Top Attractions for First-Timers
With so many things to see and do in LA, narrowing down the attractions for a first visit can be tricky. Here are some of the most popular spots and experiences new visitors should add to their LA itinerary.
Hollywood
You can’t come to Los Angeles without spending time in Hollywood. This iconic neighborhood is home to the Walk of Fame, TCL Chinese Theatre, Dolby Theatre, and so much more. Stroll down Hollywood Boulevard to see the names of your favorite celebrities engraved in gold stars along the sidewalk. Check out handprints and footprints of the stars in cement outside the TCL Chinese Theatre. And if you time your visit right, you may be able to catch a movie premiere at the Dolby Theatre, home of the Academy Awards. Beyond the tourist attractions, Hollywood is also a vibrant neighborhood with shops, restaurants, and nightlife. Stop for a drink at classic Hollywood hangouts like Musso & Frank Grill before checking out the nightlife at hotspots like The Peppermint Club.
Santa Monica Pier
Ask any local for their favorite beach spot in LA, and there’s a good chance they’ll point you to Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Pier has been a beloved coastal landmark since 1909. Today, it’s filled with carnival rides, arcades, shops, and restaurants. Ride the iconic Ferris wheel for stunning ocean views and snap a selfie with the “Route 66 End of the Trail” sign. After exploring the pier, spend some time relaxing on Santa Monica Beach. Rent a bike or rollerblades and cruise along the paved path, play beach volleyball, or simply stretch out on the sand and take in the ocean breeze. As the sun sets, head to the restaurants along Ocean Avenue for fresh seafood and oceanfront patios.
Venice Beach
Just south of Santa Monica, you’ll find the eclectic neighborhood of Venice Beach. This vibrant beach community is known for its colorful characters, street performers, shops, and restaurants. Spend an afternoon wandering the Venice Beach Boardwalk to take in the scene. You’ll find street artists, fortune tellers, fitness fanatics, and more. Don’t forget to stop for a photo with the larger-than-life muscle men at Muscle Beach! After exploring the boardwalk, grab an acai bowl and window shop the funky stores and galleries along Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Watch local surfers catch waves or join a pick-up game of beach volleyball. Venice Beach perfectly encapsulates the laidback, artsy vibe LA is known for.
The Getty Center
Perched high above LA, The Getty Center offers visitors world-class art and breathtaking city views. The collections at The Getty feature European paintings, drawings, sculpture, illuminated manuscripts, and decorative arts. Wander through the Central Garden, designed by artist Robert Irwin, for a tranquil oasis. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. And the best part? Admission to The Getty Center is free! Just be sure to reserve your parking spot online ahead of time, as the lots fill up fast.
Griffith Observatory
Another iconic LA landmark located up in the Hollywood Hills is Griffith Observatory. This beloved observatory first opened in 1935 and has been inspiring Angelenos’ love for the cosmos ever since. Visit during the day to explore the exhibits and telescopes, take in stunning city views, and hike the trails around the grounds. Return in the evening to gaze at the stars during their free public viewings through the telescopes. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the observatory’s gorgeous domed exterior and Art Deco details.
The Broad
Modern art lovers will adore The Broad, one of LA’s newest contemporary art museums. The striking honeycomb-like exterior houses an impressive collection from artists like Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Cindy Sherman, and more. The Broad is also home to Yayoi Kusama’s famous Infinity Mirrored Room. Just be prepared to wait in line for your chance to snap that Instagram-worthy mirror selfie. General admission to The Broad is free, making it a budget-friendly option for art enthusiasts.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Designed by legendary architect Frank Gehry, the Walt Disney Concert Hall is an architectural wonder in its own right. The curved stainless steel exterior is a contemporary contrast to the ornate 1920s-era buildings across the street. Attend a performance by the LA Philharmonic in the state-of-the-art auditorium for stellar acoustics. Or take a free self-guided audio tour to admire Gehry’s design details throughout the building. There are few places where you can enjoy world-class music, architecture, and art all in one place like Walt Disney Concert Hall.
