Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia
Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
Los Angeles is a sprawling metropolis with world-famous attractions and neighborhoods, but some of the city's most unique experiences are found off the beaten path. Venturing outside the tourist bubbles of Hollywood and Santa Monica opens the door to a more authentic LA.
One such spot is Watts Towers, a National Historic Landmark located in the Watts neighborhood. This imposing urban artwork was built over 33 years by Italian immigrant Simon Rodia. The 17 interconnected sculptural towers stand over 99 feet tall and are decorated with found objects like tile, glass, and seashells. Visiting this impressive outsider art installation gives you a chance to explore a lesser-known part of LA.
Those looking to connect with nature can head to Wildwood Canyon Park in Burbank. This hidden gem offers hiking trails with panoramic views of the valley and the chance to spot local wildlife like hawks, squirrels, and bobcats. The peaceful setting feels worlds away from the city. For a similar outdoor escape, visit Olmsted Bowl in the Hollywood Hills. The secluded hiking trails and picnic spots overlooking LA are popular with locals trying to unwind.
For book lovers, downtown LA is home to The Last Bookstore. Browse through over 250,000 new and used books or be mesmerized by the whimsical book sculptures. The 2-story bookstore in a former bank building is a bibliophile's dream. Nearby, fans of all things weird and macabre will appreciate a visit to the Museum of Death. With graphic exhibits on death rituals, serial killers, and tragic accidents, it certainly lives up to its name.
To take in LA's vibrant mural scene, head to spots like The Container Yard and The Bloc in downtown and Venice Art Walls near the beach. These constantly changing outdoor art galleries give a glimpse into the city's creative spirit. For a uniquely LA food experience, track down a bacon-wrapped hot dog from a street vendor. These flavorful snacks are an iconic LA treat.
What else is in this post?
- Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Off-the-Beaten-Path Attractions
- Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Must-Try Restaurants and Local Delicacies
- Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Unwind and Relax: Discovering LA's Serene Parks and Gardens
- Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Iconic Landmarks of the City of Angels: Must-Visit Tourist Attractions
- Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - The Artistic Side of LA: Inspiring Museums and Galleries
- Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - From Beaches to Hiking Trails: Outdoor Adventures in Los Angeles
- Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Hollywood Insider: Behind the Scenes of the Entertainment Industry
- Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Exploring LA's Diverse Neighborhoods: Cultural Experiences and Local Hangouts
- Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Soak Up the Sun: Enjoying Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles
Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Must-Try Restaurants and Local Delicacies
When it comes to culinary experiences, Los Angeles is a food lover's paradise. The city boasts a diverse culinary scene that reflects its multicultural population and offers a wide array of flavors and cuisines. From trendy eateries to hidden gems, LA is a treasure trove of must-try restaurants and local delicacies that will tantalize your taste buds.
One of the most iconic dishes synonymous with LA is the classic In-N-Out Burger. This fast-food chain has achieved almost cult-like status among locals and visitors alike. With its simple yet delicious menu featuring juicy burgers, freshly cut fries, and milkshakes, In-N-Out Burger is a Southern California institution. Don't forget to order your burger "Animal Style" for a secret menu treat.
For those seeking a unique dining experience, Grand Central Market in downtown LA is a must-visit. This historic market is home to a vibrant mix of food stalls, offering everything from Thai street food to artisanal ice cream. You can indulge in mouthwatering tacos at Tacos Tumbras a Tomas or savor the flavors of the Mediterranean at Madcapra. The bustling atmosphere and diverse culinary offerings make it a foodie's paradise.
If you're in the mood for seafood, head to the Santa Monica Pier and treat yourself to a meal at The Lobster. This iconic seafood restaurant has been serving up fresh and delicious seafood dishes since 1923. From succulent lobster rolls to flavorful clam chowder, The Lobster offers a taste of the ocean with stunning views of the Pacific.
For a taste of LA's vibrant Asian food scene, a visit to the San Gabriel Valley is a must. This suburban area, located just east of downtown LA, is known for its authentic Chinese cuisine. From dim sum to hot pot, you'll find a wide range of dishes that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Beijing or Shanghai. Don't miss the opportunity to try the famous soup dumplings at Din Tai Fung, a culinary experience that will leave you craving for more.
