Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles, a city teeming with iconic sights and unique experiences, offers numerous once-in-a-lifetime activities for travelers. Whether you’re an art aficionado, a nature enthusiast, or someone looking to indulge in the luxurious, LA has something special to offer. So what are once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles?
Hollywood Sign: A Quintessential Los Angeles Experience
The Hollywood Sign was originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a local real estate development called “Hollywoodland.” Though the last four letters were removed in 1949, the sign has since become a historic symbol of the American film industry and Los Angeles itself.
Exploring Los Angeles’ Premier Art Institutions:
The Getty Center:
Located in the Brentwood neighborhood, The Getty Center stands as a beacon of art and architecture. Perched atop a hill, it offers panoramic views of Los Angeles, from the downtown skyline to the Pacific Ocean. The art collection includes European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, with works ranging from the Middle Ages to the present. The museum’s gardens are equally impressive, designed to complement the art with their aesthetic beauty and tranquil atmosphere.
The Broad:
Situated in downtown Los Angeles, The Broad is known for its contemporary art collection and dynamic exhibitions. Founded by philanthropists Eli and Edythe Broad, the museum houses over 2,000 works of contemporary art. Some of the iconic pieces are Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup Cans and Jeff Koons’ sculptures.
Have Unique Dining Experiences
Wolvesmouth at the Wolvesden:
Given the size of Los Angeles, the city has a great number of exclusive dining experiences. Set in a secret location, guests gather at a communal table to enjoy a multi-course tasting menu designed by Chef Craig Thornton. The menu changes regularly and is kept under wraps until you arrive, ensuring each meal is a surprise. The intimate setting and unique presentation make it a sought-after destination for food lovers.
Dinner in the Sky:
Elevate your dining experience—literally—with Dinner in the Sky. Guests are strapped into seats at a table suspended 150 feet in the air, where they enjoy gourmet meals with breathtaking views of the cityscape. This thrilling dining concept combines fine cuisine with an adrenaline rush, making it a memorable meal.
The Bazaar by José Andrés:
Located in the SLS Hotel, The Bazaar offers a whimsical dining experience that blends traditional Spanish flavors with avant-garde culinary techniques. The restaurant features an eclectic decor and a menu that encourages diners to explore a variety of small, inventive dishes, such as spherified olives and liquid nitrogen cocktails.
Opaque – Dining in the Dark:
Challenge your senses at Opaque, where diners eat in complete darkness, served by visually impaired waitstaff. This unique concept aims to enhance the other senses by eliminating sight, focusing on the textures and flavors of the meal. It’s not only a culinary journey but also a new perspective on dining
Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
Runyon Canyon Park is a popular urban hike that affords visitors panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley and the Pacific Ocean. Ideal for a sunrise hike, this park offers various trails that cater to all fitness levels, and it’s a fantastic spot for dog-walking, yoga, and even celebrity-spotting.
Griffith Observatory sits on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood and is a gateway to the cosmos. Apart from being a significant astronomical research facility, Griffith Observatory offers public telescopes, engaging exhibits, and spectacular planetarium shows. As night falls, the observatory provides a stellar stargazing experience, with expansive views of the Los Angeles basin and the famous Hollywood sign.
Additionally, the Pacific Coast Highway offers a scenic drive with access to beautiful beaches and charming towns.
Iconic Beaches
Venice Beach is known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance. A stroll along the Venice Canals or surfing the waves at nearby beaches are quintessential LA experiences.
Exploring the Venice Boardwalk:
The Venice Boardwalk is a must-visit, offering a continuous carnival of street performers, vendors, and eclectic crowds. It’s an area where the sights and sounds of Los Angeles amalgamate, offering endless entertainment and shopping opportunities.
Venice Canals:
Just a short walk from the beach, the Venice Canals offer a quieter, more picturesque setting. Modeled after Venice, Italy, these canals are lined with beautiful homes and footbridges. A stroll here is a serene escape from the bustling boardwalk, allowing visitors to enjoy the peaceful waterways and charming architectural details.
Surfing and Water Sports:
For those looking to dive into watersports, Venice Beach and its neighboring areas provide ample opportunities. The beach is known for its excellent surf spots, and many local shops offer surfboard rentals and lessons. Whether you’re a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer, the waves here cater to all levels.
