11 Once In A Lifetime Things To Do In Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a vibrant city full of one-of-a-kind experiences just waiting to be discovered. From iconic attractions to hidden local gems, LA offers countless opportunities to create unforgettable memories. This article shares 11 can’t-miss activities that will make your LA trip a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.
With its near-perfect weather, beautiful beaches, and proximity to major attractions, Los Angeles is an enticing destination for travelers from around the world. Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, LA offers exceptional outdoor adventures, multicultural neighborhoods, acclaimed restaurants, and world-class museums.
But what really makes LA special are the unique, only-in-LA experiences that simply can’t be replicated anywhere else. From exclusive celebrity encounters to awe-inspiring natural wonders, LA delivers bucket list moments around every corner. This article highlights 11 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles.
Why Visit Los Angeles
Before diving into the top attractions, it helps to understand what makes LA such an alluring travel destination. For starters, the diversity of landscapes and neighborhoods gives LA a character all its own. One day you can be surfing waves in Malibu, the next exploring the hip Silver Lake scene, followed by taco-tasting in East LA.
The intersection of entertainment, arts, food, and outdoor adventure creates endless opportunities for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You may find yourself mingling with celebrities at a Hollywood cocktail party one night, then interacting with rescue dolphins at SeaWorld the next morning. Every day brings new surprises.
With a near-endless amount of things to see and do in LA, it can be challenging to narrow down the highlights. But the attractions covered in this article will guarantee you an unforgettable trip filled with only-in-LA moments.
Here are the 11 Must-See Stops On Los Angeles To San Francisco Road Trip.
11 once in a lifetime things to do in Los Angeles
Here are the 11 things to do once in a lifetime in Los Angeles:
- Hike to the Hollywood Sign
- Helicopter Tour of Los Angeles
- Explore Malibu Wine Country
- Attend a TV Show Taping
- Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
- Take a Private Studio Tour
- Ride the Angels Flight Railway
- Movie Screening at the Hollywood Bowl
- Party at No Vacancy
- Browse The Last Bookstore
- Witness Bioluminescence at the Beach
1. Hike to the Hollywood Sign
No trip to LA is complete without seeing the iconic Hollywood Sign up close and personal. There are several hiking trails offering spectacular sign views, but the most popular is the Brush Canyon Trail. This moderate 6-mile round trip hike takes you up Mount Lee into Griffith Park for sweeping views of the sign and surrounding canyons. The feeling of accomplishment after conquering the trail combined with the stellar views of LA make this a once-in-a-lifetime hike.
Insider tip: Start your hike early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat. The Mt. Hollywood Trail offers a great view of the sign and the city.
Website Link: https://www.hollywoodsign.org/hiking
2. Helicopter Tour of Los Angeles
For unparalleled bird’s-eye views of LA, book a helicopter tour. Soaring above the city in a private chopper is a thrilling way to take in iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Sign, Santa Monica Pier, Dodgers Stadium, and luxury yachts cruising the coastline. Specialty tours like celebrity home tours or coastal experiences to Catalina Island are also available. This bucket list flight will deeply enrich your understanding of the vast landscape of Los Angeles.
Insider tip: For a unique experience, opt for a night tour. The city lights from above are truly breathtaking.
Website Link: https://los-angeles-helicopter-tours.com/
3. Explore Malibu Wine Country
Just a short drive from LA lies the breathtaking Santa Monica Mountains, home to impressive vineyards producing excellent wines. Spend an afternoon driving the idyllic Malibu Wine Trail, stopping to enjoy tastings at vineyards like Saddlerock Ranch and Rosenthal. Malibu wines are surprisingly good, and the stunning natural backdrop makes wine tasting here an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss the charming Malibu Wine Safari to see rescued exotic animals while sipping vino.
Insider tip: Check out the boutique wineries that offer more intimate tasting experiences. Malibu Family Wines is a local favorite.