If you're looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, head to Milk Bar in West Hollywood. This trendy dessert shop is known for its innovative and indulgent treats, including their famous Crack Pie and Compost Cookies. The playful and nostalgic flavors will take you back to your childhood, while the Instagram-worthy milkshakes and soft-serve ice cream will make your taste buds sing.
To truly immerse yourself in LA's culinary scene, consider taking a food tour. Companies like Avital Tours and Melting Pot Food Tours offer guided experiences that take you through the city's diverse neighborhoods, introducing you to hidden culinary gems and local delicacies. These tours not only provide a chance to sample delicious food but also offer insights into the city's history and culture.
Exploring the culinary delights of Los Angeles is an adventure in itself. From iconic fast-food joints to upscale dining establishments, the city offers a plethora of options to suit every palate. So, savor the flavors, embrace the diversity, and embark on a gastronomic journey through the City of Angels.
Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Unwind and Relax: Discovering LA's Serene Parks and Gardens
With its relentless traffic, bustling energy, and booming entertainment industry, Los Angeles can sometimes feel like a concrete jungle. Yet nestled within the urban sprawl are dozens of green oases offering residents and visitors a chance to decompress and reconnect with nature. From sprawling botanical gardens to urban parks, LA boasts plenty of leafy escapes perfect for unwinding and relaxation.
One of the city’s most beloved green spaces is Griffith Park, a massive 4,300 acre municipal park situated in the eastern Hollywood Hills. Home to the iconic Griffith Observatory and Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park features a mix of wooded hiking trails, picnic grounds, golf courses, and equestrian paths. Spend an afternoon meandering through Fern Dell’s lush rainforest glen or admire panoramic views of the LA basin from the top of Mount Hollywood. The park’s sheer size guarantees you’ll find a peaceful corner to unwind, even on busy weekends.
For more cultivated landscapes, head to the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden located in Arcadia. Wander through 12 distinctive specialty gardens showcasing flora from around the world, including South African, Australian, and Mediterranean collections. The tranquil Chinese Garden with its koi ponds and pavilions is especially transportive. Don’t miss the spectacular Spring Bloom, when tens of thousands of azaleas, wisteria, and flowering cherries burst into color.
In urban pockets throughout LA, you’ll also find charming neighborhood parks perfect for escaping the concrete jungle. On the city’s artsy east side, Echo Park Lake offers pedal boats, walking paths, and weekend farmers markets encircling its picturesque pond. The pecan grove at Lafayette Park in Westlake provides shade on sunny afternoons, while next door you can stroll through the roses at MacArthur Park Lake.
Out by the beach, Palisades Park running along the bluffs above Santa Monica Beach is a popular spot for soaking up ocean breezes. Meander past palm trees and prickly-pear cacti dotting the park’s lush lawns. Cap off your visit by catching a fiery sunset sinking into the Pacific.
Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Iconic Landmarks of the City of Angels: Must-Visit Tourist Attractions
With its fame as the entertainment capital of the world, Los Angeles needs no introduction. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the glamorous beaches of Malibu, LA is home to countless iconic landmarks and tourist attractions. While it’s impossible to see them all, there are a few staples every first-time visitor should experience.
No trip to LA would be complete without a stop at the architectural marvel that is the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This Frank Gehry-designed masterpiece features striking curved stainless steel panels that seem to defy gravity. Tour the state-of-the-art acoustics inside, then lounge on the rooftop garden overlooking downtown LA’s skyline. Nearby, soak up some art and culture at the Museum of Contemporary Art, known for its impressive collection of post-WWII works.
Of course, no discussion of LA landmarks is complete without mentioning the Hollywood Sign. This 45-foot tall sign is likely the most famous landmark in the city. While you can’t get close to the sign itself, there are numerous vantage points around Griffith Park offering that classic photo opp. For more Hollywood history, stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame to see the names of over 2,700 entertainment icons. Pop into the legendary TCL Chinese Theatre to see handprints and footprints of the stars.
For an only-in-LA experience, visit Venice Beach Boardwalk, a funky carnival of street performers, local artists, and eclectic shops. Here you can get your tarot cards read, browse through tattoo parlors, or simply people watch. Don’t miss taking a ride on the historic Venice Canals built to resemble those in Italy. Just down the coast, the Santa Monica Pier has been drawing visitors since 1909. Ride the solar powered Ferris wheel then play games and grab snacks at the numerous pier restaurants and shops.
