Curious things to do in Los Angeles
Author: Amber-Louise Large
Los Angeles, home of Hollywood and screen-worthy stardom, is known for its classics. You’ve got the nostalgic hits: the Hollywood sign, Disneyland parks, Santa Monica Pier… but there’s also always something new to see. Get ready for your next holiday, starring LA.
1. Paramount Pictures Studio
If you like Universal Studios Hollywood, you’ll love LA’s other studios.
Universal Studios Hollywood will have you feeling like you’ve stepped inside the big screen – whether you’re racing Bowser in SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™ or sipping froth-topped butterbeer in Hogsmeade. For even more movie and TV magic, visit another studio in the city. Warner Bros’ guided tram tours zip through sets featured in hits from Gremlins to Friends. You can even sit on the famous red couch (although it’s not quite as comfy as it looks). Alternatively, you can hold a genuine Oscar on the Paramount Pictures Studio Tour.
Top tip: If you’re a Gilmore Girls fan and visiting LA in late December or early January, check to see if Holidays Made Here is running at Warner Bros Studio Tour Hollywood. During this event, you can stroll around a snowy Stars Hollow with a Luke’s coffee in hand and take tea in the Dragonfly Inn.
2. Griffith Park
If you like Disneyland, you’ll love Griffith Park’s carousel
‘There should be something built, some kind of family park where parents and children could have fun together.’ This very thought popped into Walt Disney’s mind as he watched his children riding Griffith Park’s carousel. The result was Disneyland, the so-called ‘happiest place on earth’ in Anaheim, with its castle and Mickey -shaped candies. If you’re a big fan of Disneyland or just a lover of whimsical rides, a visit to Griffith Park’s carousel will set your imagination spinning.
Top tip: The carousel is being restored ahead of the 2028 Olympics, so keep an eye out for its reopening.
3. The Strand
If you like Santa Monica, you’ll love The Strand.
Santa Monica is iconic LA. The Ferris wheel on the pier, the latte-coloured sand and the super stretch palm trees are all familiar sights from films like Forrest Gump. If the SoCal beach lifestyle has lured you in, see even more of the coast on the Marvin Braude Bike Trail also known as ‘The Strand’. This 22-mile cycling path starts at Will Rogers State Beach and ends at Torrance County Beach. During your ride, you’ll pass Venice Beach’s skaters and Manhattan Beach’s surfers as the Pacific breeze dances around you.
Top tip: Marina del Rey is a lovely place to take a break. Grab a crepe or order a hot dog from the take-away booth housed in a replica lighthouse to refuel before a quick wander around the colourful boardwalk buildings.
4. Griffith Observatory
If you like the Hollywood sign, you’ll love Griffith Observatory.
Griffith Observatory is hardly a hidden gem, being one of the most famous sights in a city known for famous sights. It does, however, still deserve a namedrop. Inside you’ll find exhibits on sky and space, along with the mighty Zeiss and solar telescopes mounted in copper-clad domes. Outside, even without the use of a telescope, you’ll get one of the best views of the Hollywood sign in Los Angeles. Look across to the sign looming over the hills and pose for photos in front of it like you’re a star being papped.
Top tip: Go around the back of the observatory for a grand view of downtown Los Angeles.
5. Smorgasbord
If you like The Original Farmers Market, you’ll love Smorgasbord.
Angelenos have been saying ‘meet me at Third and Fairfax’ to make plans at The Original Farmer’s Market, where everything from doughnuts to empanadas is cooked up, for decades. Since 2016, though, many of the city’s foodies have also been seeking the next taste craze at Smorgasbord Los Angeles open-air food market. If you love the idea of having lobster rolls to start, Korean banchan on the side, Filipino BBQ as a main and desi boba to drink (no judgement of meal mixing here, ever), this is the place for you.
Top tip: Smorgasbord is only open on Sundays, usually from around 10am to 4pm. Perhaps plan for brunch, as the earlier you get there the fewer crowds you’ll face.
6. Egyptian Theatre
If you like TCL Chinese Theatre, you’ll love the Egyptian Theatre.
Once you’ve counted stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and stopped at the TCL Chinese Theatre to read Clint Eastwood’s message ‘you made my day’ among all the famous forecourt signatures, make for the other movie palace designed by Grauman. The Egyptian Theatre, with its hieroglyphs and columns, was actually built first in 1922 and was the site of the first ever Hollywood premiere. It’s one of the only theatres able to project rare nitrate film and its single screen seats more than 500 people.
Top tip: Plan to coincide your visit with an event. American Cinematheque runs screenings and events like directorial discussions on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays while Netflix programmes films for the rest of the week.
7. Hollywood Forever Cemetery
If you like unusual things to do, you’ll love Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s events.
Old Hollywood meets new Hollywood here, literally. During the summer months, usually May to September, films are projected onto a mausoleum in the resting place of legendary screen stars from Rudolph Valentino to Judy Garland. Toto the dog (actually called Terry) even has a memorial. During cinema screenings, guests crop up with picnic baskets as DJ’s coordinate music and lights on the cemetery lawn. Other events throughout the year include concerts and cultural gatherings.
Top tip: If you’re visiting for a cinema screening, spots on the lawn are unreserved so you’ll want to arrive early. Bring a blanket, too, as the ground might be a little damp.
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