In all my years of solo travel, I’ve been to over 100 countries and all 50 states. But even with so many destinations under my belt, Los Angeles is still my favorite city in the entire world. Whether it’s taking a week-long retreat or spending a quick 24-hour layover in the city, I never miss a chance to visit.
Sadly, the destructive LA wildfires in January of this year have stalled tourism to the city. However, there’s never been a better time to fly out to LA and visit local businesses and attractions. While the fires devastated certain neighborhoods, 98% of the city remains unburned. As the air quality has improved over the last few weeks, Los Angeles is safe for visitors. So, in honor of Valentine’s Day, I’d like to share with you some of the reasons you’ll LOVE Los Angeles as much as I do. Get ready to book your flight!
1. Location, Location, Location
Whether you love to have fun in the sun or prefer a winter adventure, Los Angeles is the perfect location for a vacation. Few other places are so close to a wide range of climates. You can start your morning at one of LA’s stunning beaches, then head out on a mountainous hike on one of the city’s many trails. During the winter, you might even take a short day trip to the mountains for some skiing, which I’ve never done, but I love having the option.
If you want to take in as much of LA as possible in a short time, hop on one of the city tours! When I did a day in Los Angeles a while back, I took one from my hotel. The bus drove us past lots of celebrity homes, famous filming locations, and many of LA’s most recognizable landmarks. I love the city tour so much that I usually do it at least once a year!
2. A Glimpse Into Hollywood History
Hollywood’s star-studded history sets Los Angeles apart from other major cities in the United States. It’s the heart of the entertainment industry, and you’ll find lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in the glitz and glamour. You can always start with a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame, then grab a photo with the iconic Hollywood Sign. Other fabulous Hollywood attractions include:
- TCL Chinese Theatre—See the latest film releases in style at the beautiful TCL Chinese Theatre. If you have the time in your itinerary, stick around for an official tour!
- Hollywood Forever Cemetery—It may sound a bit spooky, but Hollywood Forever Cemetery is one of the most unique spots in LA. It’s the final resting place of Hollywood legends like Judy Garland and Burt Reynolds, and it also doubles as a venue for outdoor movie screenings and live concerts. I highly recommend this place for over-60 travelers!
- Griffith Observatory—One of LA’s most breathtaking spots, Griffith Observatory gives you insane panoramic views of Hollywood—day or night. You can check out exhibits on space, peek through the giant telescopes, or simply take in that gorgeous sunset over the Hollywood Hills.
3. Food From Diverse Cultures
I’m not much of a foodie, but Los Angeles is an absolute dream for people who love to eat adventurously! The city has it all, from American classics like In-N-Out to mom-and-pop restaurants serving niche dishes. It’s thanks to LA’s wonderful diverse population that you can explore world cuisine from just one city! Rumor has it that chicken and waffles debuted at Roscoe’s in LA.
4. Beachy Vibes with a High-End Twist
Los Angeles is home to several beautiful beaches, and these destinations are more than just piles of sand! Head over to Venice Beach for summer vibes with a bohemian twist. It’s just a stone’s throw from the widely-recognizable Santa Monica Pier, where you can enjoy food stalls, carnival games, and of course, a ride on the postcard-perfect Ferris wheel!
5. A Wealth of Black-Owned Businesses
LA has an incredible selection of Black-owned businesses worth checking out. From clothing shops and restaurants to organic groceries and cultural institutions, you could spend a day in Los Angeles and only visit businesses owned by Black entrepreneurs. Discover Los Angeles has an incredible guide to Black-owned businesses to support.
6. Opportunities for Live Entertainment
Los Angeles is a hub for all kinds of entertainment. Catch a Lakers game at Crypto.com Arena, see your favorite band at the Hollywood Bowl, or experience Broadway-level theater at the Pantages. No matter your interests, there’s always a show happening somewhere. You’ll never be bored in LA!
7. World-Class Museums
The museum scene in Los Angeles is incredible! There are historical sites, art galleries, and museums featuring a hyper-specific interest. While visiting every LA museum would take days, here are a few you should definitely see on your California trip:
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art—LACMA is the crown jewel of LA’s art scene. From ancient artifacts to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, this museum has it all. Plus, its iconic Urban Light installation makes a great photo op!
- La Brea Tar Pits—Where else can you see bubbling tar in the middle of a city? The La Brea Tar Pits offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric LA, with real fossils and life-sized mammoth statues that make history come alive.
- Grammy Museum—I love music, and just last year, I took a Prince-centric tour of Minneapolis. While the Twin Cities were certainly a great place to check out some music history, nothing quite compares to Los Angeles. The Grammy Museum takes you on a journey through the history of music, with interactive exhibits, legendary memorabilia, and even a chance to deep dive into music production.
- Petersen Automotive Museum—The Petersen Automotive Museum is a paradise for anyone who loves classic cars or futuristic designs. With some of the rarest and most beautiful vehicles on display, it’s a must-see even if you aren’t usually very interested in cars.
8. Thrilling Theme Parks
Every year countless tourists flock to LA just for its theme parks! Disneyland is, of course, a favorite Los Angeles tourist attraction, but it’s far from the only place to enjoy some family fun. Visiting a theme park is just for people with children—even solo travelers will love the places Los Angeles has to offer. All of these parks remain open and ready for business after the fires:
- Disney California Adventure Park—Right next to Disneyland, this park is all about celebrating the magic of California!
- Universal Studios Hollywood—This is where movies come to life! It’s the perfect blend of Hollywood glam and adrenaline-pumping thrills.
9. Unmatched Shopping Experiences
Did someone say Rodeo Drive? While you could certainly take a long walk down this iconic shopping district, Los Angeles as a whole is a shopper’s paradise. You’ll find all kinds of stores in the city, from tiny boutiques to major retailers. My favorite mall is Beverly Center. Not only does it have over 90 stores and restaurants, but it’s also often featured in movies. Make sure you don’t overpack when you fly to Los Angeles—you’ll definitely need the room for all your souvenirs!
10. An Incredible Community
Last, but certainly not least, you’re sure to love the vibrant Los Angeles community. This has never been more evident than in the aftermath of the fires. There’s been an outpouring of support for people who lost their homes and countless crowdfunding campaigns and donation drives. Los Angeles isn’t just a city full of celebrities—normal people like you and me are there trying to make LA a better place for everyone. I love the Los Angeles community, and I’m sure you will, too!
Take Your Next Vacation in Los Angeles
Los Angeles isn’t my favorite city for nothing! It truly has something for everyone, including museums, beach vibes, shopping, and incredible food. I know traveling to LA can feel tricky during this time, but Visit California has resources that can answer your questions about LA travel after the fires. A trip is one of the best ways to contribute to the city’s recovery. I hope you consider visiting this spring or summer, and let me know how your trip goes on Instagram!