Los Angeles is open, safe, and ready to welcome visitors with open arms. With 98% of the region unaffected by recent wildfires, the city’s most iconic landmarks, world-famous attractions, and vibrant neighborhoods remain fully accessible.
Los Angeles is ready to welcome visitors, offering a safe and vibrant experience. With the vast majority of the region untouched by recent wildfires, the city’s iconic landmarks, renowned attractions, and diverse neighborhoods remain open and accessible. Tourism plays a crucial role in the city’s recovery, making now a great time to explore everything LA has to offer. As you plan your visit, check out Los Angeles Today, a daily photo series showcasing real-time images of the city’s many exciting destinations. Here are some top spots to consider for your next trip:
Dining
Chefs L.A. Wildfire Benefit Dinner
On Feb. 27, experience cuisine by some of California’s top-tier chefs – including Ludo Lefebvre, Daniel Boulud and Suzanne Goin – while also giving a boost to recovery efforts. Chefs L.A. Wildlife Benefit Dinner features an eight-course dinner at the legendary Lawry’s The Prime Rib in Beverly Hills, with dishes created by an all-star lineup of chefs like Jonathan Waxman, Nyesha Arrington, Jeremy Fox and Katianna Hong. To take it up another notch, come early for the VIP Michelin Experience, featuring canapes by Curtis Stone, William Bradley and more. Tickets go on sale Feb. 1 and proceeds will benefit World Central Kitchen and Restaurants Care.
Smorgasburg L.A.
In the heart of downtown, Smorgasburg L.A. is the largest open-air food market, hosting nearly 100 small, local businesses. Every Sunday, eat your way through some of the city’s best dining; with a family-friendly beer garden, free entry and even some shopping, it’s the perfect way to spend your day with locals.
Pasadena
As the birthplace of Julia Child and hometown of the beloved food critic, Jonathan Gold, Pasadena is the perfect place to embark on your next culinary journey. The city boasts a plethora of family-owned gems you can’t find anywhere else. Not only that, the city celebrates their diversity and vibrancy with an impressive list of Hispanic and Latino, Black and Asian -owned businesses. Finally, a trip to Pasadena wouldn’t be complete without stopping on their famous Boba Trail, which is also located on the historic Route 66.
Farmers Markets
No matter what part of LA County you find yourself in, you can always find a farmers market nearby. Santa Monica has an impressive four weekly markets, often with live music and entertainment. Keep your eyes open – you might be grabbing your produce alongside some of the city’s A-list celebrities and top chefs. Stop in the Marina del Rey harbour for their weekly market featuring farm-fresh produce, flowers, handmade items and more, and then soak up the oceanside sunshine. West Hollywood has some of the best vegan and vegetarian restaurants around. After seeing where the produce comes from, see how the world-renowned chefs prepare a dish. Open daily in LA, The Original Farmers Market not only has seasonal, fresh produce but also hosts gourmet grocers, speciality foods and international-inspired restaurants.
Accomodations
Pasadena
Located just outside the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles, Pasadena is the perfect getaway nestled at the base of the San Gabriel mountains. Stay at the landmark Langham Huntington which has been an icon of the city for over 100 years, relax at the Pasadena Hotel & Pool located on the iconic Rose Parade route or check out the new AC Hotel Pasadena in the vibrant Playhouse Village District.
West Hollywood
West Hollywood is known for its unmatched style and flair, plus it is one of the most walkable areas of LA. Whether you’re hitting Sunset Strip or Santa Monica Blvd, hotels like Hotel Ziggy, Le Parc at Melrose, Pendry West Hollywood and Sunset Hotel are sure to offer an unparalleled experience.
Beverly Hills
Nothing says luxury like staying in the iconic 90210. To experience LA County like a star, consider staying at the Beverly Wilshire, Maybourne, Beverly Hilton or the Beverly Hills Hotel, where you’ll leave feeling like a million bucks.
