Los Angeles, or the City of Angels, with its iconic Hollywood movie stars and spectacular Malibu beaches, is the stuff of legend and, frankly, one of my favorite cities as there’s never a dull moment and so much to explore!
Los Angeles County, California, is known for Hollywood, movie studios, fabulous beaches, Griffith Observatory and Park, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Hollywood Bowl, Grand Central Market, Angeles National Forest, Getty Centre, Hollywood Sign, Venice Canals, Amoeba Music, and LA rooftop bars.
What Is Lost Angeles County, California Known For?
Los Angeles evokes images of glamorous celebrities, iconic movies, and beautiful people playing volleyball on the beach. But Los Angeles County, California, is mostly known for:
- Hollywood glitz and glam
- World-famous movie studios
- Fabulous beaches
Hollywood Glitz & Glam
With its movie studios, seedy underbelly, iconic clubs, hotels, and fabulous beaches, the iconic Sunset Boulevard, which stretches from downtown LA to the ultra-glamorous Malibu, epitomizes the Hollywood dream to become a famous movie star living in Beverley Hills.
World Famous Movie Sets
Los Angeles County is the epicenter of the entertainment industry and home to the five most renowned film studios like Warner Bros, Paramount Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, and Sony Pictures.
Fabulous Beaches
Malibu, which stretches 30 miles alongside the Pacific, including Highway One, is the perfect place to (accidentally) bump into a Hollywood star or a celebrity. It has reached a near cult-like status for its pristine beaches and million-dollar homes that most of us can sadly only dream of!
In stark contrast, Venice beach, with its quirky personalities, is the very “nerve center” of Los Angeles and a great place to catch a tan and go people-watching.
What’s In Los Angeles County?
There is much more to Los Angeles County than you might think, ranging from Griffith Park and Observatory, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, Hollywood Bowl, and Grand Central Market to the Angeles National Forest for nature lovers.
Griffith Park & Observatory
With over 4000 acres of hilly wilderness and breathtaking canyons on Mount Hollywood, the picturesque Griffith Park is the perfect place to escape LA’s hustle and bustle. So, strap on your hiking boots and explore their wildflower trails or watch Downtown’s magical twinkling lights at night.
Griffith Observatory, housed in a gorgeous Art Deco building, is one of the most popular observatories for a good reason, as it has a diverse range of amazing exhibits, breathtaking views of the Hollywood sign, and an incredible planetarium, including an infamous Zeiss telescope.
Academy Museum Of Motion Pictures
This museum is a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated to the art of moviemaking with mind-blowing exhibits and multisensory experiences that give you a unique insight into the stories of great film producers and how they made their visions a reality.
Hollywood Bowl
Established in 1921 with its incredible acoustics and elegant backdrop, the iconic Hollywood Bowl has showcased LA’s finest musical talents for decades. Previous concerts include the LA Philharmonic, jazz shows, opera, and ballet productions, and today it is favored by upcoming pop stars.
Grand Central Market
The 103-year-old Grand Central Market is a step back in time as nothing has changed (except for the vendors, of course) since it opened to much fanfare over a century ago. It’s a “foodie heaven” that caters to everyone with affordable tacos, sandwiches, and pricey gourmet food stalls.
Angeles National Forest
A nature lover’s dream, the Angeles National Forest consists of more than 1000 miles of spectacular wilderness and numerous incredible trails like the Bridge to Nowhere or the Devil’s Punchbowl. It’s a great day trip for outdoorsy folks like runners, hikers, biking, skiing, or boating enthusiasts.
So, make a day of it as the drive over Mr. Baldy to Angeles National Forest with its breathtaking 10 000 feet views is simply fabulous!
Things To Do In Los Angeles County
Los Angeles has so much to offer that it’s near impossible to name only a few, but here are the top 6 things to do in Los Angeles County:
- Explore Universal Studios Hollywood
- Take a tram to The Getty Center with ocean views
- Take Instagram shots of the Hollywood sign
- Meander along the Venice Canals
- Enjoy LA-style rooftop bar sundowners
- Shop around for great tunes at Amoeba Music
Explore Universal Studios Hollywood
The World-Famous Studio Tour, narrated by Jimmy Fallon, is one of Universal Studios Hollywood’s most popular tours of the Hollywood movie studios’ backlot on a fun tram ride.
