This post explores the many reasons to love Los Angeles, California.
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For years, I have witnessed how people criticise Los Angeles. It seems fashionable to whip with anger the second largest city in the United States.
In some way, I can understand the discomforting feelings. People plan forever a visit the ‘City of Angeles’ and, then, end up visiting the overhyped touristic attractions in the area: Hollywood (filthy), Venice Beach (stinky), Beverly Hills (boring), thematic parks (generic) and the Santa Monica beaches (meh). As an additional blow, people end up sitting two hours on the freeway to get to the other side of town while surrounded by a thick layer of smog or traumatized by police officers chasing bandits (we are used to high-speed persecutions on TV).
As a long time resident, I have taken the effort to get to know Los Angeles on a different level. The result? I have fallen in love with the area where I live and am not ashamed to recognize I have discovered the awesome side of the city.
In here, I invite you to take a look at Los Angeles from my perspective.
Before proceeding with the list, let me make some clarifications. I don’t claim we have the perfect city (what city is perfect anyway?). The facts presented in here may not be unique to Los Angeles but they are important to me. For comprehensiveness purposes, I am going to be considering the entire Los Angeles County.
Without further ado, here are 20 reasons why I love Los Angeles.
1. Diversity
Yes, we are big. Los Angeles County is more populous than 42 individual states (don’t tell me that number doesn’t blow your mind).
Ohh, and that only means one thing: we live in one of the most ethnically diverse cities on the planet. It is incredible how much you can learn when you are surrounded by people of 140 countries speaking 86 languages.
My last work assignment was formed by a team consisting of a Persian, an India, a Croatian and a Puerto Rican (me). That was probably one of the more pleasing experiences in my life.
2. Food
I am happy to say diversity and food are like lovers in a mad affair. One cannot exist without the other.
The high numbers of immigrants have converted the city into an eating and dining empire. My neighborhood, which is several miles away from the core, is close to Brazilian, Jamaican and Japanese hubs. A month wouldn’t be enough to try all the cuisines represented within a ten miles radius.
In Los Angeles County, you can find the biggest variety of Chinese ethnic food (San Gabriel Valley) in the United States, the only Thai Town in the country (East Hollywood) and more than 20 ethnic neighborhoods.
But Los Angeles is not only about ethnic food, it is a paradise for those in search of fine dining and fresh ingredients. World-renowned chef open restaurants in the city all the time (and talented newcomers too).
3. Arts and Cultures
It has been said that Los Angeles has no culture, or history, or soul. I don’t understand where that thinking comes from.
Do you know who the general director of the Los Angeles Opera is? The entity is directed by world-renowned tenor Placido Domingo. Gustavo Dudamel is the director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and Frank Gehry is a long time resident of the city. It is estimated that there are 300 museums in the County and more than 100 accredited colleges and universities.
A little bit of research points to all the contributions the city has made in the literature, entertainment, music, art, architecture, and popular culture areas.
4. Beaches
I have to admit I once said the beaches in California were horrible. Nowadays, I regret those ignorant statements.
It sounds impossible not to have a pretty beach within 75 miles of coastline. The gorgeous beaches exist but you have to go to Malibu or to the Palos Verdes Peninsula to find them (see photos below). Now, the temperature of the water is another story.
5. Island Paradise
Talking about beaches, do you know two offshore islands are part of Los Angeles County? One of those islands is inhabited (San Clemente) but the other, Santa Catalina, is located only 22 miles from Downtown and has a population of about 4,000.
The views and beaches on this island are some of the most beautiful I have seen. I am not making this up. This place is gorgeous. A trip here should be at the top of the list of any visitor. I am on a mission to return soon.
6. National Parks
I cannot forget to mention the fact that we are located very close to two National Parks (Channel Islands and Joshua Tree). Death Valley, Sequoia, Kings Canyon, Yosemite, and Pinnacles are not located that far either (200 – 300 miles). I find amusing the opportunity we have to visit some of nature’s most amazing sites.
7. Connectivity
It sounds ironic but the Los Angeles Airport (LAX) is busiest from 11:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. That is when red eye flights depart to Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The airport offers direct flights to about 90 domestic cities and 60 international destinations. Therefore, if you live in Los Angeles, you are only hours away from the other side of the world.
8. Local Gateways
If you drive about a 100 miles north of Los Angeles, you are going to find yourself surrounded by the Spanish revival splendor of Santa Barbara. Drive the same amount of miles but in the opposite direction and you will be hanging around the trendy neighborhoods of San Diego. There is also an option to drive east and be involved by the glamour of Palm Springs and the Desert Resorts.
