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Fun Facts About Los Angeles: Your Essential Trivia

By Katie Sagal

How much do you know about Los Angeles? Before you head to L.A. on vacation check out our guide to essential Los Angeles trivia. 

Test your knowledge with these fun Los Angeles facts below...

Top facts about L.A.

Beverly Hills
  • 1. Universal Studios Hollywood combines a theme park and a real working studio. CityWalk, the attached shopping and dining area, is free to explore.
     
  • 2. Out of American cities, Los Angeles is second only to NYC in terms of population.
     
  • 3. Madame Tussauds Hollywood is the only American location of this famous wax franchise featuring an entire section devoted to MARVEL© characters.
     
  • 4. The Hollywood Walk of Fame includes more than 2,600 stars.
     
  • 5. Warner Bros. Studio features a replica of Central Perk Café from the Friends series that serves real coffee and treats.
     
  • 6. The Pacific Wheel at Pacific Park is the world’s only solar-powered Ferris wheel.
     
  • 7. The US Bank Tower is the third-tallest building in California and the 15th-tallest in the United States.
     
  • 8. OUE Skyspace L.A. located in the US Bank Tower, provides views as far as the San Gabriel Mountains, Catalina Island, and the Pacific Ocean.
     
  • 9. Downtown L.A. is home to the largest concentration of government buildings and institutions after Washington, DC.
     
  • 10. In addition to hosting the Academy Awards®, the Dolby Theatre also plays host to the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the Daytime Emmys, and the American Idol finals.

More fun facts about L.A.

Hollywood sign viewpoint
  • 11. The Hollywood Museum is home to the most expansive collection of Hollywood props, objects, and artifacts.
     
  • 12. Griffith Park at the Hollywood Hills sign has one of the best vistas of Los Angeles and can be easily reached by hiking. Griffith Park is also the second-largest urban park in California.
     
  • 13. The RMS Queen Mary is on the National Register of Historic Places and is one of the official Historic Hotels of America.
     
  • 14. Los Angeles is the only North American city to have hosted the Olympics twice.
     
  • 15. The Los Angeles Zoo also encompasses a substantive botanical garden with a renowned collection of native plant species.
     
  • 16. Los Angeles is home to the largest historic theatre district on the National Register of Historic Places.
     
  • 17. The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is the largest such institution in the Western United States and its collections cover 4.5 billion years of Earth’s history.
     
  • 18. Approximately 50 million people visit Los Angeles County each year.
     
  • 19. The Huntington Library — in addition to being one of the best research libraries in the world and boasting gorgeous rose gardens — has been used as a set for nearly 30 different film projects from television to the big screen.

Even more interesting L.A facts

Santa Monica pier
  • 20. Los Angeles is home to the state’s only remaining wooden lighthouse, at San Pedro’s Fermin Park.
     
  • 21. The La Brea Tar Pits is an excavation site with the largest number and most diverse selection of Ice Age fossils in the entire world.
     
  • 22. The USS Iowa is now a floating museum known as Battleship IOWA and is made of 45,000 tons of steel.
     
  • 23. The Autry Museum of the American West was founded by iconic actor Gene Autry and encompasses significant collections of artwork and cultural artifacts.
     
  • 24. The Los Angeles area is home to more than 100 museums of varying sizes and purposes.

