West coast mellow, yet a city where Hollywood dreams get chased and for some, come true. LA, City of Angels, LaLa Land, City of Flowers and Sunshine. As destinations go, this city on the Western frontier of the Continental United States sets the bar high. 

From Disneyland to Downtown, Koreatown to Calabasas, Santa Monica to Venice Beach, Malibu to the Marmont - the city plays home to too many iconic spots to mention them all. You’ll really want to get a list together before flying into LAX airport (which is, yet another icon).

Here are some of shoopit’s favorite LA hot spots and chilled sites. This was a tough list to put together - which means we’ll just have to do another one soon!

The Griffith Observatory In a city of stars, this is a great (and free) way for you to get a view of the entire LA city skyline and check out the actual stars up in the cosmos. This iconic LA landmark will give you access to permanent public telescopes as well as some incredible exhibitions they put on throughout the year. A perk is that you’re close to, and get a great view of, the iconic Hollywood Sign. This is a great spot to start your visit, way above the city’s crazy vibe!

Warner Brothers Studio Tour Los Angeles The iconic Warner Bros Studio lot, located in Burbank, has a tour for everybody. Whether you’re into the Golden Era of Hollywood Glamor or a fan of the iconic sitcom, Friends, you’re gonna love this place. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto one of the iconic stages that played a role in shaping global popular culture (Central Perk anybody?). You’ll be having a close encounter of the Hollywood kind with this place.

Disneyland and Universal Studios Life is a rollercoaster, right? Well these two theme park legends have got you covered. Whether you’re a Disney ears kinda person or you’d prefer Jurassic style - prepare for experiences of a lifetime. The Magic Kingdom will charm even the most hardened traveler, it comes with hotels, thrill rides and trips down Disney memory lane that’ll make you feel all nostalgic. Universal Studios will give you an immersive cinematic joyride, taking you deep into the sets of some of your favorite iconic movies - whether you’re a thrill seeker or want to take it easy, both of these iconic theme parks are a day’s worth of core memory making! 

The Ivy How many times have you read about a celeb being spotted at “The Ivy”? No doubt countless. Whether it be at one of their London locations or this LA hotspot, this is somewhere celebs seem to show up whenever they’re promoting a project or there’s been a slump in their career and they’re hungry (excuse the restaurant pun) for some exposure. Oh and the food is pretty good too. This place is chic, tasteful and has great service. The celeb sightings are just a bonus. Bon Appétit!

The Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel Ah to have been a fly on the wall with some of the conversations had and deals made in this iconic bar. The infamous Bungalows are a mere few feet away. Lots of “back of the napkin” deals have been signed here, from studio purchases to star contracts. In 1937, Marlene Dietrich, wearing elbow length gloves, often smoked a cigarette at the bar. More recently, its guests have been Jimmy Fallon, Kim Kardashian & Pete Davidson or even the one and only J-Lo. Look, it ain’t cheap. So dress up, show up and be prepared to pay up for this ultra VIP experience. It’ll be your conversation piece for years to come.

Robertson Boulevard shopping district in West Hollywood West Hollywood should be on your to-do list, regardless of whether you’re into shopping or not. If you’re part of the LGBTQI+ community - you already know this is “the village”! Celebrities, paparazzi who follow them, and people who just like to look at stars all love to shop on Robertson Boulevard, which is home to both boutique stores and some of the most expensive brands. Yes we know, Rodeo Drive should be on this list too. Robertson may be lesser known to travelers, but it is definitely a shopping destination you can’t miss either!

Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles Ok so LA is definitely about Glamour. Downtown LA in particular has recaptured its once lost shine to bring an entire new gritty and exciting dimension to a city where the all things Shiny are celebrated. This awesome hotel is incredibly well located - within easy access to the Geffen Contemporary Art Museum, the Japanese American Museum, the Staples Center and the Grammy Museum. Situated in the heart of of Downtown in a building that at various times housed a theater, the Texaco LA HQ and even a church, today you will find “industrial chic” guest rooms and amenities that will give you a proper “downtown” feeling, while keeping you inspired to explore this incredible city!

Check what your best travel options to get to Los Angeles are with the shoopit extension!