Los Angeles is the capital of the entertainment world and in addition to being the place to see and be seen, is just miles away from the sunny coastline, the Hollywood sign, sprawling designer shopping malls, and of course amazing five-star restaurants. Everywhere you turn in Los Angeles is another chance to see celebrity landmarks and scenic sites and it can start to feel overwhelming, so here are a few that you want to make sure you fit into your next trip to the city of angels.
Hike the Angeles National Forest
While most people think of LA as being crowded and the heart of Hollywood, it is also home to stunning Angeles National Forest which sprawls out over 1,000 square miles and offers some spectacular views of the city with elevations of almost 10,000 feet.
Stroll Down the Venice Canals
A little-known treat of Los Angeles is the Venice Canals which are hidden behind a row of houses near Venice Beach. There are a handful of idyllic bridges over the canals and if you are lucky you will get the chance to see pelicans, herons, and parrots playing near the canal.
Chill at Echo Park Lake
Everyone wants to see a slice of Hollywood while in town, but Echo Park Lake offers you the chance to see the backdrop of dozens of films in a quieter setting. Dozens of TV shows and movies have been shot along the lake’s shores, but today it is a quiet park where residents of LA can find some calm. Rent a swan pedal boat or sit on the shoreline and watch ducks and lotuses float by.
Visit the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre
Of course, you can’t visit Hollywood without stopping by the Hollywood Walk of Fame and Grauman’s Chinese Theatre. While it can be crowded, you need to visit it at least once to see the handprints of Hollywood’s most elite and watch fabulous street performers pull off stunning impersonations free of charge.
