Los Angeles, city of angels, city of lights; this sprawling metropolis captures hearts and exports you into its eclectic lifestyle. With a population of over 4 million, L.A is as chaotic as it is beautiful. Full of diversity in every way, a to do list in Los Angeles varies from Disney to Venice Beach. There is so much to do, so much to see and so much vibrancy that it’s possible to run yourself into the ground trying to do it all in one trip. With that said it doesn’t mean a trip has to be jam-packed. It is possible to experience the city’s unique quality of life, thats why #TeamCoco have selected our top five things to slot into your itinerary, in order to have the full Los Angeles experience. Let’s face it, if you don’t include the below in your trip (and Instagram it) did you even go to L.A?

In 1958, eight stars were revealed on Hollywood Boulevard, now there are over 2,645 (Jack Black being the latest addition), so you are sure to find at least one of your favourite celebs on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you don’t fancy traipsing the 18 blocks, or you’re short for time, you can search online for the person’s star you are looking for to find its exact location. Otherwise we definitely recommend strolling the Blvd, it’s a good 1.3 mile walk so stopping in the quirky cafes and bars as you go, is necessary. Also fun fact, its a sponsorship of $30,000 to have a star on the Walk of Fame!

Next up, a landmark and cultural U.S icon; the Hollywood sign. Situated on Mount Lee, the 45 foot tall and 352 feet long sign, which was originally used as a real estate advert in the 20’s reading, “Hollywood Land’ and later restored in 1949 with the last four letters removed, may be a cliche to do for L.A but it is essential. There are various views where you can see the sign in all it’s glory, like from the boulevards and Runyon Canyon. However, nothing beats the view from above the sign, the size of the letters are put into perspective and the panoramic views of L.A are a sight to behold. It’s a 2-3 hour hike up to the Griffith Park Observatory to get this view but it’s so worth it and whilst you’re up there you may as well pop into the observatory.

À la Pretty Woman, Rodeo Drive is up next. A two-mile long street in Beverley Hills that has been the epitome of luxury since the 60’s. From Armani to Harry Winston it’s a designer dream. If these aren’t quite exclusive enough for you, there are couturiers where you need an appointment before you can even step foot through the door. If shopping isn’t your thing or these are way out of your range (we hear you) then window shopping and people watching are just as much, if not more fun. After an $18 million renovation in the early 2000’s, there is also a Walk of Style, where fashion icons are honoured for their work in style and fashion. So it’s definitely worth a trip to get lost in the splendour one of the most famous roads in the world.

Baseball, may not be one or even any of the things you first think of when planning a trip to L.A but it’s one of the most popular sports in America for both spectators and the participants, so it’s a worthwhile experience. Home to the Los Angeles Dodgers the Dodgers Stadium is the largest ballpark in the country, with a capacity of 56,000 seats, this is definitely the place to try a baseball game. If your trip is seasonal to the game, book tickets, you wont regret it, whether you enjoy the sport or not. The atmosphere is unbeatable, the merchandise is everything you imagine and the food, well, mac n’ cheese, nachos and infamous Dodger Dogs… it’s the American Dream and you’ll be a baseball convert before you know it.

If you’re truly short for time on your trip and your good with heights/flying we couldn’t recommend a helicopter tour more. A perfect way to escape reality yet take in everything Los Angeles has to offer, especially if you can nab yourself an open door ride. The pilots know L.A inside out and even better than some locals, they are a mind of unique information. With breathtaking views of the Pacific coast, Malibu beach mansions, the city skyline, the Dodgers Stadium, Universal Studios, Disney, Griffith Observatory and of course the Hollywood sign; a helicopter ride is the ideal way to see absolutely everything Los Angeles has to offer from a completely different perspective.

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