Los Angeles is known for its amusement parks, Hollywood culture, beautiful neighborhoods and eclectic artistic spirit.
Los Angeles is the largest city in California, sitting just off the Pacific Coast of the United States. From palm trees and beach views to movie stars and musicians, LA is full of beautiful views and cultural icons. In addition to its famous Hollywood culture and eclectic, artistic spirit, Los Angeles is known for many more things.
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What Is Los Angeles Known For?
Los Angeles is known for its role on the global stage, as the center of American cinema and popular music. Beyond this, this area is home to iconic amusement parks, with Disneyland and Universal Studios Hollywood. There are also plenty of little neighborhoods to explore, as well as beautiful piers if you prefer to take it easy by the beach.
When you visit, make sure that you see what LA is famous for! Wander the Hollywood hills, enjoy the unique architecture, and check out all the best things to do in Los Angeles. You’ll need plenty of time to get to know this incredible city!
History, Culture, And Traditions
Diverse Population
If you get the chance to explore different neighborhoods, you’ll get to see some of the diversity Los Angeles is famous for. From Little Tokyo, Chinatown, Little Italy, and more, there is a ton of cultural representation in Los Angeles.
California is one of the most diverse places in the United States, and you can certainly feel it in Los Angeles. The city is home to a melting pot of cultures, each bringing their own unique traditions and flavors.
Center of Global Cinema
Los Angeles is most known for being the center of Hollywood and movie culture. With Universal Studios and many other production companies, Los Angeles has become a destination for anyone hoping to make it big in film. This culture of cinema and creative expression more broadly can be found all over this famous city.
Music Industry
It’s not just film, it’s music too! Los Angeles is famous for its role in the music industry as well. This city is full of notable record labels, such as Capitol Records, Warner Music Group, and Brushfire Records.
With so many music producers and labels in Los Angeles, you’ll also find many famous singers living in and bopping around the city. If you’re around, keep an eye out! You might catch a glimpse of a real star.
Los Angeles Lakers
With so much focus on film and music, you might not expect Los Angeles to be a city for sports as well! However, Los Angeles is home to many professional sports teams, including football, hockey, soccer, baseball, and basketball. This means there’s almost always something sporty happening!
LA is famous for the Los Angeles Lakers basketball team in particular. This team has won over ten championships since they started playing in Los Angeles. The Lakers have their home base at the Crypto.com Arena. Check out a live game in town if you get the chance!
Architecture
Los Angeles is known for its modern, eclectic style of architecture that can be seen all over the city. From the iconic Art Deco designs of the Hollywood sign to the sleek high-rises of Downtown LA, this city has something intriguing at every corner.
With so much creative energy in the city, it’s no wonder there’s a lot of inspiring architecture around.
There are also gems from notable architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House, as well as newer creations, such as the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Some of these are famous landmarks in California, and we will talk more about them in the architecture section.
Fitness Culture
Los Angeles is known for being a beautiful city, full of beautiful people. This area is highly associated with a health-minded diet, as well as fitness and getting outdoors. While this is not unusual in California, it is definitely part of the fabric of LA.
If you like fitness or outdoor living, take advantage of the culture in Los Angeles! This is a great place to check out small-fitness boutiques or hikes around the area, as well as nutritious bites. Easily one of the more fun facts about Los Angeles for those into the healthy and active lifestyle.
Districts And Areas
Beverly Hills
This beautiful neighborhood is home to many famous people in Los Angeles. Not only does this area boast Rodeo Drive and all the amazing shopping, Beverly Hills also has lots of fountains and rose gardens.
Consequently, it is one of the districts with the most expensive real estate. If you want to see some iconic sites, check out the Beverly Hills Hotel or the Greystone Mansion!
>Check Hollywood & Celebrity Homes Bus Tour
Mulholland Drive
Mulholland Drive is a winding stretch of road that stretches through the Santa Monica Mountains and gives beautiful views of the San Fernando Valley. Therefore it is best known for its amazing views of the surrounding areas.
From this road, you can also see the Hollywood Sign, Downtown Los Angeles, and many more famous places in LA. Jump behind the wheel, and enjoy an easy drive along this iconic road!
Venice Beach
Easily one of the busiest beaches in California, Venice Beach is one of the things Los Angeles is known for. Nearly 30,000 visit Venice Beach almost every day, frequenting the Boardwalk, beaches, stores, and restaurants.