Santa Clarita
Santa Clarita, nicknamed the gateway to LA, offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and small-town charm. With historic elements, destination dining, signature shopping and a variety of events and attractions, you can’t go wrong staying in Santa Clarita. The city offers the gamut of popular accommodation brands, or if you’re looking to get off the grid, you can camp at some of their most popular sites like Castaic Lake, Valencia Travel Village or Lake Piru.
Coastal Getaways
If you’re itching for a coastal getaway, make your way to Hotel Erwin in Venice Beach. A landmark in itself, the hotel is a love letter to the unique beauty of Venice Beach and offers oceanfront views of the city on the hotel’s rooftop. In Santa Monica, you’ll find a calm respite where new luxury hotels like Regent Santa Monica and Sandbourne Santa Monica or the laid-back Pierside offer a reimagined beach oasis. Experience a luxurious seaside haven at the Malibu Beach Inn, which features exceptional dining with oceanfront views at Carbon Beach Club. Finally, further south, many hotels in Long Beach, like the Fairmont Breakers, are either brand new or recently renovated – you can even hop aboard and stay the night on the Queen Mary.
Los Angeles
If you’re looking to stay in the epicentre of entertainment, check out the recently-renovated W Hollywood, the new West Coast flagship. New properties opening in 2025 like Hotel Lucile and The Jordan San Gabriel offer unique, modern accommodations. Lastly, even in the heart of the city, you’ll find relaxation and serenity at The Olivia Hotel, a nature-inspired boutique experience, or at the Hotel Figueroa, which offers wellness-focused elixirs and cutting-edge sleep experiences.
Iconic Tourist Attractions
Universal Studios Hollywood
On a sprawling complex in the Hollywood Hills, Universal Studios Hollywood blends a behind-the-scenes glance at studio production with immersive fantasy, thrilling rides and attractions. Perfect for the whole family, see where some of your favourite movies and TV shows were filmed on the world-famous Studio Tour or explore two of the immersive worlds, Super Nintendo and Harry Potter, all while taking in incredible views of the Hollywood Hills.
Hollywood Sign
A trip to LA wouldn’t be complete without getting a picture of the iconic Hollywood sign. Accessible from multiple hiking trails, you can also get epic views of the icon by booking a hiking or biking tour from Bikes and Hikes LA, or see the sign from the air on a helicopter ride.
Griffith Observatory
If there’s no time for a hike to the Hollywood sign, the Griffith Observatory has one of the best views in the city, plus you’ll get to experience a world-renowned observatory. With cutting-edge telescopes, interactive exhibits, live shows and incredible city views, the Griffith Observatory, currently celebrating its 90th anniversary, is a leader in astronomy for a reason.
Santa Monica Pier
Symbolizing the heart of the city, the Santa Monica Pier is more than just a pier. Of course, featuring the iconic Ferris Wheel, the Santa Monica Pier also offers incredible views of the Pacific and nostalgic carnival games and food. With an intriguing history, plus a rotating lineup of events, the pier is a can’t-miss attraction.
…and more
If arts and culture are more your style, consider visiting The Broad to view contemporary artwork, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to celebrate cinema or the Los Angeles County Museum of Art to spot some of the city’s most beloved artworks. Be one of the first visitors at the new Destination Crenshaw, an outdoor art and culture experience with a focus on Black art, history, culture and community, set to open in 2025. Fashionistas can celebrate LA Fashion Week in March, source unique fabrics in the Fashion District or celebrate the connection between film and fashion when Vogue World: Hollywood returns to the US. Finally, with 11 professional teams, new cutting-edge arenas, the World Cup, the Superbowl, and the Olympics on the horizon, LA proves to be a sports tourism hotspot.
In the Pasadena area, you can’t miss The Huntington Library, Art Museum & Botanical Gardens. The library hosts over 12 million items dating back to the 11th century, the art museum includes over 45,000 world-renowned art pieces and the garden spans an impressive 130 acres with a vast array of rare and endangered plant species. Just a short drive away, the Gamble House is a masterpiece of the American Arts and Crafts movement. This local, state and national historic landmark is the perfect way to experience where art meets architecture. Finish your day at the Norton Simon Museum, a treasured art museum, with pieces ranging from the 14th through 20th century, plus a tranquil sculpture garden.
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