Make the Most of Your Trip to LA Beyond the Theme Parks!
Planning a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood? While you’re in Los Angeles, there’s so much more to see, taste, and experience! Whether you’re into art, food, beaches, or pop culture, LA offers something for everyone.
Here are some top picks to round out your LA adventure:
🎥 1. Hollywood Walk of Fame & TCL Chinese Theatre
Stroll down the famous sidewalk lined with stars, take a photo with your favorite celebrity’s name, and peek at the handprints and footprints at the historic Chinese Theatre. A must for first-time visitors! We had so much fun exploring this part of Hollywood! It was really neat seeing all of the stars on the ground.
🎬 2. Hollywood Wax Museum
Step into the spotlight at the Hollywood Wax Museum, where you can get up close and personal with incredibly life-like wax figures of your favorite stars. From classic icons to today’s biggest celebrities, the museum offers a fun, interactive experience that lets you pose, play, and snap photos like you’re right on the red carpet. It’s a must-visit for movie buffs, pop culture lovers, and anyone looking to step into the glamour of Hollywood-even if just for a moment.
Our family truly enjoyed going through the wax museum and standing right beside replicas of our favorite movie stars!
📸 3. Griffith Observatory & the Hollywood Sign
Enjoy panoramic views of Los Angeles and the iconic Hollywood sign from Griffith Park. You can hike or drive up, and the observatory itself is full of space and science exhibits.
Perched high in the Hollywood Hills, two of Los Angeles’ most iconic landmarks – the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory – offer a perfect blend of cinematic charm and celestial wonder. The Hollywood Sign, a global symbol of fame and ambition, draws visitors with its rich history and sweeping views of the city. Just a short hike or drive away, the Griffith Observatory invites you to explore the universe with interactive exhibits and powerful telescopes, all set against a backdrop that’s starred in countless films. Together, they create a quintessential LA experience that captures both the magic of the movies and the mystery of the stars.
🖼️ 4. The Getty Center
This stunning hilltop museum features world – class art collections, beautiful gardens, and breathtaking views – all with free admission. It’s a peaceful and inspiring way to spend a few hours.
The Getty Center is where art, architecture, and nature come together in stunning harmony high above Los Angeles. Housing an impressive collection of European paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts, the museum is as much a feast for the eyes as the panoramic views it offers of the city below. With its beautifully landscaped gardens, modern travertine buildings, and rotating exhibitions, the Getty provides a peaceful yet inspiring escape – perfect for art lovers, architecture enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a serene cultural experience.
🌴 5. Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not! is a captivating celebration of the bizarre, unusual, and downright unbelievable. From shrunken heads and two-headed animals to jaw-dropping human feats, Ripley’s has spent over a century collecting the world’s strangest oddities. Whether you’re exploring one of their iconic museums or flipping through the pages of their famous books, you’re guaranteed to encounter stories and artifacts that challenge what you think is possible – and leave you asking, “Can that really be true?”
🛍️ 6. Rodeo Drive & Beverly Hills
Even if you’re not splurging on luxury brands, a walk through Rodeo Drive is classic LA. Window – shop, celebrity – spot, or grab a coffee in one of the city’s most glamorous neighborhoods.
Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills epitomize luxury, style, and classic Hollywood glamour. Strolling down Rodeo Drive feels like stepping into a fashion fantasy, where designer boutiques, high – end brands, and sparkling storefronts line the palm-tree-framed streets. Just beyond the shopping paradise lies the iconic neighborhood of Beverly Hills, known for its elegant mansions, manicured gardens, and star – studded history. Whether you’re window shopping, celebrity spotting, or simply soaking in the opulence, this area offers a taste of the lavish LA lifestyle.
🌴 7. Santa Monica Pier & Venice Beach
Head west to the coast! Ride the Ferris wheel on the Santa Monica Pier, then explore the artsy, vibrant Venice Beach boardwalk. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and people – watching.
Venice Beach and the Santa Monica Pier capture the fun, free-spirited vibe of LA’s coastline like nowhere else. Venice Beach is a colorful blend of bohemian energy and beachside eccentricity, where street performers, artists, and skaters bring the boardwalk to life. Just up the coast, the historic Santa Monica Pier offers classic seaside charm with its iconic Ferris wheel, arcade games, and oceanfront dining. Whether you’re biking the beachfront path, watching a street show, or catching a sunset over the Pacific, these two spots deliver the ultimate Southern California experience.
🍴 8. Eat Your Way Through LA
From authentic taco trucks to trendy food halls, LA is a foodie’s dream. Don’t miss Grand Central Market, K-Town BBQ, or a classic In-N-Out Burger stop.
🎞️ 9. Warner Bros. Studio Tour
Want more behind-the-scenes movie magic? Take a guided tour of real sets from shows like Friends and The Big Bang Theory. It’s a great add-on to your Universal experience!
The Warner Bros. Studio Tour offers an unforgettable behind-the-scenes look at one of Hollywood’s most legendary working studios. From exploring iconic sets like Central Perk from Friends and the streets of Gilmore Girls’ Stars Hollow, to seeing real props and costumes from DC superheroes and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, the tour brings movie magic to life. With expert guides and hands-on exhibits, it’s a must for film and TV fans who want to step into the action and discover how the stories they love are made.
🧳 Let’s Plan the Perfect LA Getaway
With so much to do, Los Angeles is more than just a theme park destination – it’s a city full of adventure, culture, and California sunshine. 🌞
As your certified travel advisor, I’ll help you build the perfect itinerary, from Universal Studios Hollywood to coastal escapes and everything in between.
📩 Message me to start planning your dream LA vacation today!
#LosAngelesTravel #UniversalStudiosHollywood #ExploreLA #CaliforniaDreaming #SoCalAdventures #TravelWithConfidence