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Venice Los Angeles

Headed to Los Angeles and looking for interesting things to do in Venice? You’ve come to the right place! A world-famous neighborhood set right along the Pacific Ocean, Venice is well-recognized for its unique history and laidback bohemian atmosphere. Offering the perfect combination of artsy and natural attractions, Venice is a fantastic hidden gem well worth exploring. Most people will have heard Venice Beach, but scratch just beneath the surface and you’ll find that the area has so much more to offer its visitors. From grabbing a bite to eat at the Venice Farmers’ Market to visiting the unique Mosaic Tile House, there’s a lot to choose from here. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some of the best stops in the area to add to the travel bucket list. Note them down, check off your favorites and you’re sure to have a blast! Hit the Classics Venice Beach is not only one of the most famous beaches in Los Angeles, but also one of the most well-recognized attractions of its kind in the world. A popular visitor hotspot and emblematic symbol of SoCal, this place is perfect for soaking up the sun and people-watching. Stretching for 3 miles along the Western coastline, this spot has practically everything going for it: an impressive sweep of sand, turquoise soft surf, and a vibrant atmosphere to match. This place is a flurry of activity every day of the week, with countless fun things to choose from. Take a dip in the sea, try your hand at surfing, or get active on one of the site’s many sports courts. And of course, since this is one of L.A.’s more popular draws, the beach is bordered by great eateries, funky boutiques, and outdoor bars. With so much to see and do here, it’s impossible to be bored. Another one of our favorite things to do in neighborhood is of course heading over to the Venice Farmers’ Market. For those looking to grab a bite and take in the atmosphere of the area at the same time, this spot is perfect. Nestled between Centennial Park and the Venice Mall, this spot operates all year round, slinging delicious eats of all kinds. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are sold alongside freshly-popped kettle corn, locally roasted coffee, and empanadas hot straight from the oven. You’ll also find original artworks, jewellery and souvenirs being punted. True to the nature of the area, this spot harnesses a fun yet laidback-cool atmosphere - walking through the market, you’ll often catch cooking demos, live music, and painters as you go. We especially love this place because every trip is an experience in itself. Try Something Different For those looking to incorporate a little bit of education into their travel experience, Venice Oceanarium is the place to be. Billed as ‘’The Museum Without Walls’’, this unique outdoor classroom situated right along the seashore on Venice Pier works to provide a better understanding of underwater life. Offering an impressive array of educational and engaging exhibits, this spot is perfect for those of all ages. Discover more about the natural world through this museum’s unique collection of stunning shells, dried crabs, and preserved shark jaws. Though this stop is small, its collection is constantly rotating, meaning that there’s always something new to learn here. Whether you’re a hardcore animal lover or an impassioned nature geek, we couldn’t think of a better way to get to know more about the briny deep. Where Barcelona has Gaudi’s Sagrada Família, Venice has the Mosaic Tile House. Okay, okay - this funky spot isn’t as grand as any of Gaudi’s masterpieces. Still, we’d argue that this large-scale artwork-in-progress echos the vibrant energy and artistry of his works. Once a bland, beige home with few distinguishing features, this project took off after owners Cheri Pann and Gonzalo Duran began a weekend project to install bathroom tiles. Not long after, Pann and Duran were shattering tiles and covering every inch of their home with them. Today, visitors can take guided tours to see this unique project in all its over-the-top glory. Relax! Little known fact: Venice was built on a system of channels way back in 1905 by the young entrepreneur Abbot Kinney. Today, the neighborhood is known for its beautiful Venice Canals, which run between the Venice Boardwalk and of course, the Abbot Kinney. Undoubtedly peaceful and scenic, this spot offers a little spot of Italy right in the center of Los Angeles. Strolling through this charming area, visitors can enjoy quaint bridges, landscaped yards, and an extremely wide variety of architecture. Keep your eyes peeled as you’re walking, since the area is home to a lot of wonderful wildlife - visitors can expect to see ducks, herons, egrets and even the occasional seal. Amongst the picturesque beach houses, you’ll also find eclectic markets, sidewalk cafes, fun bars and more. Offering a quiet respite from the city, this spot is perfect for taking some time to yourself and soaking up the sun. Unarguably, there are countless interesting things to see and do in Venice. For just a small fraction of the city, the area is characterized by beautiful sands, quirky hidden gems, and only-in-L.A. attractions. Really, there’s no better place to experience the free-spirited nature of the West Coast. Explore the area to its full potential with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris
LA when it's hot out
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Things to Do in Los Angeles When It's Hot Out

LA's hotspots are a force to be reckoned with, but so is the summer sun. When you feel like a melting popsicle, but you still want to get some sightseeing done, here's where we'd go.
Katie Sagal
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Things to do in Highland Park Los Angeles

