With more than 1,000 square miles of wilderness and 53 starting points, it's no surprise that the Angeles National Forest is one of the most popular day trips for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're hiking, biking, running, boating, or even skiing, there's something here for every type of outdoor activity. Calvo is nice and results in spectacular views from nearly 10,000 feet. The Devil's Punchbowl and Bridge to Nowhere hikes are some of the best full-day options in the region.
The Bradbury Building's Victorian-style atrium, built for Gold Baron Lewis Bradbury, is filled with architectural details such as hydraulic open-cage elevators, marble staircases and wrought iron balconies. The huge skylight and open balconies create an atmosphere unlike any other building; it's both haunting and magical. Culture lovers will know this from its appearances in films such as Chinatown (1974), Blade Runner (1982), 500 Days of Summer (2009) and some music videos and commercials. Housed in a building with a dimpled facade that many say looks like a cheese grater, the Broad Museum houses the collection of Edythe Broad, who amassed a formidable stash of contemporary art with her late husband Eli.
The collection is more pop than academic, which has earned it the reputation of being a stop on tourist lists, if only to take selfies in front of Jeff Koons' balloon dog or Robert Therrien's expanded table and chairs. There are also works of the stature of Ruscha, Warhol, Basquiat, Murakami and Sherman. A reservation is required and difficult to get hold of due to the museum's popularity, so plan ahead. It's free and, if you hurry, you can see the museum's hits in no time.
Downtown Los Angeles often has a bad reputation, and while it has its share of problems, there are still plenty of great spots to explore there. My favorites are the Broad Museum for its modern art, Skyspace for its glass slide and stunning views, and the Grand Central Market for all its fun restaurants. Here's a post I made at all my favorite spots in downtown Los Angeles. The Griffith Observatory is probably my favorite spot in Los Angeles.
The views from the observatory are incredible with the Hollywood sign in one direction and downtown Los Angeles in the other. Of course, the observatory is also amazing to explore, as it's free to enter and has lots of fun exhibits. I've been here dozens of times to watch the sun go down and explore, and I always love coming back. The Hollywood sign is probably the most iconic part of Los Angeles and something that everyone loves to see when they visit it.
There are many great places to see the sign, such as Hollywood Lake Park, but if you really want to experience it, consider hiking to it. The walk is steep if you take the Tree of Wisdom Path, but it gives you great views of Los Angeles and allows you to get as close to the sign as you're allowed. As one of the most historic districts in Los Angeles, Olvera Street was founded in 1781 and is a great place to explore. It has some nice restaurants and a fun central shopping area, but the main reason to come is for the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) festival every October.
The festival has been running for more than 30 years and is a celebration of life with murals, dancers, a procession and face painting. Amie and I have been there a few times and always enjoyed visiting and experiencing it. The Echo Park area of Los Angeles is an up-and-coming spot with great restaurants, shopping, and a decent-sized lake right in the middle. It's a fun place to hang out on a warm day, and you can get out on the water by renting a swan boat if you want to go for a walk.
The area also has the Time Travel Mart which is one of my favorite stores and excellent food such as Masa's pizza and its fantastic bread pudding with croissant. It's one of those areas that I keep coming back to explore more. Like the Hollywood Bowl watching a Dodger game is a must-see attraction in Los Angeles. Just driving through the parking lot to the stadium you'll enjoy iconic views of downtown Los Angeles and the historic stadium has been there for nearly 60 years.
If you come out of season you can pay to take a tour of the stadium or you can visit the store and go out to see the upper deck. It's a lot of fun even for non-baseball fans. This is another one of those fun and inexpensive things to do in the Los Angeles area if you like architecture: visiting Walt Disney Concert Hall which was designed by Frank Gehry in 2003. Another important museum to visit in Los Angeles is The Museum of Tolerance which tackles weighty issues such as racism and prejudice around the world. If you're looking for an affordable meal then head over to Grand Central Market which has been around since 1917! This staple of the Los Angeles food scene is a great place to enjoy a fresh cheap delicious meal plus it shares a block with LACMA another one of Los Angeles's main museums home to Urban Lights which is one of the favorite places for tourist photos! It's hard to believe that such a strange statue is considered Statue Of Liberty in Los Angeles but Chicken Boy has become one of best attractions for tourists who like little strangeness on their adventures! In 1969 strong commercialization in Los Angeles California caused railroad close carts were kept away like this! Like Walt Disney Concert Hall it's one of best photo spots in Los Angeles amazing see this up close worth visit even if don't do anything else museum! Perched atop Los Angeles City Hall observation deck one best things do Los Angeles area free offers some best views city! For this post I recommend taking time explore all these amazing places city Angels sure won't regret it!.