Olvera Street: Explore Los Angeles’ Mexican Heritage
Olvera Street, in the heart of downtown LA, allows visitors to experience the historical roots of the city with its traditional Mexican marketplace. This historic area, known as “the birthplace of Los Angeles,” is a part of the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historic Monument.
The street is lined with vendors selling traditional Mexican crafts, including handcrafted leather goods, colorful pottery, and intricate folk art. Olvera Street is also famous for its authentic Mexican cuisine. Visitors can indulge in a variety of traditional dishes such as taquitos, churros, and tamales, often served from historic restaurants and quaint street-side stalls.
The architecture along Olvera Street, including the Avila Adobe — the oldest standing residence in Los Angeles — adds a historical dimension to your visit. The Adobe offers insights into the lifestyle of the early Mexican Californians, with restored rooms and historical artifacts on display.
Cultural Events and Celebrations: Olvera Street is also known for its lively festivals and cultural celebrations, including Las Posadas during Christmas, Cinco de Mayo, and the Day of the Dead.
Explore Hidden Speakeasies and Prohibition History
Dive into LA’s Prohibition-era history by exploring its hidden speakeasies and tunnels. Guided tours can take you through the secret passageways where illicit liquor was once transported, offering a glimpse into the city’s thrilling underworld history.
- Cartwheel Art Tours: This unique tour takes you through the underground tunnels and forgotten speakeasies of Downtown LA. The tour blends historical insights with a peek into the modern adaptations of these spaces. Visitors get to explore secret passages and learn about the city’s bootlegging history during Prohibition. The experience also includes visits to current speakeasies and a look at the city’s vibrant art scene.
- King Eddy Saloon: A historical site and one of LA’s most famous speakeasies, located underground beneath a former piano store. This bar played a significant role during the Prohibition era and is a great place to soak in some of that old LA charm and enjoy a drink where the law once turned a blind eye.
- Lost Property: Hidden on Hollywood Boulevard, this speakeasy-style bar is known for its enchanting ambiance and unique cocktails. It’s a cozy spot perfect for intimate conversations and enjoying a night out with a bit of mystery.
Attend a Live Studio Taping
Experience Hollywood firsthand by attending a live taping of a television show or a talk show. This gives you a behind-the-scenes look at TV production and a chance to see some of your favorite celebrities in person.
- Choose a Show: First, decide which type of show you’d like to see. Whether it’s a sitcom, talk show, or game show, each offers a unique experience.
- Check Availability: Shows like “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” and “Jeopardy!” have websites where you can check the taping schedule and ticket availability.
- Request Tickets: Visit the show’s official website to request tickets. Most shows are free to attend, but tickets can be hard to get due to high demand. Some shows use third-party services like 1iota or On Camera Audiences to distribute tickets.
- Plan Ahead: Tickets may be available a few months in advance, and some shows also offer standby tickets on the day of the taping. Arriving early can increase your chances of securing a seat, especially if you have a standby ticket.
Nighttime Helicopter Tours
Take to the skies with a nighttime helicopter tour over Los Angeles. This exhilarating experience offers a unique perspective of the city’s sprawling lights and landmarks from above, providing spectacular views and photo opportunities.
This is truly among once-in-a-lifetime things to do in Los Angeles.
Whale Watching Excursions
Embark on a whale-watching tour off the coast of Los Angeles. This experience allows you to witness majestic marine life in their natural habitat. You might spot dolphins, seals, and during certain times of the year, migrating whales.
Dolphins can often be spotted year-round due to their abundant presence along the California coast.
As for whales, different species are visible at different times of the year. For example, gray whales are commonly seen during their migration period from December to April, while blue whales are more prevalent from July to October.
Rodeo Drive: High-End Shopping in Beverly Hills
Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is the epitome of high-end shopping. Known worldwide, Rodeo Drive offers an unparalleled retail experience where visitors can immerse themselves in a world of opulence and luxury.
Even if shopping isn’t on your agenda, a stroll down Rodeo Drive offers its own rewards. The window displays are works of art, often reflecting seasonal themes and the latest fashion trends. They are such a draw for photographers and bloggers!
Conclusions On Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Los Angeles
These are just a few highlights of what you can do in Los Angeles that are truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Each spot offers a glimpse into the diverse and rich culture of this dynamic city. Whether you’re exploring the serene beauty of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine or catching a wave at Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles promises memorable experiences that cater to all interests.