Los Angeles is an amazing location, so much glamour, a must see for any travel fan. Let’s be real—many people who travel to Southern California come primarily for Disneyland, “The happiest place on Earth.” Walt Disney’s inaugural theme park is more than 60 years old now, but its magic and excitement always feel brand-new. In 2001, an army of Imagineers added a second park to the resort, California Adventure, extending the fun with 30-plus more rides and attractions. At both of these Los Angeles attractions, Disney fans of all ages meet beloved characters, smile and scream aboard rides, cheer on parades, and get exhilarated by fireworks. Through it all, enchanting fantasy experiences make you feel like you’re right in your favorite Disney or Pixar movie. The theme parks—both prime Los Angeles tourist attractions—are surrounded by the lively Downtown Disney shopping district and many fantastic hotels.
Undoubtedly among Santa Monica’s most iconic landmarks and one of LA’s top attractions, Santa Monica Pier dates back over 100 years. Home to the Pacific Park amusement park, the pier is recognizable for its solar-paneled Ferris wheel and rollercoaster, and it also boasts an original 1920s carousel hippodrome and the Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. Though open all year round, the pier comes into its own during the summer months when it plays host to concerts, movie screenings and other activities, many of which are free to the public.
If you are going to use a ferry or cross a country border on your rental car, very attentively read the Rental Conditions of several vendors. It is possible that one car rental company allows to cross the border to the needed country and another company allows to use a ferry transport for your rental car. In addition, if you are planning to buy tickets for a ferry, notify the car rental company about it in advance, then they can tell you the number of the car you will rent. See additional info at Los Angeles car rental under 25.
The oil magnate Jean Paul Getty was considered one of the richest men in the world when he established the J. Paul Getty Trust in 1953. Today, the world’s wealthiest art institution funds several institutions, including the stunning billion-dollar Getty Center perched high atop L.A.’s Brentwood Hills. A sleek hover-train funicular whisks visitors up to the museum where an extraordinary collection of artwork from the Middle Ages to the present awaits, including masterpieces like van Gogh’s “Irises,” Monet’s “Wheatstack” and “The Abduction of Europa” by Rembrandt. Outside, sculpture-ornamented gardens offer panoramic views of the Los Angeles Basin.
One of Los Angeles’ newest cultural attractions, The Broad opened in late 2015 and was immediately an overwhelming success. Tickets are free of charge but are generally booked out a month in advance, and lineups for standby tickets, which are first-come, first-served on the day of admission, can be hours long, particularly on weekends. The museum focuses on contemporary and postwar art, with some large and dramatic installations. More than 2,000 works of art are on display in this unique building, with a “veil-and-vault” concept. The museum was founded by Eli and Edythe Broad, who have been long time collectors of postwar and contemporary art. The Los Angeles Farmers Market first started in 1934 as a very modest affair that sprung from the hardships created by the Great Depression. At the height of the economic depression, eighteen farmers came together and set up stalls on a piece of open land near Wilshire Boulevard in order to sell their produce direct to the consumer. This experiment was so successful that the market continued to expand. At that time, it truly was a fruit and vegetable market, but over the years the market has grown to accommodate more and more vendors. Today, there are all kinds of fruit, vegetable, and other food stands, along with restaurants and specialty shops. You can find everything from jewelry and candles to kitchenware and toys.