Los Angeles First Timer's Guide: 10 Things to Do and See

Home to world class beaches, top notch museums, endless recreational opportunities, and of course, Hollywood, Los Angeles is a destination like no other in the country. I am not surprised that tourists from around the world flock to the area year after year. We have all seen the city and all its’ glamour spotlighted so many times in the media. When I had the opportunity to move to Long Beach, I figured I would take advantage of seeing as much as I could in a short period (Mike was attending CSULB).

Whether you are a movie buff, a beach bum, a hiker, or a history buff, you can find basically anything and everything to do in this entertainment and fitness capital. Fortunately, we lived in a great (albeit tiny 300 sq foot apartment) walkable to a beautiful beach in Long Beach and enjoyed the easy access to all the best tourist sites throughout Los Angeles county.

It’s one of my favorite vacation destinations and one of the most exciting places I’ve ever had the opportunity to reside in. With so much to see and do in the city, as well as throughout the surrounding beach communities, it can be quite an overwhelming experience planning a vacation. I enjoyed a mix of hiking, TV show tapings, and cultural attractions during my time in SoCal. Here are some fun tourist sites to consider if you are a first time visitor interested in fitness and/or entertainment.

1. The Marvin Braude Bicycle Path

Taking a leisurely bike ride along the Marvin Braude Bicycle Path, aka The Strand, is my most recommended activity. This was number 1 on my list as it reminds me of so many of favorite movies and TV shows from the 80’s and 90’s. I can’t help thinking Saved by the Bell or Summer School! It’s basically everything you dreamed southern California would be – beautiful never ending views of the ocean, lively beach towns, surfers and volleyball players galore, endless sunshine and the fresh never ending salty scent of the ocean. All of this beauty lingers on for 22 miles, making for a 44 mile RT trek.

Along the way, you pass the most iconic beach towns, including Torrance, Redondo, Heromosa, Manhattan, Venice, Santa Monica, and Will Rogers. A rarity, this path is absolutely incredible for the entire 20+miles. There is not one boring or unscenic portion of the trail.

While a 40 mile ride may seem a bit daunting, it is completely flat and there are so many landmarks, restaurants, shops, and attractions to explore along the way that it feels more like entertainment rather than a workout. Alternatively, you can just complete one section of the trail (the Santa Monica to Venice section is pretty nice).

Major landmarks to see include: the Santa Monica Pier, the Venice Beach boardwalk, Will Rogers Beach (Baywatch filming location), and the historic Manhattan Beach Pier. One of the main advantages of riding along this trail as opposed to visiting each beach separately (besides getting in a great workout in a beautiful setting) is avoiding the horrendous traffic (which seems to get worse every year!).Not a biker? No problem! Grab your roller skates, jogging shoes, walking shoes, or even a skateboard.

Perfect weather most of the year, fabulous views of the Pacific and Santa Monica mountains, and an overall fun & laid-back beachy vibe…really could you ask for a better workout destination? Let’s just say I didn’t use a gym the entire time I lived here!

Additional info on this fantastic bike trail

2. Hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains

Gorgeous coastal views via the Los Leones Trail in Pacific Palisades, CA

Do not leave without exploring the gorgeous natural landscapes surrounding the city. You can see some mountain views while driving. However, nothing quite compares to hiking a magnificent trail within the Santa Monica mountains. With all the theme parks, glitz and glamour of Hollywood, and cultural destinations, most tourists come and go without exploring the natural side of the city. It’s no wonder most associate Los Angeles with being dirty, congested, smoggy, and ugly. There is a lot of beauty if you know where to find it.

The Santa Monica Mountains Recreational area is a massive space home to 500+ miles of trails. Scenery ranges from coastal views to waterfalls. And the weather’s perfect year-round, so there is no bad time to hike. Best of all, most trails are within a half hour drive from the city. So no need to travel far to feel like you are leaving the urban jungle.