A few things of note in Venice Beach: a skate park, Muscle Beach outdoor gym, and lots of funky shops. This is the best place to soak in the California sun, but it can get incredibly crowded during the summer season.
>Check Venice Beach Walking Food Tour
Rodeo Drive
Rodeo Drive is located in the affluent Beverly Hills area and has become one of the most iconic shopping streets in the world. It spans over two miles and is packed with an amazing array of stores for shoppers to explore.
This famous shopping paradise sports hundreds of leading brands worldwide, from designer boutiques to luxurious department stores. It is the epitome of fine shopping on the West Coast.
If you’re looking for retail therapy or are just interested in window shopping, make sure you don’t miss this street that Los Angeles is famous for.
Downtown LA
This is quite literally the center of Los Angeles, with cultural activities, iconic buildings, and great bars. It is a vibrant and bustling hub of culture, entertainment, and business.
Here you’ll find much of what Los Angeles is known for, such as Union Station, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Fun fact: this neighborhood also contains the city’s birthplace, El Pueblo de Los Angeles.
You will find yourself spending quite a bit of time here when you visit, checking out all the different attractions and activities.
>Check Downtown Los Angeles Food Tour
Chinatown
To the northeast of downtown Los Angeles, you can find Chinatown, one of the famous places in LA. This neighborhood came to be in 1938 when the original was moved to accommodate Union Station. Now, it is a hub of cultural activity and great dining.
This vibrant neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city and an iconic attraction for visitors, with its distinctive Chinese-influenced architecture, colorful street festivals, and diverse cultural offerings.
Check out this fun neighborhood – you’ll be amazed at how long you can spend here, despite it being less than one square mile. Explore a variety of unique shops and eateries, as well as attractions like the Chinese American Museum and Thien Hau Temple.
Sunset Boulevard
If you think about palm-tree lined streets, when you think “what is Los Angeles famous for,” you probably have Sunset Boulevard to thank. This street has appeared in many movies, such as the 1950s film of the same name. To get a real feel for Los Angeles, you have to drive down this iconic boulevard.
This vibrant street stretches over 22 miles, winding through the city from downtown to the Pacific Coast Highway. Along the way, you’ll find a variety of sights and attractions, from the Château Marmont hotel to the renowned Hollywood Bowl amphitheater.
From here, you can also get to Griffith Park, Universal Studios, the Hollywood Sign, Downtown Los Angeles, and many more famous places in LA. Get ready for a great drive along one of the most well-known streets in America.
Disneyland
This world-famous name needs no introduction. But any Disney fan needs to know this exciting fact about California – it is home to the original and very first Disney theme park.
Although the park is in Anaheim, Disneyland is certainly something that Los Angeles is known for. The park opened in 1955, after being built under the watchful eye of Founder, Walt Disney. It has been delighting kids and adults alike since.
With rides, shows, characters to meet, unique restaurants, and more, it’s no wonder this magical place is one of the most visited places in Los Angeles. Spend a day in the park, enjoying the classic attractions such as “It’s a Small World” and “Haunted Mansion.” This area holds several themed lands, meaning there is something for everyone!
Little Tokyo
In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, you’ll find Little Tokyo, a neighborhood with a unique blend of Japanese culture and American life. It was originally founded in 1885 as the city’s first Japanese-American enclave, to give immigrants and their families a place to live and work.
Today, Little Tokyo offers visitors a chance to experience traditional Japanese culture, including restaurants and shops selling items from Japan. Visit the nearby Japanese American National Museum to learn more about the history of this community, or take a stroll around the neighborhood’s beautiful gardens.
You can also go shopping in the Japanese Village Plaza, popping through the shopping and dining destinations. Make sure you check out the green tea donuts at Cafe Dulce and enjoy the Little Tokyo ambiance that Los Angeles is famous for.
Santa Monica Pier
If you’re in the mood for a picturesque walk with views of the Pacific Ocean, the Santa Monica Pier is for you! This area has unparalleled sunset views and walkable beaches, with plenty of other activities to keep you entertained.
Located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, this is one of the most popular destinations in the city. It’s easy to see why people come here from all over to have fun and enjoy the stunning scenery encompassing both the ocean and mountains.
With an aquarium, merry-go-round, arcade, and lots of food options, you can easily spend the whole day at this beautiful pier!
