Dreaming of Los Angeles California? We share 12 Memorable & Free Things to do in Los Angeles, Must See Sites and Why!
We spent 10 blissful days in Los Angeles, with most of my time based at the Beverley Hilton on 9876 Wilshire Blvd. And we felt maybe we should share some of the Things to do in Los Angeles!
For the first couple of days, I slept off my jet lag in style with breakfast served in our deluxe room and just chilling by the poolside or just chatting with other guests at Trader Vic’s! Trust me 18 hours travel time is a long time, and who wants to look puffy and have panda eyes in tres’ chic City!
We had booked this trip as part of a business trip as Paul was speaking at a major Engineering Conference at the LA Staples Center. I on the other hand was there purely for pleasure 🙂 and we went all-inclusive. Trust me the deal we got was a steal at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
I love me some self-catering on occasion, but nothing beats being spoiled on an all-inclusive package in a 5* hotel like the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles! (Maybe we will give a full review soon).
We had a spacious deluxe room with ABSOLUTELY BREATHTAKING views towards Beverly Hills to die for. I made use of my time in the gym, by the pool sipping Californian margaritas, splashing or napping on a sunbed, simply regrouping. Ohh the life of Riley! I always promised to head over to Venice beach but I was simply loving the luxury of the Beverly Hilton too much to do that in the first couple of days, so this was for later!
To be honest part of your list of the things to do in Los Angeles should be checking out the amazing Trader Vic’s in the Beverly Hilton Hotel, and the famous Staples Centre…You can find a whole shedload of suggested activities in Los Angeles here too!
Like I said before, Paul was in LA for business first and had planned his chillaxing time on the back end of our 10 days. When he would relax and recharge his batteries right after presenting at a 3-day engineering event. I felt the need to fill my time with site seeing so I did some digging on what things to do in Los Angeles esp. if you took in One major site per day. Even if you have less than 10 days you can still see all these sites with time to spare and I will share with you how!
It was the best decision EVER. I didn’t feel stressed out like most travellers do to pack everything in 5 days, 2 of which frankly speaking are usually travel days! So I had a sense of calm that I wished I could bottle for my return to UK!
Before we dive in to the things to do in Los Angeles on a budget, lets share a few wee facts about this city of angels. We found that LA is Huge, as in truly spread out! Its also totally split into the side of the haves and the obviously have-nots! And we say this with all due respect. Watch the video to understand what I mean by this. In our Hotel we could see the mountain ranges, covered with forests and you could also see the desert! On the other side of the hotel you could see the beach Its quite amazing to see these things all in the same geo-location! One of the things you will learn about LA is that it is truly the centre of California, with diverse cultures, such a huge attraction because of Hollywood, celebrities, glitz and the scandals too!
How to Get About to the things to see in Los Angeles – Transportation:
Okay we still cant get over the way Americans call Transport, “Transportation” But hey we are cool with that 🙂
The best way we learnt after standing by a public bus stop for almost an hour, is to hire a Car and go! It is much easier and more to your agenda to see as much as you can. Always remember that they drive on the right side of the road (We Brits always Keep Left). To keep your bearings remember that LA is a GRID like an excel spreadsheet…honestly! So you will always get back to where you started at the very least if you got lost. But of course use a SatNav if you do drive in a foreign city silly! 🙂
Watch the Video below for 7 of the things to do in Los Angeles California and Enjoy our Photos below!
Click Here to Receive First Dibs on An Amazing Travel App and Earn Free Vacations Worldwide
More Places to See or things to do in Los Angeles:
The Chinese Theatre:
Found along Hollywood Boulevard you couldn’t miss the Chinese Theatre if you tried. Frankly speaking we were a heck of a lot more impressed by the outside of this illustrious real estate; The TLC Chinese Theatre than the interior! Outside of in this very location is the Hollywood Walk of Fame. We absolutely loved taking photos with our fav stars in Madame Tussauds, I had a chat with Simon Cowell Lolol!
You might like to check out The Dolby & Max Factor Building on the same street, all these buildings are next to each other. You can book your Bus Tour of LA here too and go star gazing at the Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of LA. We booked our bus tour via our Personal Concierge. But it could be cheaper for you to book at Hollywood Boulevard. This Tour is your quintessential guided and quite hilarious trip via most of the celeb homes, hangouts and trendy parts of Beverly Hills, Wilshire, Rodeo drive, Sunset Strip etc. Frankly every Los Angeles tourist and visitor would like to see once at least! We’ll let the Images speak for us!
