Skip the Starline Bus Tour, and go explore LA like a local!
Los Angeles can seem like a big, daunting place with endless traffic, hopeful actors, and shoes not made for walking! In such a massive city with so many distinct neighborhoods, it can be difficult to see the true City of Angels. Overwhelmed by the sheer amount of freeways, you may feel tempted to stick to the basic tourist destinations like the Hollywood Sign, the Walk of Fame, Third Street Promenade, and Rodeo Drive. But these attractions hardly skim the surface on all the diversity that the city has to offer. Skip the Starline Bus Tour, and go explore LA like a local!
Farmers Markets
Oh, the farmers markets… Magical places with fresh produce, smiling faces, and dogs that look like their owner. Even if you don’t need to stock up your fridge, take a Sunday stroll through one of the farmer’s markets to people watch and soak up the good vibes.
Melrose Flea Market
After walking through the farmer’s market on a Sunday morning, head over to Fairfax to get lost at the Melrose Trading Post. A massive, labyrinthine flea market filled with beautiful vintage clothes, random trinkets, furniture, food, and music, this market has it all.
Take A Hike!
That’s right, Runyon Canyon isn’t the only hiking spot in LA! There are incredible trails all over the city. Hiking off PCH is particularly enjoyable because you get a nice sea breeze and a view of both the ocean and the mountains. Some of my favorites include Paseo Miramar in the Pacific Palisades and Solstice in Malibu.
Twilight Concerts At The Santa Monica Pier
Watch unique bands perform every Thursday night, for free! Arrive early and take a ride on the ferris wheel, hang out by the beach, bring some food and drinks, and stay for a free show. This is the perfect event to meet up with old friends, make new ones, and be merry!
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Yup, a cemetery has made it onto the list of must-do’s in LA, and for good reason. Hollywood Forever is the resting place of many deceased celebrities, namely Judy Garland and Rudolph Valentino. The cemetery has a beautiful, supernatural quality to it with a massive lake and gorgeous sculptures. And the best bit– in the summer, grab a blanket and lay down on some soft green grass to watch one of their outdoor movie showings in the middle of the cemetery.
Taco Trucks
There’s nothing quite as gloriously sinful as devouring a plate of tacos on the sidewalk after a night out in Los Angeles. Some of the most delicious Mexican food in LA comes from the trucks, and luckily, most of the best ones like Leo’s and El Chato are open past 1 a.m. Buenos noches!
