Like any major city, Los Angeles is home to a lot of tourist traps. Crowds can be maddening and everything is overpriced so it can be challenging to differentiate what is worth seeing. Growing up in Los Angeles, I never thought to create travel-related content in my own city. But COVID-19 has started to make me look at what is in my own backyard and why tourists gravitate towards certain places. Los Angeles is an amazing place to visit and wherever you decide to visit is worth your while. But I will give you some alternatives outside of these tourist traps.
Here are 5 major tourist traps in Los Angeles
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Situated on the cross streets, Hollywood & Highland, the Walk of Fame is to Hollywood as Times Square is to New York City. This area is densely populated with tourists year-round. The infamous TCL Chinese Theater is on the block and this street is also where the award shows like the Oscars are hosted. You can also find tons of wax museums and souvenir shops selling overpriced tees and Marilyn Monroe fridge magnets.
I think the Hollywood Walk of Fame has been in one too many tourist brochures. To put it lightly, LA locals never go there. I live down the street from the Hollywood Walk of Fame and I rarely go there. I don’t even shop at the Hollywood & Highland Center because there are only a handful of stores to really shop in. And when I do, it’s because I need to run to Sephora or take the subway so I power walk through the crowds.
Don’t get me started on the celebrity sightseeing tours. There are people in the middle of the street trying to sell tourists these tours to sit in a hot roofless van and see celebrity homes or stomping grounds. Breaking news: I can bet anyone ever spots a celebrity on these tours.
Verdict: Not worth it — or only spend half a day here. And please don’t lay down next to your favorite celebrity’s Hollywood star – these streets are dirty.
Where to go instead: Literally anywhere but the Hollywood Walk of Fame. If you’re into tours, take a studio tour at the WB Studios or Paramount! You’ll have higher chances of seeing a celebrity and get to see the sets of some of your favorite shows.
Santa Monica
Welcome to the Westside! One of the most expensive cities in LA, Santa Monica is one of my favorite places no matter how touristy it can get. COVID-19 and the recent riots in LA have affected businesses on Third Street Promenade but it’s still a great destination to go shopping.
Restaurants are lined up around the Third Street Promenade and on Ocean Boulevard. The Ivy is in Santa Monica across from the beach and celebrity sightings are high. I’ve seen Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, and Mark Wahlberg entering or leaving The Ivy on separate occasions. Keep in mind that restaurant in Santa Monica are pricey, even when you’re not dining at The Ivy. You’re looking at $40 per person on most menus, but there are food trucks for more affordable food options!
My least favorite part of Santa Monica is the Santa Monica Pier and the beach. There’s almost always overcast in Santa Monica because for some reason, this area gets the most overcast out of all the other beach cities. The pier can be crowded and is not the cleanest and most well-kept. There is an amusement park on the Santa Monica Pier but it’s currently closed due to COVID.
Verdict: Worth it! But if you’re looking to hang out by the beach, head further south and go to Playa Vista, Manhattan Beach, or Hermosa Beach.
Venice Beach
Of all the tourist traps, Venice Beach has a lot of its own charm and personality. That’s something I can’t deny when it comes to this bohemian beach hangout. There are funky shops with vendors selling everything from sunglasses to incense to painting. You might’ve heard of Muscle Beach which is on the border of Santa Monica and Venice and has gymnast equipment to swing around in on the sand. There’s also a skate park that always filled with skaters (not now, but you know what I mean).
There’s also the Venice canals with picturesque modern homes to look at. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is one of my favorite places in Los Angeles with yummy brunch spots and cool little boutiques to shop in. But again, when it comes to the beach, Venice beach is not my favorite.
Verdict: Go for the vibes. See above verdict for other beaches.
Rodeo Drive
Most people visiting Rodeo Drive for the first time expect to live out their Pretty Woman moment and expect to see some celebrities. I’m not saying either one of those things won’t happen. Rodeo Drive is very clean — Beverly Hills does a great job of keeping the area looking stunning. Designer stores with beautifully merchandised storefronts line up the streets and it’s truly magical here during the holiday season.
Verdict: Depends what you’re after. I quite like Rodeo Drive but I go there when I want to check out a handbag or look around a small boutique. If you’re thinking you’ll feel like a “celebrity” here, I think you’ll be sorely disappointed. The sales associates in some of these designer stores are very particular and dare I say, judgemental. I would recommend coming here without high expectations – otherwise, go to the Century City mall or The Grove for some shopping and sightseeing!
Gladstones in Malibu
You might be wondering why I listed a swanky restaurant in Malibu as a tourist trap. That’s because it is. Disneyland was a runner-up for this spot but I think Gladstones easily takes it. It’s so heavily overpriced for average seafood, and what you’re really paying for is the ocean view. The parking is also super expensive. But Gladstones is almost always reserved fully and I can never understand why.
Verdict: If you really want seafood in Malibu, go next door to Nobu’s for sushi, or go to Neptune’s as an affordable option. There’s also a restaurant in the Malibu Village that has an amazing lobster roll. If you can skip the ocean view, go to the hundreds of amazing sushi spots in Studio City! Looking for more food options? Check out my list of COVID-friendly takeout restaurants that I love in Los Angeles.
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