Of an evening why not go check out Sunset Strip…see what the fuss is all about on Sunset Plaza with Lots of cafes, and places to simply people watch. Check out the trendy shops and if you do drive as we advised before, you might park behind the shops free. (Parking fees are atrocious in LA). You just might stop at Chateau Marmont too!
Eat and Shop till you drop at the Westfield Shoppingtown
The Getty Mansion/Center:
Now for $5 you can buy a map showing you all the fun places to see, celebrity homes, things to do in Los Angeles in general etc. You can hike, drive, take a tour bus, whatever picks your fancy! And if art, culture, and architecture are your thing, as they are Paul’s; then you absolutely must go see this amazing feat of engineering The Getty. Seriously the architecture is stunning with breathtakingly awesome views across LA and that is an understatement! Lets just say add this to your list of must see sites in Los Angeles. We found the Getty museum closed on Mondays otherwise open all week.
Where to stay on a Budget in Los Angeles:
Well you could go to Downtown LA despite the mob warnings we got, scaring us with stories of the dark side of life due to high levels of homeless people. However we noticed that it has some amazing hotels, Hostels, B&Bs and of course Villas ranging from Under $50/night to $thousands. If you aren’t yet a member of our distinguished travel club where we get insane hotel discounts & accommodation across the globe esp. USA including LA; then you might like to check out Hostelling Intl for extremely affordable accommodation across USA.
Well what else can you do on your list of things to do in Los Angeles apart from take a Drive out of town? We chose to go shopping in San Bernadino. Don’t forget we had already grabbed some super bargains in Downtown LA, Got some designer stuff at The Grove and been window shopping & day dreaming of the rich life on Rodeo Drive. 😀 You could chose to head to Malibu, San Francisco…etc your choice. Watch the video above for those details!
Where to Eat & Party:
Head to Sunset Strip for some serious people watching as you have a bite in any of the numerous eateries. Los Angeles has a wide variety for all dietary needs. You wont go hungry at all. Including vegetarian, vegan, sushi and full blown meat fests. Your usual Taco Bells, MacDonald’s, Burger joints etc. Mind you we usually had more than enough at the Beverly Hilton Hotel or got dropped off in style at Westfield Food court.
For night life, well lets just say we shook what our momas gave us 4 nights of the 10 days at The famous Viper Room 🙂
And if you would like to Earn FREE Vacations across the Globe By simply doing what you already do, via our Travel App, Simply fill in your details Here to get first Dibs when its launched to the public.
Hope you enjoyed our visit and got some ideas of things to do in Los Angeles for your next visit!
Hope you enjoyed our sneak peek of “things to do in Los Angeles,” and if you did, we absolutely encourage you to like, comment & share on Facebook…
AND If you got the #Wanderlust like we do – We have a brand new Travel App coming out, You Could earn FREE Vacations worldwide just by using and sharing it Learn more about that here!
I really would appreciate if you TWEET THIS now!
So have you visited Los Angeles Before? Would be great if you shared & let us know your thoughts below!
By the way every image and text is socially shareable too!
After you’ve left a comment, let’s CONNECT and bond some more on Facebook or on Twitter, Instagram and Google. We also have a Podcast on iTunes and you’ll definitely want to order our new, amazingly helpful Pinterest for Business Hacks to help you grow your following and sales too.
And now for the Super Giveaway:
Click The Link Below for details of this amazing giveaway!
Enter for a chance to win a Toshiba Satellite Laptop Computer.
See, Do, and Be more!
Syl & Pauli Kalungi
Find and Follow Us on:
Facebook: Pkjulesworld-Travelswag
Twitter: @kkpauli
Instagram: @pkjulesworld
Email: julie[at]Juleskalpauli[dot]com
Need Help with your Bucket List Or Question on a Destination? Check out our Work with Us Tab where we Help People Everyday.
Pingback: Before You Visit Uganda, Here are the Essentials you Need to Know.| Pkjulesworld
Pingback: Blackpool must be the Las Vegas – Old world Charm at the Imperial Hotel Blackpool!
we are making a trip soon. I’m saving this to show my husband! great choices.
Glad to be of inspiration Katrina enjoy your trip and thanx for stopping by 🙂
PKJW~
While I am not sure I will ever get to LA, it looks like so much fun, with so much to do around the town!! Looks like you had a great time!
Well where there is a will there is a way 🙂 Purpose to get there Marie and you will 🙂 Thanx for your time.
PKJW~
You got some great pictures here. I love to travel when it’s just for pleasure!
