Oh My Cod! You're in LA Today? Don't Be a Beach Bum (Unless You Want To Be)
So you've found yourself in the land of sunshine, smog, and questionable celebrity sightings – Los Angeles! But with a city as sprawling as a Kardashian's walk-in closet, you might be wondering: what on earth (or should we say Hollywood?) do I do today?
Fear not, fellow traveler, for I, your trusty (and slightly sarcastic) guide, am here to break down your options.
Hit the Beach (But Maybe Not That Beach)
Sure, Venice Beach is iconic. You've got the muscle men, the freak shows (both human and artistic), and enough street performers to rival a Cirque du Soleil tryout. But if you're looking for a slightly less, ahem, intense experience, check out these alternatives:
- Santa Monica Beach: A classic California beach scene with sunshine, sandcastles, and a pier with a Ferris wheel for epic ocean views (minus the Venice Beach...vibes).
- El Matador State Beach: Escape the crowds at this secluded beach with tide pools and dramatic rock formations. Just remember, it's a bit of a hike down (and back up!), so pack your glutes for some exercise (unless your idea of exercise is dodging rogue frisbees at Venice).
- Manhattan Beach: Head south for a beach town with a relaxed vibe, great surfing, and a pier with a retro arcade. Because who doesn't love the chance to beat your friend at Donkey Kong after a day of soaking up the rays?
Channel Your Inner Star (Without Getting Stuck on the Walk of Fame)
Hollywood might be the tourist magnet, but for a more authentic (and less crowded) experience, try these:
- Universal Studios Hollywood: Ride the rides, get scared in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a real celebrity (though with the amount of butterbeer they guzzle, who can tell?).
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood: Ever wondered how they film those fancy superhero movies? This tour will take you behind the scenes (and hopefully not literally onto the set!).
- Griffith Park: Hike to the top of this sprawling park for breathtaking views of the city and a chance to explore the Griffith Observatory – perfect for aspiring astronomers or anyone who wants to feel like they're about to have a close encounter with aliens (because, well, Hollywood).
But Wait, There's More! (Because LA Has Options, Unlike Your Fridge After Coachella Weekend)
- For the Foodie: LA is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its amazing food scene. Try Korean BBQ in Koreatown, grab authentic Mexican food almost anywhere, or stuff your face with gourmet donuts (because, priorities).
- For the Art Buff: The Getty Center offers stunning views and a world-class art collection. The Broad, with its contemporary art collection, is a great place to unleash your inner critic (or just be amazed by the weird and wonderful).
- For the Thrill Seeker: Six Flags Magic Mountain is not for the faint of heart (or those who get queasy easily). For something a little tamer, check out the rides at Disneyland (but be prepared for crowds – it's basically a right of passage for every Angeleno to complain about Disneyland traffic at least once).
Remember: This is just a taste of what LA has to offer. So ditch the guidebook (and maybe your selfie stick), put on your adventuring shoes (or flip flops, it's LA), and get out there! The only wrong move is staying cooped up in your hotel room watching reruns of The Real Housewives (unless, of course, that's your idea of a perfect LA vacation).
