U.S. Census statistics for 2016 reveal that with an estimated population of 3,976,322, Los Angeles is the second most populated city in the USA as well as being the county seat of America’s largest county. The city’s area of 469 square miles situated at the base of three surrounding mountains makes it easy to see that there are far more than ten things to do in Los Angeles, some of which are unusual and quirky.
10 Museum Of Death
Although it doesn’t have to be Halloween to visit the Museum of Death special, it definitely adds to its eerie aura. It’s interesting to note that the mission of its founders was “to make people happy to be alive”. Opened in 1995 as a hobby venue for J.D. Healy and Catherine Shultz, rumor has it the building originally housed a mortuary business. The museum’s relocation to Hollywood Boulevard is one aftermath Healy and Shultz encountered when they were evicted for attempting to add memorabilia from Heaven’s Gate cult to their collection. One exhibit not-to-be-missed is that of Black Dahlia aka. Elizabeth Short whose murder dating back to 1947 is yet to be solved.
9 Skydiving
From some point between the ages of one and two, human beings have been wending their way around Planet Earth. Whether for employment or leisure, we all ply America’s roadways or occasionally leave home by train or airplane, but how many of us have ever dreamed of flying in the sky like a bird. This dream can become a reality for those who venture to go skydiving in Los Angeles.
Basic prerequisites for skydiving are: (a)minimum age 18 or older, (b)maximum weight 240 pounds, (c)in possession of a valid government issued photo ID verifying date of birth, and (d) full disclosure of medical issues some of which may require documentation by your primary care provider.
The first step is to enroll in a skydiving school where you will begin with tandem diving and can if desired, qualify for Accelerated Free-fall and Advanced Diving. Instruction starts with classroom time during which students are taught how to enter and exit the plane from which your dive will embark on the command of ‘Ready, Set, Go’. Safely harnessed to your instructor you will jump, as a pair, from approximately 5,000 feet for an estimated 120mph 7-minute descent before you instructor activates the necessary parachute.
At most venues, instructors will capture your escapade on video enabling you to share your experience as well as see yourself doing it. Should you opt to continue for accelerated free-fall and advanced diving, not only will you be flying solo but descending vertically.
8 Time Travel Mart
Open between the hours of noon and 6 P.M. 365 days a year, LA is home to two locations for a convenience store known as Time Travel Mart which appears to be a normal place to procure items needed during a normal day. However, in reality, it is one of the coolest places in the world to purchase souvenirs. All proceeds from this non-profit establishment benefit educational/tutorial programs in the Los Angeles area.
This venue’s supply of merchandise includes just about everything from weird wigs and toupees to dinosaur eggs or mammoth chunks in cans normally associated with beef chunks. Operated under the auspices of author Dave Eggers, writings composed by students in the educational writing program, which may be found in the store’s freezer section, are for sale.
7 Scot Nery’s Boobie Trap
You don’t have to wait for the next season of one of America’s favorite television programs “America’s Got Talent” to begin; there are RV rental Los Angeles where it happens every night, and you can just watch or vie for the chance to perform at Scot Nery’s Boobie Trap. This entertainment scene accommodates 16 4-minute acts per evening ranging from very well-known artists to would-be entertainers.
6 Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Should you desire to pay your respects to your favorite deceased entertainer, many are interred at Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Tours are self-guided, or you may be escorted by a tour guide attired in clothing reminiscent of the 1920s to 1950s. The advantage of opting for a guided tour is that your tour will include juicy tidbits of gossip and other oddball facts about various entertainers, movie sets shared by your guide walking along the way. Among the memorable highlights could be watching a film projected on the side of Rudolph Valentino’s mausoleum.
5 Chicken Boy
Although food is no longer served where you see a gigantic 22-foot-tall chicken headed human, it’s worth the time to check it out. This was the signage logo for a chicken eatery known as Chicken Boy.
Following the restaurant closure in 1984, Chicken Boy went unseen until a fashion designer decided to use it as part of her studio décor. This is another place to acquire unusual souvenirs from T-shirts and refrigerator magnets to toys and baby onesies being the Chicken Boy logo.
4 Three Main Shopping Districts
For those who enjoy shopping, Los Angeles is home to what some people refer to as the paradise of shopping malls. Three main divisions are The Fashion District, The Flower District, and The Arts District. In contrast to opening doors and entering brick and mortar edifices, the merchandise is displayed outdoors along the sidewalks. Male shoppers will not want to miss a huge Urban Outfitters mecca in nearby Sherman Oaks.
3 Travel Town Museum
Train and railroad lovers of all ages will enjoy a visit to LA’s Travel Town Museum situated in Griffith Park. Established in 1952, this museum offers the opportunity to get a close-up view of train engines, cars, and other railroad equipment. Children are guaranteed to enjoy boarding a miniature train for a ride around two specially designed tracks. Exhibits at various kiosks include dishes and menus once used in dining cars as well as timetables and other items once used by train engineers.
2 The Hobbit House
Los Angeles is also home to some storybook houses such as The Hobbit House. There are many Hobbit Houses placed around the world, but this one is quite amazing. It was built without any right angles and resembles a ship-like figure. It is a perfect place to spend an afternoon daydreaming about Bilbo’s adventures in the Shire.
1 Surfing
There are many beaches in Los Angeles where you can practice this amazing sport. One of the perfect spots for surfing is Zuma Beach, but you can also try Venice Beach, Surfrider Beach or Santa Monica. You can take surf lessons, rent equipment or buy it from a local vendor.
Regardless of where you go, there are, no doubt, notable things to do in Los Angeles.