Travel is the new Living Rosey 🙂 thanks for your time
PKJW~
Glad you shared this! Looks you have a great time. Makes me wanna go there.
Glad you like Lexie, Make sure to go And thanks for stopping by!
PKJW~
Glad you shared this! Looks you have a great time. Makes me wanna go there.
It is lovely Lexie, and you should go for sure 🙂
PKJW~
so many great activities and tips seems you had a blast =)
We sure had a blast Adriana 🙂 Love LA thanks for stopping by!
PKJW~
the getty center has been on my to do list for a while. there is so much to do in this great city and i’m so happy to live here
Hi Michelle,
Well what are you waiting for gal..go see 🙂 Its free and you live there!!!!
PKJW~
Hi Julie,
Thanks for sharing this post! I am planning to visit LA in the coming months. This post has given me some idea to plan my trip. Have pinned it for my reference.
Have a great day!
XOXO, Ana
Hi Ana,
Wohooo we love our posts full of wonderful ideas and giffs. Cant wait to hear about your trip to LA xoxo
JulieS~
Awesome! We’re going to be visiting LA this summer, so I’m pinning this for reference!
Hi Krustal,
Aaaaaa you will enjoy LA, for real. And do feel free to bookmark. Thanks for you time!
PKJW~
Your trip looks amazing!!!! The pictures truly gave life to your experience … Definitely planning a family trip.
Hi Monroe,
We did have a blast in Los Angeles and were spoilt for choice of what photos to share without shutting down the servers lol 🙂
You will enjoy the family trip 🙂
PKJW~
now i know where to go in LA!
Awww glad you have found it Terri 🙂
PKWJ~
Wow it looks and sounds you you had the time of your life! I really hope we get to go their one day, it looks like it does in the movies, so glam! Really enjoyed reading this although now I am dreaming of a holiday we can’t afford lol
Awww who said you can’t afford it? You speak it you bring it to life…so speak it as something you can and will have Idaintyit 🙂
LA Calling. Yo might like to check out our Travel club Page @ http://www.pkjulesworld.com/the-travel-club
Wow I love the pics. Thanks so much for the info. I was at Universal Studios many years ago but didn’t get to see the other places you mentioned here. Will definitely have to do those when I come back to visit LA 🙂
We are happy you say WHEN Stephanie, it means you will visit LA again 🙂
PKJW~
Oh how fun, I want to go to LA, Hollywood, Beverly Hills, have some cheese cake and walk the “walk of fame”. Thanks for sharing your trip… Awesome!
Thank you Robert. These places rank highly on bucket lists of many. I encourage you to go for the experience. It is not easy to accurately express the feelings when you get there. Go for it and treat yourself like the “Star” you are.
PKJW~
I’ve never been to Los Angeles — though I’ve been to California. My favorite city is San Francisco. But you surely make Los Angeles very alluring. And it seems like you “did it all.” Great information in this post.
hey Carol,
We definitely did lots but lots more to see in Los Angeles Trust me. So I feel another visit coming on 🙂
PKJW~
A brilliant post! You have definitely given me some places to visit and a great way to have fun with the whole family without spending a fortune!
We are so glad you have found some value in our lil share Anosa. Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
PKJW~
Yeah I do love LA. Seeing your pics brought back memories from my time I’ve spent in LA.
Awesome stuff Julie & Paul.
Awww why not plan a re-attack of the city of angels Alex 🙂
Thanks for stopping by, much appreciated!
Julie & Pauli ~
Great adventure you are having in LA Julie! Thanks for the tips.
Totally we did Jose, You are most welcome!
PKJW~
I just went to LA last Wednesday but not for fun 🙁 Traffic was pretty bad, spent 5 hours on the road
Awww there is always a downside to everything if you purpose to see it that way.
Most cities worldwide have a traffic problem. Hope business was good though!
Sorry you spent 5 hrs on the road Rika!
PKJW~
Wanted to add — I have shared this on all my social media too!
Awww Mary, we really do appreciate you Thank you <3 🙂
PKJW~
Thanks for all the terrific photos. It was like having a private tour! My husband moved here from Orange County and we’ve been married going on 20 years, yet we’ve never gone to California. I have been to San Diego and only in LA Airport while traveling to/from Hawaii. I didn’t realize all the great things to do there! Thanks for the tour Julie.
Awww Meiko,
You absolutely should stop over and have some fun in LA its worth the visit!
Thanks for stopping by,good to see you over here 🙂
PKJW~
It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Los Angeles. I’ve done some of these things.
