Los Angeles: What to eat, do and see in the home of Hollywood

The Hollywood Sign is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. (Photo credit: Jake Blucker via Unsplash)

The sprawling city of Los Angeles is the commercial, financial and cultural centre of the west coast of the United States. Not only is Los Angeles home to the glamourous Hollywood film industry, but it is also one of the most beautiful cities in America. Additionally, the city has a thriving art scene and a rich cultural heritage. As the second-most populous city in the United States, Los Angeles can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. If you are planning a vacation in the City of Angels and don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place. Here’s a guide to things to do, where to stay, eat and drink in Los Angeles:

Things to do in Los Angeles

The Hollywood Sign is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2023. The best way to see the iconic sign is to hike to it. The hike to the Hollywood Sign is approximately three hours and offers panoramic vistas of LA’s skyline and the Pacific Ocean. Hikers can also go to a viewpoint below the sign, which takes about 90 minutes. We suggest doing the Hollywood hike with a guide from companies such as Bikes and Hikes LA as the trail is not easily identifiable.

Academy Museum of Motion Pictures (Photo by Josh White, JWPictures_©Academy Museum Foundation)

Another highly recommended hike is the one to Griffith Observatory, which is a striking space and science observatory that is situated on Mount Hollywood.

While in Los Angeles, you must get a taste of Hollywood. The best way to do this is by visiting an actual movie studio. Check out Universal Studios Hollywood, which is a film studio and a theme park if you have an entire day. If you have a few hours, visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood. Both studio tours provide a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how Hollywood movies and TV shows are made.

Another great way to explore Hollywood is to take a walking tour.

On your tour, you will cover the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Madame Tussauds, Amoeba Music (world’s largest independent record store), and the historic TCL Chinese Theatre.

Moreover, Los Angeles has some of the most spectacular beaches in the world, from the vibrant boardwalk of Venice Beach to the tranquil coves of Malibu. Some of the best beaches in LA include the Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, Malibu Beach, Manhattan Beach and Hermosa Beach.

At Venice Beach. (Photo credit: Los Angeles Tourism and Convention Board)

To a lot of people’s surprise, Los Angeles has a thriving art scene. Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, the Broad, the Getty Centre, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). Additionally, the restaurant Fanny’s at the Academy Museum is worth checking out.

For shopping, check out The Grove, Santa Monica’s Third Street Promenade and the Westside Century City. These outdoor malls are bustling with activity all-year round.

While in Los Angeles, try going for a basketball, baseball or American football match. The city’s sports stadiums and sport venues are world-class.

Dodger Stadium baseball park, Los Angeles

Where to eat and drink in Los Angeles

Los Angeles’ restaurants are known to set the food trends for the rest of the world. In addition to Californian cuisine, the city is home to some of the best Asian and Mexican eateries in the United States.

In Hollywood, dine at Grandmaster Recorders, Ka’teen, TAO, The Butcher's Daughter, Jitlada Restaurant, Beauty & Essex, Pizzeria Mozza and the Tower Bar and Restaurant.

In Downtown, do a Los Angeles Food Tour with companies such as Culinary Backstreets. These food tours take guests to the neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little Tokyo and Olvera street (a colourful Mexican marketplace). Guests can try delicious delicacies from age-old eateries.

In addition, Downtown LA is home to a number of award-winning restaurants such as LA Cha Cha Cha, Angry Egret Dinette, Baar Baar - LA, Rossoblu and Girl & the Goat Los Angeles. Baar Baar Los Angeles is an upscale modern Indian restaurant by chef Sujan Sarkar.

In west Los Angeles, visit Citizen Public Market, Belles Beach House, Gjelina, Etta, Roberta's, KazuNori, Élephante, Wallflower, Felix, Nobu and El Cholo.

Grab a drink at any of Los Angeles’ rooftop bars. The most popular ones are High Rooftop Lounge, Mama Shelter, Perch, Harriet’s West Hollywood, Bar Lis and E.P. & L.P. These bars offer awe-inspiring views of the city and delicious cocktails and bar bites. Also, don’t miss dining at In-N-Out Burger, Los Angeles’ wildly popular, casual burger joint.

When in LA, remember to tip restaurant servers 20-25 percent. (Photo credit: Roberto Nickson via Unsplash)

Things to keep in mind

What to wear: The weather in Los Angeles changes drastically through the day, so always wear layers that you can remove or add. In addition, always check the weather before stepping out in Los Angeles.

Dining etiquette: Always tip servers 20-25 percent, depending on the quality of service.

Drinking water: Los Angeles water is safe to drink directly from all faucets and water fountains across the city. At restaurants, ‘tap water’ is free of cost and is also safe to drink.

Safety: Like any major metropolis, it’s crucial to be aware of your surroundings while in Los Angeles. If you feel unsafe and want to call the police or an ambulance service, dial 911.

Transport: It’s advisable to rent a car while visiting Los Angeles. Ubers, Lyfts and taxis are available as well.

Best time to visit: Year-round pleasant weather in Los Angeles means that anytime is a good time to visit. But if you want to avoid the crowds, fall and spring are best.

Where to stay

Los Angeles is home to several luxurious hotels, boutique hotels, and homestays. Choose the location of your stay based on where in Los Angeles you will be spending most of your time, as travelling between neighbourhoods can be time-consuming and tiring.

If it’s your first trip to Los Angeles and you want to stay at a celebrity-favourite hotel in Hollywood, choose from The Hollywood Roosevelt, Chateau Marmont, Sunset Tower Hotel and the Thompson Hollywood that are teeming with Hollywood celebrities and famous personalities.

In Downtown, Hotel Figueroa, Millennium Biltmore Hotel Los Angeles, the Delphi and the Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles offer impeccable service and state-of-the-art amenities.

If you want to be near the beach, stay at the Fairmont Miramar - Hotel & Bungalows, Shutters on the Beach, Santa Monica Proper Hotel or Hotel June West LA.

​​​​​For additional information, visit https://www.discoverlosangeles.com/