Viator Los Angeles

Hiking in L.A.’s Griffith Park offers an unusual mix of cool sights: the iconic Hollywood sign, alternating patches of forest and desert terrain, wildlife such as coyotes and deer, occasional glimpses of celebrities walking their dogs, and several landmarks from famous movies and tv shows. And it’s the place to find some of the best views of Los Angeles, from the downtown skyline all the way to the Pacific Ocean.

The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens (or simply “The Huntington” for short) is one of the best existing examples of philanthropy and, lucky you, it’s nestled snugly in Los Angeles. Originally the private residence of Henry E. Huntington, the Huntington estate was built on railroad tycoon money and, upon Mr. Huntington’s passing in 1927, became the library, art collection and botanical gardens it’s known as today. The 120-acre estate is a special escape in the heart of Los Angeles, and its specialized gardens, its fabulous art collection, and its superlative collection of rare books are a treat separately or as a whole day excursion.

Head to the Palms District of Los Angeles (9341 Venice Blvd., Culver City, to be exact) and find this fun and bizarre collection of relics, sculptures and other-worldly displays. With no clearly discernible museum ethos, nor any particular epoch or art form to focus on, the Museum of Jurassic Technology proves to be a wonderfully refreshing look into the odd, the interesting, the oft-passed-over aspects of history and artistic world.

Though it might not readily come to mind, Los Angeles has got its fair share of wilderness to explore. I know what you’re thinking: concrete jungle doesn’t count. But believe me, it’s easier than you might think to escape into California’s rolling hillsides. Check it out:

Here’s a good opportunity to see the Los Angeles scene as a local might. Local venues like this are something of a rarity in this town, because, let’s be honest, most events draw as many tourists as they do locals. Thus, if you’re interested in seeing LA as the locals do, consider a night out under the stars with Los Angeles Street Food Cinema.

Beyond reality TV stars, paparazzi and movie studio backlots, the best sightings in Los Angeles are gorgeous views from hilltop hikes or rooftop bars. Though L.A. is best known as the center of the entertainment industry — home to skinny palm trees and even skinnier celebrities — it’s also a city full of art, performance, global cuisine and history, with a vivid past that can still be seen all over town.

Rodeo Drive. This iconic center of boutique and designer shopping in Los Angeles has its own following the world around. But the epicenter of luxury fashion doesn’t have to boast only the unobtainable. As long as you’re a fashion lover, the world is your oyster on Rodeo Drive. With all the glamour of the silver screen, the premier brands in the world are all lined up for your viewing pleasure, and while the prices might not fit your budget, any stroll through this cobbled street will entertain and enhance your knowledge of current fashion trends.

If you’re a Hollywood buff, if you’ve seen everything there ever was in black and white, if you know the celluloid process, then you’ve probably already heard about the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Built on the back half of Paramount Studios lot (actually, it’s the other way around; Paramount Studios is built on the back half of Hollywood Forever Cemetery), this cemetery is the final resting place of choice for all of Hollywood’s first big stars. From actors and actresses to film execs and screenwriters, for better or worse, they’re all buried here.

Malibu is famous for its celebrity homes, its wide sandy beaches, and its incredible surf breaks. For these reasons, it can be hard to find an inside scoop on what is happening in this popular coastal town. This closely knit community is, at its widest, eight miles wide, so take it from and insider that the majority of the scene takes place along the strip of highway that is Highway 1, otherwise known as the Pacific Coast Highway (or simply, the One, as it’s locally referred to). And, actually, there’s a surprising amount to do.

Los Angeles proper is a big city, but it’s not the be all and end all of a Los Angeles experience. Far from it. For most people, when they refer to a trip to Los Angeles, they really mean the greater Los Angeles area, and depending on who you talk to, this could incorporate quite a lot of territory. Hollywood, Malibu, Long Beach, Orange County, you name it, it all connects in a labyrinth of concrete and highway. How then, does one get around without a car?