Of course, one can’t forget LA’s legendary beaches. Whether you’re looking to surf, stroll on the sand, or simply relax, iconic beaches like Malibu, Zuma, and Santa Monica offer the quintessential California beach experience. And for breathtaking views of the Pacific coastline, drive the legendary Mulholland Drive. Named after its creator, this 21-mile road winds along the ridgeline of the Hollywood Hills, offering unparalleled vistas at every turn.
Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - The Artistic Side of LA: Inspiring Museums and Galleries
While Los Angeles is renowned for glitz and glamour, it also has a thriving artistic community offering world-class cultural experiences. Museums and galleries dot the city, showcasing treasures both modern and historic. Within these artistic havens, visitors can gain fresh perspective and find inspiration to fuel their own creative pursuits.
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) instantly immerses you in global art history. Wander galleries housing Egyptian funerary artifacts beside cutting-edge California sculptures. Linger in the European painting gallery with masterpieces spanning the Renaissance to the present. Beyond its endless collections, LACMA catalyzes creativity through interactive experiences, like the Art + Film lab collaborating at the intersection of disciplines.
Contemporary art aficionados gravitate to The Broad, which often debuts major holdings within its honeycomb of galleries before sending works on international tour. Visitors come to appreciate artistic movements on a new scale, like the mind-bending installations in the social spaces that prompt contemplation. Commissioned works continually push boundaries, bringing provocative examination to daily issues.
Smaller havens like The Hammer Museum on UCLA's campus cultivate emerging talent. From its revolving exhibits to public programs, it spotlights artists taking risks. The pop-up shows serve as testing grounds, while talks foster exchange between creators and audience. Together, museums provide a supportive structure where innovation can take root and flourish.
Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - From Beaches to Hiking Trails: Outdoor Adventures in Los Angeles
With an average of 296 sunny days per year, Los Angeles was made for outdoor adventures. From hiking in the hills to playing in the surf, LA offers endless ways to soak up the sunshine and explore the region’s natural splendor. For active travelers, the diversity of landscapes and year-round gorgeous weather beckon you off the beaten path to discover LA’s outdoor experiences.
Iconic beaches like Santa Monica, Venice, and Malibu offer quintessential SoCal fun, with opportunities to swim, surf, sunbathe, or simply stroll along the strand. For a peaceful beach escape, head south to trails hugging the coastline in Palos Verdes. Wander rocky coves, or kick back with ocean views at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park. Further up the coast, cycling the 22-mile South Bay Bicycle Trail from Torrance to Pacific Palisades rewards with stunning vistas of the Pacific.
Inland, Griffith Park’s over 50 miles of hiking trails let you escape into an urban wilderness right in central LA. For panoramic views, summit Mount Hollywood on the Charlie Turner Trail or the Wisdom Tree Trail winding past a quirky tree-topped shrine. Locals love the hike to the Hollywood Sign, completing the 3.5-mile round-trip trek for those Instagram-worthy shots. For family-friendly walks, meander through Fern Dell’s tranquil rainforest glen or amble up the trail to the Griffith Observatory to take in exhibits and sweeping skyline views.
Over in Runyon Canyon Park, 130-acres of chaparral-covered slopes offer a convenient spot for LA urbanites to get their fitness fix. Loop around the park’s main Runyon Canyon trail squeezing in cliffside views between cardio intervals. Or kick your workout up a notch scrambling over boulders on the Hero Trail leading to Inspiration Point.
For breezy beach rides, the paved Marvin Braude Bike Trail follows the coast for 22-miles from Pacific Palisades to Torrance. Pedal along the sand taking in surfers and seaside communities. Nearby Ballona Creek Bike Path gives you a tranquil ride through wetlands and nature preserves. In Long Beach, cruise the beachfront over 6 miles on the city’s bike-friendly paths.
Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Hollywood Insider: Behind the Scenes of the Entertainment Industry
Ever wonder what really goes on in Tinseltown? Roving the iconic studios where your favorite movies and TV shows are filmed is a thrill like no other. Yet studios operate more akin to small cities, with an intense workforce powering major productions from pre-production through distribution. Witnessing the unseen magic behind the big and small screens affords fresh perspective on the community and labor bringing Hollywood stories to life.
