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Los Angeles Tourism: The Many Things to Do in Los Angeles

Finding things to do in Los Angeles isn't difficult, but with a population nearing four million, traffic can put a damper on travel. If you're driving in Los Angeles, plan your routes and travel times. Freeways are most congested during typical rush hour times. Take advantage of public transportation like Amtrak and Metrolink rail.

The good news is that the Los Angeles climate is temperate. Heavy rainfall is a sporadic event in the winter months so any activity from sightseeing to hiking, from museums to amusement parks, or from mountains to beaches is fair game for things to do in Los Angeles.

Star Gazing in Hollywood

Isn't Los Angeles the city of the stars? One doesn't think of Los Angeles without picturing the looming "Hollywood" sign that graces Mount Lee. Much of Los Angeles' growing history comes from the making of movies and the movie stars in them. It's no surprise that visitors who travel to Los Angeles wish to travel to destinations like Universal City, Hollywood, and Rodeo Drive, some of the hot spots for movie star sighting.

One of the most famous destinations in the Los Angeles area is Grauman's (currently named Mann's) Chinese Theater, built in 1927. The Chinese Theater became the coveted venue for studio premieres. Its forecourt also exhibits the cement impressions of famous movie stars' handprints, footprints and signatures. That same year, famous actors and actresses began the Hollywood Walk of Fame, a veritable galaxy of stars embedded in the sidewalk. Today, the Walk of Fame extends over eighteen blocks.

If you're intent on catching sight of a star, several tour companies offer bus tours to movie stars' homes in Hollywood, Beverly Hills and Bel Air. Or you can go to Rodeo Drive and hope to spot a few while window shopping at some of Los Angeles' most exclusive stores.

Shopping on Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive houses many upscale stores such as Gucci, Armani and Tiffany's; some of the world's most famous people buy their clothing, jewelry and other accessories in these stores. One store in particular, Bijan, opens its doors by appointment only. A recent $200 million renovation of Rodeo Drive offers a quaint European flair with archways, fountains, cobblestones and more exclusive shops, so even if you don't see stars, you can at least enjoy the scenery.

If Rodeo Drive isn't the kind of shopping you're looking for, check out other areas of Los Angeles for shopping. The Garment District in downtown Los Angeles offers designer labels at significant discounts. Find special wares at the Jewelry District or fresh and homemade items at the Farmer's Market. For trendy, ethnic or specialty shops try Westwood Village, Olivera Street, Chinatown or Fisherman's Village in Marina del Rey.

Griffith Park and Observatory

Shopping and movie star gazing are not the only things to do in Los Angeles. The Griffith Park Observatory and Planetarium offer some star gazing (real stars, not movie stars). Or you can spend a day in Griffith Park hiking, horseback riding, or perusing Gene Autry's Museum of Western Heritage.

La Brea Tar Pits and Other Museums

Visit the La Brea Tar Pits where some of the most famous sources of ice-age fossils have been recovered. Or visit one of the many celebrated museums of Los Angeles, including:

the Movieland Wax Museum
the Los Angeles County Museum of Art
the Norton Simon Museum of Art
the Natural History Museum.

For more eclectic tastes, try:

the Museum of Neon Art
the Museum of Tolerance
the Petersen Automotive Museum
the Museum of Miniatures.

Theater and Outdoor Amphitheaters

Los Angeles offers a host of venues for nightlife and theater. The Ahmanson Theatre and Pantages Theatre produce musicals, dramas and comedies. Or try any of the outdoor amphitheaters like Universal Amphitheater or the Hollywood Bowl for music under the stars. You might also take in the entertainment offered at such famous areas as Venice Beach or Manhattan Beach.