21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (2024)

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1. Hollywood Walk of Fame

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (1)

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Stroll along Hollywood Boulevard and find the stars of your favorite celebrities embedded in the sidewalk. It’s a quintessential LA experience, offering the perfect backdrop for that Instagram-worthy shot.

2. The Getty Center

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (2)

getty center

Perched atop the Santa Monica Mountains, The Getty Center presents an impressive collection of artworks, ranging from medieval times to contemporary geniuses. Admission is free, making it a cultural feast for both the eyes and wallet.

3. Griffith Observatory

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (3)

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Offering stunning views of the city and the cosmos, Griffith Observatory is a gateway to the stars. Entry is free, and the views of the Hollywood sign and Los Angeles basin are unmatched.

4. Santa Monica Pier

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (4)

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A classic Californian experience, the Santa Monica Pier offers fun for the whole family. With no cost to walk around, you can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, diverse street performers, and breathtaking ocean views.

5. Venice Beach Boardwalk

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (5)

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For a taste of LA’s eclectic spirit, Venice Beach Boardwalk is the place to be. Watch street performers, browse local vendors, and observe the colorful array of locals and tourists alike.

6. Rodeo Drive

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (6)

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A paradise for luxury shoppers, Rodeo Drive is filled with high-end stores and boutiques. Window shopping is free, and the people-watching is top-notch.

7. LA County Museum of Art (LACMA)

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (7)

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Home to more than 120,000 works of art, LACMA is the largest art museum in the western United States. Its outdoor installations like Urban Light are free to visit and make for another great photo op.

8. Eat at a Celebrity Chef Restaurant

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (8)

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LA’s dining scene is unparalleled, boasting restaurants by celebrity chefs where you can taste the stars. Prices vary, catering to both splurges and budget-friendly meals.

9. Hike Runyon Canyon

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (9)

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Free and open to the public, hiking Runyon Canyon offers some of the best views of Los Angeles, and you might even bump into a celebrity or two.

10. Sunset Boulevard

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (10)

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Drive down this iconic boulevard, which stretches from downtown Los Angeles to the Pacific Ocean, showcasing an array of distinct neighborhoods and landmarks.

11. The Broad

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (11)

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This contemporary art museum holds an impressive collection of post-war works. Free admission, but booking ahead is recommended to skip the line.

12. Universal Studios Hollywood

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For film enthusiasts and families alike, Universal Studios offers thrilling theme park rides and a behind-the-scenes look at movie making. Tickets can be pricey, but look out for online deals.

13. Explore LA’s Diverse Neighborhoods

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (13)

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From the historic streets of Olvera Street to the trendy shops in Silver Lake, LA’s neighborhoods offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural tapestry.

14. Attend a TV Show Taping

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (14)

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Experience Hollywood in action by attending a free TV show taping. Tickets need to be booked in advance and offer a unique peek into TV production.

15. Visit the Beaches

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LA’s beaches, from Malibu to Manhattan Beach, offer sandy escapes for everyone. Surf, sunbathe, or just enjoy the sunset over the Pacific.

16. Eat at an In-N-Out Burger

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (16)

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Experience California’s iconic fast-food chain known for its simple yet delicious burgers, shakes, and fries. It’s a must-try for any visitor.

17. The Last Bookstore

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (17)

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A paradise for book lovers, The Last Bookstore is an iconic LA spot featuring new, used, and rare books in a quirky, labyrinthine space.

18. See a Movie in the Hollywood Forever Cemetery

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (18)

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During the summer months, catch a classic film outdoors at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, a unique LA experience combining cinema and history.

19. Melrose Avenue

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (19)

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For those who love shopping but want to keep it within a reasonable budget, Melrose Avenue offers a mix of high-end boutiques and thrift stores.

20. The Magic Castle

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (20)

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For a night of enchantment, visit The Magic Castle, an exclusive clubhouse for magicians and magic enthusiasts. Entry is typically invite-only, but staying at the Magic Castle Hotel can get you in.

21. Dodger Stadium

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (21)

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Catch a baseball game at one of the oldest ballparks in the United States. Tickets can range from affordable to pricey, offering something for every budget.

The Endless Allure of Los Angeles

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (22)

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Los Angeles is a city that defies easy categorization, offering an endless array of experiences to satisfy the curious traveler. So, pack your bags, grab your sunglasses, and prepare to explore the City of Angels, where every visit promises something new and exciting.

Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (23)

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Traveling solo as a woman? It’s an adventure with its own set of challenges. From street safety to discrimination, some spots are riskier than others. We’ve used the Women’s Danger Index and other resources to craft a guide that helps you choose your destinations wisely. Unveiling the 21 Places Single Women Should Avoid at All Costs

Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (24)

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Discover chilling tales from the America’s spookiest roads complete with ghostly figures and eerie phenomena in this thrilling guide to paranormal hotspots—perfect for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts. Ready for a supernatural road trip? Ghost Roads of America: 12 Haunted Highways with Tales of Terror and Creepy Rest Stops

18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (25)

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American cities dazzle with culture and history, yet rising crime rates demand cautious exploration. This guide ensures you stay informed and safe. 18 High-Crime Cities in the US You Should Avoid

20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (26)

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Canadians often find American customs ranging from amusing to astonishing. From the quirky to the confounding, let’s explore the U.S. through a Canadian lens—maple syrup and poutine in hand. Get ready for a journey that’s both odd and insightful, seen from the Great White North. 20 Things That Americans Tolerate That Canadians Would Never Accept

22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? - Passing Thru - For the Curious and Thoughtful Traveler (27)

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Hit the road and discover America’s coziest towns, real-life versions of those quaint settings from your favorite novels. Explore charming streets where every storefront tells a story and locals greet everyone with a hello. Ready to dive into the charm? 22 of America’s Most Charming Towns

The post 21 Reasons L.A. Is Worth the Hype – Or Is It? republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage.

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Chones .

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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