Website Link: https://www.malibuwinehikes.com/area-info/
4. Attend a TV Show Taping
For an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how television magic happens, attend a live TV show taping. Sitting in the studio audience gives you the chance to witness first-hand how productions like Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, or late-night talk shows with Jimmy Kimmel are brought to life. Arrive early to increase your odds of getting picked for contests or bonus perks. With free tickets and plenty of shows to choose from, it’s a budget-friendly LA thrill.
Insider tip: Plan and book your tickets well in advance as they often get sold out quickly. Also, arrive early to get good seats.
5. Visit the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures
Cinephiles absolutely must pay a visit to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This shrine to the history of cinema contains galleries of film memorabilia, immersive exhibits on major movies, and rare screen-used props from classics like The Wizard of Oz. Film screenings, celebrity guest speakers, and expert talks make it an interactive learning experience. For movie buffs, an afternoon spent here is equivalent to nirvana.
Insider tip: Don’t miss the Oscars Experience where you can hold a real Oscar statuette.
Website Link: https://www.academymuseum.org/en
6. Take a Private Studio Tour
For the ultimate inside look at the workings of Hollywood, upgrade to a private VIP studio tour. This lets you access exclusive areas and production sets closed to the public. At Warner Brothers, private tour options include visiting the set of The Big Bang Theory and trying out Sheldon’s spot. At Sony Pictures, you can play with green screens on the Jeopardy! set. Wherever you tour, you’ll gain rare behind-the-scenes access straight into the world of entertainment.
Insider tip: Warner Bros. Studio offers a great private tour where you can even visit some of the sets of your favorite shows.
Website Link: https://www.wbstudiotour.com/tour/deluxe/
7. Ride the Angels Flight Railway
This historic funicular feels frozen in time, ferrying passengers up and down the steep incline of Bunker Hill since 1901. The short railway ride lasts less than a minute but provides unbeatable views of downtown LA at the top. Burned down and rebuilt a few times, Angels Flight has a rich history intertwined with the city’s development. Riding this relic of LA’s past is a delightful throwback experience.
Insider tip: Try to ride it at sunset for a beautiful view of downtown Los Angeles.
Website Link: https://www.angelsflight.org/
8. Movie Screening at the Hollywood Bowl
Summertime evenings don’t get more magical than watching a movie under the stars at the historic Hollywood Bowl with live musical accompaniment. Pack a picnic dinner and settle into the grand outdoor amphitheater nestled in the Hollywood Hills to enjoy classics like Star Wars or Harry Potter scored by the LA Philharmonic. The setting turns an ordinary movie into an extraordinary event.
Insider tip: Bring a picnic to enjoy before the show starts, it’s a local tradition.
Website Link: https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/concerts-and-events/movie-nights
9. Party at No Vacancy
One of LA’s hottest nightlife spots is housed in an unassuming historic Victorian home. But inside, No Vacancy is a lively dance club venue featuring burlesque dancers, aerialists, and secret hidden rooms. Mimicking an old abandoned Hollywood school, it’s decked out in ornate vintage decor. The speakeasy vibe and quality DJs spinning energetic beats keep the dance floor pumping all night.
Insider tip: Make sure to arrive early as the place can get crowded. The entrance itself is an experience!
Website Link: https://novacancyla.com/gallery/
10. Browse The Last Bookstore
Bibliophiles shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore downtown LA’s iconic Last Bookstore. What was once a bank is now a sprawling 22,000-square-foot bookstore housing both new and used books. Peruse the book labyrinth built out of used books and climb the spiral book staircase up to the mezzanine full of rare finds. The whimsical setting makes it one of the coolest indie bookstores anywhere.
Insider tip: Look for the hidden tunnel of books and the book loop installation for some great photo opportunities.
Website Link: https://www.shopthelastbookstore.com/
11. Witness Bioluminescence at the Beach
For an unbelievable natural phenomenon, visit LA beaches like Malibu or Laguna during a red tide when bioluminescent phytoplankton light up the ocean. Nighttime surfers, kayakers, or swimmers stimulate the microorganisms to glow bright blue. The effect makes any movement in the water look magical as if surrounded by glittering stars. Witnessing this rare event will create lifelong memories.
