Your Los Angeles Bucket List Trip

Cocktails on the endless stretches of palm-tree-lined beaches or hopping from one A-list hotspot to the next in the hope of bumping into your favorite celebrity; the melting pot that is LA means something different to everyone, but it’s always good to have an idea of how you want to spend your time in one of the most popular and diverse cities in the world before going. From trendy hangouts to world-class museums, Tripening’s got you covered!

  1. Hollywood Sign

Have you even been to LA if you haven’t been to the sign? Arguably one of the most iconic features - both inside the US and globally - it represents a lot of the glamor that LA is best known for (and is featured in almost every movie and TV show, too!).

Hike to the Hollywood Sign

2. Griffith Observatory

LA might be known for its celebrity stars, but it takes those in the sky just as seriously! Head to this world-class arena that invites you to stargaze through a mammoth telescope for this essential cultural delight.

Take a tour

3. Big Bus Tour

An absolute must - especially if you don’t have very long. Travel across LA for a very reasonable cost and tick off all the must-see sights while you’re doing it, choosing between a live guide or pre-recorded audio. It’s a tour and transport - all in one!

Book your ticket here

4. Mulholland Drive

This scenic two-lane highway along the edge of the mountains and Hollywood Hills gives unrivaled views of the city - and it helps that, with some of the most expensive real estate in the world, you’re driving past the homes belonging to the rich and famous, too!

Go on a Celebrity Homes Tour for a real Hollywood experience!

5. Santa Monica Pier

Dating back to 1909, this historic pier - offering optimal views across the coastline popularly featured in movies - is the perfect place for a stroll. It also boasts an amusement park, an aquarium and a whole host of fabulous seaside shops. Yes, please!

Hop on an open-top bus from Santa Monica Pier

6. Venice Beach

Lined with palm trees, this buzzing beach town is an absolute must when visiting LA - both for the sun worshippers desperate for some soft sand and those looking to be more active, thanks to the array of sports on offer. You may even spot some street performers and artists popping up, too!

Book a surf lesson here

7. Universal Studios

We mean, duh! Spend a day visiting the sets of some of the most famous movies ever made and get a hit of adrenaline on all the epic rides. Seriously, this is not one to be missed!

Book your VIP experience here  

8. Hollywood Boulevard (Walk of Fame)

With thousands of stars lining the blocks - each engraved with an A-List celeb - you can literally follow in the footsteps of your idols - especially outside the Chinese Theatre which boasts hundreds of celebrity handprints, footprints and autographs in the concrete ground. It doesn’t get more touristy than this!

Hop on a Hollywood bike adventure

9. Downtown LA

Packed with quirky eateries, amazing art and must-see culture, this part of the city is one of its most vibrant. From markets to independent bookstores; museums to the Walt Disney Concert Hall, don’t overlook this special area.

Go on a Downtown LA Food and Culture Tour

In truth, we could probably go on for days, but we think you’ve probably got enough to be getting on with.

Anything vital you think we’ve missed? Do let us know!

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