The Los Liones trail in Topanga State Park is one of my favorites for several reasons. First off, it’s just a ten minute drive from the city, yet feels miles away due to the rugged nature. Second, it’s short & easy enough (just a gradual uphill climb). Third, there are fabulous coastal and skyline views you can enjoy via minimal effort. The first scenic overlook is just 1.5 miles, or you can continue on another 2 for more magnificent views. I really loved the scenery on this one!

As the largest urban park in the world, hiking options within the Santa Monica mountains are endless. Now, if only more locals and tourists would take some time out to enjoy the more rugged side of this area!

More info on this gorgeous coastal hike

3. Stargazing at the Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a historic landmark to add to your bucket list. This is one popular place with tourists, and thus, parking can be a real hassle especially on weekends. Regardless of the congestion, a visit to the Griffith is a must as you will find the best views of the Hollywood sign. The city view is also awesome (on a clear day). The observatory is built atop Mount Hollywood at 1135 feet. With low light pollution, mostly clear skies, and easy access, it’s your best bet for stargazing in this area.

Besides taking in the night skies via free public telescope viewing, you can enjoy planetarium shows, monthly stargazing parties, and interesting exhibits. It’s the perfect date night activity, being that the setting is so romantic. Fortunately Colonel Griffith J. Griffith donated the observatory and surrounding land to the city, making it free to all!

On an interesting side note for the movie buffs out there, the majority of those beautiful romantic L.A. night shots you see in the movies are usually shot at Griffith Park. La La Land (Ryan and Emma’s tap dancing scene took place at Cathy’s Corner), Jurassic Park (the visitor’s center was filmed inside the Griffith), and Yes Man (Zooey’s photo/jogging tour took place on the trails in Griffith Park).

More info on this wonderful landmark

4. Manhattan Beach

Manhattan Beach is one of SoCal’s best beach towns. First off, it is home to the historic 928 foot long Pier, built in 1920. The pier is a picture-perfect spot for watching surfers and taking in a gorgeous sunset. Other interesting sights include a Volleyball Walk of Fame (the city is home to the AVP Manhattan Beach open volleyball tournament -Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings is the record holder with 7 wins). Second, the beach provides easy access to a particularly gorgeous stretch of the Strand path. And third, the beach is massive, so it never feels overcrowded. Most tourists head straight to Santa Monica or Venice, so Manhattan is able to maintain a more peaceful laid-back ambiance.

The sand is so smooth – I immediately want to throw off my flip flops. In fact, it’s so smooth that in the 1920’s and 1930’s it was imported to Hawaii’s Waikiki Beach!

And, if you feel like getting a bit more active, there’s always a volleyball game going on and the perfect wave to catch. This is the beach I picture when I think of surfers, volleyball players, and of course, picture-perfect beautiful views. When I hear the Mamas and the Papas “California Dreamin”” I automatically picture lazy summer days at Manhattan. Nearby downtown Manhattan Beach offers plenty of dining options to enjoy post beach.

5. Shoreline Village & the Long Beach waterfront

Although Long Beach offers tons of amenities and is located just about a half hour’s drive from the city, tourists prefer the more gllitzy beach towns. This is a shame as the Shoreline Village section of Long Beach is not only gorgeous, but loaded with all sorts of waterfront restaurants, unique shops, and fun attractions. There is something going on any given day of the week, so it’s the perfect year-round destination.

One of the highlights here is a gorgeous easy 3 mile multi purpose path that runs adjacent to the beach. This super flat, fast path is perfect for bike riding or jogging. Because it’s super easy and short, it’s always been one of my favorite trails for a quick workout. Fortunately, I lived a block away so I put in some miles jogging and biking here.

The charming Shoreline Village area includes colorful New England style boardwalk shops, great views of the harbor including the massive Queen Mary, and a beautiful lighthouse which is a hotspot for taking in magnificent views of the city lights at night. You will also find the top ratedAquarium of the Pacific. Ghost hunters can take a haunted tour aboard the Queen Mary, rated by Time as one of the “10 most haunted places in America.” Or relax & feast at the grand Champagne Sunday Brunch.

Overall, this is one of my favorite areas to stroll around. I love the waterfront dining, the lighthouse viewpoint, and all the little boutique shops. It’s a colorful and interesting area where something is always going on.