Cities located close to Los Angeles are full of treasures waiting to be discovered. And it is not only the ‘big’ cities. There are several spots in between worth a stop. So, you don’t need a lot of time or effort to change of environment or enjoy yourself in a completely different sense.
And, did I mention Las Vegas is closer than San Francisco? I am not sure if that is good or bad.
9. Mountains
Detractors of Los Angeles love to describe the location of the city as a desert. The fact is that parts of Los Angeles County can be considered desert basins. However, that doesn’t mean we live in a bare, flat, nightmarish area.
Los Angeles has mountain ranges (Santa Monica and San Gabriel Mountains), deep valleys, forests (part of Angeles and Los Padres National Forests), lakes, rivers, and waterfalls. That converts the area into a paradise for hikers, mountain bikers, and overall outdoors enthusiasts.
10. New Activities to Try
Recently, I was planning a visit to a decent-sized East Coast city. I searched for things to do in several daily deal sites (Groupon, Living Social). I was appalled by the lack of options.
I don’t want to sound snobbish but the plethora of options in the Los Angeles area may have ruined me forever. In here, you have the option to try activities that range from the traditional (cooking classes, bowling, bike rentals) to the unusual (aerial arts, krav maga, jetpack-flight lessons). In other words, there is no reason to be bored around here.
11. Events Every Week
Maybe I am over killing a trend in here but I think events are on a different level.
It is impossible to have a comprehensive list of all the festivals (literary, ethnical, culinary, etc), fair, parades, shows, tours, openings and special exhibitions that take place in Los Angeles every week.
The great thing is that you may have plans to visit a place but end up bumping into a wonderful event full of food, artistic demonstrations, and unique characters. How I love those change of plans!
12. Small City Feel
I understand some people are not enthusiastic about living in big cities. That is why the simple mention of a place like Los Angeles makes them cringe.
There is an alternative way to look at this humongous city issue. Consider Los Angeles County has 88 incorporated cities (plus census-designated places and unincorporated areas). Some of these cities are focused on small community values and high-quality standards of living.
I love to live in a place that feels like a small town but with quick access to all the positive aspects of a big metropolis.
13. Metro System
I have already acknowledged how brutal the traffic is in Los Angeles. Since I am used to moving around my serene pocket of the County with ease, I have techniques to beat the traffic when I want to get closer to the big city.
When I feel like walking around Downtown, Hollywood or the Arts District, I jump in the Metro. Wait. Are you telling me Los Angeles has massive transportation systems? Of course, it does. I don’t know why this fact is not seen as a given due to the size of the city.
So, remember. Public transportation (including trains) can move you around for a decent price. In that way, you don’t have to deal with the craziness of the freeway, huge parking fees and potholes (I am looking at you Koreatown).
14. Southern Neighbor
Before you people jump over me, yes, San Diego beat us on this one. Anyway, I need to include this.
We have a gorgeous southern neighbor (Mexico) waiting for us with open arms. In recent years, the area close to the San Diego border has become a gastronomic hotspot. That means we can wake up early any day, hop to the other side, pig out to our heart ’s content and sleep in our beds that same night.
Ok, I know it is easier to do this from San Diego but let’s not overcomplicate things. Stop in San Diego too. In this case, every eating stop matters.
15. Weather
This is the most well-known argument to exalt the goodness of Los Angeles. For that reason, I am not going to get extensive on this. I leave you with the following fact: average yearly high temperature, 75 degrees Fahrenheit (LOL!).
Now, on the funny side …
16. Surfing
I should learn more about surfing. My head spins out of control when friends use terms such as barrel or hack shack.
Los Angeles County may not be seen as a wave riding haven but Surfrider Beach (Malibu), has achieved the status of legend in surfing circles.
The right break on the beach is widely recognized by surfers all over the world and has contributed to the elevation of surfing as a sport. The spot is so highly regarded that in 2010 it was declared the first World Surfing Reserve (by an organization aiming to protect global surf areas). Hmmm, I think Los Angeles knows a thing or two about surfing.
17. Each Freeway has a Personality
There is a saying stating the following: “If you can’t fight against the enemy, join him.”
In this city, the number one public enemy is traffic. Residents know this is not a situation that is going to dissipate like haze. Therefore, we deal with it in a very psychologically healthy way: we personificate our freeways.
Each freeway has its own character. We know how they change moods during the day and we show more love to some of them. And we don’t call them route, interstate or expressway. We use the article ‘the’ followed by the number.
Don’t call it crazy. It is a way to tame the enemy.
18. Burgers
Not sure if you have heard but the burger wars are being fought at full force around here. Crowd favorite, madly packed In-N-Out is having some serious competition nowadays.
