One of the best things about travelling to America is that each trip offers unique experiences and cultural differences. From New York to Chicago, Miami to Los Angeles, these bustling cities have more variations than similarities. Each one will leave you with distinct memories and a taste for its lifestyle. In Los Angeles, you may find yourself doing things you’ve done in other cities, but it still presents a fresh and unfamiliar atmosphere. Take, for example, the city tour bus, which provides a peek into the lavish lives of the rich and famous. Here are some must-do activities while exploring the City of Angels.
Take Part in the Action
Frequent travelers will attest to the fact that to truly experience the vibrancy of a city, one must dive into its activities and events. Dining at local restaurants and attending a live performance can create unforgettable memories while providing insight into daily life. This is especially applicable in the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, where you may even stumble upon upcoming music sensations before anyone else. For rock music enthusiasts, exploring Sunset Boulevard and checking out bars with live shows is a must. This is where bands such as Guns’n’Roses and Red Hot Chili Peppers once began their careers.
For food enthusiasts looking for more than just restaurant tastings, joining cooking classes in Los Angeles is highly recommended. Sushi classes are prevalent, given the city’s proximity to the ocean and abundant fresh seafood. Many would argue that L.A.’s sushi is among the best in the world. Alternatively, Italian cooking classes are also available, as it is a beloved cuisine in many countries worldwide, and America is no different.
Take the City Tour Bus
If you’ve never been to Los Angeles before, you’ll likely be taken aback by the sheer immensity of the city. Stretching from Downtown to Santa Monica, it covers over ten miles (16 km) from east to west. With the heavy traffic common during the day, it’s essential to remain calm and patient while navigating the streets. Even highways up to five lanes are congested. However, what makes this city unique is its laid-back attitude; unlike New York City, the locals know how to take it slow.
When you finally reach the coast on Highway 10 (also known as the Santa Monica Freeway), you’ll be greeted with stunning ocean views. But even if you decide to rent a car during your visit, don’t miss out on taking a hop-on/hop-off city tour to experience all that LA has to offer fully. From getting up close to the iconic Hollywood sign and enjoying panoramic views at Griffith Park to cruising past Beverly Hills’ luxurious homes and seeing Michael Jackson’s former residence, where he passed away in his sleep – this tour will take you to places unlike anywhere else.
In Los Angeles, there are many sights to see, and the best way to get an initial overview is by taking the tour bus and stopping at any location that catches your interest. Tourists especially enjoy visiting Hollywood Boulevard and Rodeo Drive. On the famous boulevard, you can stroll along the renowned Walk of Fame, filled with stars dedicated to actors and musicians, and visit the iconic Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. At Rodeo Drive, made even more famous by Pretty Woman decades ago, you can easily spend a few hundred dollars (or more) in one of the luxurious boutiques lining the street.
Take the Haunted Tour onboard the Queen Mary
Originally an ocean liner, the Queen Mary was utilized as a troop carrier during World War II, reaching as far as Australia. Now docked in the port of Beach, California, this historic vessel has been transformed into a hotel featuring stunning art deco staterooms and suites. But that’s not all. It also offers a haunted encounter called Ghosted Tours.
During your visit, you can explore the bridge and discover remnants of its formidable armament, equipped with large-calibre guns and anti-aircraft weaponry. However, the real highlight is the one-hour tour itself. Time Magazine has recognized the Queen Mary as one of America’s Top 10 Most Haunted Places. We won’t spoil the fun by revealing all that you’ll see on this tour, but check out Room B340, which cannot be booked for overnight stays due to its high level of paranormal activity. Visiting this site will be a memorable experience during your stay in the city.
Conclusion
It’s impossible to explore Los Angeles in just one trip entirely. You’ll most likely be entranced by the city and find yourself returning soon after. That’s a good thing because so many unique attractions are nearby, such as Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Getty Roman Villa, and much more waiting to be discovered.