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The city of Los Angeles may not seem like an RV destination, but the area has quite a few attractions that can be enjoyed from a mobile basecamp. Don’t miss these amazing things to do in Los Angeles.
Neptunes Net
Neptunes Net is a tourist stop like no other. Seen in many movies including Fast and Furious, Point Break, and Iron Man 3, and frequented by celebrities, classic car cruises, motorcycle clubs, and more, this restaurant has views, brews, photo ops, and maybe a celebrity sighting all rolled into one. Saturday or Sunday are the best days to visit.
In 1956, a NASA aerodynamicist, Eastman Jacobs, started this restaurant across from the beach in Malibu. With two sides, the “seafood side” serving fresh seafood and draft beer, and the “restaurant side” serving a variety of fried dishes and canned and bottled beverages, take a lunch break at Neptunes Net.
Point Dume
Point Dume is a promontory on the coast in Malibu, which forms the northern end of the Santa Monica Bay.
The northernmost tip has been designated as a natural area, and gives a great viewing spot in many directions, and is also adjacent to the Point Dume State Beach.
The rocks are a popular rock climbing spot, and the beach is a frequent spot for filming, showing up in The Big Lebowski, Planet of the Apes, Iron Man, and more.
Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a popular ocean destination in Malibu, which also connects with Surfrider Beach during summers.
Surfrider has a reputation as being a great surfing location, which is awesome if you surf, but a great location to watch the athletes as well. Bird watching, hiking, and the Malibu Pier allow for excellent saltwater fishing.
The Adamson House is a showplace of historical artifacts if you want to add some education to your beach trip, and the Malibu Lagoon Museum offers tours and information on the history of the area from Native Americans to ranching and the start of the surfing craze.
Escondido Falls
Escondido Falls is a great hike and one of the best in the area. A fairly easy 4 miles round trip, the hike takes you through beautiful natural areas to an amazing waterfall with three tiers.
Getty Museum
If you are ready for some climate-controlled fun, the Getty Museum should be on your list while visiting Los Angeles. Known for its research, impressive art collections, architecture, and stunning views of LA, The Getty is a world-renowned educational institution.
LACMA
While in the city, check out another museum, the LACMA, or Los Angeles County Museum, is the largest art museum in the western US, with a collection of over 142,000 pieces of art over a 6,000-year creative period. The museum is located on over 20 acres with multiple buildings and offers an array of art, classes, guided tours, open-air gathering places, and community art involvement.
Hollywood Sign
No trip to LA would be complete without a photo under the Hollywood sign. One of the most recognizable icons for California, seen in many movies, commercials, sitcoms, etc, this sign is a symbol of dreams. Numerous trails lead to the sign, including the Mt Hollywood Trail, Brush Canyon Trail, and the Cahuenga Peak Trail.
Most of these hikes are about 3 hours, and vary in terrain but are hot and open trails so plenty of water and sunscreen is advised, as well as closed shoes. Not only can you get fairly close to the sign from multiple angles, but the sign also frames vistas across the city.
The hike to the sign will make you marvel at nature and wildlife that is juxtaposed with the bustling city below. Dogs on leash are allowed on these hikes, and horse rentals are in the area at Griffith Park if you want to see the sign from atop a steed.
Hollywood Walk of Fame
The Hollywood Walk of Fame is another typical LA bucket list visit. Known as the “world’s most famous sidewalk” showcasing stars with important and celebrity honorees, no trip to LA is complete without finding your favorites.
Stars are shown on both sides of Hollywood Boulevard and Vine Street. An average of 30 stars are selected each year, with over 2600 stars currently on display.
A searchable map is on the official website to narrow down your favorites, or you can walk the stretch and be surprised by stars old and new.
Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is located at the end of Colorado Avenue in Santa Monica and marks the end of Route 66. Designated as a World Heritage Site, the wooden pier is a lovely afternoon stroll. It has an amusement park featuring an antique wooden carousel, a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster over the water, and more.
A full experience at the pier includes refreshments, fishing, and plentiful shops nearby. The Santa Monica Pier has been featured in many motion pictures and books, including Forrest Gump, The Incredible Hulk, Three’s Company, Star Trek: Voyager, South Park, NCIS, 90210, Grey’s Anatomy, and many, many more.
Will Rogers State Historic Park
When you need to get back to nature, visit the Will Rogers State Historic Park. This thing to do in Los Angeles allows hikers to enjoy a moderate 2-mile loop to and from Inspiration Point for a great view overlooking the Los Angeles coast. Often frequented by the area celebrities, enjoy the surroundings but keep your eyes peeled for sightings of famous folks out for a walk or jog.
While Los Angeles doesn’t often pop up as an RV destination, there are so many natural and historic sights and attractions that can be enjoyed. While visiting the area in your mobile bedroom, be sure to keep LA, Malibu, and the vicinity on your list of RV friendly locations. Looking for something to do after Los Angeles? Check out our California National Park road trip guide.
