For those who have never been to La, there is a deep sense of joy in doing tourist things. It is the perfect place to indulge in those things that you might ordinarily cringe at. Why? Well, avoiding things that are popular can mean you miss out on the things that you absolutely love.
After all, 50 million yearly visitors can be wrong, can they?
Photo by Rachael Porter: Modern Architecture at Getty Center
So, what should you eat? Where should you go? Let’s take a look!
Getty Center
For those who love to get that Instagram shot or a selfie with a breath-taking backdrop – the Getty Center should be top of your list. Even getting to the museum is an experience because you’ll be hopping on a driverless tram.
The surrounding gardens change with the seasons and are some of the most precise geometrics you’re going to see.
One of the best things about the Getty Center is that it is free, and each and every one of the carefully curated exhibitions will leave an impression. Keep an eye out for photographs and the Van Gogh.
EightyTwo
Arcade lovers and gamers rejoice! There are plenty of casinos and arcades in L.A., So you can take a quick break from playing online poker real money games and smash some pinballs around for a while.
Known as a barcade, EightyTwo is open six nights a week and has a room dedicated to video games and one dedicated to pinball. From Frogger to Street Fighter and Game of Thrones to The Sopranos, there is something for everyone.
For those who are in a group and have mixed interests, if gaming isn’t your thing, you can take advantage of the delicious cocktail list and listen to the D.J. on the patio.
Check on their website what is available so you can book in advance.
Photo by cottonbro studio: Free Man in Black Jacket and White Pants Standing in Front of Counter Stock Photo
Knotts Berry Farm
Are you bringing the kids along with you? Knotts Berry Farm it is! A huge theme park that sprawls out in Orange County. And for fans of the OC T.V. show, you are going to want to head to the vicinity to say you walked where Seth, Summer, Ryan, and Marissa galivanted.
The park has four different areas, and they are all based on California through the years. You’ll find shows, rides, and plenty of other attractions – not to mention the Ghost Town slap in the middle!
After a day of exhilaration, you can stay at the Knotts Berry Farm Hotel, or there are plenty of places nearby. Group tickets start at $64.99, but there are a lot of ticket bundle options on their website.
Rodeo Drive
Have you got money to burn and good walking shoes? Rodeo Drive is the place for you! It is well known as one of the best and most famous places to pick up designer goods. You’re definitely going to want to have a budget ready if you’re heading here!
For those who are more interested in people-watching and enjoying a coffee al fresco, then head to Two Rodeo Drive for a shopping center with cobbled streets and a lot of charm.
Photo by Pixabay: Free Animal Bone Stock Photo
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
It is hard not to be in awe of humongous dinosaur bones, and the best thing about all-natural history museums is they have different things on show. Of course, the T-Rex skeleton is a massive crowd-pleaser, as is the Dino Encounter Show – another one that is great for families.
What makes this place a must for any natural history buff is that it is home to Cali’s best collection of fossils. Many of the exhibits are interactive, and they have plenty of cool events like Birding, Scanning Electron Microscope Demonstrations, and Ocean Explorers Day Camps.
Buying tickets in advance is a must, and there are different prices for members and non-members, and all events have their own tickets and pricing.
Santa Monica Farmers Market
You’ll find Santa Monica Farmers Market on Arizona Avenue between 2nd and 4th. The market is open every day, Tuesday, and Saturday, from 8 am until 1 pm.
Packed with some of the best fruit and veggies in the region – and you are very likely to bump into buyers for the best restaurants in L.A.
It is seasonal, so you might not always be able to get them, some of the highest recommended things to buy are:
- Red Flame grapes from Murray Farm
- Anything from Harry’s Berries
- Citrus from J.J.’s Lone Daughter Ranch
- Root Veg from Weiser Family Farms
If you are staying in an Airbnb, make the most of anything you buy and cook and eat them that evening; if you’re in a hotel, stick to fruit and eat it as you travel around the city.
For those who enjoy a plant-based diet, here is a guide to help you eat your way around LA: The Vegan Paradise: Exploring Los Angeles’ Plant-Based Scene.
