Los Angeles is a gigantic, sprawling city, and you could spend eons driving around tracking down stars, shopping, and carousing on its boardwalks. But what do you do if you only have one weekend in the city?
A lot of that depends on what you're interested in — shopping, beaches, celebrity stalking, partying, music: The city really has it all. But here are five things you might consider doing on your brief day in La La Land.
1. Explore Venice Beach
Venice beach
If you're looking to do some epic people watching, walking the Venice Beach boardwalk is definitely the place to do it. You'll see all manner of vendors, Bohemians, burnouts, bodybuilders, and everything in between, and it's certainly going to give you a few ideas for your next road novel.
2. Shop Rodeo Drive or Feliz Village's Vermont and Hillhurst Avenues
rodeo drive
If you're looking to bulk up your street style when in Hollyweird, you could bleed your wallet dry at Beverly Hills' luxurious Rodeo Drive (or just entertain yourself window shopping), or you could check out the quirky collection of thrift shops, bookstores, bustling cafes, and the like at Feliz Village. If you head to the latter, check out the nearby Barnsdall Art Park for some great views.
3. See Stars at the Hollywood Bowl and the Hollywood Walk of Fame
hollywood bowl
The Hollywood Bowl is an iconic venue with perfect acoustics, and it's worth a visit even if you don't have tickets to something. It's also worth visiting because you can walk from there to attractions like the Hollywood Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre and Hollywood & Highland. You'll be seeing stars by the end of the night for one reason or another.
4. Take in the Views at Griffith Observatory
griffith observatory
For an epic view of the city, hit Griffith Observatory and take in the views of the Hollywood Sign and the billions of lights of the hills. As the world's most visited observatory, it might get crowded, but taking in the glow of a million burning Hollywood dreams is sure to recharge your batteries for a good long while.
This is only a small fragment of the things you could do in LA and doesn't even begin to touch on the city's food, music, and party scene. But each of these experiences will help open the world of the city to you, introducing you to fabulous new vistas and guiding you down strange adventures. Enjoy — just don't get swindled by a creepy agent and don't attend any parties hosted by a horse-man and you should be good to go.
