There’s much more to the City of Angels than eight lane highways, miles of golden sand, and countless performers waiting in line for their five minutes of fame. LA is a city of extremes, a beacon of hope for dreamers the world over, and an anything goes environment where creativity can shine.
From the pink washed sunsets over the abs and biceps of Venice Beach, to the pods of dolphins that frequent Point Dume, a surprising beauty abounds in La La Land.
If you’re considering one of Los Angeles vacation rentals for your next city break then take a look these five fab things you must do when in Los Angeles.
Take in the views of LA from Runyon Canyon
Skip Hollywood Boulevard and head up to Runyon Canyon Park where Angelenos and celebrities alike head to escape the concrete jungle.
One of the city’s most popular hiking areas this 90 acre park overlooks the bustling Hollywood Boulevard and as you walk the 3 mile Runyon Canyon Loop you’ll enjoy priceless views of the Hollywood Sign, the Sunset Strip, and the L.A. Basin.
Get inspired by Van Gogh’s “Irises”
One of the most valuable works of art in history Van Gogh’s Irises, which he painted during the last year of his life while living in the asylum at Saint Paul-de-Mausole, is currently on display at the Getty Center in LA’s Brentwood.
Influenced by Japanese ukiyo-e woodblock prints the work is one of 130 that were inspired by the gardens of the clinic and completed during the last 12 months of his life.
Ride the Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica Pier
Home to some of the best stretches of sand in the world, southern California offers seemingly endless summer days and seaside appeal. Think bronzed bodies and waves of blonde hair everywhere.
Opened in 1909, the historic Santa Monica Pier personifies the care-free, hazy, lazy ideal depicted so often in Hollywood’s Californian dreams with its solar-powered Ferris Wheel, Pacific park amusements, Heal the Bay Aquarium, and iconic Carousel.
Shop till you drop on Rodeo Drive
Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Rodeo Drive; like matching heels and handbags these three are the holy grail to shopaholics the world over.
No matter whether you’ve the cash to flash in the high-end designer boutiques that line the manicured pavements of this world-famous street, window shopping is free of charge and the experience is worth the trip. As is people watching from one of the neighborhoods artesian cafés.
See the stars in Griffith Park
If you’re craving some time in the great outdoors and don’t feel like sitting in traffic to get to the beach, head to Griffith Park (the country’s largest urban park) and explore Griffith Observatory; Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos. Atop Mount Hollywood the observatory offers visitors a glimpse into the night sky overhead and hosts captivating exhibitions in its planetarium.
Don’t despair if cosmology doesn’t excite, the park is also home to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens, 50 miles of hiking and biking trails, and lagoons perfect for a quick afternoon dip.
Visit the famous Hollywood sign
An iconic symbol of the American entertainment industry the Hollywood Sign was actually erected in 1923 and was conceived as a real-estate advert for a housing development called Hollywoodland. Now synonymous with the celebrity lifestyle Los Angeles exudes the sign has become one of the city’s most noted attractions.
Although the Sign’s appearance and purpose have evolved over the years, its basic aspirational message remains the same: This is a place where magic is possible, where dreams can come true.
If like me you’re an Instagram addict or you just love collecting inspiring images of iconic landmarks, take a look at this post to find out where you can hike, bike, and fly to, to find the best views of the sign.
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See a different side to the City of Angeles with these must-see LA activities, and make the most of your stay in La La Land.