We have the Original Tommy’s, Five Guys, The Habit, The Counter, Umami Burger and all those glorious burgers sold on unassuming diners. Some guys are selling half bacon/half beef patties (oh snap!). Others are smearing their creations with goat cheese and Asian condiments. If you love burgers, this is the place to be.
19. Lack of Dressing Codes
Factors such as weather and laid back atmosphere create care-free professional dressing codes. It is not uncommon to see people wearing shorts, flip-flops, caps or yoga pants at the office. I am used to seeing my coworkers walking around barefoot. At least, you are not pressured to hide who you are around here.
20. Blimp
Since I am talking about Los Angeles, I have to end this article with a touch of insanity.
A silver, blue and yellow blimp (Good Year) takes the skies almost every day. Even though I have seen the vehicle moving around hundreds of times, I still smile every time I see him (descents are the coolest). Hope to get on it one day (seems to be by invitation only).
The list can go on forever. Here are some aspects friends have mentioned.
Shopping
Employment Opportunities
Downtown
Good Schools
Entertainment Capital
Fashion Capital
Celebrities
Views
Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)
Amusement Parks
Art Deco Architecture
Piers
Flowers Blooming in Spring
Close to the Snow in Winter
Pink’s (please guys, this is serious)
More of Los Angeles
Check out my other posts about Los Angeles!
More of Southern California
Now, it is your turn. What are your reasons to love Los Angeles? I am eager to read your comments.
Ready to Pin? Let’s do this!
Lauren Meshkin says
I was born and raised in L.A. so I really loved reading this list! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Happy travels!
Ruth says
Great Lauren! Definetly, there a lot of reasons to love Los Angeles.
Jane says
As someone who has only been in LA for four years yet has fallen deeply in love with the city, this list has never been so on point. I can’t wait to explore more of Los Angeles!
http://theintrovertintrospects.blogspot.com
Ray says
I’ve only been to Los Angeles once, but my perception took a positive 180° spin after I left. Heading into the city, I expected it to be fake and over hyped like you see in the media. After a few days, I realized there was a lot more to the City of Angels than I ever imagined – some of which was already covered in this post.
The one major thing you left out here, though, are that Angelenos are super friendly people! When I was here, I was able to have small talk with a few locals quite easily. One guy even escorted me to the Staples Center from the Metro so I could make it in time for the Los Angeles Kings game even though he was in a rush himself to meet some friends at L.A. Live. Of course, many of the Angelenos I met were transplants like yourself, so they understand what it is like to be new to the city.
To quote Randy Newman, “I love L.A.!” Can’t wait to go back!
Aaron C. says
I’ve been to L.A. a few times and I too enjoyed how active people were. However, I found it hard to make friends compared to where I live in the South. Thanks for writing!
Yudith says
You completely changed my perception about Los Angeles. It actually sounds very appealing. I also love communities that has a small city feel. The pictures of the beaches, mountains and national parks are amazing. Thank you for sharing
image-in-ing: weekly photo linkup says
I’ve never been tempted to go to L.A. Your post makes me wonder why not!
Thanks for sharing at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2018/04/bedtime-at-biltmore.html
Carol says
I’ve made multiple trips to California but have never really explored the LA area. I once left California driving by the area but didn’t really stop. You’ve given me many reasons to want to explore that beautiful part of the California coast.
Kelleyn Rothaermel says
It is my birthplace, so no need for 20 reasons to love, but yes these are some good reasons. Have a great week!
Esther says
Now, you know how to sell it lady! I also read (well… maybe even here!) that LA has some pretty amazing Art Deco architecture too, I’d love to see that.
#WanderfulWednesday
beatravelling says
I have visited Los Angeles twice, and had a great time both times. Looking forward to my third time, because then I have all your tips in my bag 😀 Thanks! #wanderfulwednesday
beatravelling says
Stumbled and pinned 🙂 #theweeklypostcard
California Globetrotter says
I’ll ALWAYS be an In N Out girl for LIFE! And to be honest, I honestly didn’t know LA had a Metro! I’ve only been a few times to LA but never to explore really which is sad! Gotta fix that! #WanderfulWednesday
Indah Nuria says
Los Angeles is indeed a great city! I love traveling around and we have visited some great national parks there. And the food is incredible. Love to go back!
