You’ll likely find yourself swimming amongst a swarm of wide-eyed tourists the next time you visit Los Angeles. But unlike other tourists, you’ve come prepared with a local-approved itinerary.
1. Rodeo Drive
Not to rain down on anyone’s shopping parade, but Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills isn’t exactly where celebrities come to hang on a casual Saturday afternoon. What you will find are window-shopping tourists and expensive shops visitors can find in any other major city. For your clothing fix, visit Malibu Country Mart, a seaside shopping outlet, located just 20 minutes away from Los Angeles. 3835 Cross Creek Rd.
2. Venice Boardwalk
While Venice Boardwalk has been memorialized in movies, it’s not quite the artistic hub it used to be. Although there’s an ever-present hippie-vibe, the boardwalk is now flooded with commercialism in order to cater to the massive wave of tourists that visit the area each year. Expect to find lots of T-shirt shops. Check out the Venice Canals historical district or the one-mile stretch of Abbot Kinney Boulevard instead.
3. Hollywood Sign
Yes, it’s iconic. But visitors are often disappointed when they realize it’s illegal to get close to the sign. Good luck trying to get past the gated fence and security cameras. The best place to photograph the famous hillside letters is from Griffith Park Observatory, or the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and North Highland Avenue. 2800 E Observatory Rd.
4. Hollywood and Highland
Hollywood and Highland, the “Times Square of Los Angeles,” is an entertainment complex, filled with shops, dining establishments and event venues. In translation: it’s kind of a tourist mecca, where people will try to sell you tours and “I Love LA” merchandise.
Photo via Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com
5. Pink’s
When in L.A., you kind of have to visit Pink’s, the small, family-operated hot dog stand on La Brea Avenue. Celebrities, from Michael Jackson to Kim K., have all had a taste of this Hollywood institution, so make sure to drop by after the daily lunchtime wave to avoid standing on ridiculously long lines. 709 North La Brea Ave.
Photo via Dan Leveille (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Cover Photo via Sean Pavone / Shutterstock.com
