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GAY LOS ANGELES
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in LOS ANGELES ?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LOS ANGELES LGBT
Although in the common imagination San Francisco is the LGBTQ + "capital" of America, Los Angeles has also played a historically important role in the rights of the American and global gay community and even today it is among the American cities with one of the liveliest scenes. LGBTQ +.
West Hollywood (WeHo) is the queer center of Los Angeles, becoming the first gay majority municipality in the region as early as 1984. Its main thoroughfare is Santa Monica Boulevard and here you can find tons of gay bars and clubs, decked out in rainbow flags. In recent years, the Silver Lake area has also been known as the new gay mecca of Los Angeles.
WHAT TO SEE in LOS ANGELES?
10 THINGS TO SEE in LOS ANGELES
Walk of Fame
Looking up the name of your favorite artist on the floor of the Hollywood Walk of Fame is one of the best things to do in Los Angeles. One of the most famous spots on the Walk of Fame is across from Grauman's Chinese Theater, where you can put your hands or feet on the footprints of many of Hollywood's biggest stars and feel like one of them for a few moments. Other places not to be missed are the Kodak Theater, famous all over the world for being the place where the Oscars are presented every year, and the Hollywood History Museum, full of cinematic objects and mythical settings such as Hannibal Lecter's cell. If you are a lover of shopping, you can also go to Hollywood and Highland, an entertainment area with many shops and a viewpoint with a nice view of the Hollywood sign.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach
Santa Monica is one of our favorite areas and another one of the must-see places in Los Angeles. The large promenade overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the beaches and the sporty and multicultural atmosphere made us fall in love with it. Also, near the Santa Monica Pier, there is one of the amusement parks that has appeared in some films, the old Pacific Park. The best time to approach the pier is at sunset and perhaps take a ride on the park's large Ferris wheel for one of the best views in Los Angeles. You can stroll and enjoy the waterfront (Ocean Drive), starting with Santa Monica Beach, famous for having appeared in the mythical television series Baywatch, ending in Venice Beach, full of surfers, shops and street performers. In Venice Beach, in addition to a nice area of canals, is Muscle Beach, which has an outdoor gym where bodybuilders can be seen training. Also, don't forget to take a photo in front of the sign that marks the end of the iconic Route 66. This area also has a wide range of restaurants with some of the best restaurants to eat in Los Angeles at a good price, such as the True Food Kitchen , Big Deans Oceanfront Cafe and Pier Burguer.
Hollywood - Warner Bros, Universal Studios or Paramount Pictures Studio
Another of the best things to do in Los Angeles is the tour of one of the most famous Hollywood studios such as Warner Bros, Universal Studios or Paramount Pictures Studio.
One of the best tours is the one that goes through the sets of the most famous films and series of Universal Studios. In addition to seeing scenes from productions such as Jaws, Back to the Future, Desperate Housewives, Psycho or War of the Worlds, you can enjoy attractions and shows inspired by films such as Fast and Furious, Jurassic Park, Waterworld, The Simpsons, The Walking Dead or Transformers. We recommend that you book this ticket in advance.
Downtown Los Angeles
The financial area of the city and its skyscrapers is another of the most important places to see in Los Angeles. The most emblematic building is the town hall, the first skyscraper in the city, which has also appeared in films such as Spiderman. It can be visited for free with a lookout on the 29th floor. Other places worth seeing in Downtown Los Angeles are the spectacular Walt Disney Concert Hall building, the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, the Music Center or the Plaza Olvera. You can continue your visit of Downtown Los Angeles along Grand Avenue, inspired by the Champs Elysées in Paris, passing by the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles (MOCA), the beautiful The Last Bookstores and the U.S. Bank Tower, cover of the film Independence Day, until you reach the Staples Center where the Los Angeles Lakers play. Finally, don't miss the Santee Alley area, known as the Quadrilatero della Moda, a labyrinth of streets full of clothing shops and articles of all kinds.
Osservatorio Griffith
Climbing the Griffith Observatory at sunset, located atop a hill south of Hollywood, to see the sunset and the illuminated city is another of the best things to do in Los Angeles. This observatory is located next to a large park perfect for walking, hiking and, above all, to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. At the Observatory you can also visit the Samuel Oschin Planetarium, one of the most advanced in the world from which to observe stars and constellations.
Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills, famous for its grand mansions of movie stars, music stars and millionaires, is another place to visit in Los Angeles. This neighborhood located in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains has become an exclusive area where you can tour the villas in the Hollywood Hills and Mulholland Drive. Another of the most famous spots on Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive, an avenue full of luxury shops. After so much glamor, we recommend dining on Cañón Drive and taking a photo in front of the Beverly Hills sign.