You will be able to see all the iconic movie sets for Jaws, and War of the Worlds, including the movie Psycho, and immerse yourself in Peter Jackson’s exhilarating King Kong 360 3D, one of the world’s most spectacular 3D experiences.
Take A Tram To The Getty Center With Ocean Views
Taking a tram to reach the inaccessible Getty Center is just another bonus, as you can enjoy panoramic views of the shimmering ocean and alpine peaks once you reach the elegant Getty Center.
Likewise, you will be able to immerse yourself in the Getty Centre’s incredible masterpieces by renowned artists and their impressive European and American art collections, including exquisite Impressionist style paintings and French decorative arts exhibits.
Take Instagram Shots Of The Hollywood Sign
No trip to Los Angeles is complete without taking a few Instagram-able shots of the iconic Hollywood Sign! The iconic sign, erected in 1923, was originally a 350 feet long real estate ad that read: “Hollywoodland,” which consisted of 56-foot-tall individual letters.
So, grab your phone and head off to the Hollywood & Highland Center, book a helicopter tour, or for an Instagram close-up hike from the Griffith Observatory parking area to the Hollywood sign.
Meander Along The Venice Canals
Sandwiched between the seedy Venice Boardwalk and the affluent Abbot Kinney, the peaceful Venice Canals float through the beachfront community neighborhood is a little hidden gem.
There are three peaceful canal-lined blocks to explore with elegant arching bridges, adorable ducklings, and spectacular beachfront mansions dotted along the way.
Enjoy LA Style Rooftop Bar Sundowners
If you are a little thirsty after sightseeing, head to one of LA’s trendy pool-side rooftop bars for a cocktail (or two) with spectacular views of the cityscape and world-class chefs for a delicious dinner amongst the stars.
Shop Around For Great Tunes At Amoeba Music
Although the iconic Amoeba Music has moved from Sunset Boulevard to Hollywood Boulevard, it’s still home to thousands of CDs, retro cassettes, records, and DVDs, making it one of the world’s biggest indie music stores in the world.
It’s a music lovers paradise and a place where you can spend hours flipping through their amazingly diverse music ranging from reggae, and dance, to obscure indie bands and the likes of Rihanna.
Their staff or music heads know what they are talking about, and are incredibly friendly, so chances are you will only find that rare album at Amoeba Music.
Famous People From Los Angeles County
Los Angeles is the birthplace of many celebrities, ranging from actors, directors, and singers to world-class poets and writers. Here are my top 3 famous people from Los Angeles.
Leonardo DiCaprio
Academy Award winner Leonardo Wilhelm DiCaprio was born on November 11, 1974, is not only a world-class actor but also a producer of thought-provoking biopics and period films, and the recipient of several accolades like three Golden Globe Awards and the British Academy Film Award.
Angelina Jolie
One of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses, Angelina Jolie, was born on June 4, 1975, and has built a worldwide fanbase for her work as an actress in countless iconic movies and global humanitarian initiatives and for being a thought-provoking filmmaker.
Jennifer Aniston
Born as Jennifer Joanna Aniston on February 11, 1969, this actress and producer rose to fame for her iconic Friends role as Rachel Green and has since starred in countless award-winning romantic comedies and dramas.
Los Angeles County FAQ
Now that you know more about bustling Los Angeles and its top attractions let’s address any remaining questions about this star-studded city.
Interesting Facts About Lost County?
Los Angeles is the only city in North America to have hosted the Summer Olympics on two occasions; moreover, by 2028, the city will do so again.
And did you know that Los Angeles homes are the oldest wooden lighthouse in the state of California, including the biggest historical theater area, in the Downtown Broadway area?
Is Los Angeles County A Good Place To Live?
Los Angeles County has its pros and cons like every city. The weather is great all year round; it has awesome beaches, especially surfers, and great parks, including many job opportunities if you work in certain industries.
Some downsides of living in Los Angeles include congested traffic, terrible air pollution, and a high crime rate.
Is It Expensive In Los Angeles County?
While high earners might not find Los Angeles expensive, the county has high living costs compared to other counties due to expensive rentals, eye-watering property prices, and high taxes.
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