Los Angeles sits towards the southwest corner of the United States as a capital of culture and entertainment, broadcasting its formidable influence throughout the country and throughout the world. Everybody knows at least some things about LA: famous neighborhoods and street names, famous residents, famous landmarks, etc.
However, no matter how much you see of LA in movies and television, and no matter how much you read about this most unique and diverse of cities, there is nothing like making the trek and seeing La La Land for yourself. It is also very difficult not to get excited about a trip to Los Angeles, making it a perfect gift. If you are searching for the perfect gift for the soon to be graduate (or already graduated!) in your life, LA is also an eternally youthful, bustling, and active city with plenty to enjoy for visitors of all ages.
Griffith Park
Okay, so New York City has Central Park, arguably the most famous urban park in the country, if not the world. However, at a relatively dinky 843 acres, Central Park cannot even hope to compete with Griffith Park's 4,310 acres situated by the beautiful Santa Monica mountains. It is literally impossible for outdoor enthusiasts to get bored here, with over 50 miles of trails leading through a wide variety of terrain, with bounteous spots for activities from picnics to soccer to tennis. The park always houses an array of fascinating wildlife. If it did not close at 10:30 pm every night it would be feasible to spend an entire vacation at the park.
Sunset Strip
The words "Sunset Strip" may sound like a cliché when it comes to LA tourism, but some things are cliché for a reason. These days, the Strip, stretching from Beverly Hills to Hollywood, is as active and exciting as ever. Come with your car for some of the city's hippest shopping boutiques during the day, stay for the vibrant nightlife. Sunset Strip is often a spot to catch sight of a few celebrities and more than a few fellow tourists in air conditioned rental cars.
World Class Museums
Los Angeles culture is more dynamic than many people realize, offering a slew of high-brow options in addition to the well-known Hollywood-focused facets. This is just a small sampling of some of LA's best museums:
- The Museum of Contemporary Art has several locations throughout the city, with thousands of works in its permanent collection from iconic luminaries from Jackson Pollock to Roy Lichtenstein to Mark Rothko.
- The Getty Center is not just one of the best museums in the city, but is also now one of the most celebrated museums in the world, with a superlative collection of classical European and American art.
- When all of the serious culture becomes overwhelming, you can always take a trip to the entertaining Guinness World Record Museum in Hollywood.
Classic Car Culture
Los Angeles is a city optimized for car travel, with a series of freeways and boulevards unlike anything you will see anywhere else. For visitors, the use of rental cars is not only the easiest way to get around LA, in many ways it is the only way to experience the city. While the city has an evolving public transportation system, rental cars are a convenient way to get between the sprawling neighborhoods and often distant landmarks of Los Angeles.
If you're looking to surprise your recently graduated or almost graduated family or friends with a trip they won't soon forget, Los Angeles clearly has a lot to offer. If you're looking to find affordable, convenient and reliable rental cars on your trip, look no further! You'll find us conveniently located in the Los Angeles International Airport. See you soon!
Image Credits:
Getty Center by Sandro Menzel