Chinatown
The Chinatown neighborhood, located near Downtown, is another of the liveliest and most interesting places in Los Angeles. The Chinese community settled in Los Angeles in the 19th century, first in the Union Station area and then moving to its current location near the historic district. The best way to discover the neighborhood is to start from the central square, filled with activities throughout the day, and stroll along Chung King Street, filled with art galleries and a hippie vibe. A visit to the Thien Hau temple, the most famous in the city, and the Chinese-American museum will help you better understand the religion, history and culture of this community.
Hollywood Sign
Nobody leaves Los Angeles without photographing the legendary Hollywood sign, located on Mount Lee Hill. Created in 1923 for an advertising campaign, it has suffered several damages due to vandalism, for which access is limited and protected by a fence surrounding the writing. Nice photographs can be taken from the intersection of Franklin Street and N Beachwood Drive, but if you want to get closer you can hike up Beachwood Drive to a sign advertising horseback riding tours in the Hollywood Hills. In about an hour you will be behind the letters with an incredible view of Los Angeles. Other points reachable for giving up the sign are Lake Hollywood Park and Deronda Gate.
Little Tokyo
This early 20th-century neighborhood is a small paradise for fans of the culture and gastronomy of the land of the rising sun. During a walk through Little Tokyo you can find shops with original objects from Japan, outdoor karaoke bars, Buddhist temples such as Koyasan, the James Irvine garden with the typical beauty of Japanese gardens and, above all, restaurants where you can try the delicious Japanese cuisine (it is said that the famous California Rolls were invented here).
Malibù Beach
Another of the best things to do in Los Angeles is to take your car and drive along the coast road to Malibu, a perfect area to spend a relaxing morning of sea, beach and surf. Among its most famous beaches is Zuma Beach, if you prefer tranquility, there is Point Dume State, more difficult to reach and with a more beautiful natural environment.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Los Angeles & Hollywood - Google Maps
Day 2 - Venice Beach, Santa Monica & Malibù - Google Maps
Day 3 - Downtown Los Angeles, Little Tokyo, Chinatown & Street Art - Google Maps
Extra - Los Angeles / Universal Studios
Extra - Los Angeles / Warner Bros Studios
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our itinerary)
10 BEST EXCURSIONS from LOS ANGELES
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator- Musement -Get Your Guide
San Diego
Santa Barbara
Sequoia National Park
Solana Beach
Coronado
Ojai, Solvang & Los Alamos
Palm Springs
Big Bear
Joshua Tree National Park
Salton Sea & Slab City
Click'nGo - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in LOS ANGELES?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in LOS ANGELES
Choosing an overnight stay in Los Angeles can be very complex if you do not know the various areas of the Metropolis, here is a brief description of what you can find in each of them:
Hollywood - Tourist Area
After our experience, we can only recommend sleeping in Hollywood as this is one of the most touristic areas and also one of the most central from which you can access the rest of the city's attractions in a relatively short time, whether you have a 'car, whether you move by public transport. In addition, there is a wide range of hotels and restaurants throughout the area and is considered one of the safest areas in Los Angeles. Here you can see the famous Walk of Fame, Grauman's Chinese Theater, Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard and Melrose Avenue.
West Hollywood - Trendy & Gay Friendly Area
With Sunset Street as the neighborhood's main thoroughfare, this area is known for being one of the hipsters in the city and also one of the most sought after by travelers who want to stay in the trendiest Los Angeles. if less than that of nearby Hollywood, if you stay here you will have countless leisure options, shops and fashion boutiques. And you'll be super close to Hollywood, so close to virtually all points of interest and very well connected to the rest of the city.
Beverly Hills - Luxury Area
Known for being one of the most exclusive and expensive places in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills is the perfect place to stay in Los Angeles if you are looking for expensive, glamorous and luxury hotels. This area is one of the safest in the city and, like the previous one, has a fairly central location, so you will be relatively close to essential places to see in Los Angeles.
Santa Monica & Venice Beach - Family & Beach Area
While it's not our favorite place to stay in Los Angeles if you want to be close to the beach and sleep somewhere relatively quiet, the Santa Monica commune might be the perfect option. In addition, the area offers a wide range of accommodation and restaurants. Most hotels are quite expensive and can easily exceed 300 euros per night.
Downtown - Business Area
Known for being the most central area of Los Angeles, downtown is a multicultural neighborhood chosen by many travelers for being one of the best located and also for having good value for money in its accommodations. In addition to this, here is the financial area of the city, where the huge skyscrapers and many entertainment venues stand out, both day and night, so the district is very well connected with the rest of the city.
Venice Beach - Beach Area
Known throughout the world for being one of the icons of the city, Venice Beach is a neighborhood where the beach is the main protagonist. Many travelers choose it because the offer of budget accommodation here is very large and it is a perfect area if your budget is limited.
