10 things to do in Los Angeles

When visiting Los Angeles for the first time, planning your trip from the plethora of things the city has to offer can be daunting.

Hours upon hours can be spent on Yelp! researching restaurants to try, museums to visit, and sites to see. But you’re in luck! To expedite your exploration of the city we’ve compiled a list of 10 assorted destinations to get you on the ground running!

1. Art: The Broad Museum
   

   The Broad is one of Los Angeles’ newest museums and houses more than 2,000 contemporary art pieces. You will find works from Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jeff Koons, & Takashi Murakami just to name a few. Entrance is free! But be sure to make reservations before hand or you will be waiting in line for quite a bit of time.

2. Classic Eats: Philippe’s
   

   With so much to see in the city and so little time its nice to have somewhere to grab a quick, yet delicious bite to eat. Philippe’s has been a Los Angeles staple since 1908! Be sure to order one of their French Dip sandwiches that feature a light and crisp french baguette lathered in their own ‘jus’ extracted from roasting meats and your choice of any moist and juicy meat they offer.

3. New Eats: Howlin’ Rays
   

   Located in Chinatown district is one of LA’s newest and hottest places to grab a sandwich. In theory grabbing a sandwich should be a quick affair, but you’ll probably find yourself waiting in line to grab a crispy, juicy Hot Chicken Sando. Just remember good things come to those who wait, and you will not regret waiting for what probably will be the best chicken sandwich you’ve ever had in your life.

4. Drink: Los Angeles Ale Works
   

   If a cold one with the boys is what you’re after your in luck, the craft brew scene in Los Angeles is booming! LA Ale Works located in the city of Hawthorne is about 15 minutes from LAX and just a stones throw away from SpaceX headquarters. They have an outdoor patio where you can enjoy the California sunshine along with their Space XPA, an IPA inspired by their Mars bound neighbor.

5. Nature: Sturtevant Falls
   

   Waterfalls may not be the first thing you think of when visiting Los Angeles but if you are yearning to get in touch with Mother Nature a 40 mile drive north of the downtown area will get you there. On the hike to Sturtevant Falls you will cross streams, pass cabins at Roberts Camp, and take in great views of the San Gabriel Mountains.

6. Amusement Park: Universal Studios Hollywood
   

   Universal Studios is a must for movie and entertainment buffs! The park has a ton of new attractions such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can step into Ollivanders and watch a wand choose a wizard and Springfield where you can have a Flaming Mo while eating a Krusty Burger in Mo’s Tavern.

7. Exercise: Hollywood Sign Hike
   

   Indulge a bit too much in the city eats? Head to the Hollywood Sign Hike to see great views of DTLA, the Lake Hollywood Reservoir, and front and back views of the iconic Hollywood Sign. It is about a 4 mile hike that is not too tough, but will definitely have you breaking a sweat.

8. Site See: OUE Skyspace
   

   Located at the highest skyscraper in the city, the US Bank Tower, is OUE Skyspace LA which houses a hair raising clear bottom slide! Once you’re done overcoming your fear of heights on the slide take the time to enjoy the breathtaking, 360 degree views of the city.

9. Drink X Eat X Dance: The Rooftop at theThe Standard
   

   There are a lot of places to grab a drink in LA but few places rival the rooftop views you get at The Standard. Enjoy some tasty food and refreshing cocktails by the pool and stay a bit later to dance the night away while enjoying a movie being projected on the building next door!

10. Shop: Third Street Promenade
    

    If its retail therapy your after, Third Street Promenade is just about as good as it gets. There are several blocks of trendy retail stores, a variety of restaurants, and street performers throughout the promenade. All this, along with it being just minutes from the beach, make it a must stop during your stay in Los Angeles.