Things that Make LA Great

Los Angeles. Many people want to visit a place because it is diverse and there is so much to do. In fact, it can be overwhelming when you arrive and try to narrow it down. There is always something to do, a new place to eat, and a new sight to see. Many people move to LA chasing big dreams and a new life, and LA is the type of place that can provide it. 

Photo by Martin Adams on Unsplash

But what makes LA so great, and why do so many people fall in love with it? 

Food

It might be a crime to not start with food. Because of the diverse mix of people in LA, there are a myriad of different food types. So many in fact, you might not know where to start. Due to the location, it is a prime place to enjoy some of the freshest seafood around. The Pacific Ocean makes it a prime seafood location. 

There is something for all budgets too, from quick burger joints to incredible 5-star dining experiences. 

Here are a few of the places that are highly rated in LA for some top-notch nosh. 

Felix – if you are in the mood for some of the most delicious pasta, then Felix has the right meal to satiate your craving. There is a really long waitlist most of the time to get a reservation, so it is a good idea to check well in advance. The noodles are made in-house, which is part of what makes it so amazing. 

Hinano Cafe – burgers, beer, and the beach. There might not be a better combination. If you happen to be on the Venice Boardwalk (and you will be at some point), then here is where you want to go. The prices are great, and it has the feel of a real dive-bar. You can get breakfast too. Not only that, but Jim Morrison used to chill out here – so that is a pretty big reason to visit. 

Tacos Y Birria La Unica – A Boyle Heights delight. Open 6 days a week, serving the most detectable tacos you’re likely to find. When you go, order the quesotaco and delight in the crunch. The homemade salsa takes this simple food to new heights, and it’s budget-friendly too. 

LA PT

The public transport in LA is brilliant. Although it is still known for the traffic jams on the roads, you can get almost anywhere on public transport. Most people do rent a car as it is the most straightforward option, you do need to watch out for where you park though. The bus connects all of the significant places that you’re going to want to go to LA, and they run often. Google Maps can help you with departure times where you need to catch the bus. 

The LA metro system has 6 rail lines, and it spans the city. It covers a massive area, so if you need to get from the best burger joint to the airport, public transport can get you there. 

LA Apps

There are a couple of apps that you can use to significant effect in LA. So no matter what your question is from how to fly from LA? To where I can park my car, there is an app to help. 

• Park Safe is free, but it offers a premium version and lets you know where the best place to park is
• Waze can help you get from A to B and cut down the time
• Google Maps is the tried and tested directions and route planner
• The Discover LA app is great for everyone and can offer you a range of experiences to match your interests
• Getty360 app is ideal for visiting museums
• Resy is ideal for getting some quick reservations for food

A few apps can help make your stay as streamlined as possible. 

Observe

Head to the Griffith Observatory for a breathtaking view. It might be one of the most recognizable buildings in the whole of LA. And if you are an avid TV watcher, you will have seen this multiple times in many shows that are based in LA. They have a huge range of activities, and tickets aren’t expensive. Admission to the Observatory grounds, building, and telescopes is always free – which is another reason people love it. 

Weather

There is a reason that when anything is set in LA, everyone is tanned. Los Angeles is big on being outside, and the weather is typically insanely good. Winter doesn’t tend to be too cold, and people can still enjoy outdoor activities. You can explore wetlands, hills, mountains, lakes, rivers, and flatlands. As well as chill-out walking around the various shopping centers, or kick back on the beach for a while. 

Culture

You can find 100 different languages and people from 140 different countries when you are in LA. Which gives it a completely unique vibe. Each different culture brings a little bit of home with them, and you can see the melting pot in action simply by walking down any street and seeing everything from Vietnamese eateries to Southern-style cuisine. 

Eagle Rock, Echo Park, Little Armenia, Koreatown, Westlake, and Chinatown are just a few of the neighborhoods that make up the Larger LA area. Each brings its own unique culture and vibe. 

Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

New Start

If you have visited LA a few times, then you might become more interested in how one can live in LA. LA County is the manufacturing, entertainment, and international trade capital of the US. What that means is that if you are looking to build your career, find a new career, start a new company or further your education – you can do it here. 

The LA economy output is over $500 billion annually. 

Free Things

While there is a fair share of things that can be pretty costly and some areas in LA that are flashy. You can find a huge range of free activities and locations to visit. Here is just a small selection (some you might need to hire a car for if you don’t have one):

Treepeople – If you want to do something good while you are in LA, then this nonprofit organization has made the city much greener. They plant and care for trees and have opportunities for visitors. They are also great for some education too. 

Art – The second Thursday of the month, you can join a Downtown LA Art Walk and get a deep dive into the LA art scene. Great for culture lovers. 

PCH – the Pacific Coast Highway might be one of the most spectacular drives that you will take. The road hugs the coastline and is one of LA’s signature drives. 

Sunset Strip – if you like the idea of taking some more drives, then the 1.5 mile stretch of Sunset Boulevard is something quite wonderful. 

Little Tokyo – Japanese culture is loved by millions, and you can get a taste of it in Little Tokyo. Take a walk around the National Historic Landmark District’s sights. 

Noho – North Hollywood Arts District is a hip community with public art, theaters, vintage clothes stores, and plenty of galleries that mean that Noho is packed with things to see and do. 

Life’s A Beach

Of course, after all of the busy shopping areas, enjoying some delicious food and long walks, you might want to kick back and listen to the waves lap the beach for a while. LA has some stunning beaches, here are a couple of the best beaches for you to visit while in LA. 

El Matador State Beach might be one of the most popular beaches because it is so beautiful. Often used as a backdrop for photographers, it has rocks, sand, sea caves, and more. 

Zuma Beach County Park and Westward Beach is a stunning 3-mile-long stretch of beachline. The southern part is called Westward Beach. It is easy to get to, and because there are so many visitors, it is regularly patrolled. During the summer it is packed, so if you don’t love crowds then give this one a miss. 

Manhattan Beach is situated in the suburbs of LA and is nice and sandy. The pier adds an extra layer to the attraction, and in general, it is a great spot to watch the sunset. 

If you want to experience a popular tourist attraction and one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles, then Venice Beach is where you should head. The promenade is great for a long stroll, along which you will find bars, shops, restaurants, and more. 

LA has everything you could want in a location. A range of beaches from sandy to rock, from busy and bustling to relaxing. Spending big change on Rodeo Drive, or watching the pennies and taking advantage of the free activities. There is something for everyone, and you can get lost deep in the melting pot of cultures, and spend a night in each of the various areas to get a sense of the real LA.