The London West Hollywood ***** (area: West Hollywood)
Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills **** (area: Beverly Hills)
Andaz West Hollywood **** (area: West Hollywood)
Ace Hotel Downtown Los Angeles **** (area: Downtown)
InterContinental Los Angeles Century City **** (area: Downtown)
Le Parc Suite Hotel **** (area: West Hollywood)
Freehand Los Angeles **** (area: Downtown)
Hollywood Le Bon Hotel *** (area: Hollywood) ® Tested by World Mappers
The Garland *** (area: Warner Bros Studios)
The Tangerine Motel ** (area: Burbank / Warner Bros Studios)
WHERE TO EAT in LOS ANGELES?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in LOS ANGELES Quality / Price
€€€ - Perch (French Restaurant)
€€€ - Water Grill
€€ - Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant (Outside the City)
€€ - Langer’s
€€ - The Original Pantry
€€ - The Griddle Cafe
€€ - Musso & Frank Grill (West Hollywood)
€€ - The Factory Kitchen ® Tested by World Mappers
€ - Philippe The Original ® Tested by World Mappers
GAY NIGHTLIFE in LOS ANGELES
10 BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in LOS ANGELES
The Abbey Food & Bar (Gay Bar)
New Jalisco (Gay Night Club) ® Tested by World Mapper
Hi Tops (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mapper
The Bayou (Gay Bar)
Eagle LA (Gay Leather Club)
Micky’s West Hollywood (Gay Club) ® Tested by World Mapper
Akbar (Gay Bar)
Club Tempo (Gay Night Club)
Beaches Weho (Gay Bar)
Reload (Gay Bar)
TRAVEL TIPS about LOS ANGELES by World Mappers
There are several City Cards that can be used in Los Angeles. Go City Los Angeles Card - All Inclusive: A variable duration pass that includes access to 35 Los Angeles attractions (museums, amusement parks and much more). Also included are Universal Studios Hollywood, one of the must-see attractions in Los Angeles, but only with the pass valid for 3, 5 or 7 days. Sightseeing Flex Pass Los Angeles: This pass allows you to visit, in a maximum period of 60 days, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 attractions from a list of over 25 attractions. In addition, some special discounts are available for shops and partner restaurants included in the price. Southern California CityPASS: The California Amusement Park Pass (therefore not closely related to Los Angeles). Valid for two weeks from the activation date and you can choose between Disneyland, Universal Studios Hollywood, Legoland, San Diego Zoo and Safari and SeaWorld San Diego. (The price depends on the number of Parks you choose). Hollywood Explorer Pass: A pass for the Hollywood neighborhood practically only. By purchasing this pass you will have access to Madame Tussauds Hollywood, the Guinness World Records Museum, and two other attractions to choose from: TCL Chinese Theater Guided Tour, Red Line Tours Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes, Starline Movie Stars 'Home Tours and CitySightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour. Build Your Own Los Angeles Pass: A fully customizable Pass with the attractions you really want to visit with a 20% discount on the total price. There are 42 attractions to choose from, including Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Studio and Legoland California (you can find the complete list on the official website).
The Grammy Awards, one of the most prestigious musical awards (such as the Oscars for cinema), are held in Los Angeles at the Staples Center in February and is broadcast live on both coasts. Tickets to the Grammy Awards cost hundreds of dollars and are generally reserved for voting members, guests and artists. But that doesn't mean you can't attend pre- and post-show entertainment at local Los Angeles parties.
LGBT pride festivals are held in many cities across the United States, and Los Angeles is certainly no exception. Los Angeles Pride takes place every June in West Hollywood and is a beautiful parade full of costumes, art and colors. The Pride Parade was the first authorized gay parade in the world, in 1970. Concerts, parties and many other events animate and color Los Angeles during the days dedicated to Gay Pride.
As October approaches, Los Angeles residents flock to West Hollywood for the famous Halloween Carnival and Parade. This fantastic Halloween party, which is free to join, is suitable for all ages and is held on Santa Monica Boulevard between La Cienega and North Doheny, from 6:00 pm to 10:30 pm on Halloween night.
If you are a fan of Charmed, you can't miss the House of Charmed. That's right, the TV series is set in San Francisco but the mansion the Halliwell sisters live in is actually located in Los Angeles at Angelino Heights al 1329 di Carroll Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 90026.
La Brea Tar Pits, a group of tar pits within Hancock Park that have become one of the most curious places to see in Los Angeles. Tar has been leaking to the surface for thousands of years, trapping animals and preserving their bones such as those of mammoths, American lions, sloths and even a saber-toothed cat. The George C. Page Museum collects the remains of these perfectly preserved animals.