Insider tip: This is a seasonal phenomenon typically occurring in spring. Dockweiler State Beach is known for its bioluminescent waves.
Hidden Gems in Los Angeles
Beyond the major tourist attractions are lesser-known local spots equally worth a visit. Here are a few under-the-radar finds to add to your LA itinerary:
- Visit the Museum of Jurassic Technology
- Enjoy the Angel’s Flight Funicular
- Spend a Day Paddle Boating on Echo Park Lake
1. Visit the Museum of Jurassic Technology
This quirky Culver City museum displays exhibits you won’t find anywhere else, covering unique niches of art, science, and history. Room after room contains oddities like sculptures made of paint chips, miniaturized Russian spaceships, and a tribute to trailer park singer Gertrude Morgan. It’s a one-of-a-kind museum experience.
Insider tip: This museum is unlike any you’ve visited before. It’s full of oddities and curiosities that are sure to pique your interest. Don’t miss the tea room on the top floor for a unique experience.
Website Link: https://www.mjt.org/vistinfo/hours.html
2. Enjoy the Angel’s Flight Funicular
Different than the more famous Angels Flight downtown, this funicular railway in Echo Park transports riders up a steep incline for excellent views and fun photo ops. At the top, hike around Echo Mountain for additional panoramic vistas of LA. The area offers fascinating history as well, once containing mansions and a resort.
Insider tip: This short but sweet ride gives you a taste of Los Angeles’ history. Try to ride it at non-peak hours to avoid the crowd. And don’t forget to take a picture at the top!
Website Link: https://www.angelsflight.org/
3. Spend a Day Paddle Boating on Echo Park Lake
Grab a paddle boat with up to 5 friends and cruise the waters of Echo Park Lake, a family-friendly oasis in the city. Glide past lush gardens and lotus flowers as you take in views of the downtown skyline. Then stroll the path around the lake people watching and waving at passing boats. It’s an easy way to savor a relaxing LA day.
Insider tip: This is a fun and relaxing way to spend a day in Los Angeles. The best time to go is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not too strong. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful lotus flowers in the lake.
Website Link: https://wheelfunrentals.com/ca/los-angeles/echo-park/
Practical Tips for Visiting Los Angeles
If you’re planning your first trip to Los Angeles, here are some practical tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Los Angeles is from March to May and between September and November. During these months, the weather is more manageable, and you’ll find fewer crowds at the city’s attractions.
- Getting Around: Los Angeles is a sprawling city, so it’s best to plan your transportation in advance. Renting a car is a popular option, but be prepared for heavy traffic and parking challenges. The city also has a metro system that can take you to many major attractions. Alternatively, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are widely available.
- Local Customs and Etiquette: Los Angeles is a diverse and laid-back city. Casual attire is acceptable in most places, and tipping is customary in restaurants, bars, and for services like taxi rides and hotel housekeeping. It’s also common to see filming in progress, so don’t be surprised if you come across a movie set!
- Stay Hydrated and Sun-Protected: Los Angeles is known for its sunny weather. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, especially if you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors.
- Plan Your Itinerary: Los Angeles is home to many famous attractions, but they can be spread out. It’s a good idea to plan your itinerary by area to minimize travel time.
Remember, every trip is a personal experience. These tips are meant to serve as a general guide, but the best trip will be one that suits your personal preferences and interests. Enjoy your trip to Los Angeles!
Conclusion
From scouting for celebrities on Hollywood Boulevard to traversing windswept canyons, Los Angeles offers endless once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences. By mixing world-famous attractions with off-the-beaten-path local finds, you’re guaranteed to have the trip of a lifetime. Just be sure to wear comfy walking shoes because LA’s one-of-a-kind adventures never stop.
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Whether it’s your first or fiftieth visit to Los Angeles, the city consistently finds new ways to dazzle and delight. Let your curiosity guide you to create tailor-made LA memories. Savor each moment soaking in the quintessential only-in-LA vibes. And get ready for the trip of a lifetime exploring all that glamorous, artsy, foodie, adventurous Los Angeles has to offer!
