La Brea tar pits elephant statues

Los Angeles

Sights and Landmarks in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a place where dreamers and doers have been chasing success and stardom for decades. In addition to the glitz and glamour, this two-day itinerary for the City of Angels has a joyous blend of art, food, architecture and fun to offer visitors, all enhanced by the irrepressible collage of characters and cultures, which make this young city as alluring as any of Europe’s grand old capitals.

Day one

Get the day started with a trip to the Westwood Village Memorial Park, 10 minutes’ drive from the Hotel Bel-Air and 5 minutes’ drive from The Beverly Hills Hotel
T: +1 310-474-1579 | 1218 Glendon Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024

Westwood Village Memorial Park

Start your first day in LA with a visit to pay your respects to some of the city’s brightest stars. The intimate surrounds of the cemetery are home to none other than Marilyn Monroe, Dean Martin and Jack Lemmon, among other major celebrities.

From the cemetery, Venice Beach is 20 minutes away by taxi.

Rest in peace name plaque of soldier at Westwood Village Memorial Park
The pier at Venice Beach in Los Angeles
T: +1 310-396-6794 | 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Venice Beach

A microcosm of 80s sun-kissed beach culture, Venice Beach is still as iconic today as it ever was. Pastel hued art deco buildings lead onto white sand, aquamarine water and a vibrant boardwalk, where fortune-tellers, roller skaters and musclemen mingle in the endless LA sunshine. A lazy day can be spent on the beach and boulevard, relaxing, people watching, and soaking up the rays.

From the beach, take a 25-minute taxi ride to The Original Farmers Market.

T: +1 323-933-9211 | 6333 W. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90036

The Original Famers Market

Considering its fitness-conscious, healthy eating populous, it comes as no surprise that LA is home to some of the best farmers markets in America. The Original Farmers Market has taken place on 3rd and Fairfax since 1934, and every day welcomes scores of local grocers, farmers and merchants selling produce ranging from fresh lobster and shrimp to homegrown fruits and vegetables.

Then, either get a two-minute taxi or take a 20-minute walk to the nearby La Brea Tar Pits and Museum.

Stand full of fresh produce at The Original Famers Market
Elephant statues in water at the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
T: +1 213-763-3499 | 5801 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90036

La Brea Tar Pits and Museum

For a trip back in time, there’s nowhere quite like La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. Animals like sabre-toothed cats and dire wolves have succumbed to the naturally occurring tar here for thousands of years and became perfectly preserved in the process. See creatures and fossils from the Ice Age, learn more about the pits in 3D movies, and stand in the presence of ancient history at this much-loved local museum.

The final stop of the day is the Griffith Observatory, half an hour from La Brea Tar Pits by taxi.

T: +1 213-473-0800 | 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Griffith Observatory

One of the enduring emblems of Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is a dual beacon of art deco mastery and scientific progress, stationed high above the city. Offering unrivalled views of the metropolis below and the skies above, the Observatory also has a full programme of events and shows and a café from none other than Wolfgang Puck.

A 35-minute taxi ride will bring you back to the hotel.

View of art deco exterior of Griffith Observatory

Day two

For the first stop of the day, make your way to the Los Angeles Zoo, 25 minutes from the hotel by taxi.
Tigers cuddling at the Los Angeles Zoo
T: +1 323-644-4200 | 5333 Zoo Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Los Angeles Zoo

Beloved by generations of Californians, the Los Angeles Zoo is one of the largest and most diverse zoos in the world. Following a programme of widespread improvement, the zoo now has a six-acre elephant enclosure and a multi-million dollar reptile centre. Along with its array of daytime animal viewing possibilities, the zoo also runs popular evening events including gourmet dinners and accompanying talks.

Then, take a 15-minute taxi ride to Olvera Street.

Olvera Street, 845 N Alameda Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Olvera Street

Los Angeles owes much of its present culture and character to Latin and Mexican influences. A bustling Mexican neighbourhood, Olvera Street is packed with painted market stalls, food trucks and historic buildings. Said to be the birthplace of Los Angeles, Olvera attracts around two million people every year, with holidays like Cinco de Mayo and Dia de los Muertos proving particularly popular.

 The next stop is the TCL’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, just 25 minutes away by taxi.

Open air shops on Olvera Street
Celebrity hand and footprints at TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood
T: +1 323-461-3331 | 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028

TCL's Chinese Theatre

Whilst movies are still shown at TCL, aka “The Creative Life” theatre, the real draw for visitors is the handprints, footprints and autographs of the biggest names in Hollywood and cinema history on the pavement outside. Douglas Fairbanks, Charlie Chaplin, and the cast of Harry Potter, amongst countless other legends, have been immortalised in humble cement at this iconic LA cinema.

The Starline Celebrity Home Tours start from Grauman’s, so just stroll on over to the waiting open-air bus.

T: +1 323-463-3333 | 6925 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Celebrity Homes Tours

Nowhere knows celebrity quite like Los Angeles. A city that’s home to the stars of the silver and small screens, a guided tour of LA’s most lavish celebrity homes is the ideal way to enjoy a relaxed and light-hearted view of the most glamorous areas, whilst also getting a glimpse into the lives of Los Angeles’ great and good.

Back at TCL Chinese Theatre, take a five-minute taxi ride or 25-minute walk to the Hollywood Bowl.

Beverly Bills city limit sign
A crowd of people in front of a stage during an open-air concert
T: +1 323-850-2000 | 2301 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90068

Hollywood Bowl

An LA Art Deco icon, the Hollywood Bowl is one of the world’s most recognisable and revered outdoor music venues. Found at the foot of the Hollywood hills, with the Hollywood sign visible over its shoulder, this concert venue hosts performances year-round from the Los Angeles Philharmonic, as well as a full roster of internationally renowned artists and events.

Then, take a taxi for the 20-minute journey back to the hotel.

All journey times are approximate and subject to variation.

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Hotel Bel-Air

The Beverly Hills Hotel