Trips to Los Angeles don’t just have to be about being in Hollywood; after all, La La Land isn’t just about all of the glitz and glam. Highland Park, Los Angeles’ first actual suburb has a storied history and all of the art, architecture and culture to match. With fantastic museums, great dining and unique points of interest, it’s an area that’s well worth visiting in the city. The neighborhood is easily accessible and more residential, too making it the perfect place for those who want to get a true taste of authentic L.A. living. So, if you’re planning to make the visit but aren’t quite sure where to start, check out our list of the best attractions and hidden gems in Highland Park. Which ones will you try? Check Out the Museums Though Los Angeles is known for being home to the world entertainment industry, it’s often said that the city doesn’t have much to offer in the realm of culture. Still, perhaps this next item on our list will help to change your mind about things just a little. Situated on a quiet residential street in ​​Montecito Heights, the Heritage Square Museum serves as a great educational tool for those who are interested in discovering more about the development of the city. The building is actually comprised of a collection of historic structures, including a railroad station from Century City, a church from Pasadena and formerly private residences. Inside, visitors can learn more about the city from the Civil War right through to the early twentieth century. Step back in time and discover the unique background of Los Angeles through fascinating exhibits and personal stories. Great for those of all ages, this spot provides a fantastic look into social change. Whilst the rest of Los Angeles is known for its beautiful beaches and popular tourist attractions, Highland Park is home to pretty unique museums. Standing out as one of our favorites, the Los Angeles Police Museum works to provide a comprehensive overview of the city’s law enforcement agency. Built into a police station which closed down in 1983, the institute is recognized as the oldest surviving station-house in the city. Upon entrance, visitors can learn more about the rich history of the LAPD through a collection of engaging and fascinating displays. Amongst its permanent repository, you’ll find photographs, uniforms, badges, squad cars and bulled-riddled vehicles. The original jail cells of the Highland Park Police Station can also be viewed alongside a recreation of the first woman’s police uniform in the nation once worn by LAPD officer Alice Stebbins Wells in 1910. A fantastic hidden treasure, this spot is great for anybody looking to incorporate some education into their travel experience. Get into Nature If you’re a seasoned visitor to Los Angeles, you might just be familiar with Griffith Park and the Santa Monica Mountains. Still, the city presents countless opportunities for outdoorsy types to get in touch with nature. Nestled in the Montecito Hills neighborhood of central-northeast Los Angeles, the Audubon Center at Debs Park is a unique environmental and conservation institute for those who just can’t get enough of the Los Angeles landscape. The center is located on Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, a beautiful green space with rolling hills, gleaming lakes, and a wide array of California native flora. There are plenty of great walking trails here for both novices and experienced hikers alike. Keep your eyes peeled as you’re making your way through the area since it is home to some beautiful wildlife. In particular, this spot has become a popular visitor site for birdwatchers, as it is home to over 140 species. Here, you can expect to see American Kestrels, Great-horned Owls, Northern Flickers and more. There’s also a children’s woodland, with boulders, a cave, a creek bed and raised planters. With its distinguished natural beauty, this spot is a total must-see. Try Something Different If you’re looking for a unique family activity to check out in the city, Bob Baker Marionette Theater just might be your best bet. Founded way back in 1963, this place is still pulling the strings in child entertainment to this day. Though the establishment moved from its original location in Westlake in 2019, it’s never lost its identity and creative integrity. This spot is actually the oldest children’s theater in Los Angeles and stays completely true to its art form by hosting engaging acts all throughout the week. These shows are charming, artistic and highly detailed, so really, there’s as much here for adults as there is for kids. A typical performance is also interactive, making for an exciting and memorable experience. A little kitschy and a whole lot of fun, this spot is not to be missed! If you’re looking to relax and spend some quality time with the family, we suggest checking out the Highland Park Bowl. True to the nature of the district, this spot is more than just your regular bowling alley - yes, it’s a historic landmark, too! Established in 1927, the Highland Park Bowl originated during the midst of the Prohibition era, and has been drawing in the crowds ever since. Retaining much of its golden era charm, this place feels much like a trip back in time with its time-worn Chesterfield sofas, gorgeous dark wooden bars and eye-catching chandeliers made out of repurposed pinsetters. In addition, the alley separates itself from the pack with its unique exposed mechanisms which reveal how the pins are placed throughout the game. An undoubtedly one-of-a-kind experience, this spot is perfect for grabbing a drink and relaxing after a long day of exploring. There are a lot of great places to visit in Los Angeles, each with something a little different to offer. For rich history and culture though, you couldn’t get anywhere better than Highland Park. Maximize your travel experience with GoCity’s All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass. If you’d like to know more, connect with us on Instagram and Facebook. With Go City, you can see more, for less.
Sarah Harris

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