Los Angeles – First-Timers’ Guide

If you’re fortunate enough to visit Los Angeles, the City of Angels, you will have plenty of landmarks, restaurants, and museums to choose from.

The first visit to a new city, or any place, can be slightly overwhelming to plan. To make the trip a success, there is often pressure to see and experience the best places. Don’t worry, though, as this guide highlights many of the amazing things that Los Angeles has to offer.

Griffith Observatory and Park

While in Los Angeles, definitely visit Hollywood. There are many different activities in this neighborhood that a first-time visitor should see.

If you find yourself in the mood for a hike with stunning views, visit the Griffith Observatory and Park. Besides providing an amazing view of the Hollywood Sign, this location also features a free museum and a planetarium with daily events.

Hollywood Walk of Fame

First-timers in Hollywood should certainly pay a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The Walk is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Los Angeles. Visitors can simply walk down Hollywood Boulevard and find their favorite stars’ places on the Walk of Fame.

The Hollywood Museum

If you’re interested in seeing a comprehensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia, The Hollywood Museum is the place to be. It showcases more than 10,000 authentic show business props, costumes, car collections, scripts, and more.

The museum also features the original four makeup rooms of makeup pioneer Max Factor, where he worked with celebrities like Lucille Bell and Marilyn Monroe.

Walt Disney Concert Hall

If you check out downtown Los Angeles, be sure to visit the Walt Disney Concert Hall. The hall is home to the Los Angeles Philharmonic, one of the premier orchestras in the world. They also offer complimentary guided tours and self-guided audio tours that first-time visitors can sign up for.

The building opened in 2003 and was designed by award winning architect Frank Gehry. The Los Angeles Times noted that Gehry wanted to “embody the essential informality of Los Angeles” with his design. First-time visitors will notice that the building’s breathtaking structure is a hybrid of a classical shoebox stadium and a typical arena.

The Los Angeles Philharmonic’s style matches the hall’s physical design. They are both innovative and forward-thinking.

Grand Central Market

When visiting a new place, visitors should definitely scope out the food culture. Grand Central Market in downtown Los Angeles is a great place to do just that.

The market features local business and food sources, which makes it a truly authentic Los Angeles dining experience. You can find food like tacos, ice cream, falafel, and everything in between. The market, which is free to enter, is a great option for families because of its incredibly diverse selection.

GRAMMY Museum

After a meal at the market, visitors can explore the GRAMMY Museum. You can take a tour and learn about some of the most influential names in music. The museum is an interactive experience that features touchscreens, videos, and more.

This location is one of four in the United States. It opened in 2008, corresponding with the Grammy Awards’ 50th anniversary. The museum is a great option for music and history fans alike.

Santa Monica State Beach and Pier

First-time visitors to Los Angeles should take advantage of the city’s beautiful weather and coastal location. The area has 15 beautiful and iconic beaches to choose from. They add some financial flexibility to your trip, as they do not have an entry fee.

One beach that many first-timers attend is the Santa Monica State Beach, where you can sunbathe, go for a walk, or ride a roller coaster. That’s right; Santa Monica is home to a boardwalk and Pacific Park, a small amusement park on the oceanfront.

This place is an essential stop for families, especially when visiting Los Angeles for the first time. Santa Monica Pier is free to enter, but the rides charge a small fee. Visitors can even ride the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel: the Pacific Wheel.

Getty Center

The Getty Center is another one of Los Angeles’ many free and interesting destinations for first-time visits. This iconic art museum features historic paintings, photography, writings, and more. Upon arrival, guests will notice stunning views of Los Angeles and a beautiful garden.

This place is a great resource for art lovers and history buffs alike.

Abbot Kinney Boulevard

According to GQ Magazine, Abbot Kinney Boulevard is “the coolest block in America.” First-timers should visit this street because of its laid-back, yet sophisticated, feel.

It has just about everything you need, from restaurants to haircuts. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a hotbed of art, food, and fashion. Visitors can shop at Heist, a boutique that specializes in modern clothing. They can also dine at one of the Boulevard’s many restaurants, like Felix Trattoria. It’s a critically acclaimed Italian joint that features hand-made pasta and incredible focaccia.

Venice Canal Historic District

Just a few blocks from Abbot Kinney Boulevard is the Venice Canal Historic District. Kinney created these canals as part of his Venice of America project in 1905. He visited Venice, Italy, as a teenager and was so inspired that he recreated the canals in California.

The canals used to be three to four times larger, but due to the blossoming automobile industry, many of them were filled to build roads. Nevertheless, first-time visitors must see this beautiful district of Los Angeles. It has become one of the more affluent sections in the city due to its beautiful waterfront houses and apartments.

Venice Beach Boardwalk

After exploring the Venice Canals Historic District, visitors can stroll down the block to one of Los Angeles’ most unique attractions: the Venice Beach Boardwalk. This location features hundreds; yes, hundreds; of street performers every day. While walking down the boardwalk, you will encounter bikers, tumblers, beatboxers, glass walkers, and more.

The Venice Boardwalk is also home to a variety of different restaurants and eateries. One of the boardwalk’s biggest assets is its versatility. So whether you want to enjoy a nice sit-down meal or a quick bite, the boardwalk and surrounding streets have got you covered.

It’s also home to Muscle Beach, a popular section of the beach that bodybuilders use to exercise. This area, made famous by Arnold Schwarzenegger, is an outdoor weightlifting site. While users of the gym must pay a fee, visitors can spectate for free.

In-N-Out Burger

If you’re visiting Los Angeles for the first time, there’s a good chance that you’ve never eaten at In-N-Out Burger. This burger chain is considered to be one of the best, if not the best, burger chains out there.

In-N-Out, which first debuted in Los Angeles, is a classic burger-and-fries joint with some twists. One twist is that you can order your burger and fries “Animal Style.” On top of the standard toppings, Animal Style patties are mustard-cooked and topped with onions, pickles, and their signature spread.

They also offer a veggie burger for non-meat eaters. This chain is predominantly located in the western United States, so food-lovers from the Midwest or East Coast really shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to try it.