Best things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the crown jewel of California and one of the best places to visit in a campervan. With so much diverse culture and attractions galore, you’ll find something for everyone in this bustling city. Today we’re going to take a look at some of the best things to do in Los Angeles.

Hollywood Sign

The Hollywood Sign is an American landmark and a must-see if you’re in Los Angeles. Originally erected in 1923, it was only supposed to stay standing for 18 months but the Golden Age of Hollywood changed all that. It’s since become a city staple, offering visitors an enduring landmark representing Hollywood’s enduring legacy.

There are a couple of easy vantage points in the basin: the top of the Home Depot parking garage on Sunset Boulevard or the patio on the northeast corner of the Hollywood & Highland Center mall. If you want to get up close and personal then you can visit the sign on a hike at Griffith Park, otherwise, you might opt to park at Lake Hollywood Park and view the sign across the canyon.

The Getty Center

The Getty Center is an attraction not to be missed if you’re a fan of art, architecture, or both. Opened in 1997, the centre is an offshoot of the main branch of the J. Paul Getty Museum in Brentwood and is home to a truly astonishing art collection.

You’ll be able to wonder at illuminated manuscripts, enjoy a wide swath of Flemish, Italian, and Dutch paintings from the 17th to the 19th centuries, and explore a massive assortment of Impressionist paintings. All these awe-inspiring works are housed within a centre as beautiful as its holdings, with architecture by Pritzker Prize-winner Richard Meier taking centre stage.

Venice

Los Angeles’ most eccentric neighbourhood, Venice is as much a cultural boiling pot as it is a seaside resort. Its 2.5-mile boardwalk is teeming with cannabis shops, tattoo parlours, street vendors, and a massive cast of street performers, making the experience one not to be forgotten.

Venice Muscle Beach and the skate plaza are two of the area’s renowned signatures. This is also the best neighbourhood to seek out historic arcaded buildings and bask in the independence and eccentricity of Los Angeles.

Disneyland Resort

Disneyland Resort is actually two theme parks: Disney California Adventure and Disneyland Park. Connected by Downtown Disney, these parks are host to some of the most well-known rides and attractions in the world including Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. For Star Wars fans, the Galaxy’s Edge was added in 2019 and brings the magic of outer space to the parks proper as well.

Whatever your age, a day trip to the Disneyland Resort is a must if you find yourself in Los Angeles.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

The Walk of Fame is a must-see in Los Angeles. Begun in 1958, the Hollywood Walk of Fame is the city’s tribute to the actors, musicians, directors, and fictional characters that have made Hollywood what it is. It stretches across 15 blocks of Hollywood Boulevard and three blocks of Vine Street, celebrating over 2,600 honourees.

The stars themselves are made of terrazzo and brass and some 24 new ones are laid each year, making the attraction an ever-changing celebration of new and old celebrities.

Universal Studios Hollywood

1964 saw Universal Studios open its doors to the public, offering tours of its sets and props to eager movie buffs. Before long, the tour developed into a fully-fledged theme park making it one of the best things to do in Los Angeles.

With attractions based on Universal Studios productions, the park is updated every few years to stay fresh and relevant. 2016 saw the introduction of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, one of the park’s biggest drawcards to this day while 2019 paved the way for the epic Jurassic World: The Ride.

The studio tour itself is also still going strong on the Upper Lot. Visitors can enjoy a tram ride through sets like the house from Psycho (1960) and Courthouse Square, experiencing the movie magic up close and personal.

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is an exercise in conspicuous wealth. Lined with luxury boutiques by brands such as Cartier, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, the street itself seems to have picked up the glitz and glam of its inhabitants.

Even if you’re not a high-end shopper, Rodeo Drive is an experience. It’s a great place to window shop and gawk at the passing luxury cars as you wonder at the European-style cobblestone streets.

This is also one of the best places in the city to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous.

Pacific Coast Highway

The renowned North-South highway follows California’s coastline for over 660 miles and is able to be intercepted at Santa Monica for a picturesque drive to Malibu.

Along the Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll see surf communities, dozens of beautiful beaches, and a slew of elegant residences – all great things to do in Los Angeles. When you get hungry, there are countless eateries and restaurants to stop at, most serving scrumptious seafood paired with some amazing views.

If you’re a fan of scenic drives, then the Pacific Coast Highway isn’t to be missed.

Camping in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to a slew of campervan campgrounds and parks, so it all depends on what you want to see and do as to where you stay.

Campervan parks like the Hollywood RV Park and the Dockweiler RV Park offer plenty of amenities coupled with quirky atmospheres and excellent, inner-city locations. If you’d rather get out of the city, there are a range of national parks and wooded campgrounds nearby as well.

Enjoy these things to do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has something for everyone. As a sprawling major city, it offers visitors a range of different attractions sure to entertain people from all walks of life.

Now that you know some of the best things to do in Los Angeles, you can rent a campervan here and start this adventure! Or, if you need more inspiration or have some doubt in your mind, you may want to check our blogs on the best California road trips or our Las Vegas to Los Angeles road trip!

About the Author

Marisa Pereira

Passionated about travelling and dancing, Marisa desires to explore the world and all of its wonders!