Los Angeles Tourist Traps You Have To See Once

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Okay, I get it and I agree. There is SOOOOO much to do in California why waste a day doing tourist trap crap? Because you may not get to California often and taking one day to skip through it is fun and worth it. If you go through this list with the notion to not stay at any place long you will even have time to see a beach sunset or have dinner at an iconic spot too!

When I did this list I started with sunrise at the observatory, did the list, got dinner and ended with a sunset at Venice Beach. Another friend did this on arrival day to LA before she did a few days at the theme parks. It’s just fun to see places no matter if they are tourist traps or not!

Also if you do them in this order you’ll do less driving which is always a plus. Most of these places have additional articles about them on this blog too!

-Griffith Park — walking areas, zoos and more

-Griffith Observatory — amazing overview of city and Hollywood Hills

-Bronson Canyon — the best legal way to see the Hollywood signs

-Lake Hollywood Park - walking areas and more

-LA County Museum of Art — the iconic light poles

-Chinese Theater — theater with handprint cement out front

-El Capitan Theater — Disney’s famous theater

-Walk of Fame — pink starred walkway of “stars”

-Mel’s Diner — an iconic burger joint

-La Brea Tar Pits — museum

-Rodeo Drive — shopping epicenter of Pretty Woman

-Santa Monica Pier — vintage beach pier

-Venice Beach — a collection of shops, recreational activities and very far out people.

There are also many photo walls, wings and symbolic places to photograph along the way. Many of these places are walkable if you park in one location, see some spots and then park in the next spot. Do not leave valuables in your car and be wary as these areas are highly populated.