Remixing 5 Classic Tourist Attractions in LA
So you're sick of doing the same activities with visitors over and over again - here's how I'd change up the typical itinerary for 5 essential LA attractions
It’s been just over a month of Ticket to Sarahdise on Substack and I’ve been having so much fun sharing tips and seeing the response! Thank you for all of the support, tell your friends!
Today, I’m putting a new spin (REMIX!) on my 5 favorite “tourist attractions” in LA. I think all 5 of these spots are 100% worth a visit for guests in town - but, they can all start to feel stale when you’ve been taking your visitors to the same places for years. Let’s put a fresh coat of paint on these 5 classics!
Griffith Observatory
Why it’s great: Griffith Observatory is my #1 tourist attraction in LA. Not only do I love the exhibits and the planetarium shows in the dome - but you can also experience stunning views of the city + the Hollywood sign. And for the people that feel inclined to hike - you have access to a ton of major trails in Griffith Park. You can check so many quintessential LA boxes with this one stop, and it’s beautiful!
The remix: Instead of going during the day, opt for a visit at sunset! You’ll still get 360 views of the city (and hopefully a beautiful sunset to boot), your guests can pose with the Hollywood sign, AND you can experience the museum after peak hours. The museum is open until 10 PM every night except Mondays, and you can catch the last planetarium shows of the night at either 6:45 or 8:45 PM.
LACMA
Why it’s great: LACMA is arguably the most iconic museum in the city. It’s also home to Urban Light, the signature cluster of street lamps that can be seen from Wilshire Boulevard, right in the heart of the city.
The remix: If you’ve already seen the exhibits or modern art isn’t your thing, tour your guests through Urban Light and then walk next door to the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. The museum is practically brand new, as it opened to the public in September 2021. Given the exhibits feature a wide variety of movie and television memorabilia, I tend to find it a more palatable option for visitors. There’s something for everyone - whether it’s a life size replica of Jaws hanging from the ceiling, or Florence Pugh’s extravagant floral dress from Midsommar.
Grand Central Market
Why it’s great: Grand Central Market is a melting pot of culture in Los Angeles, and has been around for over 100 years. This food emporium hosts over 30 different vendors on the daily!
The remix: After you chow down, walk off your meal and hit a few more tourist attractions in the process. Exit from the Hill St side of the market and you’ll spot Angel’s Flight Railway - another historic landmark in the city. For just $1 (or a swipe of your Metro card), you can take this streetcar up the hill towards Grand Ave. If you head right, you have access to The Broad, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Grand Park - a multi-tiered park with views of City Hall.
Venice Beach
Why it’s great: The Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica has gotten very sad very quickly, and let’s not even talk about the pier :) Nowadays, most folks are heading South to SaMo’s cooler sibling - Venice - for their west side outdoor shopping, dining and beach experience. Home to the Venice Boardwalk, Abbot Kinney Blvd, Rose Ave, and more, Venice has no shortage of sights to see.
The remix: Skip the hellish Venice Boardwalk and opt for the serene canals instead. (You can do a drive-by of the Venice sign for your guests to snap a pic, no need to endure the chaos of “Muscle Beach”) At the canals, you can take turns picking out your perfect waterfront house and soak in plenty of quintessential California scenery.
Zuma Beach, Malibu
Why it’s great: Malibu is home to some of the best beaches in the country - it’s an idyllic travel destination, especially for visitors that don’t get to see the beach very often! Zuma is one of the largest stretches of public beach in town, and many Angelenos keep it in the rotation all summer long.
The remix:
If you’re committed to a full beach day, drive just a few more miles up the coast to El Matador Beach versus stopping at Zuma - this is hands down the best beach in Malibu!
If your itinerary is tight and you’re spending just a couple hours in this part of town, I recommend a morning visit! It’ll take you half the time to get up the coast, there will be significantly less people around, and there’s something about the moody marine layer that feels so peaceful and unique. Treat you and your guests to a lovely breakfast at Malibu Farm on the pier and take a walk on the beach underneath after.
After driving down the PCH with the windows down, pretending you’re in a music video, veer off into Topanga Canyon - a hippie part of greater Los Angeles nestled in the mountains. Here you will find a plethora of quirky shops and restaurants. I recommend Endless Color for natural wine and pizza, or Cafe on 27 for canyon views and solid breakfast + lunch options.
That’s all for today, folks! Thanks again for all of the support and suggestions - see you next week! And if you haven’t already… SUBSCRIBE below!