With so many exciting things to do Los Angeles is not only one of the largest cities in the United States and in the world, but it's also one of the most popular tourist destinations. Part of California's dominating economy - which is in the top ten of the world's largest economies - you will find the one thousand square miles that comprises the West Coast metropolis of Los Angeles. This city is home to many famous and very well known landmarks, amusement parks and rising towers.
Due to its vast size and the land mass that the city encompasses, it would be nearly impossible to ever see or do all that this city has to offer during one single trip. However, if you do plan on going on a vacation to the "City of Angels" in the near future, make sure that you take some notes on these top ten Los Angeles tourist attractions while there to really make the most out of your trip.
California Science Center: This is one of the largest and most popular museums in the world, and in the state of California. For families with children, this place is absolutely must-see when you travel to LA. It houses hundreds of fully interactive exhibits and the admission fees are actually free for all. It also boasts the only IMAX Theater in the city and offers daily showings of different science related movies on one of the largest viewing screens in the nation. There are guided tours that are offered, so make sure to call ahead to book yours.
Los Angeles County Museum of Art: One of the best and one of the largest and most complete art collections in the world is housed in this amazing museum, a must-see destination for all who vacation in Los Angeles. Not only does the museum feature one of the most impressive permanent collections of art in the world, it also houses paintings, pots and sculptures that date all the way back to the ancient times, some priceless works are as old as 6000 BCE. Of course, there are thousands of other masterpiece artworks that you can see here. Highly recommended for all visitors!
La Brea Tar Pits: This place has been featured in many major motion pictures including "Last Action Hero" that starred the now Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger. Back during the ancient times of human civilization many creatures were sucked into these vast tar pits, their fossils preserved forever. Today, visitors can walk around the pits on guided tours and even watch as archeologists excavate fossils; great for your entire family when you travel to LA.
Griffith Observatory: Griffith J. Griffith built and donated this observatory to the city in the early 1900s. It is considered to be one of the best known landmarks in the state of California and also hosts one of the most fantastic planetariums in the world. If you find yourself on vacation to Los Angeles make sure that you set aside a few hours to check out this awesome place and see the laser light show, it will blow your mind!
Getty Center: Aside from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, the next best art museum in the state is Getty Center. Housed in a modern and gorgeous building, you will find many amazing art pieces from all over the world here, but predominantly from Europe and the United States. Exhibits not to be missed when here include: Renaissance, Rembrandt's Late Religious Portraits, Italian
Manuscripts from the Middle Ages, and Shrine and Shroud, amongst many others.
Watts Towers: Considered to be one the most unique and popular of all landmarks in the city, this awesome set of structures was designed and constructed by Simon Rodia and took from 1921 to 1954 (more than three decades) to be completed. These sculptures are very intricate and are considered by many to be a modern day sculptural masterpieces, made from spare parts, pieces of metal and even seashells.
Museum of Tolerance: Take in a rich does of cultural history and learn about the persecution of different races around the world over time and up to modern day by stopping in to check out this amazing museum. The museum serves to educate everybody on the atrocities of racism and the woes that it can create, focusing much on the plight of Jews in Europe during the WWII holocaust.
There are guided tours, but make sure to call ahead and find out what times they occur, as they change often and they fill up fast.
Olvera Street: One of the premier cultural destinations in Los Angeles, this street spans a few city blocks and offers everything Mexican that you could ever think of. Here you will find everything from house wares, spices, fresh seafood and butchers, to leather goods novelties and plenty of authentic restaurants. If you really want to get a taste of 'Little Mexico' when in LA, this place is a must-see for all who travel here.
California African American Museum: One of the few museums in the world that is dedicated to African-American artwork. Enjoy learning about the rich history of this culture in the US by strolling the vast corridors that offer thousands of pieces of art and sculptures that can be enjoyed.
Echo Park: This really cool park is ideally located near central Los Angeles. Originally designed by Joseph Henry Tomlinson in the late 1800s and modeled after a large and famous garden in England, today the park is open to all to enjoy. While strolling this immaculate, 26 acre park, make sure that you rent a paddle boat for a cruise on the manmade lake in the center of the park.
The mixture of ethnicities and cultures make Los Angeles as diverse of a city as one could ever ask for, and one of the most diversified cities in the world next to New York City. With so many things to do Los Angeles will be perfect for your next travel destination.
Visit often to learn more information from our updated Things to Do Los Angeles.
