The beaches, warm weather, endless entertaining attractions and rich history (and the celebs of course) make LA one of America's most popular destinations. Enjoy the beautiful people, the beautiful scenery, and the effortlessly cool and laid-back culture of this famed SoCal city.
Yes, it's touristy and kitschy, but you can't visit LA without at least driving down Hollywood Boulevard to see the stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Whether you're searching for your favorite stars, want to stop at Grauman's Chinese Theater, or you just want to get a good view of the iconic Hollywood sign, this should be your first stop in the City of Angels.
Make sure you snag tickets in advance to the legendary Whisky A Go Go, which is famous for hosting all kinds of legendary acts like the Doors, Janis Joplin, and Led Zeppelin, among many others, and for spawning the "go-go dancer" fad of the late 1960's. They still put on shows for cool up-and-coming acts, so it's worth checking out.
If you'd rather see something a little lighter, then stop by The Comedy Store. Grab tickets to one of the shows in their three theaters, which offer all different kinds of performances, from big headlining acts to strange and offbeat smaller shows. There's a two drink minimum here, but it doesn't have to be booze... although that never fails to enhance the experience.
Grab some breakfast at the famed French-inspired Chateau Marmont, hidden in the Hollywood Hills. Whether you're in the mood for decadent brioche French toast, or you want to revitalize with cold-pressed juice, you can enjoy it in this old-school Hollywood hotspot. Plus, it's a pretty good place for celeb-spotting, if you're into that.
The iconic Santa Monica Pier is definitely a classic stop on a trip to LA. From the roller coaster to the aquarium, it's got that fun, beachy boardwalk vibe, and the surrounding beach is pretty nice. Grab a drink at the end of the pier, watch the sun set, and enjoy the views.
Even though summer is a popular time to visit, the heat and smog of Los Angeles summers aren't the city's best look. Spring is always nice, and fall is pleasant too, but winter brings temperatures that make it a touch too cool for sunbathing, plus the occasional rainstorm.