INSTAGRAMMABLE LOS ANGELES
Instagrammable Places to See in Los Angeles
Don't miss the best instagrammable places in Los Angeles, here are our favorites:
BH Palm Tree Rows (Lomitas Avenue & N Bedford Drive)
"SECRET LOS ANGELES"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Los Angeles
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Los Angeles" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 15 Things and Places to See of the Secret Los Angeles:
Cupcake ATM - Heaven for sweets lovers. There is more than one Sprinkles Cupcakes ATM in Los Angeles, (we tried the one near Bloomingdale's Court), most of them open 24 hours a day, except for those at the malls. Choose from loads of flavors and enjoy freshly baked cupcakes every day.
Museum of Death - In Los Angeles, the "Museum of Death" is located on Hollywood Boulevard and is the world's largest collection of serial killer artwork, crime scene photos and other similar relics, including an electric chair . Certainly a museum not suitable for everyone.
The Last Bookstore - This particular Los Angeles bookstore is housed in an abandoned bank. The marble pillars and towering ceiling are those of the old bank, but instead of customers and money, bookshelves and art displays fill these spaces.
Bradbury Building - The iconic Los Angeles building (the oldest commercial building in LA), also chosen as the location for Ridley Scott's Blade Runner. Architect George Wyman designed the Bradbury Building inspired by Edward Bellamy's science fiction novel "Looking Backward". From the outside the palace is not overly inviting, but once inside, you enter a gorgeous central courtyard filled with natural light that enters through a skylight with cage elevators, surrounded by ornate wrought iron. The Bradbury Building can only be visited up to the first floor because the others have offices of companies.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery - The resting place of Hollywood's immortals, Hollywood Forever Cemetery was founded in 1899 by farmer and businessman Isaac Van Nuys. The site features lush green landscaping, classical architecture, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Hollywood Forever is the final resting place for more Hollywood celebrities than any other cemetery in the world.
Watts Towers - The Watts Towers in the Watts district of Los Angeles are a collection of 17 interconnected structures, two of which are over 30m. The Towers were built by an Italian immigrant in his spare time from 1921 to 1954. The Towers are located near 103rd Street-Kenneth Hahn Station of the Metro Rail LACMTA Blue Line.
Garden of Oz - Another unusual place in Los Angeles. Tucked away in the Hollywood Hills, this private garden gathers the works of various artists who have transformed it into a kind of Garden of Oz with colorful tiles, objects hanging from trees and much more. The garden is open to the public only on Thursdays from 10 to 12.
Urban Light - Hundreds of vintage street lights shine along the Miracle Mile in Los Angeles. Urban Light is an installation by artist Chris Burden, who has been collecting street lamps for many years, most of which come from a broad swath of Southern California urban settings. Painted in a uniform steel gray, the lamps vary in size but come together in a single work.
The Magic Castle - A clubhouse for magicians and magic enthusiasts. Close to 101, on Franklin Ave, between Highland and La Brea Ave and bills itself as "the world's most unusual club". Admission is allowed only to members and their guests.
Venice Canals - Venice Beach was founded in 1905. A dream of the entrepreneur Abbot Kinney who, after winning the land on which Venice Beach stands today, created the "Venice of America". In addition to the most famous points of Venice Beach, there is the Venice Canal Historic District, a pedestrian area where there are many houses surrounded by greenery. Colored bridges allow you to reach the banks of the river but also the navigation of small boats. From Venice Fishing Pier, head north on Speedway Street and turn right on 27th Avenue. At the end of the block, cross Pacific Avenue. Follow the path until you reach the first of the six channels.
Rosenheim Mansion - This stately mansion has featured in numerous television productions, including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Bones and Law & Order: SVU. In 2011 the house was chosen as the location for the first season of American Horror Story: Murder House. It is a private residence that cannot be visited.
Café Jack - An unusual and must-see place in Los Angeles. A wooden ship reminiscent of the Titanic that houses a restaurant named after the protagonist of the 1997 film.
The Idle Hour - A whiskey barrel-shaped bar in North Hollywood. Perfect for a good American-style cocktail in an unusual place in Los Angeles.
Hollywood Tower Apartments - This charming old building is said to have inspired the Tower of Terror at Disney parks. These apartments have been a Hollywood icon since they opened in 1929.
Cat Café Lounge - The Cat Café Lounge is the perfect place for coffee lovers and cat lovers. This unusual feline café is run by a purposeless organization.
GAY FRIENDLY TOURS
Do you want to discover the city more deeply through Los Angeles's Best Gay Tours? We recommend the following local operators:
Gaily Tour - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT + community throughout Europe. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination. Info & Booking: info@GailyTour.com
What to see nea Los Angeles?
Consult the Practical Information for the trip
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