Hi Khourtney, Hope you do revisit soon, its a bag of fun 🙂
PKJW~
I always appreciate ways to save money when traveling. These are super ideas! The walk of fame is a must and seeing the Chinese Theater is always a treat too. People watching in that area is free and quite entertaining as well.
You got it in one Liz, and one of the main places we had on our Bucket list! 🙂 Thanks for your time!
PKJW~
Looks like you had a blast. I would love to go, too!
We did have a blast and yes you should go 🙂 Ta for stoppping by!
PKJW~
The only thing I’ve seen in Los Angeles is LAX. And the Pacific Coast Highway but I guess that’s really not LA….
Looks like you had a great time.
Hi Patty,
Of course its LA, just not much of it, maybe next time you will actually stop ad visit! We did have a great time thanks 🙂
PKJW~
Looks like you all had a great time. Love visiting L.A.
We sure did have fun Chanelle,
Thanks for dropping in hun 🙂 PKJW~
wow everything looks so new and exciting. I would love to visit LA some time thanks for sharing great ideas
Well Angie LA is definitely like old but Yay it was new to us. Glad you enjoyed 🙂
PKJW~
Superb collection of photos. And the tips you’ve shared making me falling in love with Los Angeles.
Awwww glad you love top5, do go its real good fun 🙂
PKJW~
This is amazing. I wanna go to LA. I will add this to my bucketlist.
Absolutely Lexie, Pack your bags and go check LA out! You’ll love it! 🙂
PKJW~
love all the photos you shared and love universal studios
We do too Sheena, thanks for stopping by!
PKJW~
I have never been to LA. Looks like an amazing place with so much to do. I would love to try the cheesecake.
Ohhh Bismah dont remind us of the cheesecake. Honestly its a real addiction lol.
Thanks for your comment. 🙂
PKJW~
Great photos! LA can be a blast if you know where to go and what to visit! Great guide and I love this post.
Hi Amber,
Glad you got value and found an LA Guide in this! Keep rocking 🙂
PKJW~
Wow I didn’t know there was so many places you can go for free in LA. Now I’m excited to book a flight for a weekend. lol
Absolutely Victoria, getaway on a weekend and see more of this gorgeous city for FREE 😉
PKJW~
Looks like you had a great time!
Yes we did Jennifer, Ta for stopping by!
PKJW~
That’s some serious travel report. Love it! And I love a ‘hubby sponsored business vacation’ 🙂 Sounds like you had a great time. I was only once in LA and it was also for business, unfortunately with no downtime at all to enjoy the sights.
Lol we love the “Hubby Sponsored Biz Vacay”…not quite but hey we did have a great time and He did do his business so guess you are close 🙂
Hope you find some time to go back to LA for some R&R 🙂
PKJW~
These look like some really fun places to visit. I’ll keep them in mind for when I visit Los Angeles.
Way to go Erica, thanks for swinging by!
PKJW~
You guys did so much in 10 days. The pic with Eddy Murphy is so funny.
Lolol Paul Loves Eddy, thanks for stopping by Danielle 🙂
PKJW~
What a great list of places to see for free! I’ll definitely have to add these to my list for when I go to LA. Hopefully soon!
Hi Shaylee, whats stopping you! Grab your weekender bag and go LA! You are already in USA 🙂
PKJW~
LA is on my list of places to visit in my quest to discover the States…beautiful line up
Hi Mardene,
Wohooo Go gal, you will love LA 🙂
PKJW~
You are amazing Julie, so many things to do and see in Los Angeles!!! Thanks for sharing your experience!
Vitaliy Dubinin
Hi Vitaliy,
Thank you so much for your kind words 🙂 we love to share, Inspire, entertain and showcase what others can do, in this amazing planet!
PKJW~
Yay, so happy you shared this. I’ll be heading to LA in March and now I know a few must stops!
Hey Rocio, we are glad you got some tips. Shout out for more if you need em 🙂 enjoy LA.
PKJW~
I haven’t been to LA in many years. You brought back wonderful memories! I’m glad you had a terrific time!
We sure had a great time, lets trade stories Tina 🙂
PKJW~
We were in LA last year and spent the whole time in Hollywood. We were fascinated by all the stuff we have seen on tv 🙂
Its so fascinating isnt it Robin. Glad you had the experience too 🙂 we are planning a repeat visit soonest! 🙂
PKJW~
That’s an awesome post Julie!!! I’ve bookmarked it so that I can get back to it before I go to LA!
