There is more to Los Angeles than meets the eye.
Well known as the City of Angels, the home of the Hollywood sign and countless mansions owned by celebrities, the West Coast city also has incredible beaches, local artwork and a rich and diverse culture which every traveller should explore.
If you're visiting the US, or studying in California, here are some things which should be on every LA travel itinerary.
Hit the beach!
The beaches in Los Angeles are world famous, and for good reason. Each beach has its own unique character. Venice Beach is the quirky one, with cute shops, galleries, gorgeous cafes, street performers, Muscle Beach bodybuilders and more. It's the perfect place for a spot of people watching!
If you want a relaxed day by the seaside, head out to Malibu and enjoy the vibes and waves there. Santa Monica Beach - home to the iconic pier and ferris wheel - is also well worth a visit, particularly as it's perfect for some Instagram snaps!
Beverly Hills, that's where I want to be
Hello 90210! The famous postcode deserves a walking tour to see it in its full glory. Home to high-end shops, extravagant houses and a-list celebrities, Beverly Hills is an area of LA that has to be seen to be believed. Take a trip to Rodeo Drive and window shop till your heart's content - but don't forget to keep an eye out for some famous faces at the same time!
The hikes and the bikes
LA is a great area to do some hiking - and that is exactly what the locals do. Browse any LA-based celebrity’s instagram, and they will undoubtedly have a hiking picture every few snaps.
Los Angeles is a health-conscious city and everywhere you go, you will find people enjoying an active lifestyle. There are loads of hiking trails throughout Los Angeles so why not sport those runners and get active!
Cycling is another great way to see the city, and the route via Santa Monica is one of the most popular. It should be noted that when I visited LA, I did a 26-mile bike tour and I nearly died. LA is very, very hilly. So pace yourself!
Enjoy amazing food (and vending machine cupcakes!)
LA is possibly one of the finest places in the world for eating out, so don't worry about having to cook every night! The city has options to suit every budget and every cuisine type, so everyone will find something they love.
Check out Sprinkles Cupcakes for the coolest experience of your life - a vending machine with cupcakes!
Visit a movie set
Would a trip to LA be complete without a trip to a movie set? With Universal Studios, Warner Brothers, Paramount Pictures, and Sony Pictures all calling LA home, there are plenty of options available.
Lots of iconic movie scenes were filmed around the city as well, so if you can't squeeze in a studio backlot tour you can always try and see how many famous spots you recognize as you wander through Los Angeles.
