Things To Do Alone In Los Angeles
Things To Do Alone In Los Angeles
I lived in Los Angeles and did many things by myself. So, if you are on the fence about traveling to the City of Angels on a solo trip, don't worry about it too much! There are lots to do and see and it will be a terrific experience.
Solo travel doesn't have to be scary! I always travel by myself and make it a point to make my itinerary packed during the day. At night, I usually rest and avoid going out to be safe. And though it can be intimidating to eat alone for dinner as a solo traveler, if you do it early enough before the crowds arrive, then you can still have a wonderful meal.
Los Angeles, California is a bustling city with a lot of things to see and do. Here are some ideas of things to do alone in Los Angeles:
Hollywood
Movie studios flocked to Southern California because of its beautiful weather. Los Angeles is known for its sunny and warm weather, which made it easier for studios to shoot movies throughout the year.
Universal Studios Hollywood is another fun thing to do while in LA. The movie-themed amusement park allows visitors to experience the magic of movies and TV shows. You can see how your favorite films and TV shows are made, experience thrilling rides, and meet your favorite characters. Fun fact: there are rides where solo riders can go to the Single Rider line for shorter wait times.
Take a tour of the Paramount Pictures Studios and go behind the scenes of one of Hollywood's most famous movie studios. It is a working studio so you just might see an actor or two. If you want to see the final resting place of the stars, head over to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame to take a stroll down Hollywood Boulevard to check out the stars on the Walk of Fame and Graumann's Chinese Theater. You can see the Hollywood sign from there or go to Lake Hollywood Park or Griffith Observatory too.
The Griffith Observatory is one of the best things to do while in LA. The views are amazing and you can see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium or exhibits on astronomy, space exploration, and the history of the universe. It is part of Griffith Park which offers miles of hiking trails and even more stunning views of the city.
In the surrounding Hollywood Hills is the iconic Hollywood Bowl where you can catch a concert in the amphitheater. For a scenic drive with breathtaking views of the city take a drive down Mulholland Drive.
Sunset Boulevard is an iconic street in Los Angeles that stretches from Hollywood to the Pacific Ocean. Sunset Boulevard is steeped in Hollywood history and has been the setting for many famous films and TV shows. Visitors can explore famous landmarks such as the Sunset Tower Hotel, the Chateau Marmont, and the Whisky a Go Go, which have all played a significant role in the entertainment industry.
It is also a great drive to take to see West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the Getty Museum. The Getty Center is a beautiful museum with a collection of art from around the world, as well as stunning architecture and gardens.
Museum Mile
Museum Mile is a stretch of Wilshire Boulevard that is home to several world-class museums and cultural institutions.
Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art: This museum features a diverse collection of art from around the world. Right next door is the La Brea Tar Pits which is a paleontological research site. The tar has trapped animals from 50,000 years ago to today, so it is pretty much a complete record of the animals that have lived in the city.
Also within Museum Mile are the Petersen Automotive Museum and the Craft Contemporary. A newcomer to the block is the Oscars Museum with tons of artifacts from your favorite movies. These museums showcase a wide range of art and cultural artifacts, from ancient to contemporary art and from American to international culture.
Downtown Los Angeles
I think Downton LA should be part of a Los Angeles itinerary. Whenever I visit, I always make it a point to see what's new in the area and visit my favorite spots like the Broad Museum, Angel's Flight, and Grand Central Market for amazing food.
Little Tokyo is a couple of blocks full of authentic Japanese restaurants, mochi shops, and cute stores. Nearby is the DTLA Arts District where wonderful restaurants and shops with unique items that you can take home as a keepsake of your trip.
Union Station is an iconic landmark art deco building that gives off 1940s vibes. It is so pretty that any pictures you take are Instagram-worthy. Nearby is Olvera Street for a taste of Mexican-American history. It is also a great place to have some Mexican food!
The Beaches
The main beaches of LA are the iconic Santa Monica and Venice Beaches. Santa Monica is another one of those places I always have to see on a trip. There is great shopping over there and the Santa Monica Pier is a fun walk. Next door is Venice Beach, full of colorful street performers, vendors, and a lively boardwalk.
Down the coast are Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Long Beach. Each city has its own pier and expansive waterfronts for a fun day at the beach.
Solo travel in Los Angeles
I live in New York City now, but I still love LA! Whenever I see a movie or a TV show and I recognize the locations, it makes me miss the city. And that happens a lot 😀 It is definitely solo traveler friendly, so pack your bags to walk in the iconic movie and TV sites that is Los Angeles.