Warner Brothers Studio boasts a storied past, birthing classics from Casablanca to Harry Potter. Yet today it bustles with modern productions furthering franchises or pioneering new formats. Book a guided Tour de Studio to glimpse soundstages where shows like Friends once filmed or new movies take shape. Seeing elaborate sets suspended in constructed environments triggers imagination around the technical planning required to craft entire worlds. Visits to low-key workshops unveil crafts like sculpting and carpentry that shape the physical context of our entertainments.
Paramount Pictures similarly transports visitors back in time walking the hallowed grounds. There Spielberg fine-tuned Jurassic Park and Hitchcock conjured Psycho. Today ambitious series from Star Trek to Yellowstone continue the creative legacy, with tours offering glimpses behind tight security. Yet insightful tidbits from guides, sometimes industry insiders themselves, demystify Hollywood processes. Appreciating the scope of coordinated specializations, from hair and makeup to catering, enlarges respect for the machine enabling our most dazzling diversions.
Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Exploring LA's Diverse Neighborhoods: Cultural Experiences and Local Hangouts
Los Angeles consists of dozens of vibrant neighborhoods, each with their own unique culture, architecture and community spaces that give residents a strong sense of identity and pride. Exploring an array of culturally diverse neighborhoods is one of the most authentic ways to experience everything this sprawling city has to offer. Venturing outside of the well-trodden tourist districts and into the local enclaves will provide rich cultural insights and memorable experiences.
Korean Town just west of downtown is a foodie paradise, its streets lined with Korean barbecue joints, taco trucks and dim sum spots that attract hungry locals and visitors alike. After filling up on bulgogi and dumplings, browse the markets stocked with Korean skincare and snacks. Then relax in the palatial settings of the Korean Cultural Center, or join one of the regular protests marching through the neighborhood.
Further west, the artistic bohemians of Venice invite visitors to stroll 'Abbot Kinney', with its eclectic boutiques, cafes and street performers. In the evenings, browse the Venice Art Walk or catch an outdoor film screening. For a party vibe, head to the Ballona Wetlands to join crowds dancing and beach bonfires erupting as the sun dips into the Pacific.
East Hollywood draws international art students and creatives to its complex of affordable apartments overlooking the Hollywood Hills. By day, sip gelato and coffee amongst the graffiti along Vermont Avenue. After dark, catch innovators pushing boundaries with improv and live music in cafes tucked between Mexican bakeries and sushi shops.
Sun-Day Funday: Experiencing the Best of LA According to Jay Shetty and Radhi Devlukia - Soak Up the Sun: Enjoying Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles
As the sun rises over Los Angeles each morning, it signals a new day full of possibilities for outdoor adventures under the golden rays. With LA's near-perfect climate, spending time in nature is a beloved pastime for both locals and visitors alike.
Whether enjoying the ocean breeze, hiking scenic trails, or soaking up vitamin D, getting outside provides undeniable mental and physical benefits. “Living in LA, it's so easy to feel cooped up whether you’re stuck in traffic or working long hours indoors,” explains resident Marco Rosales. “I try to spend at least a few hours outside every weekend. It really helps clear my head and resets me for the week ahead.”
The beaches are a main attraction, drawing surfers with killer waves and sunbathers lapping up the rays. Just a short stroll along the shore can be profoundly refreshing, allowing you to appreciate the vast beauty of the Pacific and watch the interplay of sand, sea and sky. “Witnessing the tides and listening to the soothing sound of the surf is nature's therapy,” says Talia Johnson of her Beach City walks with her pup.
If mountain views call your name, head for the hills where winding trails reward with panoramic vistas. Griffith Park's over 50 miles of pathways suit all abilities, with family-friendly routes as easygoing as Fern Dell's shaded creekside amble. For those seeking more adventure, the 6-mile trek to the Hollywood sign is a rite of passage that stunning scenery pays back tenfold. "The sense of accomplishment when you reach the sign and see the sprawling city from on high, it's unbeatable," exclaims avid hiker Dan Parsons.
Closer to the city, urban oases like Echo Park offer tranquil respite even on crowded weekends. Slowing your pace on the shore of its peaceful lagoon allows worries to slip away carried by the sounds of birdsong. Nearby, the newly redesigned Exposition Park sparks joy with its bounty of open green spaces, playgrounds and recreational facilities - the perfect venue for family fun and fitness under sunny skies.