Griffith Observatory

If you are interested in Astronomy and would like to know more about the universe, Griffith Observatory is the place to be. The panoramic view from the top including the LA skyline, the Pacific Ocean and the Hollywood sign is breathtaking and the entry is completely free. One of the most iconic things to do is to observe the celestial events by Zeiss refracting telescope. There are many astronomical events held throughout the year.

You’ve multiple options to reach there.

By hiking:

Depending on where you start, it could easily take between 1-3 hours.

By public transport:

Take the Red line and get off to Vermont/Sunset station. Take the DASH Observatory bus.

By car:

This would be the most convenient option but you’ve keep in mind the parking fees1.

Hike to Hollywood

Depending on the path you choose, it would take somewhere around 2-4 hours but it’s definitely worth it. Don’t forget to wear good footwear as there is uneven terrain and take a Water Bottle with you as the bottles on the trail would be twice the normal amount. You can get relatively close to the sign but keep in mind that trespassing and climbing on the structure itself is illegal.

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Beverly Hills

The symmetry of palm trees and cleanliness of this glamorous and lavish city, provides a very good vibe. It’s a hotspot for famous celebs for decades and if you’re lucky, you can also meet one of your favorite person. The city life can be completely forgotten by making a visit to the well maintained parks and gardens. The architecture over there is just amazing from modern houses to mega mansions.

Venice Beach

Vibrant Boardwalk is a famous thing at this beach. A diverse mix of people can be found walking on this beach and also performing different activities like skateboarding, bodyboarding and beach volleyball. Muscle Beach is another attraction spot for visitors where people can be found doing workout in public. You can also visit the Gold’s Gym where Arnold Schwarzenegger trained for Mr. Olympia. Last but not the least, watching sunset over Pacific Ocean creates a magical ambiance. As the sun sets, the evening activities like live music performances and bonfire can be seen.

Santa Monica Pier

Over the years, it has become the symbol of Southern California’s beach culture but unlike other piers, it is famous because the renowned Route 662 ends here. Throughout the year there are numerous events hosted and live performances can be enjoyed there. Santa Monica Pier Carousel is a historic attraction that dates back to 1922 which contains the painted horses and intricate details of classic merry-go-round. To ride the carousel, a small fee is required.

Farmer’s Market

This one is known to be the original Farmer’s Market as it was started in 1934. It’s a nice place to be if you want to have some organic food directly from the farm. There’s no middle man here so it’s a bit cheaper than the stores. You can try free samples and also hold conversations with the locals.

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