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With the thriving nightlife of Downtown, jaw-dropping scenery, and laid-back vibe of the city’s many beaches, Los Angeles is one of the most popular destinations for young adults who crave novel and exciting experiences.
If you need fun in the sun and a good dose of R&R, there’s no doubt that LA is the perfect place to kick your socks off. The city has everything you could ask for and more, thanks to a thriving entertainment scene, world-famous attractions, and, last but not least, affordable and trendy places to stay.
Be careful, though; the city’s enthralling allure may captivate you completely, and before you know it, you’ll be searching for ads saying “rooms for rent Los Angeles”! With so many options to guarantee a good time, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
To save you some trouble, we’ve put together a guide of five of the best things to do in the city. From the hottest bars and clubs to the best beaches and sporting events, let us take a look at some of the most exciting activities in the City of Angels.
1. Star-studded escapades
Often referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World, it isn’t hard to see why LA earns that moniker. The city provides plenty of opportunities to witness the inner workings of the entertainment industry with your own eyes, from behind-the-scenes tours of your favorite studios to live taping of TV shows.
For pure, unadulterated entertainment, you can explore the magical world of Disneyland, ride the thrilling rides at Universal Studios, or take a short road trip to Las Vegas if you’re feeling lucky. If you’re looking to spot a celebrity or two, you might want to head to some of the hotspots where stars are known to frequent, such as Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, and Malibu.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the city’s most famous attractions, where you can spot the stars of your favorite celebs on the sidewalk along Hollywood Boulevard. There are several tours of celebrity homes available, and you can always visit Madame Tussauds wax museum if it’s a quiet day for the paparazzi.
2. Clubs and concerts
Los Angeles has always been a go-to destination for its great nightlife. The city boasts a nightclub scene, with everything from trendy rooftop bars to exclusive underground clubs.
Some of the best DJs globally perform in LA. The famous Hollywood Bowl, for example, is a must-see venue with concerts by some of the biggest names in music, while the Coachella Music Festival draws thousands of music fans from around the world.
The city also has dozens of live music venues, such as The Troubadour, the Roxy Theatre, and the Staples Center. If you’re lucky, you can even catch a famous artist doing a surprise performance at one of the many smaller bars and clubs around the city.
3. Game time
If you’re a sports fan, you’ll be glad to know that LA pro sports teams are some of the best in the world. Die-hard fans rooting for their favorite teams fill up the city’s stadiums every match day, and attending one of these live games will surely delight any sports enthusiast.
As far as pro teams are concerned, the Dodgers, Lakers, Clippers, and Kings call LA home. If you prefer college sports, you can always catch a game at one of LA’s many universities. No matter your preference, the atmosphere at live games is always electric, and you’re sure to get caught up in the excitement.
Attending a game at Dodger Stadium, one of the oldest ballparks in the country, is a quintessential sporting experience for anyone visiting the city. LA also hosts major sporting events throughout the year, such as the LA Marathon, the Rose Bowl, and the World Surf League Championship, ensuring a little bit of everything for discerning sports fans.
4. Soak in the sun
LA’s majestic coastline is one of its biggest draws, with over 75 miles of pristine beaches surrounding the city. You can find some of the best beachfront bars in the business here, with exquisite cuisine and cocktails.
Santa Monica Pier is one of the most famous beachfront landmarks in the world, and you’ve probably seen it in a few films already. The iconic pier offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, fun amusement park rides, and even an aquarium.
Venice Beach is another famous spot, a bohemian paradise known for its talented street performers and colorful atmosphere. If you’re looking for a more secluded beach, Manhattan Beach and Malibu offer plenty of peace away from the crowds.
5. Shop ‘til you drop
Fancy a bit of retail therapy? LA is a veritable shopper’s paradise with enough variety to suit any budget, from high-end boutiques with exclusive clientele to sprawling shopping centers with tucked-away thrift stores.
Take a walk down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and you’ll find designer stores for all major fashion brands. The famous Grove shopping center offers a mix of upscale and affordable options that budget-conscious shoppers can’t afford to miss. True fashion lovers can visit the Fashion District, which boasts over 1,000 wholesale and retail stores to explore.
For a little of everything, head to Melrose Avenue, and you’ll find a mix of trendy boutiques, vintage shops, and streetwear stores. Ultimately, LA has plenty of vintage and budget-friendly thrift stores, and you just have to know where to look to find the best deals.