Dining, Things to Do
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If you're interested in exploring LA's food truck scene, I recommend:
LAist Food Truck Twitter List
Roaming Hunger
If you're interested in sampling some of LA's amazing tacos and taco trucks, a great resource is The Great Taco Hunt. But seriously, almost any taco trunk you come upon is going to have something unique and delicious.
You may have heard that LA has excellent Chinese food. The best place to get some of the most authentic and regional cuisines is in the various towns of the San Gabriel Valley, just east of Downtown.
Orientation
The greater Los Angeles area is a vast and sprawling metropolis with many cities, neighborhoods, and micro-communities.
The Beach
The main beach communities of the Los Angeles Area are, from north to south: Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice and Maria Del Rey. Unfortunately, Downtown LA is on the east side of town, so in order to dip your toes in the Pacific, you'll need a car or a bus trip. Access to the beaches is free, but parking is not.
The Arts
There are many great art and history museums in Los Angeles. Here are some resources to explore and just a few options to consider:
Location |
URL |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
Discover the Arts in Los Angeles |
Resource to find deals for numerous museums, plays, etc. |
|
LACMA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art) |
An amazing museum, including two new complexes. Check our BCAM for contemporary art. |
|
Getty |
Two locations, one in LA off the 405 and one at the coast on Pacific Coast Hwy. Both are amazing! |
|
Annenberg Space for Photography |
A small space, but great photography. In 1-2 hours, you'll see it all and be ready for your next adventure in LA. |
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Petersen Automotive Museum |
If you're a car nut, this place is for you. Just across the street from LACMA. |
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Hollywood Bowl |
Music, performances. |
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Walt Disney Concert Hall |
Not sure if there will be performances, but worth a look! |
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Ahmanson Theater, Mark Taper Forum |
If a play's your thing, check out these great venues. |
Amusement Parks
Location |
URL |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
Disneyland |
In Anaheim. A significant commute from downtown LA. |
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Universal Studios |
A short freeway drive from downtown LA. |
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Six Flags Magic Mountain |
In Santa Clarita/Valencia. A commute from downtown LA. |
Sightseeing
Location |
URL |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
Discover Los Angeles |
Links to options big and small. |
|
Hollywood Sign |
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Hollywood and Highland, incl. Mann's Chinese Theater |
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Griffith Park and Observatory |
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Beverly Hills |
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Santa Monica Pier |
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Venice Beach |
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LA Zoo |
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Chinatown |
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Shopping
More places than can be mentioned here. Just a sample:
Location |
URL |
Notes |
|---|---|---|
Americana - Glendale |
Popular new mall. |
|
Beverly Hills - Rodeo Drive |
Iconic. Expensive. |
|
Beverly Center |
Not in Beverly Hills, but a mall nonetheless. |
|
3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica |
Open-air walking mall. Moments away from Santa Monica pier and beach. Another major mall next door. A commute from downtown LA. |
|
The Grove |
Another popular open-air mall. Farmer's market nearby. |