How to Get Around Los Angeles
Now that you know where to go in LA, let’s talk about how you’ll get there. Los Angeles is massive, spanning over 500 square miles. And with notorious traffic congestion, getting around can be time-consuming. Here are some of the best transportation options for first-time visitors navigating LA’s sprawl.
Light Rail
The Metro light rail system offers an affordable way to travel between some of LA’s most popular tourist destinations without sitting in traffic. The Metro Red Line provides a straight shot between downtown LA and Hollywood. Hop off to explore the area around the iconic Capitol Records Building and Hollywood & Highland entertainment complex. Further west, the Metro Expo Line runs from downtown to Santa Monica, with stops at Exposition Park, the University of Southern California, and Culver City. Visitors can ride the Expo Line to the beach without the headache of finding parking near the pier. Metro fares are only $1.75 per ride, with discounts available on day passes. The trains generally run every 10-15 minutes. While the light rail doesn’t directly connect every tourist attraction, it can be a handy option for certain routes.
Taxis and Rideshares
When public transit won’t efficiently get you to your destination, taxis and rideshares fill in the gaps. LAX is served by nine taxi companies that provide transportation throughout LA. Rates are based on mileage and time spent in traffic. Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also popular options. Prices fluctuate based on demand, but rideshares generally cost less than traditional cabs. The apps make it easy to request a car to your location in just a few taps. Taxis and rideshares provide convenience and flexibility to get you from point A to point B. Just be prepared for the cost to add up during peak hours or long distances across town.
Charter Buses
For large groups or travelers who want a more private, customizable transportation experience, charter buses are the way to go. Charter bus companies like Charter Bus Company Los Angeles offer a variety of bus sizes to accommodate groups of all sizes. You can select buses with amenities like leather seats, WiFi, power outlets, and restrooms for comfort and convenience. Our professional team will pick you up and drop you off wherever your perfect LA itinerary takes you. No more stressing about directions or getting separated from your group. Let your private charter bus shuttle you between LA’s top sights, restaurants, hotels, and more. Whether you choose the Metro, a rideshare, or a charter bus, the key is finding the transportation option that makes the most sense for your group and your itinerary. Avoid traffic headaches and parking woes, so you can focus on enjoying the endless options for fun in Los Angeles.
Ready to Get Started?
As a first-time visitor to Los Angeles, the key is balancing must-see attractions with time to simply soak up the quintessential LA vibe in neighborhoods like Venice Beach and Santa Monica. Build an itinerary combining world-famous landmarks with local favorites. And be sure to include downtime to lounge on golden beaches under the California sun. The transportation you choose can make or break your first impression of Los Angeles. Avoid logistical hangups and keep your group moving smoothly between LA’s endless attractions and neighborhoods. Charter Bus Company Los Angeles has a variety of charter bus rentals to meet your group’s size, budget, and transportation needs. Our team handles all the driving and navigation so you can simply sit back and enjoy the ride. Whether you need transportation for a family vacation, school field trip, corporate event, or private sightseeing tour, we’ve got you covered. Our charter buses are equipped with comfortable amenities like leather seats, climate control, TVs, WiFi, and restrooms for convenience on the go. With Charter Bus Company Los Angeles, navigating this sprawling metropolis is simple. No need to coordinate multiple cars or stress about traffic and parking. Our experienced team knows the ins and outs of LA, so your group will arrive relaxed, on time, and ready for adventure. Don’t waste precious time in the City of Angels sitting in traffic. Let us handle the transportation details so you can make lifelong memories experiencing all that Los Angeles has to offer. Ready to start planning your LA getaway? Call Charter Bus Company Los Angeles today at 562-269-1005 to book the perfect transportation for your group’s size and itinerary. We look forward to helping your first-time visit to this iconic city be smooth, stress-free, and unforgettable. LA is waiting for you!