Los Angeles is one of the most famous cities in the world, and tourists flock there by the millions each year, but what makes it so popular? When you combine the temperate year-round climate with a bustling urban center, stunning beaches, and the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, it’s not hard to see why this is a major travel destination. Consider these reasons why LA is such a popular place on the California coast to visit.

The Allure of Hollywood

Whether you are an aspiring actor, a movie buff, or a star-struck fan, Hollywood is the neighborhood known as the home of celebrities and the spectacular movie industry. When tourists visit Hollywood, the following are some of the most popular things to do.

• Seeing movie star homes. There are Hollywood star home tours available that offer a glimpse into the upscale neighborhoods where the stars reside. The guides on these tours often share interesting anecdotes and star-sighting tales.
• The Hollywood Museum. The items in this museum are some of the most well-known movie relics and costumes in Hollywood history. Visitors get to see Cary Grant’s Rolls Royce, Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress, and various other props and costumes housed in this 3,500 square foot facility.
• The Walk of Fame. This attraction is constantly growing and evolving, so tourists often return many times. It began with 1,558 stars in 1961, but since two stars per month are now added on average, there are over 2,600 and counting. The walk can be explored solo, but tours are also available. This area also offers attractions such as the Dolby Theatre and the TCL Chinese Theatre.
• The Hollywood Sign. In 1923, a new housing development was under construction, and an ad company erected an enormous sign reading “Hollywoodland.” The sign itself garnered so much attention that it was made a permanent fixture and shortened to just “Hollywood” in 1946. Many LA residents and tourists alike enjoy hiking through the Hollywood Hills to see the sign up close and snap selfies to post on social media.

Must-know Los Angeles Facts

• In the United States, LA is second only to New York City in population
• Los Angeles is the biggest city on the West Coast
• Tinseltown and La La Land are popular nicknames for Los Angeles
• As many as 50,000,000 tourists visit LA every year
• Sometimes known as the City of Angels, the original name of the city was El Pueblo de la Reina de Los Ángeles, which means “the town of the queen of angels.”
• The city was founded on September 4, 1781

Amazing Pacific Beaches

The gorgeous beaches of Los Angeles stretch along a 75-mile coastline from Long Beach to Malibu and are one of the many reasons for LA’s popularity. If you visit the city, be sure to check out some of these gems.

• Long Beach. At the southern end of the Los Angeles coast, you will find this beautiful beach, along with several popular attractions. The Queen Mary Ship and the Aquarium of the Pacific are popular nearby spots.
• Venice Beach. This artsy beach area is a must-see when you visit LA. It is known for celebrity sightings and is easy to enjoy by bicycle, rollerblades, or roller skates. You’re sure to catch some of the quirky sights that make Venice Beach a unique tourist attraction.
• Malibu. Many celebrities make the coast of Malibu their home, and taking a tour of these mansions is one of the reasons the area gets so many visitors. The pier and beach are popular hangout spots, and if you want to see how stars like Bruce Willis, Cher, and Leonardo DiCaprio live, this is the place to go.
• Santa Monica. No matter where you are from, you have likely heard of the famous Santa Monica Pier. Known for its Pacific Park amusement park and great shops and restaurants, this location should be on your bucket list. If you want an incredible view of the ocean, be sure to ride the “Pacific Wheel,” the iconic Ferris wheel on the pier.

Popular Area Theme Parks

If you are a thrill seeker or have children who are, you will understand why so many people love Los Angeles for its theme parks. Whether you are young or just young at heart, the parks you should be sure to see include:

• LEGOLAND California
• Six Flags Magic Mountain
• Knott’s Berry Farm
• Universal Studios Hollywood

The World-Renowned Movie, Music, and TV Industries

Of course, the first thing most people think of when they picture Los Angeles is the entertainment industry. The city boasts music and TV-themed attractions and movie studio tours that draw tourists by the tens of thousands. Some of the most popular include the following.

• Grammy Museum
• The Hollywood Movie Experience
• Dolby Theatre Tour
• Madame Tussauds
• Sony Pictures Studio Tour

LA’s Place in Popular Culture

It’s hard to imagine there’s anyone in the civilized world who doesn’t have some idea of what Los Angeles is like. Even if you have never been to California, the songs, TV shows, and movies that have popularized the city are so plentiful that they alone are responsible for much of the town’s acclaim. The following are just a few of these pop culture icons.

• TV shows. Some of the television shows set in LA include The Big Bang Theory, Beverly Hills 90210, Baywatch, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, New Girl, NCIS: Los Angeles, and Modern Family.
• Music. Many songs have made LA a legend. You likely know some of the most popular ones, such as Tiny Dancer by Elton John, Hollywood by Madonna, Malibu by Miley Cyrus, I Love LA by Randy Newman, California Dreamin’ by the Mamas & the Papas, California Girls by the Beach Boys, Free Fallin’ by Tom Petty, and West Coast by Lana Del Rey.
• The silver screen. It’s impossible to count the number of movies set in Los Angeles, but some that should be on your watch list include Pretty Woman, Blade Runner, The Artist, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Clueless, and La La Land.

Plan a Visit Soon

Whether you have been to LA many times, or it has been on your travel wish list for years, there’s no time like now to plan a trip. Airlines are offering competitive prices, so there’s no need to wait for your inheritance to travel to this California city. You may see your favorite star at a corner cafe or even get discovered and be the next big star.