Village alongside other celebs including Dean Martin, Natalie Wood and many more.
Try a Spiritual Exercise
We’re not suggesting you join a cult or anything. But there’s a whole new breed of tourist who flocks to our yoga retreats and follows their gurus here. Make like them and try the big om with meditation or Kundalini yoga.
Enjoy a Rooftop Sunset
Want to slow down and really see the city from a fresh perspective? Try sitting on the rooftop of a 16 floor Art Deco building, sipping a signature cocktail of gin and lime juice laced with cucumber and jalapeño, while the sun is sinking behind the tall buildings.
Do the Paramount Studio Tour
You’ve driven by it a million times, but wouldn’t the movie lover in you like to see the huge soundstages, movie props and fake locations (look, it’s a New York City street!) behind the glam entry arches?
Bike Around the L.A. Boardwalk
You know all those chill peeps with the wind in their hair, piloting a beach cruiser on the boardwalk between Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier? That could be you, with a rental bike and an hour to kill.
Grab Coffee at the Beverly Hills Hotel
The Fountain Coffee Room’s signature banana leaf wallpaper and retro-cool (ahem, calorie-laden) menu will take you back to the ’50s. It’s the perfect gossip sesh location with your bestie.
Visit a Theme Park
You can still ride roller coasters, but these days, theme parks are more about the fangirl than being flung upside down at high speeds. Universal Studios Hollywood is scratching the itch of the J. K. Rowling fan in all of us with its newly opened Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Accio fun!
Stroll Beverly Gardens Park
You know that 1.9-acre park you’ve always admired as you’ve been inching along Santa Monica Boulevard between West Hollywood and Century City? Do yourself a favor—pull over and enjoy outdoor installations including Yayoi Kasama’s crazy tulips sculpture and the tourist favorite “Beverly Hills” sign.