Landmarks And Architecture
Capitol Records Building
Many famous voices sang their hits for recording at the Capitol Records Building. This circular building near the Hollywood Walk of Fame is home to Capitol Studios. This site recorded some of music’s greats, such as Nat “King” Cole, Frank Sinatra, the Beach Boys, and more.
The iconic building was designed by architect Welton Becket, who also designed famous buildings such as the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Beverly Hilton Hotel, and Reunion Tower in Dallas. It is one of the most recognizable sites in the city and a great spot to take a picture.
Make sure you get a glance at the architectural gem and music culture Los Angeles is known for.
Union Station
If you arrive by train, you might visit Union Station, one of the famous places in Los Angeles. This station is known as “the last of the great train stations,” standing since 1939. Located on the corner of Alameda Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue, it has become a focal point for downtown LA since its opening.
Designed by renowned architects John and Donald Parkinson, Union Station was inspired by the Los Angeles Plaza of the same name dating back to 1781. The building is an example of the Mission Moderne style, combining historic Spanish architecture with modern elements.
With its grand main lobby, gardens, and plaza, Union Station remains one of Los Angeles’ most recognized landmarks. For those interested in architecture, it’s worth a visit – even if you don’t have a train to catch!
Hollywood Sign
If you wonder “what is Los Angeles famous for,” the most obvious answer may be the Hollywood Sign. Originally, a real estate company put up the sign as an advertisement, reading “Hollywoodland.”
The Hollywood Sign has become arguably the most iconic landmark in Los Angeles, and perhaps even the world. This legendary symbol of the entertainment industry has become a tourist attraction and a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Located in Griffith Park on Mount Lee, the sign is visible from almost anywhere in the city. The best way to experience the Hollywood Sign is to take a hike up in Griffith Park and admire it from afar. There are several trails with nice views.
>Check Hollywood Sign Walking Tour
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame spans over 15 blocks along Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. It is a major tourist attraction with brass and terrazzo stars marking the accomplishments of key entertainers, characters, groups, and others.
This is one of the most visited parts of the city, receiving approximately 10 million visitors per year. The area is often known as the entertainment capital of the world, and definitely part of what Los Angeles is known for.
Don’t miss out on this landmark – with over 2,700 stars, there are sure to be a few names you’ll recognize. It’s a great place to people-watch and take a few pictures!
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is a famous theme park and film studio. As one of the oldest studios in Hollywood, Universal Studios is something California is famous for.
In fact, the park was originally created to offer tours of the studios. You can get a behind-the-scenes look at some of Hollywood’s most iconic films and TV shows
In the years since, it has become a full-fledged theme park. Boasting an expansive theme park, spectacular shows and rides, and an array of entertainment options, it’s easy to see why this attraction is one of the most popular in Los Angeles.
On a nice day, it’s a great activity in the city. Make sure to take your picture with the famous globe!
>Check Universal Studio Hollywood VIP Experience
Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory city sits in the expansive Griffith Park, with amazing views of the Los Angeles Basin below. The observatory itself boasts an impressive array of space and science-themed exhibitions. However, this is one of the famous places in Los Angeles primarily for its views.
On top of a great hill, it is well-situated for star-gazing and city-gazing alike. Since opening in 1935, the observatory has been an oasis of science and exploration – making it one of the important establishments in Los Angeles.
Whether you’re interested in exploring space or just looking for some spectacular vistas, a trip to Griffith Observatory is an experience you won’t soon forget.
>Check Griffith Observatory Hike
Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall opened in 2003, and despite its short tenure in Los Angeles, it is one of the things Los Angeles is famous for. Designed by Frank Gehry, the building itself is an architectural marvel, with natural curves and reflective surfaces.
Inside, visitors will be mesmerized by its expansive auditoriums and galleries as well as the incredible sound of its state-of-the-art acoustics. You can join their complimentary tours of the building.
The Walt Disney Concert Hall also hosts performances by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, the Los Angeles Master Chorale, and other world-renowned orchestras. With these excellent groups, there is always a great show to see at Walt Disney Concert Hall. It is a highlight of Los Angeles’ music scene.
The Hollywood Bowl
If you’re craving an outdoor concert, there is no better venue than the Hollywood Bowl. Since 1922, this amphitheater has been hosting famous acts, such as Billie Holiday and Coldplay. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, Myron Hunt, and Frank Genry, so it sports great architecture, not just great acoustics.
