Faulkner - Moon Los Angeles

HALLI JASTARAN FAULKNER

Los Angeles has long been a beacon for dreamers. This is where countless individuals have come to escape, catch a big break or a sick swell, and reinvent themselves. Their stories have stoked the creative fuel that has made this city legendary to the world.

L.A. is often criticized for being too superficialand its true that the entertainment industry can be as brutal as the Cali sun. But this city revels in its cultural differences like no other American city. Youll find evidence of this in the art, entertainment, and food, which all celebrate innovative, creative, cultural fusion.

L.A. is also criticized for being too loud. Yes, there are honking cars, screaming producers, and vibrating nightclubsbut theres also the crackling of Guatemalan papusas, the gentle rustle of swaying palm trees, and the low buzz of a sidewalk caf filled with focused writers.

Its the citys contradictions that make it such an exciting place to be. Even the landscape reflects this: highways sprawl into lush mountains and skyscrapers tower over the vast Pacific Ocean. Few major cities can compete with the recreational opportunities found here. Surf some of the best waves in Malibu, bike from Santa Monica to Venice, and hike to what feels like the top of the world in Runyon Canyon.

Dont be surprised if you find inspiration in L.A.s many different energies. Theres something special about the way this city reveres its softly lit silver-screen past while it charges head-first into the future. Its impossible to take it all in the first timebut dont let that stop you from trying, enjoying, and coming back for more.

Hollywood sign

surfboards for sale

Pacific Park in Santa Monica

Griffith Observatory

Rose Caf in Venice

biking The Strand

Santa Monica Pier: Bite into an ice cream cone, feel the salty ocean breeze, and gaze into the blue horizon from the iconic Ferris wheel (

Hollywood Magic: Find your fave celebs star on the Walk of Fame ().

Venice Beach Boardwalk: Walking, biking, or skating along this famous boardwalkone of the coolest and edgiest L.A. scenes since the 1970sis a quintessential California experience ().

Griffith Observatory: Check out the space-related exhibits and state-of-the-art planetariumor just admire the panoramic views of L.A. and the sky beyond, which are especially beautiful at twilight ().

Window-Shopping on Rodeo Drive: Spend an afternoon window-shopping and people-watching in the playground of the rich and the famous ().

City of Art: L.A. has a rich and eclectic art scene, from vibrant street art (

New Age L.A.: Choose from the citys eclectic spiritual experiences, including oceanside yoga classes, reiki healing sessions, and wooded drum circles ().

Mexican Cuisine: From $1.50 street tacos to decadent Oaxacan moles, the Mexican food in L.A. might be the best of any U.S. city ().

Beaches: Bougie, funky, family-friendlyL.A. has just about every type of beach under the sunand plenty of sun to be under ().

Indie L.A.: Spend a day exploring one of L.A.s funkier neighborhoods, like Los Feliz ().

Amusement Parks: Pal around with Mickey at Disneyland ().

THE BEST OF LOS ANGELES

This colorful three-day itinerary packs a lot into one trip, but itll give you a well-rounded taste of what makes L.A. special, including movie-star glamour, up-and-coming artsy areas, and beach time. Youll need to rent a car or use a ride-hailing app to get from point to point in this itinerary.

DAY 1: BEVERLY HILLS AND HOLLYWOOD

Start your morning with a relaxing walk through Beverly Gardens Park, which will take you right to the beginning of