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Home > Things To Do in Los Angeles
Things to do in Los Angeles
Founded in 1781, Spanish governor Felipe de Neve name the settlement “El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora la Reina de los Angeles del Río de Porciúncula”, translated: “The Village of Our Lady, the Queen of the Angels of the River of Porziuncola”. Following Mexico’s independence from Spain, the city became part of Mexico in 1821, later to be purchased by the United States in 1848, after the Mexican-American War. California became a state only 5 months after Los Angeles was incorporated.
Today, Los Angeles is home to an estimated 3.8 million people over an area of 498mi², averaging about 763 people per square mile. The area is known for largely for its role in the entertainment industry with important figures such as Hollywood, however with such a volume of residents, diverse cultures and leading industries besides entertainment found in the area, this town has a lot going on.
Forbes.com lists Los Angeles as the world’s eighth most economically influential city. Home to several Fortune 500 companies, as well as many other leading companies in the fields of entertainment, aerospace, petroleum, technology, fashion, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Riverside combined statistical area has a gross metropolitan product of $811.7 billion.
Statistics aside, LA looks as impressive as it sounds, and lives up to its reputation as being a world-leader in its fields. Los Angeles is certainly an easy place to enjoy oneself. From family fun themed parks to local and world culture, from stimulation for the senses to stimulation for the synapses, LA is really one of the few cities that truly has it all! Just be wary of the smog during rush hours, and you should be doing alright.
Below are some of the things that make the City of Angels one of the best places to see…
Attractions and Sights
Disneyland is the second most visited park in the world, and is located in Anaheim, California.
Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is one of the best places for water park fun in the US.
Hollywood is the American entertainment industry's hub and home to many famous people.
Going to Los Angeles' Chinatown is like going to downtown Shanghai.
Koreatown is the most densely-populated area in Los Angeles.
Little Tokyo in Los Angeles is a National Historic Landmark, and is home to many unique attractions.
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Los Angeles Arboretum and Botanical Garden offers a break from city life where one can find impressive greenery and wildlife.
LA's Original Farmers Market is one of the best places in town for fresh local produce.
Landmarks
Located in Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory features exhibits and high-power telescopes, showing visitors an unbeatable glimpse of the universe.
Walt Disney Concert Hall is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic and is a notable city landmark.
A registered landmark, the Los Angeles Theatre is truly magnificent inside and out as it hosts live performances and movies.
Still in operation, Union Station is another Los Angeles historic landmark.
Shopping
Hollywood and Highland Center is one of Hollywood's number one stops for shopping and entertainment.
The Beverly Center is one of LA largest malls with 8 stories and 900,000 square feet of stores.
Melrose Avenue is one of Hollywood's best shopping districts, lined with retail shops, restaurants, bars, cafés and more.
Festivals and Events
The Bach Festival is put on every year by the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Film Festival shows over 200 films each year.
The Festival of Books takes place at UCLA every year in the spring.
Nesei Week - celebrating Japanese culture and heritage.
Hosting some of the biggest names in jazz, the Long Beach Jazz Festival is just a breeze away from the Pacific.
The Edge of the World Theater Festival is held every year and seeks to "contribute to the evolution of theater".
Arts and Entertainment
Getty Center: home to the Getty Research Institute, Getty Conservation Institute, the Getty Foundation, and the J. Paul Getty Trust.
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles houses a permanent collection, and feature several traveling exhibits each year.
The Performing Arts Center of Los Angeles is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Center Theatre Group, the Los Angeles Opera, and the Los Angeles Master Chorale.
The Pacific Asia Museum in Pasedena contains over 15,000 objects showcasing works from Asia and the Pacific islands.
Nightlife
Weiland Brewery is a great little brewpub with a comfortable atmosphere in Little Tokyo .
Frequented by Hollywood's up-and-coming stars, The Viper Room is a pretty cool place to be.
Seeing many big acts over the years including John Lennon, Bob Marley, and Frank Zappa, The Roxy is still a hot night spot.
LA's premier indie rock venue, Spaceland has hosted everyone from Beck to Arcade Fire.
Convention Centers
The Los Angeles Convention Center is one of the largest in the US, and hosts many major events each year.
Arenas and Stadiums
The Coliseum & Sports Arena in Los Angeles has been home to the LA Lakers, LA Clippers and the LA Kings.
The Staples Center is home to the LA Lakers, LA Clippers, and LA Kings.
Dodger Stadium seats 56,000 people, is home to the LA Dodgers and LA Angels basketball teams, and hosts other major sports events.
Food and Drink
Empress Pavillion is a great place for dim sum.
Despite being named for a bug, Cicada offers an exceptional dining experience.
Phlilippe The Original is noted as being the home of the French Dipped Sanwich.
Taix French Country Cuisine takes you to right to France's countryside with every bite.
Shabu Shabu House is always busy with people looking for a good serving of their specialty: shabu-shabu (Japanese hot pot).