That place is definitely on my list!! There are so many places to check out!
Hi Jelena,
Yes Like other Cosmopolitan cities, LA has lots for Free stuff to do and see, and we are glad we have given a taste and pointer to where to start! 🙂
PKJW~
Thanks for sharing all the fun you had in L.A. We will have to check out some of these sites the next time we are there!
Hi Mike,
Since LA is in your neck of the woods, absolutely do check some of these out, a short flight away 🙂 Ta for stopping by!
PKJW~
Beautiful photos. I have never been to LA, but I’ve got friends there who keep inviting me to visit. Hopefully, this year I can go.
Hey, you got friends in LA and you havent been yet…Pack your bags already and keep us posted of all the fun stuff you do for free 🙂
PKJW~
You have an interesting blog, I Love it (:-
Thank you Jub 🙂
PKJW~
Such great tips. Loved them. Also the pictures are great. Would love to visit LosAngeles at least once in my lifetime .
Go for it hun. Plan it now that you perceive it and enjoy 🙂
PKJW~
Excellent advice! I hope someday I’ll visit LA.
We sure hope so for you too Elena 🙂
PKJW~
Well thanks for this! Should I get there, now I know all the things to do and places to see.
Glad to give you some Free LA to do pointers Claudette 🙂 Ta for stopping by!
PKJW~
I am an LA local and have done almost everything on this list. I cannot recommend the TCL Chinese Theatre enough! love it
Wooohoo Michelle,
Maybe we shall holler at ya the next time we drop in. Ta for swinging by! 🙂
PKJW~
That’s a lot of things to do in LA! It sure is nice to go there and just relax and enjoy the view.
Hi Eliza,
Indeed it would be real nice to go anywhere and just chillax, people watch, see the view and regroup. In some locations you gotta go about and see more though!
PKJW~
I love this guide. I’ll have to follow it if I ever visit LA.
Glad to inspire and serve Maddie 🙂
PKJW~
i would love to visit !!! and all those places seem perfect ! Laci
Hi Laci,
Make it happen you own the key to your life, fun and adventures 🙂
PKJW~
Free is my favorite! It looks like LA has a ton of options!
Heheeee Free is everyone’s fav Shannon as long as there are no chains attached 🙂
LA sure is blessed!
PKJW~
I have a half sister who lives in Santa Monica. Always love my visits to LA. I love Calif. nice photos & made me want to go again.
Hi Roslyn,
We love Santa Monica, LA, San Bernadino, San Fran..heck all of LA! Glad you like! 🙂
PKJW~
There is a SIGHT YOU FAILED TO SEE IN LA… That is 100% free…
ME!!!!! HA HA HA! I live in West Hollywood 😉
And I have to say the EASIEST WAY to get around Los Angeles (if you don’t have a car) is UBER! For sure!
Awwww we did miss this most amazing signt, THE GiGi…we wont be making that mistake again 🙂
Have never tried Uber..will do soonest! Thanks for the tip!
PKJW~
Great post Julie! I t looks so exciting. I want to go!!! Will be there soon. Love the pics.
Well Louisa, we Brits gotta check out the Big Island 🙂 LA will be fun for you.
PKJW~
It looks like you had a great time in LA! I am pinning this in case we ever venture over to California. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Jennifer,
You could purpose to venture out…its all in your mind. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
PKJW~
Wow, free site to see in LA…well I am about to board the plane head to California your blog post was on time will be checking out some of theses places thanks for sharing information. Great graphic!
OMG Patrice, we hope you did enjoy LA and got to see some of these Free sights! 🙂
PKJW~
I love how much fun and zeal you guys seem to have with your travels, and that you could build this trip around a business trip. I haven’t been to L.A. yet, but I definitely have wanderlust!
Thank you Elizabeth T Hope you feed your wanderlust its need of LA 🙂 we are more than happy to help 🙂
PKJW~
This looks amazing I have always wanted to visit LA it is on my bucket list xx
Hi Ana,
Get that bucket list moving already 🙂 LA awaits you gal!
PKJW~
I love all the pictures! What a fun trip you had.
It was sure fun Tara, Ta for swinging by!
I love all your photos! They really made me feel like I was right there on vacay with you.
Awww so glad you have enjoyed and hope we have sparked a lil bucket list item for you Amanda!
PKJW~
Wow, your photos are lovely. I ‘m bookmaking this page for the next time I go to LA.
Bookmak away Michelle and share too of course 🙂 Glad you like and enjoy LA!
PKJW