Destination Series: Los Angeles

Destination Series: Los Angeles By Emily Pitz

This multi-part destination series will feature the fascinating cities you can experience through nonstop flights offered in Rapid City. Discover the amazing adventures each of these major cities have to offer, as well as the allure of worldwide travel through direct services.

The City of Angels, La La Land, LA-Los Angeles goes by many names. It is the second most populous city in the United States, with an estimated population of over four million people. Its residents are extremely diverse, including people from over 140 countries who speak 224 different languages.

The city is known as the entertainment capital of the world. People picture LA as the home to movie stars and celebrities, the Hollywood sign and the Walk of Fame. But there is so much more to experience on a trip to the area, from taking in its beautiful coastline to experiencing Grand Central Market to spending a sunny afternoon in Griffith Park.

Stroll the Beaches

Los Angeles is the best city to experience the eternal summer in Southern California. Los Angeles County’s beaches boast a 75-mile coastline, stretching from Malibu to Long Beach. As you drive along the coastline, you can find some of the best surfing spots, amazing oceanfront dining and trendy shops. Santa Monica Beach, just north of the famous Santa Monica Pier, stretches two miles long and is one of the most popular beaches in LA. Venice Beach is also a must-see. Stroll along the beach or the famous boardwalk and take in anything from break-dancing to mimes and musicians to broken glass walking.

Sunsets

Soak up the sun during the day then watch it colorize as it dissolves into the skyline. You’ll want to visit Griffith Park on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood to catch a kaleidoscope sunset and some of the best views in Los Angeles. Get your camera ready to take great shots of the Hollywood sign and don’t miss Southern California’s “gateway to the cosmos” at the Griffith Observatory. Feel like taking a hike? Griffith Park offers 53 miles of kid-friendly trails.

Explore Downtown LA

Walk the streets of downtown Los Angeles and discover all it has to offer. Make sure to satisfy your hunger at eateries on 7th Street’s Restaurant Row or in Grand Central Market. There’s plenty to eat and numerous places to choose from to appease anyone’s appetite. Grand Central Market has been a downtown landmark since 1917 and combines the diverse cuisines and cultures of LA. With so many choices to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming, but you’ll definitely leave full and satisfied.

Hollywood and Entertainment

If the Hollywood sign isn’t enough to quench your thirst for pop culture, there are plenty of destinations to visit. Watch a live recording and be a part of a studio audience of a game or talk show, or one of your favorite late-night shows. Take a stroll down the Hollywood Walk of Fame and find your favorite stars. Shop Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills and window shop or treat yourself at one of the famous luxury stores. Visit Universal Studios and have an adventure at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter or Fast & Furious – Supercharged. If you’re up for a drive, take a short trip and experience the magic of Disneyland in Anaheim.

Sporting Events

The city of Los Angeles is home to numerous professional sports teams, some of which play in neighboring communities but still use Los Angeles in their name. Take in a Lakers game and watch one of the greatest basketball players, Lebron James, rack up the points. Or catch the LA Clippers, LA Sparks or LA Kings at the famous Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. More of a baseball or football fan? Visit Dodger Stadium and watch the Los Angeles Dodgers play, or take a drive to Angel Stadium of Anaheim and catch a Los Angeles Angels game. Did you know between 1995 and 2015, no NFL teams played their home games in Los Angeles? Thankfully, the Rams have returned to LA and the San Diego Chargers relocated to the city in 2017. Don’t miss the chance to see Philip Rivers of the Chargers or Clay Matthews of the Rams rough up some turf. BHW

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