City break in Los Angeles, California, USA [Image by 12019 from Pixabay]The sprawling California city of Los Angeles it’s renowned for its Hollywood celebrity vibe and its gorgeous beaches. It is also filled with fun theme parks, including Disneyland Resort and the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame. However, L.A. also has many other fun attractions for an exciting city break in the sun. If visiting the city for a short city break, the following are the must-see and do attractions in La La Land.
The Hollywood Sign in Los Angeles
Naturally, anyone who visits Los Angeles knows about the Hollywood Sign, standing tall on Mount Lee in the Hollywood Hills. It is definitely somewhere you have to go at least once on a guided tour. This is the best way to learn about the fun historical facts behind the iconic sign, but it also allows you to enjoy all the fantastic views from the top.
Hollywood Sign in L.A., California, USA [Image by 12019 from Pixabay]To get an idea, the guided tour starts from the Lake Hollywood Dog Park where your tour group takes you through the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of the city and then to Griffith Park. Once at the sign itself, enjoy views of Burbank, Downtown L.A., Hollywood, the San Fernando Valley, Century City, Beverley Hills, the Miracle Mile and the Lake Hollywood Reservoir. On top of all that, on a clear day, you can even see as far as Palos Verdes.
Head to Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica Pier, Los Angeles [Image by Bettina Nørgaard from Pixabay]The iconic Santa Monica Pier has so much to offer, including 12 exciting rides. Among the most popular is the Seaside Swing, where you hop onboard and take a relaxing ride with panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean.
For even more fantastic views, visit the Pacific Wheel, the only solar-powered Ferris wheel in the world. Here you can enjoy beautiful views over the Californian coastline from 130 feet in the air.
Santa Monica Pier [Image by Richard Songo from Pixabay]Next is the West coaster, which is also of a one-of-a-kind nature. It is the only oceanfront steel roller coaster on the West Coast, allowing its riders to enjoy the ocean spray on their faces as they go. For the more daring, the Pacific Plunge involves a 44-foot high drop, which isn’t suitable for those afraid of heights. For those who dare, you will be suspended 90 feet in the air and as you drop, you’ll briefly enjoy an amazing view of Santa Monica Bay.
Retail therapy on the Pier
Route 66 [Image by mugniotv from Pixabay]While there, why not indulge in some retail therapy at the shops on the pier? One store definitely worth a visit is 66 to Cali, which marks the spot where the iconic Route 66 meets the Pacific Ocean. Meanwhile, it stocks a wide assortment of American-made items to browse. Another shop of interest is the Oatman Rockshop, with its varied 1960 merchandise, which first opened in 1965.
Heal the Bay Aquarium, Los Angeles
Heal the Bay Aquarium [Image @healthebay/Instagram]Whether visiting Los Angeles with the family or on your own, the Heal the Bay Aquarium is a fascinating place to be. Meanwhile, the aquarium works to protect all the marine creatures living in and around the bay.
Located under the pier, Heal the Bay offers 100 local species and hands-on activities for all ages. Visitors can experience daily educational programs that take them so much further than just looking at fish. In fact, it is the perfect place for you to immerse yourself in fascinating marine science.
Free historical walking tours
Santa Monica Pier and the beach [Image by Wallula from Pixabay]Another great option for a city break in Los Angeles is the number of free historical walking tours available to everyone. You don’t need to book in advance, so once you get to the pier, you can take tours that run for approximately one hour. Led by experienced locals, the walking tours offer fascinating anecdotes about the Pier and how it has evolved over the last 100 years. You’ll even learn some local secrets that are both amusing and surprising.
Experience a city break in Los Angeles during the fall, exploring these options and many more attractions in La La Land, California.
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