Sightseeing, Sports, & More!

What is Los Angeles without the beautiful sights and enjoyable entertainment?  The sights, sports, and food reflect the multi-culture diversity in Los Angeles.  From the famous tourist attractions in Hollywood to the Staples Center in LA Live, there are numerous places that showcase the beauty and entertainment of this city. 

Watching sports has been a way to bring people closer together.  Cheering on the same team creates a strong bond among fans of the same team.  In Los Angeles, the locations where sports teams play are in minutes driving distance from each another. 

Dodgers Stadium

For those with an interest in basketball, Los Angeles is home to two well-known basketball teams in the NBA.  The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers call the Staples Center sports arena their home.  Along with these two basketball teams, the LA Kings who are currently the Stanley Cup Champions also play in the same place.  Lovers of America’s favorite pastime (baseball) can visit the Dodger Stadium on Elysian Park Avenue.  It is known for their Dodger dogs and garlic fries and home to the Los Angeles Dodgers.  People yearning to experience true college spirit can look no further than the Los Angeles Coliseum!  Not only was it the location of two summer Olympics (1932 and 1984 Olympics), but it is also the home of the University of Southern California Trojans’ football team.  In addition, futbol (Spanish for “soccer”) lovers can watch the LA Galaxy score goals at the Home Depot Center, which is a few miles south of downtown in Carson, CA.  Nothing is better than experiencing the excitement of LA while watching sports.  For those unable to acquire tickets to see the games, the ESPN Zone in LA Live has the perfect ambiance to cheer on Los Angeles’ favorite teams.

Sports Teams of Los Angeles: 

- Baseball: Dodgers

- Basketball: Lakers, Clippers, Sparks

- Football: USC Trojans

- Hockey: LA Kings

- Soccer: LA Galaxy

Besides sports entertainment, art and high culture also contribute to the rich identity of Los Angeles.  From the grim to the galleries, Los Angeles expresses its creativity on concrete street walls to the climate-controlled art galleries around town. Below is a list of some museums worth visiting.

LACMA's "Urban Light"

Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) 

The LACMA is a good place to experience art from Asia, Latin America, and Islamic art all in one place. Recently with its new Transformation, postwar art will also be showcased in the newly constructed buildings designed by the famous Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

J. Paul Getty Museum  (The Getty)

The Getty Museum has two locations containing European art such as paintings, drawings, sculptures, and photographs. Visit the Getty Villa in Malibu or the Getty Center in Los Angeles.

Gene Autry Museum 

At the Gene Autry Museum, visitors can immerse themselves in the culture of the grand American West. Here you can find one of the largest collection of Native American art including weavings, ceramics, jewelry, and costumes that represents the people of the American West.

Japanese American National Museum 

Located in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Los Angeles, the Japanese American National Museum devotes its interior to celebrating and preserving the culture of Japanese Americans. You can find different artifacts, photographs and movies at the JANM. For history buffs, the temple building that was used to process Japanese and Japanese American residents during World War II is still standing and is used as office space.

Los Angeles is ever changing, and is itself a canvas of some sort. You can find many historical landmarks and beautiful architecture just by walking down any street.  Los Angeles is a prominent location for many national and international media outlets, including the music and film industry.  For film enthusiasts, a visit to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre is a must-see. Each has played and continues to be a major staple in the American film industry.  It is not unusual for films to be shot around the city.

Sightseeing in Los Angeles is in the eye of the beholder.  Having patience to cruise the streets of Los Angeles, people can see all that this amazing city has to offer.  Below are a few places worth visiting:

- Griffith Observatory

- Los Angeles Zoo

- Angels Flight

If people look deep enough, Los Angeles has many hidden gems in addition to the events publicized annually.  Being a college student also comes with a few perks.  Every year, some museums enjoy promoting the arts and host events called “College Night.”  LACMA and the Getty provide free admission for college students to attend their annual event (LACMA College Night  and College Night at the Getty Center). One of the traditional events that Los Angeles hosts every year is the LA Auto Show. Along with being able to explore the various exhibits of the museums, students also have the opportunity to mingle with students attending other colleges around the area.

From museums to restaurants to festivals, Los Angeles has much to offer to its residents and visitors. The experience is truly in the eye of the beholder.