The Ultimate Los Angeles Bucket List for First timers
As a first timer in Los Angeles, you would want to make sure to get the total LA experience. Hence, here’s a list of 25 Los Angeles bucket list items that you must do when you visit LA. Take notes!
1. Book a Doors Off Hollywood Helicopter Flight
Okay, this first one is if you have some extra money to splurge as helicopter tours can be pricey. However, it would definitely be worth your money when you see the famous Hollywood sign up close. The helicopter tours usually include a tour of Downtown Los Angeles and Santa Monica Pier, which will give spectacular views from above.
2. Attend a Dodgers Game
Even if you are not a baseball fan, go to the Dodgers game for the vibe. Some people say that it’s all about the hotdogs and beer while having a good time with your friends.
3. Watch at a Unique Outdoor Movie Theater
For a list of the best unique outdoor movie theaters, go to this link: https://shewillspill.com/2019/07/10/unique-outdoor-movie-theaters-in-la/
or watch see it for yourself on this video:
4. Become an Audience Member at a TV Taping
Become an audience member at hit TV shows such as Ellen, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan and many more. You can do this by going to their official websites and search for availability on tickets. For Ellen, go here: https://send.ellentv.com/tickets/ .
Check out 1iota.com, it is an official website for various TV show tapings, concerts and award shows. This is all free but sometimes you need to get waitlisted.
5. Be a Kid at Disneyland
Photo: @nicobonicoh Photographer: @djosephcastro
I mean, who doesn’t love to go to the happiest place on earth? It is a place where adults can live there childhood over again. As much as it keeps getting pricier, Disneyland will always have a special place in people’s heart.
6. Have a Drink at a Rooftop Bar
Los Angeles is full of rooftop bars and Downtown LA is the perfect place to do it. Not only do you have a lively atmosphere, you will get a gorgeous view of the LA skyline.
Here are some of the top 5 rooftop bars in Los Angeles : https://shewillspill.com/2019/06/29/best-rooftop-bars-pools-los-angeles/
7. Watch the Sunset at the Griffith Observatory
Photo: @dbradshaw96You may remember the famous scene of Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling waltzing in the air at the planetarium inside the Griffith Observatory on ‘La La Land’. The Observatory is a great place to learn about the space and science featuring some telescopes, exhibits and activities. Once outside, you’ll have a breathtaking view of the whole Los Angeles city.
8. Slide Down at the Glass Slide at SkySpace LA
Skyspace LA is a tall observation deck with the best panoramic view of Downtown LA. It is the LA version of New York’s Empire State Building and it’s even more spectacular at night with the bright city lights. Make sure to try the quick slide on the outdoor glass slide for a unique experience.
9. Hike Behind the Hollywood Sign
The Hollywood sign has been one of the most famous recognizable icons. The hike is not too long but it can be a little steep. Once you get to the top, you will definitely feel a nice breeze.
10. Stroll at the Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills
Walking around Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills is like walking in a movie. It’s full of luxury high end stores, fine dining and cafes.
11. Become Wizards at the Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is one of the biggest main attractions in Los Angeles. At this theme park, you can have fun on all the rides and make sure to drink butter beer as you enter ‘The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter’.
12. Drop by the Walk of Fame and TLC Chinese Theater
Photo: @monsehusain
Hollywood is known for the entertainment industry with the red carpets, award shows, movie palace and film festivals. When you stroll through the Walk of Fame, you’ll get to spot your favorite celebrity’s names on the star plaques on the sidewalk. In front the of the Chinese Theater, there are also handprints and footprints with signatures in the cement of the biggest stars so make sure to stop by.
13. Get on the Ferris Wheel at the Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a great place to kick back and spend time with your family. The Pacific Park is a small amusement park and carnival with food, rides, games and music. Cool fact is that the ferris wheel is operating on solar energy and you will get a nice view of the beach while you are on top.