If great music isn’t enough, the amphitheater also has a great spectacular view of the Hollywood hills and the Hollywood sign. If you enjoy music, make sure you catch a show in this venue LA is famous for.
The Getty Center
The Getty Center is a collection of cultural institutions, including architecture, museums, and temporal exhibitions that Los Angeles is known for.
The museum offers art from over 5000 years and regular programming with artists and experts to provide extra insights into the works on display. Even if museums aren’t your favorite pastime, you can enjoy the gardens, free tours, and interesting architecture.
If you are looking to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Los Angeles, the Getty Center is an excellent destination to indulge in something educational and artistic.
Watts Towers
The Watts Towers are a unique, architectural sculpture in Simon Rodia State Historic Park. This is a prime example of an awe-inspiring art and architecture combo.
Built between 1921 and 1954 by Italian immigrant Sabato Rodia, the largest of these towers reaches 90 feet high. They are made of 17 connected towers with structural steel cores, wrapped in a wire mesh, covered in mortar, and then decorated with glass, tile, shells, and other things.
The outdoor park offers a serene environment to roam around and otherworldly, artistic scenery. If you enjoy arts, make sure that you check out this area that Los Angeles is famous for.
Famous Food In Los Angeles
Strawberry Donut
Ask a food-lover “what is LA known for?” and they might say The Donut Man! This donut shop has been featured on several food programs. Its most famous creation is the seasonal strawberry donut.
This donut loads up a round donut with glazed strawberry for an amazing treat! If you’re in town during strawberry season, make sure you check out this food Los Angeles is famous for!
French Dip Sandwich
Sunny Los Angeles probably isn’t the first thing you’d think to pair with a French dip sandwich. However, this iconic sandwich originated in LA! Now, these sandwiches are available all over the city, with each restaurant offering their own twist.
On the basic level, a French dip sandwich is a soft bun with roast beef, cheese, and horseradish, dipped in a broth immediately before eating. This sandwich is part of what Los Angeles is known for, and one of the classic California food you should try!
California Roll
This food is the perfect pairing of Japanese influences and California culture. A California roll is a traditional sushi roll, packed with cucumber, crab, and avocado, for fresh flavor. If you’re more interested in the vegan and vegetarian places LA is famous for, California roll adaptations are a favorite for plant-based eaters.
Cobb Salad
Los Angeles health culture may be tied in part to the Cobb Salad. The Cobb Salad originated at the Brown Derby restaurant in 1937, where the owner patched restaurant leftovers into a new salad creation. Traditionally, the salad features chopped chicken, tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, and bacon.
Although you can get a Cobb salad anywhere nowadays, this salad is part of what Los Angeles is known for. Make sure you give it a try in the city it was born in!
Famous People From Los Angeles
Marilyn Monroe
Of Hollywood’s famous faces, Marilyn Monroe is one of the most famous people from Los Angeles. Marilyn Monroe was an actress, singer, and model, who became the icon of a blonde bombshell. She is still incredibly well-known today.
If you want to get a better view of Marilyn Monroe’s history and impact, check out the permanent exhibit at the Hollywood Museum!
Beck
You may know this music star as Bek David Campbell, Beck David Hansen, or simply Beck. Either way, Beck is one of the most famous people from Los Angeles. Known primarily for his 1994 hit, “Loser,” Beck is a notable American musician.
Beck has won several awards, including Album of the Year for Morning Phase at the 2015 Grammy Awards and 7 other Grammys. This musician is definitely part of what Los Angeles is known for.
Ice Cube
Ice Cube was born in Los Angeles and has had a very diverse career in entertainment. He is a rapper, actor, director, writer, and producer. Ice Cube has won several awards, including BET Comedy Awards, Def Movie Awards, Black Reel Awards, and more.
Discovering More Things Los Angeles Is Known For
Beyond the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Sign, there is so much more that LA is famous for. Los Angeles is a city full of culture and life, with so many things to explore.
Whether you’re enjoying the outdoor parks or sampling what LA has to offer in terms of cuisine, there are plenty of activities that make this city one-of-a-kind. From the notable landmarks to all the famous people in Los Angeles, it’s easy to see why it continues to be one of the most talked about cities around the world today.
With all these amazing attractions and talented individuals hailing from this vibrant metropolis, make sure you check out this amazing city and uncover all the things Los Angeles is known for.
