Non touristy things to do in los angeles

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Los Angeles is full of heart and local charm, however, tourists, at the behest of travel agents and commercial marketing, often miss out on the best parts of the city. Of course, there are visitors who only want the cut-and-dry L.A. experience as seen in movies and advertisements, but even to that end, a typical tourist package may prove underwhelming. After all, no real adventure can be had from the inside of a tourist bus. Visitors are encouraged to ditch the fanny pack and remove the shackles of guided tours in favor of a more authentic Los Angeles experience.

What To Skip

Before getting into some non-touristy activities and places in Los Angeles, it's important to know what to skip. The city is full of stereotypical destinations that, in reality, represent nothing more than schemes to separate naive tourists from their wallets.

Hollywood Walk Of Fame

While it may be a staple Los Angeles tourist destination, the Hollywood Walk of Fame has very little to do with the city. The neighborhood is seedy and full of vultures looking to take advantage of outsiders. Additionally, no celebrities hang out in the area and neither do locals. For tourists looking to save time and avoid a costly (parking prices are obscene) mistake, it's best to skip this cliché.

Venice Beach

Many years ago, Venice Beach may have been a neighborhood with a lot of soul, but today it is a tourist trap and drug haven. Most of the establishments on the boardwalk appeal to the lowest common denominator of visitors and charge outrageous prices. On top of this, there is a rather undignified criminal element to the neighborhood and there's nothing cool about it, so it's best to avoid the place altogether.

Rodeo Drive

Rodeo Drive is a poor man's simulacrum of real L.A. glamour. The luxury brands found here can be found in most cities in the world and the area, in general, has taken on the qualities of a tourist trap. Tourists are often disappointed to find that no celebrities actual shop on Rodeo Drive and the only people who visit are other tourists.

Insider Tip

Before getting into the insider secrets, tourists must be warned that the best way to experience Los Angeles is by car, so it might be a good idea to hire one. While the city's public transport infrastructure is expansive, it is limiting, especially for adventurous visitors who want to get a genuine feel for the city.

Where To Find Local Restaurants

On any trip, food must be eaten. Why waste money eating at predatory tourist traps when there are thousands of local joints to explore? Everyone loves Hardrock Cafe and The Cheesecake Factory, but these global chains have little to do with Los Angeles. The city is defined by its diverse communities that uphold the pillars of the local food economy.

First and foremost, L.A.'s Mexican community has made its mark on the city in more ways than one. To get a feel for this lively culture, head over to Pasadena where Lucky Boy has the locals talking. Lucky Boy offers some of the best burritos in the city, and the best part is that tourists haven't found out about it yet. Open till midnight every single day of the year, the restaurant serves breakfast burritos packed with fluffy scrambled eggs, handfuls of bacon, and a healthy serving of cheese. Customers are served on a walk-in basis.

• Restaurant: Lucky Boy
• Address: 640 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105, United States
• Price: $
• Hours: 6 AM - Midnight
• Best dish: The breakfast burrito

The Chinese community forms another pillar of culinary significance in Los Angeles. The city's Chinatown is blessed with a wide variety of regional cuisines. A ma la joint that is especially popular with L.A. locals is Broadway Cuisine, where visitors can find authentic Sichuan cuisine. Be warned that this particular cuisine is unselfconscious and devilishly spicy, so it is only recommended for visitors with a tolerance for heat.

• Restaurant: Broadway Cuisine
• Address: 913 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012, United States
• Price: $$
• Hours: 11 AM - 9:30 PM
• Best Dish: Kung Pao Chicken

If visitors need a quick tip as to where they should go to eat, it might be a good idea to ask any shop owner, security guard, or taxi driver.

Classic L.A. Activities

Record Shopping

Music pulses through the veins of the city. Any accurate depiction of Los Angeles culture will include record stores. In L.A. visitors can find vintage record collections that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

Consider heading to Amoeba Records, the largest independent record store on the planet. Find out the history and soul of Los Angeles through the preserved relics of its musical past.

Lounging In The Sun

Echo Park is classic L.A. On most days, visitors will be joined by thralls of locals making the most of the sunny weather. Set down a blanket and uncork a bottle of California wine: It's time to lounge in the sun, Los Angeles style.

Biking Along The Beach

L.A.'s beach community has a very specific culture, and this culture involves a lot of outdoor exercises. Grab a bicycle and ride along 930 Pacific Coast Highway. Starting near the California Incline, head south toward Santa Monica. Enjoy long stretches of quiet boardwalk and take in the glimmering ocean view and sea breeze. Tourists are encouraged to ride under the Santa Monica Pier and take comfort in knowing that they are experiencing Los Angeles like a true local.

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