The Best Cultural Activities to Experience in Los Angeles
Experience These Cultural Activities in Los Angeles
Los Angeles may have a reputation for being all about entertainment, glitz and glamor, but there’s much more to this city than just Hollywood. L.A. is a melting pot of cultures, and there are plenty of activities that will help you get in touch with the diverse range of traditions that make up this city.
In this post, we're going to be talking about some of the best cultural activities you can take part in if you’re planning to visit Los Angeles during your J-1 Internship or Trainee program in the United States.
1. The Getty Center
This world-renowned art museum is a must-see for any art lover. With its stunning architecture and breathtaking views, the Getty Center is an experience in itself. Inside, you’ll find an impressive collection of art from all over the world, spanning a variety of genres and periods.
One of the best parts about this place is that you can even experience a lot of things for free! The free Architecture Tour takes you through the different buildings on the property and teaches you about their design, while the free Art Institute Tour gives you an in-depth look at some of the famous pieces on display.
If you're someone that enjoys natural beauty, a Garden Tour is a must. With its rolling hills, tranquil ponds and native plants, it's easy to see why this place is considered one of the most serene spots in L.A. Heading over to the Getty Center will take you through a journey where you can really experience the art, and the natural beauty that makes LA the great place that it is. Great for solo travelers, people with families, and pretty much anyone trying to learn more about LA!
2. The Hollywood Walk of Fame
No trip to Los Angeles would be complete without a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This iconic stretch of sidewalk is lined with more than 2,000 stars, each honoring a different celebrity. It’s a great place to take a stroll and see some of the biggest names in showbiz. It ends up being one of those bucket list places where you can pay tribute to one of your favorite celebrities and really get into the "Hollywood culture" of it all!
3. Griffith Observatory & The Hollywood Sign
The Griffith Observatory is one of L.A.’s greatest cultural attractions, offering spectacular views from the Pacific Ocean. This public attraction is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California’s most popular attractions. Griffith Observatory is Southern California’s gateway to the cosmos!
While visiting it, you will have the chance to look through telescopes, explore exhibits, see live shows in the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, and enjoy spectacular views of Los Angeles and the famous Hollywood Sign. From Griffith Observatory, you may take a hike to the Hollywood Sign and enjoy a fantastic view of the city from above.
4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
The Los Angeles County Museum of Art is another great option for art lovers. With a vast collection that includes everything from ancient artefacts to contemporary pieces, there’s something for everyone at LACMA. And, if you’re not a big fan of art, the museum also offers a range of other activities, such as film screenings and live concerts.
LACMA is one of the largest museums in the US, and it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking to experience some of LA’s culture!
5. Chinatown
You can't pay a visit to Los Angeles and not go to Chinatown. While there are lots of little Chinatowns all over the world, L.A.’s Chinatown is one of the largest you'll ever see, especially within the US. It’s a great place to experience Chinese culture without leaving the city. From delicious dim sum to traditional medicines, there’s a lot to explore in this vibrant neighborhood.
Chinatown is also home to a number of interesting temples and shrines, such as the Three Immortals Temple and the East Gate. And, if you’re looking to do some shopping, you’ll find a wide range of Chinese goods, from porcelain vases to silk robes. Some of the key places to visit within Chinatown are Central Plaza, Gin Ling Way, and W.P. Chinatown Mall. You can't go to LA without checking out this amazing place that will teleport you right into the heart of China!
6. Olvera Street
For a taste of old Mexico in the heart of Los Angeles, head to Olvera Street. This historic district is home to a number of traditional Mexican restaurants and shops, as well as lively street performers. The street has been around since 1930, and it’s easy to see why it’s become such a popular tourist destination.
Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, Olvera Street is a great place to walk around and take in the festive atmosphere. And, if you are looking to do some shopping, you’ll find a wide range of traditional Mexican handicrafts, as well as more modern items. Whether you’re in the market for a new sombrero or just want to take in the sights and sounds of Mexico, Olvera Street is definitely worth a visit, especially if you just want to feel closer to Mexican culture in all its glory!
7. The Hollywood Bowl
While there are lots of different places where you can experience the multicultural-ness of Los Angeles throughout the city, LA also has its own culture too. The Hollywood Bowl is one of the best places to experience that! It's an iconic Los Angeles landmark, and it’s the perfect place to take in a show.
This open-air amphitheater has hosted some of the biggest names in music, and it’s a great way to spend an evening under the stars. Even if you’re not a big fan of music, the Hollywood Bowl is worth a visit for its sheer size and scale. It’s one of those places that you have to see to believe.
8. Santa Monica
At the southern end of the United States’ famous Route 66, you will find Santa Monica, a city within the wider conurbation of Los Angeles. Santa Monica has everything going for it; it’s surely LA’s most walkable district, it has good shopping spots, it’s right on the beach and it blends the sophistication of an international coastal city with the laid-back vibe of a California beach town.
Santa Monica is home to its own amusement park which can be found on the Santa Monica Pier. The amusement park is equipped with the world’s only solar-powered Ferris Wheel and a roller coaster. We fully recommend that you take a day and explore Santa Monica during your trip in Los Angeles.
9. Universal Studios Hollywood
If you're into all things Hollywood, a visit to Universal Studios Hollywood is a must. You can start things off with behind-the-scenes tours, which offer a unique insight into the world of movie-making. And, of course, there are also the rides!
From roller coasters to Harry Potter-themed attractions, there’s something for everyone at Universal Studios Hollywood.
10. The Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall is one of the most iconic buildings in Los Angeles. Designed by world-famous architect Frank Gehry, the building is a work of art in itself. And, of course, it’s also home to the world-renowned Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. With a range of different concerts and events on offer, the Walt Disney Concert Hall has a little something for everyone! What's even better is that the facility itself has even more to offer. The Library of Congress is one of the largest and most important research libraries in America, and you can visit it while you're there too! Plus, the Blue Ribbon Garden just ties the contemporary and nature together which is just all what LA is about!
J-1 Internship & Trainee Programs in the United States
While checking items off your travel bucket list is a great way to experience a new city, there is no substitute for living and immersing yourself in the city itself. Enrolling in a BridgeUSA J-1 Internship or Trainee Program will provide you with endless opportunities to travel, immerse yourself in the American culture, and experience lots of new cultural activities while getting real-world experience in your field of interest. We have a ton of different program opportunities available in major and popular destinations in the United States.
During a J-1 Internship or Trainee Program with us, you will get to live in an iconic destination in the United States. Our recommendation would be that you check the openings that we have available with your ITN representative and we are sure that you will find an opportunity that you will love.
If you are not registered with us yet, you may register by filling out the form here.
The Bottom Line
Overall, there are a ton of different cultural activities to do in Los Angeles. Whether you’re interested in art, history, or Hollywood, there’s something for you in this great city!
With all of the great options we've laid out in this article, you should have the headstart you need to get out there and get all those experiences in!
