A Complete Guide to Famous Tourist Spots in LA for First-Time Visitors - Los Angeles - 1

When you ask people where to go in LA for the first time, honestly, it's not a city that can be summed up in just a couple of places.

Los Angeles is just that kind of place. It's said to have the second-highest number of tourists after New York, and that's not just a random statement.

It makes sense that over 50 million people visit each year. The city is large, and there are so many famous spots that you can't just say, "If you see this one place, you're done."

So I always say, "LA is a city to explore and take photos in." If you try to do too much in one day, you'll get exhausted.

First-time visitors always start with Hollywood. Hollywood Boulevard is the quintessential spot that gives you the LA vibe.

The stars embedded in the sidewalk are the Walk of Fame.

There are over 2,700 stars for famous people, but when you actually go, you might find yourself wondering, "Who is this person?" There are many you won't recognize.

Still, first-timers find it fascinating.

Right next to it is the TCL Chinese Theatre, where you can see the handprints and footprints of actors, and everyone tries to match their hands to the prints. It's surprisingly fun.

Just a little further up is the Dolby Theatre, where the Academy Awards are held, but it looks more modest than you might expect from TV.

The feeling is quite different from what you see on screen. And getting close to the Hollywood sign isn't as easy as you might think.

Instead, taking photos from Griffith Observatory or Lake Hollywood gives you a better view from a distance.

A Complete Guide to Famous Tourist Spots in LA for First-Time Visitors - Los Angeles - 2

As you head down toward the ocean, the atmosphere completely changes. Santa Monica Pier is a must-see when you visit LA.

Standing here, you really feel like, "Ah, I've come to the West Coast of the U.S." It's also significant as the end of Route 66.

There's an amusement park, the beach, and plenty of people-watching to enjoy.

If you walk a little further, you'll reach Venice Beach, which feels like a completely different world.

There are street performers, people exercising, and others just sitting around and relaxing. This is the raw side of LA.

Some people want a quieter experience. For those folks, I always take them to the Getty Center.

The great thing about it is that there's no admission fee. But from the moment you get on the tram, the mood changes.

Once you're up there, the art museum is nice, but the view is what really sticks with you. You can see both the ocean and the city, and it gives you a different feeling of, "This is LA."

If you have kids or want to have some fun, you'll end up at a theme park. Disneyland is just outside of LA, but it's perfect for a day trip.

This one doesn't need much explanation. Everyone loves it. And Universal Studios Hollywood is especially popular with movie fans.

Another great thing about LA is that it's a city with nature close by.

If you drive a little ways out, you'll find the Malibu coast drive and canyon roads, and the atmosphere changes dramatically.

You might think, "Is this really the same city?" So LA can't be described in just one color.

And for Koreans, there's a place you can't miss: Koreatown Los Angeles. It's become a tourist spot these days.

Foreigners intentionally come here to eat Korean food. Visiting a jjimjilbang (Korean spa) and such experiences are all part of it. It used to just be a neighborhood for expatriates, but the vibe has changed a lot now.

To sum it up, LA is not a city where you can just say, "Recommend one place." It's better to choose a few neighborhoods with different characters to show.

Hollywood, the beach, art museums, theme parks, and Koreatown. Just mixing these well is enough to satisfy first-time visitors.

Don't try to see it all in one day; otherwise, nothing will stick in your memory.

LA is a city that's fun to explore slowly, taking photos in many different areas.