Cynthia says
Really enjoyed this well-thought out post and your local insight is invaluable! I have a soft-spot in my heart for southern California although I’ve only spent time there in childhood and early teens. I really need to get back there in my adult years and experience all of these wonderful places you’ve mentioned. Well done 🙂
Keri | Ladies What Travel says
Thanks for showing a different side to LA! #WanderfulWednesday
Sharon says
Thanks for this post! My daughter lives in Westchester, so we visit often. I see the same tourist problem in San Diego — people head for the odd places and miss the gems like Coronado and La Jolla. Pinning this for future travels to LA!
Rhonda Albom says
I have relatives that live in LA so I have made my fair share of trips to this sprawling metropolis. My favourite aspect of LA is its diversity. Whether it’s ethnic, food, activities, or culture, LA has it all. Every time I visit, I find some new aspect that I didn’t know about – a great new restaurant, a shopping street, or things like the La Brea tar pits.
Angie (Feetdotravel) says
There is nothing like a post written from an insider perspective to make me stand up and pay attention. An insider will break down the stereotypical thinking and show you the beauty of the place they call home, and you have done that here. I love this! Fabulous that co-workers walk around barefoot, and I have started hearing so much about In-and-Our after my food Collab post! Pinned this post for sure and thank you Ruth! #feetdotravel
Ericka @ A Quiet Girl's Musings... says
I visited LA many years ago, but I still remember the experience vividly. Upon my return to KY, I recall telling a friend that I completely understood why people in LA tolerated the smog, the traffic, and the high cost of housing for many of the reasons you listed here. I loved the idea of being in the mountains in the morning and at the beach in the evening.
Nancie says
Great post, Ruth. I stayed overnight at the L.A. Airport many years ago. If I remember correctly, I arrived late in the evening and flew out very early the next day. Next time I’ll stay a little longer to see the sights. Thanks for co-hosting this week. #TPThursday
jill says
Some of my family used to live in LA and I visited them many years ago. My next trip is next month and I hope to catch up with all that you have talked about here. Especially In n Out Burger!
Paul and Carole says
This is a great guide to understanding what else LA has to offer. Would love to visit one day! #feetdotravel
hilary says
What a fabulous list of reasons to love LA! I certainly do, in fact the longer I live here the more I love it! There is SOOOOOO much going on all the time. Its size can be daunting to those not in the know, but really its like lots of little neighborhoods stuck to one another each one unique in its own way! You’ve done a great job of showcasing that. That said, maybe we don’t want to crow to loudly about how awesome it is… we can just keep it ourselves 😉 #farawayfiles
Allison says
My mom grew up in Fullerton and Buena Park so we used to visit a bunch when I was growing up. It’s been years since I’ve been to LA except for our trip to Disneyland last summer. But I’d really like to go back just to explore LA again. And I love finding hidden gems when we travel. We prefer to do those instead of the big tourist spots. #FlyAwayFriday
Tomas says
I was in LA last year, but it was just for few hours. Thanks to your article I will stay there a bit longer 😉 Thanks for sharing.
Katherine says
Joshua Tree and Death Valley have been on my bucket list for a little while. A friend just got back from Joshua Tree and his pictures make me want to get there ASAP.
I think I love the art and culture the most about LA. The food is pretty good too. I can’t remember the brunch place we went to but it was just behind The Broad museum and it was so delicious! #TheWeeklyPostcard
Anisa says
I don’t know if I love LA, but it is a nice city. I agree I love the diversity of both the people and the landscape. Plus, the weather is usually pretty good. I could do without the traffic though. Thanks for sharing on #TheWeeklyPostcard.
Anda says
We have so many reasons to love our home town, Ruth, don’t we? I especially love the many great food options we have here. Some of the best restaurants I have ever tried are in Los Angeles. As for the beaches, I like the ones further north, but still having access to any beach is better than nothing. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Sarah Shumate says
Barefoot in the office, that’s definitely my kind of place! I love how much you love your city. That’s how I feel about Nashville. 🙂 I haven’t visited LA yet (other than the airport at least a couple dozen times), but I’m definitely looking forward to it.
Sandra says
I’ve been to LA only once and fell in love with the city immediately!
#TheWeeklyPostcard
Viola says
Oh man I miss sunny LA! I’ve been once and loved it. I really would love to go back. Thanks so much for reminding me how awesome it is!
Kacie says
Wow! I never knew there was so much to see and do in LA! I would especially enjoy trying out the food and drink – the Umami burger sounds awesome.