14. Enjoy a Beer Flight at the Art District
Photo: @johnlendman
Art District is such a hipster and artistic town with a ton of cool breweries nearby. One of them is the Angel City Brewery, which has a casual atmosphere with an artwork exhibit on the side. It also has some board games, corn holes, jengga and arcade games to keep the crowd entertained.
15. Visit the LA LIVE
Walk around the LA Live and see what is going on that day. You can watch Laker game or a concert at the Staples center. There are a variety of restaurants and bars in the walking distance area. The Grammy Museum is also a favorite attraction at the LA Live, so you have a lot of options once you get there.
16. Eat at the Grand Central Market
Photo: @sasha_hendrix
Come to Grand Central Market with an empty stomach because you’ll have a variety of delicious food choices. It’s an iconic food hall with each section having their own unique touch of different cultures. The market is also right next to the Angel’s Flight if you’d like to have a lift up in Downtown.
17. Step into the Infinity Room at the Broad Museum
The Broad museum is a beautiful contemporary art museum that offers free admission but make sure to get your tickets online to secure your spot. As soon as you enter, sign up immediately and reserve your time to get in the ‘Infinity Room’ because there would be a wait and it is only limited. Once you are in the infinity room, you’ll only get 45 seconds to snap your photos so make sure use every second right!
18. Gaze at the Bradbury Building
Right across Grand Central Market is the unique architectural landmark called the Bradbury Building. This office space has been recognizably featured in a couple of movies such as Blade Runner. Its historic vintage style, iron work and magnificent natural light from the top makes this building so impressive. People are free to come in the lobby but are only allowed to go one floor up at the stairs which is understandable as it is an office space.
19. Get Surfing Lessons in Venice Beach
If you head down to Venice Beach, get yourself some surfing lessons while you appreciate the LA heat. If you want some lessons, try Go Surf LA, catch some waves and you may leave LA as a pro surfer.
20. Shop at the Rose Bowl Flea Market
Every second Sunday of the month, the Rose Bowl flea market in Pasadena is open. If you love to shop, you’ll get some clothing, furniture, handmade arts and crafts, vintage products and many more. It’s a blend of antique and new things! The area is huge with more than 2500 vendors so make sure to bring some comfortable shoes and wear sunscreen. Make sure to bring some cash as well!
21. Have a Relaxing Walk at the Venice Canals
This man-made canal was built in 1905 by Abbot Kinney as he wanted to recreate Venice, Italy. On the side, you can have a relaxing walk at the quiet and calm pathway next to the diverse residential homes and colorful row boats or canoes. It’s a quite charming romantic place that will make you feel like you are actually in Europe.
22. Visit and Explore LACMA
Photo by: @cthanahtoinks
LACMA is another art museum with new exhibits and art collections. It’s free to walk around the light poles outside the museum, which are great to take photographs. Behind the poles, they have some jazz bands usually performing Friday nights for the months of April to November.
23. Get a Studio Tour in Warner Bros.
If you love movies and TV shows, then the Warner Brothers is the perfect Los Angeles bucket list item for you. You can learn a lot about the secrets of making movies behind the scenes by visiting their sets. This will make you appreciate movies even more when you see how much work and effort is put on. The interactive tour is full of photo opportunities so make sure to bring your cameras. You can also relax by the coffee shop at ‘Central Perk’, which was of course inspired by the popular TV show ‘Friends’.
24. Watch a Concert at the Hollywood Bowl
Hollywood Bowl has some great acoustics for an outdoor venue. Parking can always be hard here so I would advice to take a Lyft/Uber. Before going inside the venue, you can bring your own food and wine to picnic right outside.
25. Shop at Santee Alley
The Santee Alley is open everyday from 9:30am to 6pm with delicious street food. It’s an outdoor shopping at the LA Fashion District with hundreds of vendors of electronics, clothing, accessories, fabrics, toys and goods. It is a street market that has swap meet vibe so expect to bargain and some knock off items here. It’s mostly affordable and cheap but try to come in on a weekday to avoid crowds at the narrow alleys.
