The World in One City
Explore Los Angeles
Los Angeles is one of the world’s great multicultural cities, where people from every corner of the globe have shaped its neighbourhoods, food, entertainment, and culture. From Hollywood and the beaches to world-class museums and theme parks, the city offers countless experiences, making every visit feel different.
Check out my photography in
Los Angeles Visual Stories
for more inspiration and places I have explored.
Why I Enjoy Travelling to Los Angeles
Los Angeles has always been a place I return to whenever I visit California. My uncle and cousins have lived here for many years, so during my time studying in San Jose, I would often drive south to spend time with my family. Even after moving back to Bangkok, I still try to include Los Angeles in my itinerary whenever time allows.
One stop I always enjoy along the drive is Solvang, a charming Danish village founded by Danish immigrants in 1911. Its windmills, traditional architecture, bakeries, and relaxed atmosphere provide a refreshing break from the highway before continuing the journey to Los Angeles. Although I usually spend only a few hours there, Solvang has become one of my favourite road trip stops in California.
Compared with San Jose, Los Angeles feels much larger, busier, and more fast-paced. The city never seems to slow down, with traffic, entertainment, and activity continuing well into the evening. While I enjoy visiting, I personally prefer the quieter lifestyle of San Jose and see Los Angeles as a destination to explore rather than a place where I would want to live.What to Do in Los Angeles
What to Do in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers something for almost every type of traveller. Hollywood landmarks, beautiful beaches, museums, shopping districts, and diverse neighbourhoods make it easy to fill several days with different experiences. I also enjoy using Los Angeles as a base for family visits before heading to nearby attractions.
If you’re driving between San Jose and Los Angeles, consider stopping at Solvang for a leisurely stroll through its Danish-inspired streets. Browse the boutique shops, enjoy authentic Danish pastries, relax at an outdoor café, or simply take in the unique European atmosphere before continuing your journey.
Some of my favourite experiences in Los Angeles include spending a day at Disneyland or Universal Studios Hollywood, exploring the city, and taking trips further south to San Diego. Whether it is your first visit or one of many, Los Angeles always offers something new to discover.
Here are Los Angeles’s
Most Instagrammable Spots:
- Griffith Observatory – One of the best viewpoints overlooking Los Angeles, with panoramic city views and the iconic Hollywood Sign.
- Urban Light (LACMA) – Chris Burden’s famous installation of 202 restored street lamps, especially beautiful at sunrise, sunset, or after dark.
- The Hollywood Sign – California’s most recognizable landmark, best photographed from Griffith Observatory or Lake Hollywood Park.
- Bradbury Building – A stunning 19th-century architectural landmark in Downtown Los Angeles, famous for its ornate ironwork, glass ceiling, and historic elevators. It has appeared in numerous films, including Blade Runner.
- The Last Bookstore – One of LA’s most photographed bookstores, known for its creative book tunnels, art installations, and historic downtown setting.
- The Broad Museum – Contemporary art museum featuring eye-catching architecture and popular installations, including Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Rooms (advance reservations recommended).
- Levitated Mass (LACMA) – Michael Heizer’s monumental granite boulder suspended above a walkway, creating one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable public art installations.
- Petersen Automotive Museum – A striking red, stainless-steel façade that is as photogenic outside as the collection of classic and exotic cars inside.
- Santa Monica Pier – Classic California scenery with the Ferris wheel, Pacific Ocean, and beautiful sunsets.
- Venice Beach – Colourful murals, Muscle Beach, skate park, and the lively boardwalk capture LA’s laid-back coastal culture.
- Walt Disney Concert Hall – Frank Gehry’s iconic stainless-steel masterpiece, offering endless architectural photography opportunities.
- Olvera Street – The historic birthplace of Los Angeles, lined with colourful Mexican-style buildings, markets, and cultural heritage.