Nana - Patagaoniadreaming says
Would love to visit Los Angeles one day and visit all the famous places and also the nature places since I am a big outdoor girl:) Inspiring photos, hope I will make it in 2019 where my husband and I are planning a roadtrip to the USA
Michelle says
This is such a fun read, Ruth! I loved this: “Hollywood (filthy), Venice Beach (stinky), Beverly Hills (boring), thematic parks (generic) and the Santa Monica beaches (meh)”. Haha! I, too, was a bit underwhelmed by LA during my brief visit. If I had more time, I’d love to explore the areas you mentioned, especially the National Parks. And I still haven’t been able to try In-N-Out burgers, though I’m a fan of Five Guys and Shake Shack 🙁 that’s on my list for next time too!
Emese says
I’ve never really explored LA, though I’ve been there a few times. I agree that the overrated touristy places give it a bad rep., as soon as we left those areas the city seemed friendly and overall pleasant. Well, if I discount the traffic. It tends to start a day off on the wrong foot when you have to deal with it. I’ll look for the metro next time I visit, I never knew it existed. Thanks for the post.
Emma | Luxurybackpacking says
I’ve only been to L.A. once before in 2017 and loved every minute of it! Although the traffic is a bit crazy everything else makes up for it ten times over! Oh and those In N Out burgers are just Mmmmmm! 😛
Mona says
I love it! You have captured my city perfectly 🙂
Courtney @ Adelante says
Yes yes yes! I totally agree! Thank you for sharing this 🙂 LA can get a bad rep way too easily. That’s true for the people too… just because a small group of people from Beverly Hills/Hollywood/etc can be stuck up doesn’t mean that the rest of us are unfriendly and vapid! For me, number 1 on the list would be the year-round sunshine, which is pretty much the reason I moved to LA 😉 But I loved all the other points you listed!
Lisa says
Absolutely agree! I especially loved the Beach-Mountain-Combination there <3 #WeekendWanderlust
Tracy says
I visited LA for the first time a few years ago – I had dreamt of it as a child (total fab of 1950’s Hollywood- Robert Wagner was my teenage crush!) yet so many people told me not to visit – LA was awful… I ignored them and I am so glad I did! I LOVED LA!!! It just has a great vibe! Yes it’s big and sprawled out but it got me in a way San Francisco didn’t! So I get you!! Great place to look live!
Corey | fifi + hop says
All great reasons! I used to visit L.A. a lot when I lived in Cali, and had a blast every time. I think my favorite thing has to be the weather. As I get older, the Northeast gets harder and harder. I also love the laid-back vibe in L.A. I am so due for a visit! Great post! Thanks for sharing with #farawayfiles
Vicky (Spud on the Run) says
I’ve never visited the US, and I guess LA would never have been on my list of ‘must dos’ if I had… but you’ve definitely opened my eyes a little more! Thank you! #FeetdoTravel
Jen Ambrose says
I went to college near LA and always loved going into the city. I haven’t been back since I graduated, but I’m really hoping to go visit one day soon!
Shruti Prabhu says
That’s a great list. Personally for me, I would go for the food, beaches and national parks. People who complain are the sort who will complain about anything. I do hope I visit LA someday.
Erin Gustafson | Oregon Girl Around the World says
I think the issue with LA when newcomers visit is that it is so spread out, it’s hard to pinpoint any concentrated essential Los Angeles areas. I always love the beach communities and try as hard as I can to limit my freeway time. My husband grew up in the shadow of some of those beautiful mountains in Pasadena, and we LOVE seeking out ethnic food when visiting! Thanks for sharing the love of LA with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler) says
Great post on Los Angeles. You hit all the wonderful things I love about LA. I am a California girl (woman) but have since moved away and miss all these wonderful reasons LA is great that you mention here. I did not know that Placido Domingo is the Director of Opera. That is awesome. Great post and one I will share often. #TheWeeklyPostcard
Vlad says
I have heard a lot of hate before my visit to LA but out of your list, only Hollywood was disappointing to me (even though I was expecting it to be), but I loved Downtown, Beverly Hills and Santa Monica 😀
Janine Good says
I love Los Angeles! I haven’t been in 13 years, but it doesn’t look like it has change toooo much! It is a great city and I hope to bring my husband there! Thank you for coming to Fly Away Friday! See you tomorrow!
Kana says
Yeeeeeees Queen! Agreed with every single one! Love living in LA for all the reasons and more! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday, see you tomorrow! xo
Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says
Hi Ruth! Not sure how I missed this before, but I love this post! LA – specifically Manhattan Beach – was home for a while, and I’m still very fond of the city. Like many others, I’m am In’n’Out guy, but also love Tommy’s. I’ve surfed Malibu and love it, but also enjoy Santa Monica, Venice, and the Beach Cities. I had no idea that was the only Thai Town in the country though. That’s incredible! Also a big fan of the Farmers Markets around the valley. I could go on, but I’m just going to read your post again and daydream about home. 🙂