There are certain experiences that everyone is LA should do at least once. With this week’s collection of essential LA events and activities, visitors and locals alike can have the ultimate Los Angeles experience.
WHAT TO DO IN LA:
VIP Experience at Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios may give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how movies are made, but the VIP experience takes it one step further. In addition to unlimited front-of-line access to rides and shows, the VIP experience includes exclusive exploration of backlot areas, a gourmet lunch in a private dining room and a personal tour guide with inside knowledge of the film industry.
Hollywood Hills Hike
A hike to the top of Mount Lee is on the bucket list of every LA native and visitor. This guided hike leaves in the afternoon and reaches the peak at sunset—just in time to witness the sparkling LA skyline and the Hollywood sign up close.
Shopping on Rodeo Drive
While New York is the fashion capital of the country, Beverly Hills is its more relaxed and temperate cousin. Even if Vera Wang and Gucci are way over budget, it never hurts to soak in the sun and gorgeous designs along with the rich and maybe famous. After all, the magnetic pull of the Tiffany window may be inevitable, but we can just ogle from the cobblestoned walkway.
WHAT TO SEE IN LA:
August 12-17: Buyer and Cellar
LA is overflowing with underemployed actors, so we might as well watch a play about them. Buyer and Cellar starring Ugly Betty’s Michael Urie is a comedy about a Los Angeles actor going to work in Barbra Streisand’s basement. It opened in early summer with rave reviews and will be wrapping up its LA portion of the tour on August 17.
August 12: Justin Timberlake
As the last cast member of the Mickey Mouse Club show that ran off and on from 1955-1995, Justin Timberlake is an unequivocal part of LA’s entertainment history. His performances regularly sell out, but a few die-hard fans still have the opportunity to see him at the Staples Center.
August 16: El Gran Silencio, Inspector & Celso Pina
The House of Blues on the Sunset Strip will be closing shop in 2015 so El Gran Silencio’s performance is one of the last in the original location. It will be a night of Jamaican rhythms, cumbia, accordions and rock to celebrate the musical melting pot that is LA.
WHERE TO EAT IN LA:
Latin Food and Culture Walking Tour
It’s no secret that Southern California has the best Mexican food in the country. Due to its proximity to the border, LA has a rich Latin American culture that can be found in its authentic tacos and huaraches. On this tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore the East side of LA, visit the city’s first tortilla factory, sample pupusas and tamales and get lost in a three-story Mexican market.
